RE-EXAMINE
THE LEAD
Liquid Lead creates spaces where individuals of all genders can feel empowered, included, and free to express themselves fully by
re-examining the lead/follow relationship dynamics in partner dancing.
ABOUT LIQUID LEAD
As our cultural landscapes grow and change, so do our various forms of social interaction. We help dance communities and organizations expand opportunities and acceptance for all dancers regardless of gender, age, background, or body type in all forms of partner dancing.
DANCE
Educational settings, regardless of their dance-specific nature or not, are the place to open discussion and reflection on topics of high relevance and interest in society at large (such as, critically analyzing gender-inclusivity), whilst encouraging new perspectives to join the table. We use Liquid Lead as an example to get the juices flowing.
EDUCATION
BUSINESS
Professional environments where all employees feel included and valued are more positive and productive. Inspiring your employees at all levels to re-imagine the kinds of initiatives and ownership they can take at your company and providing a new lens for effective listening and collaborative learning can ultimately lead to a stronger and more cohesive team.
PRODUCTS/SERVICES
MOTIVATIONAL
TALKS
DEMONSTRATIONS
INTERACTIVE DANCE
WORKSHOPS
FACILITATED
DISCUSSIONS
All activities can be tailored for different groups and adapted for dancers of all levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
We offer workshops and dance demonstrations with one, two, or three of us - but require all three of us for the full talk.
OUR PROCESS
LISTEN
LEARN MORE
We want to hear about what level of reflection your group is at in terms of major themes, such as gender identity, consent, toxic masculinity, safety of touch, gender biases, power relationships or other relevant themes of interest as well as which dance styles and levels you wish to focus on.
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OUR STORY
As professional dancers and educators with a combined 50+ years, we became concerned with the way partner dancing was perpetuating gender and cultural stereotypes rooted in antiquated paradigms. After experimenting with different roles on the dance floor to develop our personal dancing, we took to the TED stage in 2015 to share Liquid Lead Dancing, a reimagined system of partner dancing that removes gender from the equation. We have reached over 750,000 sets of eyes with our talk and we have conducted 30+ workshops at National and International events including Feminist Festivals, all-women prisons, education summits, and consent events in partnership with Planned Parenthood.
TREVOR COPP
Trevor Copp was a full time Ballroom dance instructor and regional Fred Astaire's Canada American Style Latin/Ballroom Champion. He retired from teaching to pursue his love of theatre and now runs Tottering Biped Theatre - a professional theatre company emphasizing social justice and highly physical work in Ontario, Canada. He has performed in over 30 International cities and National theatre festivals. The Salsa scene keeps him dancing however; he has coached two pairs of World Salsa Champions and internationally he’s an avid Salsa tourist having danced it in 17 countries so far.
JEFF FOX
After graduating with an honours degree in psychology Jeff Fox entered the world of dance in the fall of 2000 almost by accident, investigating an ad out of curiosity, and he hasn’t looked back. Working as a full time instructor, choreographer, and competitor Jeff has taught hundreds of students as well as managing to win professional titles in American Smooth, Rhythm, Theatre Arts, and Showdance. In addition to his ballroom work, Jeff is a double black belt martial artist and creates lyrical contemporary work focusing on the universal experiences we all share which has been featured in festivals across Southern Ontario, Canada.
BIO >
ALIDA ESMAIL
Alida Esmail, BFA, MSc, is a Tio’tia:ke/Montreal-based dance and theatre artist born in Burlington, Ontario. She completed a BFA in Contemporary Dance at Concordia University, a Certificate in Movement Arts and Mixed Media in India, and a MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences at Université de Montréal. She has extensive training in International Ballroom/Latin dance and has competed nationally, winning in several categories. Alongside her performance career she is also involved in innovative Arts and Health research which has been published in reputable peer-reviewed scientific journals. Alida has presented and performed across Canada, Europe, the United States, and India.
BIO >
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"Liquid Leading dance unravels the unnecessary genderedness found in the dance world and beyond. Their performances and workshops are slowly breaking the binary, decolonizing dance, and opening up minds to a world of connection and mutual care.”
- Malinda Britt, Planned Parenthood
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
COMMUNITY
Head over to our Youtube channel!
Exchange videos and share ideas about the gender neutral partner dance scenes around the world.
INTERESTED IN OUR WORK?
We perform at conferences and events nationally and internationally. Interested in booking us for your event?
Get in touch using the form below.