Sunday, November 15, 2015

SO PROUD!

Congratulations to Troy on his first Ted Talk Youth. You've definitely found your calling <3
http://tedxyouthtoronto.ca/speaker/troy-sexton/

















Tuesday, March 24, 2015

NYT SUCCESS!

...Like I Used To

I don't feel alone, like I used to.
Don't stand on my own, like I used to.

This week we got into each others hearts. We built our own community within a community.

Thank you to all of the participants and staff that made this possible.
Troy Sexton, Stephanie Caldeira, Maia Joseph, Andre Gibson, Hani Ali, Merbib & Fatma.
Congrats to our 2016 Mentees: Sherin & Jega! See you next year x

Here's a taste of our week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeAarX8GS4Y

Monday, March 9, 2015

New Youth TORONTO: March Break Camp




New Youth Toronto (NYT) is an urban arts March Break Camp created BY YOUTH FOR YOUTH! Generously funded by the Ontario Arts Council, this camp is directed towards youth that are newcomers to Canada, and is FREE for students in Grades 9-12.

We will also be providing TTC fare and refreshments!

Move.me and AccessPoint on Jane (Access Alliance) have partnered and met with youth community members to work together in designing and implementing a week of programming that meets the wants and needs of the community. 

The day runs from 11AM-4PM. Each day will consist of 3 WORKSHOPS where the students will have a unique opportunity to be mentored by some of Toronto's TOP INDUSTRY ARTISTS. 
There will be a final performance at the end of March, where participants will have a chance to show off their skills and hardwork. 


Hip Hop * Dance Hall * Body Percussion
Beatboxing * Video Editing * Graffiti  
Beat Making * Visual Art * MORE! 


Another incredible opportunity offered through NYT:
Throughout the week, the mentors will scout 2-4 participants that demonstrate leadership qualities, creative skills, and an interest in joining the team. The following year, these two mentees will be invited to join the team as volunteers or paid mentees


So spread the word and don't forget to SIGN UP if you think you might be interested. 

ONLY 20 SPOTS!!! Email Hani Ali: hali@accessalliance.ca (not hani@accessalliance!)
You will receive a confirmation email.

For questions or more details, please contact Vanessa: 
vanessakimmons@gmail.com

Sunday, January 18, 2015

THANK YOU OAC!

WE'VE BEEN FUNDED!

Our March Break camp will be heading in a new direction this year thanks to funding support from the Ontario Arts Council. We will be joining forces with AccessAlliance - AccessPoint on Jane, and working with the lovely Youth Director, Hani Ali!

I founded GOTTA BREAK! March Break Urban Arts Camp in March 2010. This project grew out of my personal interest to offer quality arts programming to children and youth who may not otherwise be exposed to it. We were initially able to run the camp, because of the generous support of GOTTA DANCE Studio. However, the students attending camp were mainly children already easily granted access to arts outlets. We kept the camp going and devoted camp profits to fund an outreach program. Last year, we successfully ran our youth mentorship program. This year, we get to build.  

This year's program will simultaneously reach 3 important goals:

1.     To offer youth in underserved communities a dance program where they can train with some of Toronto’s most recognized and respected dance leaders, while;

2.     Scout youth with natural dance talent and leadership qualities, who will join the creative professional team (the following year) and be given working opportunities to cultivate their skills.


3.     Empower leaders in communities to implement sustainable quality programming that will continue to encourage leadership/mentorship amongst youth and organizations.
      
     I am dedicated to offering a youth dance program with industry professionals and high quality arts education in a community setting. In this environment, participants develop creative minds and technical skills while building self-confidence, leadership experiences, collaborative skills and an appreciation for the arts. Working in tandem with established centres that are recognized within their community, will ensure the program takes flight. 

 Check in soon for updates on mentors and details - MARCH BREAK CAMP 

Manifesto "Hustle with the Youth" Workshop


Manifesto 2014 puts on another great workshop - and we got to be a part of it! Shout out to Bgirl Judi JuLo Lopez, who will be taking on an even bigger role this year in the organization. More great things on their way. Watch as Raoul Wilke and I teach the students of Rexdale Community Centre how to get down to good music and be able to dance with each other - New Style Hustle!!! New Style Hustle is a 70's partner dance from New York, that has been revamped by the street dance scene. Congratulations to all the participants for your focus and cooperation. Hope to see you soon!