ARTISTS PUSHING BOUNDARIES TO EXPLORE THIER TRUTH THROUGH MOVEMENT

Unapologetic Dance Company is a Toronto based dance company composed of dance artists who explore their truths and vulnerabilities through movement.Our company has become a safe haven for artists both professional and pre-professional, allowing them to grow, excel, and illustrate who they are unapologetically.

• Our Team
• Gallery
• Get in Touch
• Instagram

-

It is believed that every living person is connected to one another with an invisible string, which binds us and creates the story in which we live and existThis string brings us closer to those we are destined to intertwine with, regardless of time, place, or circumstance, as our destiny is held within our sonder strings.Sonder explains the reasons behind our collisions, connections, and the creation of distance

.

• PURCHASE TICKETS

early bird promo code: YEAROFSONDER
valid until may 10th

KAHVONTAY SLAUGHTER
founder ⋮ artistic director ⋮ choreographer ⋮ executive producer

Kahvontay Slaughter has always been deeply passionate about dance. As he grew older, his talent and passion only continued to flourish. At the age of sixteen, Kahvontay started to fund his extensive dance training independently.He was determined to pursue his dreams, no matter what it took. After graduating high school, Kahvontay boldly moved to Toronto and enrolled at George Brown College. There, he received his Certificate of Dance Performance. He also had the privilege of training with notable instructors, including John Ottoman, Niki Wozniak, Patrizia Ferlisi, Amanda Donato, Kylie Thompson and Jami Lynn Harper. Kahvontay's exceptional talent did not go unnoticed. He was a featured dancer with Inamorata Dance Collective for both their 2016 and 2017 seasons. He also completed his final year of post-secondary dance school with Centennial College under the artistic direction of the remarkable Celestine Eagle, which included mentorship with the esteemed Ming-Bo Lam.Kahvontay is not only an exceptional dancer but also an inspiring teacher. His teaching experience includes competitive studio instruction, guest faculty workshops and intensives, and school settings, including Centennial College. At the age of 21, Kahvontay became the youngest faculty member at City Dance Corps, Toronto's leading centre for dance and artistic movement.He believes that it's vital to hold himself to the same high standards he instills within his students, so he's always training and discovering innovative ways to fall in love with his craft. In addition to his teaching and training, Kahvontay has also successfully produced and directed two sold-out full-length shows, "In Their Time" in November of 2022 and "Sentience" in July of 2023. Over the recent years, he has also had the pleasure of expanding his knowledge and performing in Los Angeles and New York City.When not in the studio, Kahvontay fearlessly performs in and around Toronto with his performance company Unapologetic Dance Company and by invitation with some of Toronto's most revered dancers at the industry's most celebrated events, including Fever After Dark and Choreographers Ball.Kahvontay Slaughter is a natural performer and passionate teacher who embraces dance as an expression of life. He is renowned for his expressive performance quality, captivating stage presence, and daring physicality.

• Instagram

ZINA BEGOVIC
creative director ⋮ choreographer

Zina began dancing at the age of 3 in Vaughan, Ontario training at Art and Soul Dance Company. She has trained in multiple styles including contemporary, modern, ballet, hip hop and tap. Zina has experience learning from and assisting top industry choreographers including Akira Uchida, Hani Abaza and Derek Piquette. Zina has also received training from Ace Dance Theatre, a Toronto based contemporary ballet company. She performed in their full length shows as a “junior ace” and also toured Spain to perform in multiple cities. Zina continues to explore her passion for choreography as she takes part in the Toronto Metropolitan University dance team and teaches competitive dance.

• Instagram

EMILIA DE PRISCO
visual media director ⋮ dance artist ⋮ choreographer

Emilia Deprisco is undeniably an impressive artist. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, she possesses an array of talents that span across various fields such as dance, art direction, fashion design, makeup artistry, and visual arts.It's awe-inspiring that she has dedicated herself to dance since the age of 13, even while pursuing karate training. Emilia has honed her skills through the competitive dance team at Toronto Metropolitan University and now imparts her expertise as a teacher of competitive dance in Vaughan. Moreover, she holds the position of senior company member and visual and media director for Unapologetic Dance Company.

