SHAMEKA BLAKE | Dancer, choreography, artistic director
City: Toronto
Instagram: @aimtoronto
Previous work: “Black in Canada”, Association for the Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) Convention in New York City, Roots Canada, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Yensa, Dusk Dances, Dance Ontario Dance Weekend, TIFF and Pride
Shameka Blake, a born creator, has channeled her intrinsic desire to craft powerful narratives. With an unyielding dedication to illuminating issues of social justice through the lenses of culture, gender, and ethnicity, her artistic journey has been one of purpose and impact. In 2015, her remarkable contributions to the Commercial Industry were honored with the prestigious Black Canadian Award for Best Urban Dance Act.
Shameka’s artistry has graced renowned platforms including the Association for the Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) Convention in New York City, Roots Canada, and The Toronto Symphony Orchestra. She has woven her magic into the fabric of local Toronto festivals such as Yensa, Dusk Dances, Dance Ontario DanceWeekend, TIFF, and Pride.
While her career commenced in the realm of Commercial Dance, Shameka’s evolution as an artist has been profound. Her compelling voice now resonates in the dance/theatre world, echoing themes close to her heart. Recently, she garnered attention at the 33rd IABD International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance held in Toronto. Further showcasing her prowess, she is poised to unveil her latest masterpiece, “Black in Canada”, slated for premiere this October at Fringe Next Stage.
Shameka Blake‘s journey encapsulates the transformational power of art, spotlighting important societal dialogues with every graceful step she takes.
More about Shameka Blake
What is your biggest professional achievement?
“I am deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring youth. I pride myself in creating a safe and supportive environment for my students to thrive and ultimately flourish into the artists they were meant to become. As a mentor, I am always mindful of including others. I believe in the importance of passing on knowledge, while also learning from the next generation of artists. The sharing of artistic information is vital in establishing strategies for stability and longevity. My understanding is that dance can and should be used as a tool for expression, reverence, self awareness and balance. To see students who I taught when they were as young as four years old, now enter and thrive in the dance industry is the most spectacular gift.”
What obstacles/challenges have you had to face to get to where you are today?
“A career path in the artistic industry is met with true realities, two of which being the importance of representation as well as keeping balance with artistic endeavors.”
What’s something people should know about you?
“Everything I do, I do with love. I strive to instill in students the importance of challenge and to embrace the inevitable growth it invites if you allow it. In order to facilitate this I create a space that pushes the individuals within it, while keeping them safe. In this, everything I do, is done with love.”
