RaksSamara

Toronto, ON, CANADA - This submission from Toronto Artist, RaksSamara, moves with a brightness and fluidity that’s sure to give you a smile and get you grooving in your seat.

From the Artist: This youtube Video is a the finale part of a piece I have worked on with a song I had composed over COVID socially distanced by Drummer and Music Producer Matias Hasrum.

Bio: I believe dance is for everyone! I want to promote diversity, body positivity and inclusion in the arts. I want to see more IPOC dancers and choreographers being recognized for their work. I believe we should all have the chance to dance regardless of ability, identity, preference, ethnicity, age, race, or financial status.

As a choreographer I like to mix many styles and bring out each dancer’s personal style.  As an instructor I always try to inspire my students to own their uniqueness.  And as a dancer I try to connect with everyone and create a meaningful experience. 

When I choreograph a piece for myself the first thing I do is get familiar with the music.  I would listen to it repeatedly, before even visualizing or moving, although I do admit sometimes it is hard for me not to move to music that particularly moves me.  While listening I pay attention to any themes, images or feelings and then with this in mind I’ll begin the dancing process. 

I have recently started an online choreography club, with dancers from Trinidad, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Argentina.  We are from different cultural and dance backgrounds and ages.  We meet virtually once a month to connect, inspire and learn from one another. 

Throughout this lockdown I have found other ways of performing and connected with some that I may have not otherwise met.  For this I am very grateful.  I have been doing live streams and inviting other dancers to perform with me online on Instagram which was promoted by The Social Distance Festival.  I continue to do the live performances now on Twitch where I have become an affiliate.  I have been part of worldwide virtual events, such as Canada Performs, The Stay At Home Gala, The Toronto Virtual Carnival,  Bellydancers Of Color Magic Holiday Gala and Figment Toronto.  I have also produced my own online Bellydance show and fundraiser for the Stay at Home Gala and will be one of @Justlikeagirl instructors for their online fitness and mental health camp for girls this Month.

Find more from RaksSamara on her website, Twitch, Instagram, and Twitter!