DANCES AT THE BAY
After a monumental first year, Dances at the Bay continues to honour our deep commitment to the community - an event for Hamilton, by Hamilton!
Dances at the Bay will run July 18 - 20, 2025 at Bayfront Park in Hamilton, Ontario.
​Join us for the Fear No Dance initiative, a vibrant community dance project. This initiative encourages participants to embrace their fears and step outside their comfort zones. This exciting dance project offers free participation to anyone within the community, from ages 13 to 65 and beyond, welcoming all skill and experience levels.
​
This project is a celebration of community and the joy of dance, designed to inspire participants to conquer their apprehensions and discover new potential. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with your community, learn from top-notch choreographers, and experience the exhilaration of performing at a renowned dance festival. Join us to express yourself, meet new friends, and be part of an unforgettable experience where embracing fear leads to personal growth and communal celebration.
​
Participants must be available to commit to the performance dates and rehearsal schedule with a maximum allowance of two absences, ensuring a cohesive and polished performance. The project culminates with a finale showcase at the Dances at the Bay Festival (formerly known as Dusk Dances Hamilton) held at Bayfront Park on the evenings of July 18, 19, and 20, 2025, with an additional on-site dress rehearsal on July 17, 2025.
​
Experience is welcome but not necessary!​
Fear No Dance
Afro-Caribbean Contemporary
With Michael Mortley
​​"I had the pleasure of being a part of Dances at the Bay as part of their inaugural solo launch, carrying on a long history of creating and sharing community. As both a dancer and movement artist at the festival, I have experienced immense joy and awe at the impact that this festival has on its audience that attends each and every year. It is a great pleasure of mine to work with them this year on creating a body of work entitled 'Caribbean Sweet' with members of the Hamilton community."
– Michael Mortley
​​​​​
​​
Rehearsal Schedule
All rehearsals take place at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts
Friday, May 2, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, May 9, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, May 23, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, May 30, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, June 13, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, June 20, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, June 27, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, July 4, 2025 – 6-9 PM
Friday, July 11, 2025 – 6-9 PM
​
Dress Rehearsal at Bayfront Park: Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Time TBC
Performances at Bayfront Park: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19, 2025 – Time TBC
​
Experience the Beauty of Mongolian Dance!
Immerse yourself in the elegance and cultural richness of Mongolia with our Mongolian dance workshop for teens and adults. This unique art form captures the essence of Mongolia's breathtaking landscapes and nomadic traditions. Through graceful movements inspired by nature – mimicking horses, birds, and flowing rivers – you'll connect with the spirit of Mongolia’s geography and way of life.
Beyond the dance itself, you’ll discover the vibrant customs that make Mongolian culture extraordinary. Traditional costumes, symbolic gestures, and harmonized music tell stories of Mongolia's history and heritage. Join us to celebrate this beautiful blend of art, language, and tradition, all in an engaging and creative environment. Let the rhythm of Mongolia inspire your every step!
Workshop Leader: Cheryl Chan
Choreographer: Emily Cheung
​​​​​
​​
Rehearsal Schedule
All rehearsals take place at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts
Open Class: Sunday, June 8, 2025 – 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Friday, June 13, 2025 – 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Friday, June 20, 2025 – 5:30 - 7:00 PM​
Friday, June 27, 2025 – 5:30 - 7:00 PM​
Friday, July 4, 2025 – 5:30 - 7:00 PM​
Friday, July 11, 2025 – 5:30 - 7:00 PM​
​
Dress Rehearsal at Bayfront Park: Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Time TBC
Performances at Bayfront Park: Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 19, 2025 – Time TBC
​
