YOGA-BASED MOVEMENT & AFRO-BRAZILIAN DANCE

This August, Belonging Older Adults brings two different movement practices into The Jamii Hub, led by two facilitators who have built strong relationships with Jamii’s community over the years. Nickeshia Garrick begins the month with yoga and Pilates-based movement, followed by Newton Moraes with Afro-Brazilian dance inspired by Samba and Batuque from southern Brazil.

On August 4 and 11, Nickeshia leads an upbeat class that uses yoga and Pilates techniques to gently strengthen and stretch the body. Participants can move seated in a chair or on their feet, making the sessions welcoming for different levels of mobility. Nickeshia brings breath, movement, and music together in a way that invites participants to pay attention to their bodies while sharing the energy of the group.

Nickeshia is a Dora Mavor Moore Award-winning and multi-nominated artist who has performed in Tkaronto for more than 25 years. Their training includes the New York Institution of Dance and Education, National Ballet School of Canada, Toronto Dance Theatre, and Simon Fraser University, where they earned a BFA in Dance. They are also a Movement Teacher at Toronto Film School.

On August 18 and 25, Newton shifts the room toward Afro-Brazilian dance. Sessions begin seated with breathing exercises and isolated movements through different parts of the body before moving into standing gestures, movement phrases, and simple choreography. Samba and Batuque bring rhythm and cardio into the class, while the closing cool-down creates space for relaxation and reflection.

Newton is a dancer, choreographer, and educator whose teaching experience includes Ballet Creole, COBA, Kashedance, York University, and Humber College. He has performed and taught internationally and across Canada, and is the founder and artistic director of Newton Moraes Dance Theatre.

All four sessions are designed for different ability levels, with seated participation available. Belonging participants only need to register for the overall program once. After registering, you can drop in to the Movement Workshops without completing a separate registration for each session. If you already receive Belonging updates by email, you are already registered.

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.