The Impact of TO Live
Community Class regular Dorothy Gordon and Rachel Robbins, TO Live Education & Engagement Manager
“I’ve danced for 71 years!” - Dorothy
Dorothy Gordon is a regular at TO Live's free community classes. Over the pandemic, physical distancing hasn't dampened 96-year-old Dorothy's spirit. What she missed most were the people she met in dance class.
As a young girl, her parents preferred she took piano lessons. Unable to pursue her dream, Dorothy began dancing at 24. "And I've danced for 72 years!" she said.
A regular at the jazz dance classes, she also takes the occasional hip hop class. "I came once for hip hop, and it turned out to be breakdancing which is kind of beyond me," laughed Dorothy.
"If everybody got out and did classes and took dance classes, there would be more healthy people around," Dorothy said. "You can see that with the people here -- all shapes and sizes, and everyone has a great time."
Your donation ensures dancers of all ages have equal access to try new things and pursue their dreams.
Please support the TO Live Foundation today.
Quiana Lynell, photo by Eye Wander Photography
“It’s really cool to see many of my different heroes have performed at the same space.” –Quiana
Vocalist and composer Quiana Lynell joined TO Live for her Canadian debut in 2020. As a seasoned jazz musician, she knows how vital donating to the arts is to keep cities alive.
"For me, as my art is always evolving and changing and I try to bring all my different parts together, it's really cool to see many of my different heroes have performed at the same space. Everybody needs to be able to see art at some time. Festivals that are outdoors, those concerts that give away tickets to schools and people in need – it's needed. So, take a moment and give, give, give, give, give, to your city."
So many of the TO Live Foundation’s core principles aim to provide equal access to everyone in Toronto. Big ticket performances only tell half the story. By supporting TO Live, you’re supporting bringing the arts to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to purchase tickets. By giving back to your city, you can ensure people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy the arts for years to come.
“I feel my most creative when I'm in the physical presence of other bodies.” - Roshanak
Roshanak Jaberi, Photo by Kevin Jones
In 2021, TO Live invited artists in four different categories to apply for $5000 in funding towards research and growth of their practice through a unique opportunity called, explorations.
The program was developed with the goal of recognizing the importance of supporting artist experimentation and research without the pressure of creating a final product.
Artists and arts workers experienced some of the highest levels of precarious employment pre-pandemic and over the last two years. Shut off from the world, COVID-19 has not only affected livelihoods, but it has left many unable to create new work, perform, or fulfil their passion.
Roshanak Jaberi was one of twelve hard-working choreographers selected to receive funding by the explorations panel of judges. Through the pandemic, she experienced a number of challenges stating, “the forced isolation and disconnection was particularly difficult for dance artists, as we depend on physical contact to practice our craft. While many artists relied on virtual rehearsals and performances, I was not personally inspired to do so, as I feel my most creative when I'm in the physical presence of other bodies.”
As the emotional, financial, and professional challenges of the pandemic continue, explorations reflects TO Live’s commitment to Toronto’s individual artists, and members of artist collectives and project-based organizations, who have been hit especially hard by the impact of COVID-19.
“The support from TO Live has been a breath of fresh air, in what has been a very challenging time for our sector. This opportunity allowed me to initiate new research, reflect on my growing artistic practice, and forge a new collaborative relationship without the added pressure of having a final outcome, which is a rare and valuable opportunity and practice.”
Roshanak went on to explain how essential grants and financial support are to developing new work and ultimately her career.
“Having the time and resources to build on my research and to translate them artistically will be a vital part of the final vision. Being able to follow my curiosity, take creative risks and experiment with ideas that I discovered in this research process will have a great impact on my long-term practice as well as the development of my next production.”
Programming like explorations recognizes the importance for artists to have the creative space and time, free from the pressure of predetermined outcomes, to feed artistic ambition and to explore the possibilities of their own practice. Research is an essential part of the creative process that doesn’t always find a home within the norms of project-based funding models.
For as little as $5, you can ensure that explorations is available to fund artist research like Roshanak’s. Please donate today.