• Instagram

BIANCA CAMPBELL
choreographer

Bianca Campbell is an emerging dance artist in Toronto, ON. Originally from Kingston, ON, Bianca began dancing at the age of 3 at 5678 Dance Studio. Over the years, she has trained in ballet, jazz and contemporary. She has also received training from the Joffrey Ballet School and View Dance Challenge’s Greece Summer Intensive. While studying the RAD ballet curriculum, Bianca achieved her Advanced 2 examination with Distinction. She also completed her Advanced Jazz Examination under the ADAPT training syllabus.While in Kingston, Bianca joined the faculty of 5678 Dance Studio teaching a variety of styles, and choreographing competitive numbers, receiving the Young Choreographer’s Award two consecutive years from one of the competitions her students attended.Bianca is very excited to continue her journey with fellow artists as a member of Unapologetic Dance Company.

• Instagram

MARIA TERESHCHENKO
choreographer ⋮ dance artist

Maria Tereshchenko is a versatile Toronto-based dance artist, choreographer, and instructor. She began her dance journey in her hometown of Protvino, Russia, and continued her training in ballet at the Shevchenko School of Ballet after moving to Toronto. During her university years, she transitioned to training in contemporary and jazz, setting herself up with a strong artistic and technical dance foundation.Her more recent exploration of various street styles, including jazz funk and heels, gives nuance and power to her movement, choreography, and artistic expression. Alongside dancing with and choreographing for the Unapologetic Dance Company, she trains with Sole Her Experience (SHE) the Company and shares her passion for dance as a contemporary instructor at City Dance Corps. Maria is excited to continue growing and evolving alongside the talented artists of the Unapologetic Dance Company.

• Instagram

BRONWYN COLE
choreographer ⋮ dance artist

Originally from Bowmanville, Ontario, Bronwyn began dancing at the age of 4 at Theatre Dance Academy. She has a background in numerous styles, including contemporary, ballet, jazz, modern, and tap. Bronwyn continued her training at Elite Danceworx in Markham, where she had the opportunity to learn from and perform in works by dance artists such as Jason Parsons, Stacey Tookey, and Al Blackstone. Bronwyn continued to pursue her interests in choreography and arts administration as a member of Mosaica Dance Company while attending McGill University, and actively engaging in the Halifax arts community.She is thrilled to be back in Toronto and performing with Unapologetic Dance Company!

• Instagram

ANDREA CANJURA
choreographer ⋮ dance artist

Andrea Canjura Pacheco is originally from Pitt Meadows, BC. She started dancing at a young age, she fell in love with Tap and Ballet but later found her passion in Contemporary. Andrea is an emerging artist currently based in Toronto, ON. She recently graduated from George Brown College in the Dance Performance Program, she got to train and work with many amazing artists in the industry, Allison Bradley, Hanna Kiel, Amanda Davis, and Derek Sangster. Andrea got the pleasure to work with Ryan Lee in Unleashed 2023, and Roberto Campanella, Robert Glumbek, and Johanna Bergfelt in ProArteDanza Summer Intensive show.Andrea is happy to be back and perform with Unapologetic Dance Company and now choreographs for Sonder. Andrea is excited to explore and see what else is in store for her.

• Instagram

HEIDI-LEIGH BOILEAU
choreographer ⋮ dance artist

Originally from British Columbia, Heidi-Leigh Boileau is a Toronto-based emerging artist. From a young age Heidi-Leigh found a freedom of expression through movement which she is continuing to explore as a choreographer and dancer. Most Recently, she performed and choreographed at Dance Ontario as a part of Unapologetic Dance Company as well as performed in The Garage’s 2023 showing in N₂O 1799: Laugh Your Gas Off.In April, Heidi-Leigh graduated from George Brown College’s Dance Performance Program, where she had the opportunity to learn from a variety of industry professionals. She had the pleasure of appearing in the remount of Rock Bottom Movement’s DINO for Guelph Dance Festival, a piece in 1234 Dance Art, and Sentience, a show by Unapologetic Dance Company. For her second season with Unapologetic Dance Company, she is excited to choreograph and perform for their show Sonder this May. Heidi-Leigh aspires to explore the vastness of modern and contemporary dance by working with a variety of artists and developing choreography.

