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Discover Dance Class: Intro to Hip Hop
Date: Monday, August 11
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Friends of the BSM
Get ready to move and groove in this high-energy Intro to Hip Hop Dance class with talented instructor Daniel Keith Morrison! This is the perfect opportunity for dancers of all ages and skill levels to dive into the basics of hip hop dance in a fun and welcoming environment. Learn about the best shoes for hip hop dance and how they can elevate your moves. No prior experience is required—just bring your energy and enthusiasm! Come solo or bring the whole family for an exciting introduction to the world of hip hop dance. Lace up your sneakers and let’s hit the floor!
Agenda
5:30 pm – Doors Open
6:00 to 7:00 pm – Dance Class
7:30 pm – Doors Close
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
One of the members of The Moon Runners, Daniel Keith Morrison aka Keith the God is a street dancer who spends most of his time teaching and battling in Toronto’s dance scene. He has been dancing since 2002, and started breaking in 2008. In those years he has danced with Missy Elliot’s Choreographers in Film, Represented Team Canada Twice in China and L.A., Toured the UAE, and so much more. His goal currently in dance is to strengthen the knowledge and confidence of people who want to learn Hip Hop Dance styles and general freestyle/improv. Keith has chosen the dance name Keith the God in relation to The Triune God, being made in God’s Image, and being one of Three Keiths in his family.
Sherlock Holmes Day at the BSM
Date: Sunday, July 20
Time: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: Free, registration is encouraged
Step into the world of mystery, deduction, and intrigue, and celebrate the greatest detective in literary history. This event is in partnership with The Bootmakers of Toronto, the Canadian Sherlock Holmes Society. Learn about the shoes of 19th-century England, and how they left their mark on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories with Donald Zaldin and Barbara Rusch. Listen to a live radio play inspired by the Sherlock Holmes stories. Put your Sherlockian knowledge to the test with a fun and fast-paced trivia game! Compete for exciting prizes and showcase your expertise on all things Sherlock Holmes. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the detective or newly intrigued by his world, this event promises an unforgettable journey into the shoes of Sherlock Holmes!
Agenda
1:00 pm – Footwear in 19th-century England and in the Sherlockian Canon presented by Donald Zaldin & Barbara Rusch
2:00 pm – Sherlock Holmes Radio Play Sherlock Holmes: A Comedy of Errors starring Mike Ranieri, Jeff Rosenthal, and Gregory Hertel
3:00 pm – Sherlock Holmes Trivial Pursuit Quiz and Prize Giveaways, presented by The Bootmakers of Toronto
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. All programming is included with our Free Sundays admission. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
ABOUT THE BOOTMAKERS OF TORONTO:
The Bootmakers of Toronto is an esteemed community of Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and literary aficionados based in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1972, the group takes its name from a reference in “The Hound of the Baskervilles.” In the story, a boot belonging to Sir Henry Baskerville is retrieved from a bog and inside the boot is a label inscribed “Meyers, Toronto.”
As one of the oldest Sherlockian societies in Canada, the Bootmakers have dedicated themselves to the appreciation, study, and celebration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s works and the enduring legacy of Sherlock Holmes. The group brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for mystery, deductive reasoning, and Victorian literature.
The Bootmakers are more than a literary society—they are a vibrant community that fosters connection, inspiration, and an enduring love for the master detective and his world. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to Baker Street, the Bootmakers of Toronto warmly welcome anyone eager to join the adventure.
Co-Presenter
Cowboy Candle Making
Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $60 General, $55 Friends of the BSM
Get ready to light up your night with our Cowboy Candle Making Workshop, with a unique candle mixing event lead by Catherine Chambers of Lets Make It, with scent options inspired by the bold and earthy spirit of our exhibition Rough and Ready: A History of the Cowboy Boot. Whether you’re looking for a unique date night or a fun evening with friends, this workshop offers the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation.
During this workshop, you will make 2 candles and a fragrance mist. You will work with a variety of fragrance and essential oils to a create signature scents. Choices include citrus, earthy, floral, and a variety of sweet, seasonal scents, like chai and pumpkin. Your candles will be made with 100% organic soy wax and scented with fragrances that are free of parabens and phthalates. For finishing touches, you will select a variety of packaging options. Everything you make will be ready for you to take home at the end of the session.
Light refreshments available for purchase.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions and one complimentary drink. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm – Lecture Begins
8:00 pm – Lecture Ends, Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:
Catherine Chambers is a maker space studio owner and organizational learning facilitator. She specializes in constructivist learning methodologies that engage learning in such areas as innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. She works in a range of industries and sectors, including education, healthcare, social services, and technology.
Curator’s Talk: When Fashion Meets Forensics
Date: Tuesday, September 16
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $15 General, $10 Senior (65+) and Students (with ID), $10 Friends of the BSM
Join Alison Matthews David, co-curator of the critically acclaimed Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear, for a captivating journey into the intriguing intersection of fashion and forensic science.
As Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, understood, clothing tells a story—about who we are, where we’ve been, and what we’ve done. From stains, fibers, and footprints to modern DNA analysis, detectives have long relied on fashion as key evidence to solve mysteries.
