/ LAINI DANCE
LAINI Youth
Wednesdays
After School
A Jamii initiative to encourage girls and young women to explore art and leadership!
LAINI DANCE
March to May 2026 - Ages 8-12
Led by Nickeshia Garrick
WHEN | Wednesdays from 4pm to 5:30pm: March 25, April 1, April 8, April 13 (Monday), April 22, April 29, May 6, 2026. Plus performance dates below.
WHERE | The Jamii Hub (264 The Esplanade)
FACILITATOR | Nickeshia Garrick
LAINI Dance is a free dance series for girls ages 8–12 in downtown Toronto. It’s a warm, supportive space to move, build confidence, and feel connected to your body, your ideas, and your community. Each session blends Afro-Caribbean and contemporary movement with age-appropriate conditioning and creative choreography, guided in a way that’s welcoming for all experience levels.
Across the series, participants will start with body conditioning, dynamic stretching, and core-strengthening to build body awareness and strength. From there, the group moves into rhythm and musicality through Afro-influenced movement, exploring cultural expression while having fun together. The creative portion invites choreographic exploration inspired by land, nature, and personal connection to place. Girls can contribute their own movement ideas, practise collaboration, and develop their artistic voice in a way that feels encouraging and pressure-free.
Performance dates
Friday, May 8, 2026: Optional public performance at Jamii’s Joy in the Park in David Crombie Park
Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Informal performance for parents, family, and friends at The Jamii Hub
Free to attend for participants. Registration is required and spaces are limited. LAINI Dance is designed as a series, and participants are asked to commit to the full set of sessions.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register today!
Support free community arts
Jamii keeps workshops 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.
Photos by Iris Unlu, Isorine Marc, Carolina Rojas
NICKESHIA GARRICK
Nickeshia Garrick (they/them) is an award-winning performing artist and a Dora Mavor Moore Award–winning, multi-nominated creator with over 25 years of performance experience in Tkaronto. Their training includes the New York Institution of Dance and Education (NYIDE), Canada’s National Ballet School, Toronto Dance Theatre, Carousel Dance Centre, and Simon Fraser University, where they earned a BFA in Dance. Nickeshia’s work is grounded in breath, raw emotion, and the healing power of movement, and they bring that care into how they guide young dancers.
Photo by Jae Yang