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Toronto’s most anticipated international dance festival, Fall for Dance North (FFDN), returns this week, bringing together more than 30 Canadian and international artists across a lineup of evocative mixed programming from October 15th to 26th.
Returning for its 11th season, the festival features three mainstage signature mixed programs showcasing a diverse range of contemporary and classical dance styles from some of the world’s leading dance artists, promising a rich and varied experience for all dance enthusiasts.
Festival Highlights
This year’s program promises a stunning mix of artistry and movement, featuring:
- The Royal Ballet (UK) — a highly anticipated appearance from one of the world’s most renowned companies.
- The Canadian debuts of Dickson Mbi Company (UK) and Sekou McMiller (USA).
- Reverence by Toronto’s Ethan Colangelo, performed by The National Ballet of Canada.
- A rare international performance by India’s all-female Kathak ensemble Nad-Roop Company.
The festival will also feature three world premieres, including:
- Esie Mensah’s ESHI — a large-scale commission featuring dancers from her own company and Canada’s National Ballet School.
- A powerful duet exploring the interconnectedness of Africa’s global diaspora, from Kwasi Obeng-Adjei (Brampton) and Ambrose Tjark (Nigeria).
- A reflective duet examining shared space and connection from Toronto-based Kathak artist Tanveer Alam with NYC’s Barkha Patel.
You can view the complete schedule and list of performing acts here.
Debuting this Year
This year introduces two new audience experiences designed to deepen engagement with dance and art:
- Intimate Pairings — a 45-minute performance series featuring front-row-only seating for a uniquely immersive experience.
- Up Next and Story Creatures — a cross-disciplinary presentation of dance and visual arts at OCAD University’s The Great Hall and the AGO, with free programming for FFDN ticket holders.
Community & Free Programming
Beyond the stage, FFDN will offer a variety of free programming across the city, including a captivating performance installation of Kate Hilliard’s Story Creatures at the AGO. This event is free for all Fall for Dance North Festival ticketholders.
Guests can also check out Up Next at OCAD U, FFDN’s one-hour, timed-entry dance experience next door
About Fall for Dance North
Now, under the leadership of Co-CEOs Festival Director Lily Sutherland and Artistic Director Robert Binet, Fall for Dance North Festival aims to get more people seeing more dance more often. Whether it’s your first date with dance or you are in a long-term relationship, dance is a joyful way to experience cultures and perspectives from all around the world, connecting us to our bodies and to each other. Over two weeks of fall festival programming, FFDN increases accessibility to the dance art form, elevates Canadian dance artists on the global stage, and adapts to evolving audience preferences. FFDN is inspired by Fall for Dance in NYC.
As always, you can keep up with all the fun happenings in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area on efosa.
Fall for Dance North Festival 2025
When: October 15th to 26th
Where: Various Locations in Toronto
Admission: Priced. Single Tickets start at $25. Grab your tickets here