This talk delves into the rise of early forensic investigation through the lens of fashion, featuring real historical cases where clothing played a pivotal role. Learn about the Paris Morgue’s missing persons, the chilling tale of a murderous Parisian tailor, and a California train heist unraveled by the clue of a left-handed lumberjack.
With a fascinating blend of crime, history, and fashion, Alison Matthews David will unravel the complex and often tangled “fabric of crime” in this enthralling presentation.
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors Open
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Lecture
8:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Doors Close
ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Dr. Alison Matthews David (she/her) is Professor in the Fashion Program in the School of Fashion, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She has a PhD in Art History from Stanford University and has published extensively on nineteenth and early twentieth century dress and material culture. She is co-founding editor of the open access, multi-media journal Fashion Studies with Dr. Ben Barry. Her most recent research project, Fashion Victims, looked at how clothing physically harmed the health of its makers and wearers. It took the form of a book (2015) and co-curated exhibition (2014-18), as well as a co-authored book for young adults entitled Killer Style (2019). She is Principal Investigator of the federally funded project, The Fabric of Crime: Forensic Histories of Fashion, which investigates the histories of fashion and forensic investigation. Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear, the exhibition she co-curated with Elizabeth Semmelhack at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, is on from 2024-Fall 2025.
The Evolution of Tap Dance
Date: Wednesday, June 25
Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $15 General, $10 Senior (65+), Students (with ID) and Arts Worker, $10 Friends of the BSM
Step into the world of tap dance with Rumi Jeraj and Travis Knights as they take you on an engaging journey through the history, artistry, and innovation of tap shoes. From their origins as humble wooden-soled footwear (fact-checking this claim for accuracy!) to the vibrant designs and styles seen today, tap shoes tell a story about the evolution of the dance and the dancers who wear them.
Discover the creative process behind modern advancements in tap footwear, including insights from the duo’s recent work through Shoe Dreams, curated by Dance Makers. Through lively conversation, rhythmic demonstrations, and personal anecdotes, Rumi and Travis will bring the world of tap to life in this presentation.
Learn, laugh, and listen to the mesmerizing sounds of tap dance and the shoes that help define the art form.
Agenda
6:30 pm – Doors
7:00 pm – Presentation Begins
8:00 pm – Presentation Ends, Galleries Open
9:00 pm – Museum Closes
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
If the cost of the event is a barrier, please contact artistic@dancemakers.org.
ABOUT THE FACILIATORS
Rumi Jeraj is an Ismailli muslim hailing from Sherwood Park Alberta (the world’s largest hamlet). A Graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University Rumi presented his work at Dusk Dances, the Hamilton Fringe Festival, Citadel Compagnie’s Night Shift, Interaccess Gallery and Common Ground Dance Festival. Notable projects include Nature Boy a collaboration with Purawai Vyas (a Bharatanatyam dancer) which saw the pair exchange over rhythm and culture and Space and Spectra a collaboration with drummer Aidan McConnell which brought together contemporary dancers and free improvised musicians. Rumi is currently a guest curator for Dance Makers exploring what the tap shoe of the future might look like. Shoe Dreams brings together dancers, shoe makers and designers to collectively dream up this shoe. He is also currently interested in bringing together his Tap and Contemporary dance practices to create a body percussion work on dancers and musicians of various forms and traditions. He aspires to create and be a part of work which mixes forms in order to better tell stories. He believes there is a perfect balance between words, music, and movement which can communicate intellectually, emotionally and viscerally all at once. He aspires to find this state on stage.
Born in Montreal, Canada, Travis was introduced to the rich oral tradition of Tap by his teacher Ethel Bruneau at age 10. He went on to travel the world spreading his love of rhythm across 4 continents, touring with Tap Dogs, Tapestry Dance Company, Anandam Dance Theatre and the self-produced Tap Love Tour. He was the 2020 recipient of the Jaqueline Lemieux Prize for outstanding contribution to dance in Canada. In December 2021, in partnership with Dance Immersion, Travis, along with renowned Tap Dancer Lisa LaTouche, created and directed Legacy Series: Tap Dance Symposium which aimed to re-introduce Tap Dance to the local Black community in Toronto. In 2022, Travis won a Dora Award for Outstanding Performance in Dance Immersion’s Tap Legacy Concert, and became a Slaight Family Music Associate at Soulpepper. In 2024, Travis’ Tap Love Tour production company released two major works, a feature length documentary called Restorative Culture: Johnathan Morin, and a full length original dance work called The Mars Project that premiered at Fall For Dance North. He currently lives in Brampton, Ontario and hosts The Tap Love Tour Podcast, available on spotify, soundcloud and apple podcasts, (make sure to subscribe) featuring interviews of a myriad of inspiring tap dance artists.
Discover Dance Class: Intro to Salsa Shines
Date: Monday, July 14
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Friends of the BSM
Step into the spotlight and find your rhythm in our Intro to Salsa Shines class, led by the dynamic and skilled Taylor Hunt! This class focuses on shines—solo salsa moves that let you dance independently and express yourself with flair and confidence. Learn foundational salsa shines, including footwork, body movement, and styling. This is a beginner-friendly session perfect for all ages and skill levels—no partner needed! Whether you’re new to salsa or want to add more solo moves to your repertoire, this class will have you dancing with confidence. Lace up your shoes and get ready to shine!
