Porch View Dances (PVD) is a unique and family friendly on-site production that showcases real people dancing in real spaces. It’s a community dance festival that engages everyday people as creators, storytellers, and performers. PVD takes audiences on a walking tour of Seaton Village in the Annex of Toronto, to witness new dance works created by professional choreographers. During the event finale, audience members have the opportunity to become active participants themselves, as they are invited to join the Flock Landing, a large participatory dance experience that is 100% accessible to all ages and abilities.

This year, for the very first time, Seaton Village becomes the venue, hosting participants from all over Toronto on the porches and lawns of the neighbourhood. PVD is all about inclusivity, and has a strong focus on diversity in dance creation and performance, with individuals from all backgrounds, ages, and featuring participants with multi-abilities. The Launch of PVD 2018 sets in motion a more accessible and inclusive event for both participants and audience members, that will pave the way for Kaeja’s future events.

“I love that through our common language of movement, we have this intimate and focused experience together that serves the day and the dance and continues the story. PVD is like this social dance journey where I get to witness lives lived in all their rough and tumbleness, and always, something beautiful flows out of the front door,” said Karen Kaeja, co-artistic director, Kaeja d’Dance. Porch View Dances was conceived by Karen Kaeja and developed with Allen Kaeja.

PORCH 1
Choreographed by Kathleen Rea
A team of participants who come from neighbourhoods from across Toronto. This group of performers with diverse abilities will unite in their shared love of movement, dance, and community, bringing their various talents to the table, including: yoga, wheelchair dance, aerial circus, and contact dance.

PORCH 2
Choreographed by Andrea Nann with Michelle Silagy
Four housemates with multi-exceptionalities who love dancing together. They believe creativity should have no physical boundaries and restrictions.

PORCH 3
Choreographed by Karen and Allen Kaeja
Jim and Owen Adams are an Indigenous father/son team who are on Year 2 of a PVD series exploring teachings from the Medicine Wheel. This year’s theme will focus on the father/son relationship that embodies the Indigenous values of truth, love and respect.

PORCH VIEW DANCES:
July 18-22, 2018 (Wednesday to Saturday at 7pm, and Sunday at 1pm)
Starts at 595 Palmerston Ave.
Pay-What-You-Want
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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.