EDZ GYAMFI – DANCEHALL & AFRO
FRIDAY OCTOBER 13TH DANCEHALL & FRIDAY NOVEMBER 3RD AFRO
Edmund “Edz” Gyamfi better known by his stage name Edz Gyamfi, is a Ghanaian-Canadian dancer and choreographer from Ottawa, Ontario Canada. His main dance styles consist of Hip Hop, Dancehall & Afro Dance. Edz is currently apart of TDSB Partnership program, Peel district school board along with OLI (Outside Looking In) which has him traveling and teaching youth in remote northern indigenous communities. All in part of focusing on the importance of dance education through movement, history and culture.
Edz has devoted his studies and travel to places like Jamaica, New York & L.A along with taking virtual programs. He has trained and studied with Commercial Industry Leaders such as world renowned Commercial Choreographers Rhapsody James, Luam Kyflegy and Galen Hooks. He’s also trained with Street Dance OGs & creators in Buddha Stretch, Popping Pete, Chrybaby, HypeGirl & Mr.YouTube.
Furthermore, Edz has had the opportunity to also learn and train from Professor Orville (Dancexpressionz), DHevolution by BlingEvo, Dancehall Vybz Spirit and Zidan- from Xqlusiv Dance Crew.
Edz has been a member of Toronto’s renowned Afro Dance Collective led by Esie Mensah called Black Stars who have performed at The following: Maple Leafs BHM Halftime, Toronto Raptors - Giants of African, TiffNigeria, Goodmorning America w/Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa to name a few.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Edz continues to find new ways to learn, share and cultivate minds in a fun, safe and interactive environment.
Check out his website
LA TOYA BEDEAU – COMMERCIAL HIP HOP
FRIDAY OCTOBER 20TH .
Ms. Toya Bedeau is a Dancer, Choreographer, and Instructor born and raised in Toronto! She began dance at the age of 3 and is technically trained in ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics and hip hop and competed across North America winning many championships. Ms. Toya broke into the entertainment industry with a tap dance role alongside the late great Gregory Hines in the movie "Bojangles".
From there she went on to dance in a few more movies, commercials, videos, the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak and stage performances with Drake, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Akon, Flo Rida, Kardinal Offishall and Ludacris to name a few.
A true lover of dance and movement, Ms. Toya likes to express her vision through artistry which has lead to co-create a company called In Tha Groove. Specializing in all aspects of entertainment, it has allowed her to choreograph routines for singer Mya, Keri Hilson, the Toronto Argonauts, and the Toronto Rock Cheerleaders.
Currently, Ms. Toya is heading into her 5th year as the Head Coach and Choreographer for the Champion Toronto Argonauts A-Team, instructing at various high schools in the GTA and teaching training programs, workshops and intensives around the world!
MARK SAMUELS – COMMERCIAL HIP HOP
FRIDAY OCTOBER 27TH
In the early days of his career, Mark danced for countless Canadian artists such as Shawn Desman, Jully Black, Victoria Duffield and Nelly Furtado, to name a few. He has also danced in Canada’s most notable shows such as The Juno Awards, MMVA’s and So You Think You Can Dance Canada.
After spending years as a dancer in Canada, Mark expanded to the U.S. He was fortunate enough to work with some of the industry's biggest choreographers. His journey led him to dance for multi-platinum recording artists such as
Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Missy Elliott, Kelis and many more.
Today, Mark is a well-established figure in the dance industry. With over 25 years of experience, he has shifted his passion into choreography. He choreographed his first feature film, Dr. Cabbie and co-choreographed for the Latin Pop group, CNCO. Most recently, he has teamed up with legendary choreographer/director Paul Becker, to choreograph a number of successful film and TV shows such as Disney’s - The Descendants, The Magicians, A Series Of Unfortunate Events and many more. Mark’s work also appears on several networks including Netflix, Lifetime, ABC and SYFY. Check out all that and more on Marks website.
Jade Jager Clark - Adult Hip Hop Dance
Friday Oct. 13th, Oct. 20th, Oct 27th, Nov. 3rd
YOU ASKED FOR IT! So we're bringing it back!
Ms. Jade is the Owner and Artistic Director of Jade's Hip Hop Academy and while she works mostly with youth this is YOUR opportunity to work with her in our Adult Hip Hop Dance Class 4 week program.
Drop in when you can or sign up for all 4 weeks. The class will be a combination of dance, fitness and is designed for adults getting into the dance and those with previous experience.
Whether you're a boomer, Gen X, Millennial or Gen Z Ms. Jades got you! Using her extensive training with Hip Hop OGs Buddha Stretch and members of Elite Force combined with years of teaching experience, Each class will cover old school, middle school and new school hip hop dance movement and vocabulary and we look forward to welcoming you to our JHHA dance and family.
As choreographer Jade is frequently called upon by some of Canada's biggest sporting events/teams, corotate and charitable events to choreograph for Games, Galas and festivals! Her credits include Ellen DeGeneres, Michelle Obama, Director X, TIFF, Holt Renfrew, Canada Goose, YTV, TVO Kids, Paula Abdul, Maestro Fresh Wes, Toronto Raptors - Argos - Maple Leafs - Blue Jays and many more!
For more on Ms. Jade's Bio click on "About us" on top of this page.