Get your dance on this weekend with Myths and Mirrors

Myths and Mirrors collaborates with community to create art, share stories and provides support for communities to express themselves creatively. This weekend they are hosting their 5th Annual Dance-a-thon at Fromagerie Elgin and we spoke with them to find out more about their event and what projects they are working on this summer.

This is the 5th Annual Dance-a-thon – you mentioned that this year you’re hoping to raise the bar – what can our readers expect from this year’s dance-a-thon?

Well, one of the biggest changes is that we’re starting a little earlier than in previous years. We’re hoping that by starting at 3PM, it will give families a chance to come out and bust a move. We’ll also have some kid-friendly activities planned to help keep the young (and young at heart!) entertained.

Come evening, you can expect the same rocking good times that have made the Dance-a-thon one of our most anticipated events. DJs Max Merrifield, Christian Pelletier, Matjik, and Unlce Stu will provide 12 hours of non-stop music with food, breakdancing demos, costumes, and prizes donated by our friends at Northern Lights Festival Boréal, River and Sky, Sudbury Indie Cinema, Up Here, Frübar Juicery, The Motley Kitchen, Tuco’s Tacos, and more.

What are you guys most excited for at this event?

Definitely the costumes! This year’s theme is ‘MUSIC ICONS’ so we’re excited to see how people interpret that. We may even have some lip syncing battles so be prepared!

Beyond that, we’re just really looking forward to having a good time. As much as it’s a fundraiser, it’s also about bringing together friends, artists, participants, and community partners to help kick off our summer programming, while celebrating art and community!

How much have you been able to raise from the dance-a-thon in the past? Do you have a goal for this year?

The most we’ve ever raised was around $7,500 so this year we’re aiming for $10,000!

How can we get involved with Myths and Mirrors this summer?

A great way to get involved is by participating in the Dance-a-thon! You can start by visiting raiseathon.ca/mythsdance to register as a dancer or dance team (of up to 4 people). You can also get involved by participating in our summer programming or by volunteering.

What are some other programs Myths and Mirrors is working on this summer?

Well, we just launched two new projects. The Street Art Project connects youth aged 15-24 with mentorship and training from a professional street artist so they can develop the skills to create unique, contemporary works of public art.

We’re also working on re-vamping our Kazzzam program. Kazzzam has traditionally been our stilt-walking troupe, however this summer we’re expanding to include more mask-making, puppetry, installation art, and costume design. We meet every Saturday at Victory Park and anyone 14+ is welcome to come hang out and create with us!

And while Artistes Trans Artistry (ATA) is not a ‘new’ program, the group has recently shifted from monthly meetings to weekly workshops. Participants are working to create a body of artwork to be shown at Cambrian College’s Open Studio this fall. ATA is open to anyone who identifies as transgender or is questioning their gender identity and new members are always welcome.

For more info on any of these programs, visit mythsandmirrors.org or drop us a line at (705) 222-1305 or mythsandmirrors@gmail.com.

Do you guys have any other upcoming events to share with us?

Aside from on-going workshops for Artistes Trans Artistry, Kazzzam, and the Street Art Project, look for us at the many amazing festivals and events taking place this summer, including Canada Day celebrations at Bell Park, Northern Lights Festival Boréal, Up Here, Fierté Sudbury Pride, with more to be announced.