Agenda
5:30 pm – Doors Open
6:00 to 7:00 pm – Dance Class
7:30 pm – Doors Close
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Taylor holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University, is a certified instructor by The British Association of Teachers of Dance, a certified Leadership in Dance & L2 Adjudicator by The Dance Leadership Institute. Some of her most recent stage/tv credits include Toronto Starlight Gala at the Royal York Hotel, Lion’s Club International Conference at the Air Canada Centre, and The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu. She has danced, modelled, and acted for several production companies including Hit&Run, TDC Entertainment, Impulse Talent Group, Belluscious and Agence KIK for such clients as Ferrero Rocher, Nike, Claratin, Banter Jewellery, GMC, OLG Lottery, Canadian Tire, Festival Comédi-Ha and Breakfast Television. Taylor has set choreography for Memories Splash in Punta Cana, Welch’s Juice, and assistant choreography for the hit tv series The Next Step. Taylor has performed with companies Rock Bottom Movement, Reactive Dance Theatre, Ballet Creole, Dancetheatre David Earle, DanzaCorpus, and currently dances for KasheDance and Dance Migration based in Toronto. She was the dance artist on tour with Saskatchewan Culture Exchange Society for 2 years and resided in Japan for 15 months while performing for Tokyo Disney Resort. After a 5-month contract in the Yukon at Diamond Tooth Gertie’s Casino and episode feature on The Amazing Race Canada, she continues to teach, choreograph, and adjudicate students of all ages across Canada. Her passion for movement is infectious and she strives to help her students become well-rounded, confident individuals who fulfill their dreams!
Discover Dance Class: Intro to Broadway Jazz
Date: Monday, July 28
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Friends of the BSM
Step into the spotlight and bring the razzle-dazzle of Broadway to life in our Intro to Broadway Jazz class, led by dance instructor extraordinaire Melissa Bartrem! Learn dynamic jazz dance techniques inspired by iconic Broadway choreography. A beginner-friendly session for all ages and skill levels—no prior dance experience required! Put on your dancing shoes and let Melissa guide you through the glitz and glamour of Broadway jazz. This is your chance to shine on the dance floor like a true star!
Agenda
5:30 pm – Doors Open
6:00 to 7:00 pm – Dance Class
7:30 pm – Doors Close
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Melissa Bartrem is a dance artist, educator, and scholar from Toronto. Melissa’s international credits include stage appearances in Brazil with the Tihany Spectacular, South America’s largest Circus, Showtime! with Casino Figueria Da Foz, Portugal, and on the high seas with Princess Cruises. Her countless appearances in live events include performances as a Toronto Argonauts cheerleader, Brazilian Carnival Samba Dancer, Divas Las Vegas Live at Casino Rama to industrials representing brands and companies such as Red Bull and the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation. Melissa continues to appear in principal roles in film, television, and commercials.
Discover Dance Class: Intro to Indian Bharatnatyam
Date: Monday, August 25
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Doors open at 5:30 pm)
Location: Bata Shoe Museum
Tickets: $20 General, $15 Friends of the BSM
Step into the rich world of Indian classical dance with our Intro to Bharatanatyam class, led by the talented Shivani Joshi. This session offers a beautiful introduction to Bharatanatyam, one of India’s oldest and most revered dance forms, blending intricate footwork, expressive storytelling, and traditional music. Enjoy a welcoming and beginner-friendly class suitable for all ages and skill levels.
No prior dance experience is necessary—just a willingness to learn. Come celebrate the beauty of movement and tradition!
Agenda
5:30 pm – Doors Open
6:00 to 7:00 pm – Dance Class
7:30 pm – Doors Close
Please check in with Visitor Services upon arrival. Ticket includes access to all exhibitions. Contact shan@batashoemuseum.ca with any questions.
Terms and Conditions apply.
ABOUT THE FACILITATOR
Shivani Joshi’s artistic practice stems from years of embodying Bharatanatyam training and Indian Folk dance styles. She continues to nurture her artistic practice with pieces that combine props and narrative to explore modern stories, and she plays with visual metaphor in physical form. Shivani graduated with an MA in Performance Studies from NYU Tisch in 2021, where her dissertation focused on communities of women creating cultural spaces, colonialism in India, and how it affected Bharatnatyam as a whole. Shivani advocates for the importance of folk arts, such as Garba, and teaches various folk dances and prop work that is prominent in Indian culture. She works as an arts educator and guest speaker, offering workshops about Indian heritage, women’s spaces, dance, and diversity. She was a contributing writer in the Nova Dance book, ‘We Will Remember This’, published by Dance Collection Danse. Shivani’s producing background spans through years of highlighting multicultural and folk festivals in the South Asian Dance diaspora. As the General Manager of Dusk Dances, Shivani continues to serve communities of global majority in her work.