Dance Together Project
10 Heintzman St
Dance artist Katya Kuznetsova started the Dance Together Project in 2017 in the Junction neighbourhood, working mainly with non-dancer clients preparing for their wedding dance. Katya began her studio because she knew having her own space would provide more opportunities for meaningful learning experiences and connections with her community, colleagues and students. Starting a business was also a great way to combine her experience, knowledge and education. “Dance Together Project” embodies Katya’s dance philosophy, goals, and vision of connecting people through dance. Dance Together refers to dancing with a partner, learning to lead, following and listening to each other, which allows one to feel confident on the dance floor. It also refers to the ways of working together with fellow artists, as over the years, the Dance Together Project has evolved into a collective of artists with a shared interest in nurturing human connection and building community through dance.
The roots of the Dance Together Project trace back to 2007 when Katya lived and worked in Alaska and organized the first Dance Together Alaska Festival. The goal of the event was to bring together a diverse group of artists, dance troupes, and community members to dance together for International Dance Day. Several years later, the Dance Together Festival found its reincarnation in Toronto and has been co-produced by Dance Together artists, transforming neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area through large-scale dance floor murals and community dance events.
Dance Together Project offers classes to provide memorable dance experiences for community members, artists, seniors, and people completely new to dance. Dance styles include Partner Dance, Latin Dance, Line Dance, Bollywood, Waltz, Swing, and more! The Junction location offers practical and personalized wedding dance classes far from strictly ballroom and helps you stay true to yourself, connect with your partner, and feel confident on the dance floor. Finally, they also facilitate the Dance Together Seniors program at retirement homes and community centres, allowing seniors to make social connections and stay active. Every class has a welcoming atmosphere and is fun, accessible, and inclusive. Classes are open to all, regardless of experience or ability. Every class at the studio is led by professional local artists, all of whom have a passion for teaching and community art practice.
After more than 30 years of dancing, what inspires Katya the most about dance is how people who dance together over some time become like family. Despite living in different countries, separated by vast distances, Katya remains close to many of the people she has danced with, even as a child. The Dance Together Project is not just a business venture for Katya; it’s her way of sharing the joy, passion, and connections that dance can provide. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her love with her students and the members of the Junction community, and she looks forward to welcoming more people into the Dance Together family.
For more information about the Dance Together Project, including class schedules and program details, visit our website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Our online platforms are a great way to stay connected and get the latest updates about our classes and events.
Written By: James Watson
Member of the Month
Our Member of the Month features will shine a light on the businesses within the Junction and allow customers to get to know their neighbours who run the shops in our community. If you are a Junction BIA business interested in sharing your story with us and being featured by The Junction BIA, contact Carol Jolly, Executive Director.
