TOES FOR DANCE (TFD) is an artist-run, non-profit dance organization based in Toronto.
Co-founded by David Norsworthy and Kristen Carcone in 2012 and incorporated as a non-profit in 2015, we contribute to the well-being and vibrancy of our community by creating unique and valuable platforms for artistic exchange, public engagement, and dance education. Our artistic paradigm is informed by Modern, Contemporary and Improvisation dance practices that have emerged from European lineages of training, as well as meditation/mindfulness, reiki, and Nonviolent Communication. We prioritize leading with vulnerability, and attending to the ever-evolving needs of ourselves and our community, creating sanctuaries of safety.
Sharing Art. Connecting People.
CuriositY | Creativity | Collaboration | Community
Our Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Commitments guide us.
Our Mission
TOES FOR DANCE creates opportunities for shared experiences in order to foster a community that is open to continuous learning.
We do this by:
Communicating openly and thoughtfully while modelling respectful and reciprocal relationships
Embracing diversity and inclusiveness, allowing space for individual choice-making
Listening and responding to the needs of our community while balancing curatorial vision with social responsibility
Photo/artist credits: (images above, left to right) David Norsworthy teaching at Fresh Dance Intensive (photo by Kendra Epik), Simon Renaud performing choreography by Marie Lambin-Gagnon (photo by Aidan Tooth), Lilly Giroux (photo by Kat Rizza), Aleksander Saiyan leading a workshop at Common Ground Dance Festival (photo by Kendra Epik), and students at Fresh Dance Intensive (photo by Kendra Epik). (photo below) Kelly Gammie and Abigail McEyeson leading a workshop at Common Ground Dance Festival (photo by Aidan Tooth).
Our Impact
Updated as of March 2024.
26,876
total cumulative participation count at workshops and performances since 2007
268
total number of workshop and performance events successfully produced since 2007
91
total number of partners including small businesses, schools, funders, and non-profit organizations who have made our work possible
$319K
approximate total value of need and merit-based scholarships and financial aid awarded/redeemed for our workshops since 2007
348
total number of professional and emerging artists engaged as performers, designers, teachers and teaching assistants
1683
total number of paid artist opportunities generated through our activities since 2007
9
total number of Canadian provinces and US states across which our activities have been located
107
total number of workshop and performance events successfully produced in our home base city of Toronto since 2007
Photo/artist credits (image below): Demetri Apostolopoulos, Meredith Gaston, Shona Kiyama, Tiffany Lau, Natasja Macdonald, Olivia Okonkwo, Melina Saintil, Lydia Wilson, Millina Fletcher, and Jeff Lapira performing in choreography by Gisele Ardosa at Common Ground Dance Festival 2023.
