HELP KASHEDANCE TO FLY…

IT IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!!

SUPPORT THE CONTINUATION OF A BLACK CARIBBEAN CANADIAN CULTURAL LEGACY

This Black History Month, we are asking for your support in reaching a goal that will allow us to present our work in the Caribbean during Black History Month!

Operating a dance company with audacious dreams in times like these is no easy feat. You’ve supported us in the past, and once again, we are asking for your help to make our vision a reality.

IT’S A JOURNEY FOR KASHEDANCE!

The last time we embarked on a fundraiser of this magnitude was to take Facing Home: Love and Redemption to Jamaica’s Dance Umbrella in 2016. That was over nine years ago, and so much has changed in the world since then. That tour was KasheDance’s first major international tour and our first co-choreographic project. It also marked KasheDance’s first time performing in the Caribbean.

WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP

Touring has changed. Funding has changed. With the Canada Council for the Arts reporting a 30% success rate for touring grants, we are being strategic—and we are confident that with your support, we can make it happen again!

We’ve been invited back to the prestigious Jamaica Dance Umbrella, and this tour will also mark the culmination of our Artist and Company-in-Residence partnership with Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts’ School of Dance—where both our Artistic Director, Kevin A. Ormsby, and current KasheDancer Dwauntea Chambers were trained. Many other KasheDancers, including Mikhail Morris, Byron Beckford, Chelcia Creary, and Allatunje Connell, Shavaun Brown as well as our co-choreographer Christopher Walker, were also shaped by the Jamaica School of Dance.

WHAT WE’RE ASKING FOR

We need your help to get to Jamaica and perform our new work “Ah W.I. Ting”, which explores Caribbean jazz music by Jesse Ryan and Etienne Charles, kaiso and The Tambrin, Tobago's indigenous drum, originated from slaves who crafted it from cheese boxes covered with animal skin after their drums were confiscated.

We have until February 28, 2025, to reach our goal. To date, we’ve invested $2,000 of our own towards the $11,000 total costs.

This tour will also include workshops for other dance artists and students from Jamaica’s inner-city communities.

WHAT YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL SUPPORT

Airfare - $4,200

Each dancer's flight will cost approximately $650. We aspire to take six dancers: Jillia Cato, Cheryl Chan, Orin T. McRey, Dwauntea Chambers, Taylor Hunt, and Kevin A. Ormsby.

Accommodation - $6,000

We will be staying together in an Airbnb to keep costs down.

Ground Transportation - $1,000

This will cover transportation to and from rehearsal studios and the performance venue. Any additional cultural excursions will be covered by the company.

YOUR IMPACT

Every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your donation will help us continue to bring our artistic vision to life, cross international borders, and engage with other creatives in Jamaica.

This tour is not just a performance; it’s an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships, while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean and the African Diaspora. It will provide further opportunities for both KasheDance and the local dance community in Jamaica.

THANK YOU!

We are truly grateful for your continued belief in, and support of, the work of KasheDance. Your contribution helps make this dream a reality.

A special thank you from:

Kevin A. Ormsby | Executive Artistic Director

Jillia Cato | Assistant Artistic Director

The KasheDance Family

Follow us on the Journey:

Facebook: KasheDance

Instagram | Twitter: @kashedance1