DISCO & MOTOWN DANCE

This November, Nicola Pantin joins Jamii’s Belonging Older Adults community for four Tuesday mornings of movement inspired by the music and dance of the disco and Motown eras. The sessions offer a lively way to warm up the body, work on coordination, learn familiar dance steps, and share the fun of moving to music together.

Each class begins seated, giving participants time to gently warm up and prepare the body for movement. From there, the group moves to standing work, with chair-based adaptations available throughout for anyone who needs or prefers them. As the class progresses, Nicola introduces larger movements, footwork, coordination exercises, and basic dance steps and routines. Familiar disco and Motown influences bring rhythm and personality into the room, while participants are encouraged to approach each movement at their own pace.

The sessions close seated again with a relaxing cool-down. This structure makes the class welcoming for different levels of mobility while still giving participants opportunities to challenge coordination, memory, and movement in ways that feel manageable.

For older adults looking for accessible dance classes or community movement programs in downtown Toronto, these workshops offer a social and creative way to stay active. No previous dance experience is needed. There is room to modify, pause, repeat a movement, or simply enjoy the music while taking part in the way that works for your body.

Nicola Pantin is an independent dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in Toronto whose career spans dance, theatre, festivals, and arts education. Her choreography has been presented by organizations including Stratford Festival, Young People’s Theatre, Charlottetown Festival, Theatre New Brunswick, and Jamii. A two-time Dora Mavor Moore Award recipient, Nicola also teaches at George Brown Dance. Her wide-ranging experience as a performer, choreographer, and educator brings both artistry and a practical understanding of how to make movement inviting for different participants.

Belonging participants register for the overall program once and can then drop in to the November workshops that work for them.

Support free community arts
Jamii keeps programs and events free so everyone can take part, without financial barriers. If you’re able, you can support our $15 for 15 Years campaign and help us reach $15,000 by December 15 for Jamii’s future programs at The Jamii Hub. Your donation moves the goal forward and is eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate here now.

Jamii’s Belonging Older Adults workshops are sponsored by Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, Metcalf Foundation - Booster Fund, St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, Rama Gaming House, and Charitable Gaming.