• Instagram

SOPHIE WILLETT
choreographer ⋮ dance artist

Sophie Willett is an emerging artist new to the Toronto dance scene. She is currently studying Dance Performance at George Brown College, following 5 years of training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. There she has had the opportunity to learn from artists such as Hanna Kiel, Amanda Davis, Cindy Macedo, and Arlene Minkhorst.She thoroughly enjoyed the choreographic process with Alyssa Martin for George Brown’s Unleashed 2022, and looks forward to working with Ryan Lee and Allison Bradley for Unleashed 2023. Sophie is looking forward to further developing her style in movement and choreography.

• Instagram

ALYSSA KRYGER
dance artist

Alyssa (she/her) is a Toronto based dance artist, originally from St. Albert, Alberta. With extensive training in ballet, contemporary, and acrobatic arts, Alyssa enjoys finding ways to blend these disciplines into both a highly physical and technical style of dance. As a 2023 graduate of the Performance Dance program at Toronto Metropolitan University, Alyssa has danced and collaborated in many virtual, film, and live performances, including works created by Aria Evans, Alyssa Martin and Rock Bottom Movement, Louis Laberge-Cote, Kunal Ranchod, and Jesse Obremski. Alyssa has also previously trained and performed alongside Alberta Ballet and Ace Dance Theatre as a Junior Ace.In 2020, Alyssa had the privilege of working in collaboration with Bobbi Jene Smith, Or Schaiber, and Shamel Pitts, to create a dance film which premiered in Fall For Dance North’s International Festival (FFDN) streaming program. Additionally, in 2023, Alyssa co-produced a choreographic show, titled An Ending; A Beginning, which premiered 20 original choreographic works from emerging Toronto dance artists. Alyssa looks forward to continuing her growth as a dance artist with Unapologetic Dance Company.

• Instagram

DANACA BELL
dance artist

Originally from Alberta, Canada, Danaca Bell is a Toronto-based artist who specializes in contemporary dance. Danaca has had the opportunity to perform in Dance Ontario Dance Weekend 2024 as a company member of Unapologetic Dance Company, under the artistic direction of Kahvontay Slaughter.She is currently working on completing George Brown College’s Dance Performance program. Through this program she has the privilege of learning from Hanna Kiel, Derek Sangster, Amanda Davis, as well as having performed works by Ryan Lee and Allison Bradley. Bell has recently performed pieces by Chris Knowles and emerging artists Kathy Le, Mari Budgey and Miah Lewis as a part of Unleashed 2024. Other performance credits include REAson d'etre production of We are a Mesh as a part of the Contact Dance International Film Festival and The Garage 2023. She will be a part of Unapologetic Dance Company’s production Sonder this May. Danaca looks forward to continuing to develop her movement style as an artist and collaborator.

• Instagram

SAGE FAYE
dance artist

_{BIOGRAPHY COMING SOON}

• Instagram

KAYLEIGH DOBBS
dance artist

Kayleigh is a dance artist based in the Greater Toronto Area. Growing up she trained in a variety of styles including jazz, contemporary, ballet, acro, hip hop, and lyrical. In her teen years she attended many conventions across North America, which helped further her love and knowledge of dance. After graduating, she moved to Vancouver, BC. Here, she spent her time taking classes at Harbour Dance Centre, and started to put more emphasis on her contemporary dance training.In 2022 she trained with Intrepid Dance Company. This program gave her the opportunity to work with many talented and unique choreographers. This allowed her to find even more versatility as an artist. Currently, Kayleigh is dancing with Unapologetic Dance Company and is grateful for a positive environment to evolve as a dancer. Over the years her love for dance has only grown, and she is excited for what the future holds.

• Instagram

OLIVIA BURLING
dance artist

Olivia Burling is a dance artist passionate about performing, teaching, and creating. Currently residing in Toronto, Ontario, Olivia has had a love for dance since she was three and it has only grown stronger. She trained for several years in the styles of ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, musical theatre, lyrical and contemporary. Olivia completed her BFA in dance at York University specializing in performance and choreography in 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed the process and people she had a chance to work with.Since graduating she has been taking classes and training with artists and companies such as Kylie Thomson, Johanna Begfelt, and Tracey Norman as well as exploring her improvisational movement practice during her free time. She is dancing with Unapologetic Dance Company working on their new full-length show, Sonder. Olivia has been inspired by each person she has gotten to work with, she takes all her encounters to heart and is grateful for every opportunity she is given. Her drive, passion, and work ethic are unmatched.

• Instagram

LORIN CALABRETTA
dance artist

Lorin is a dance artist, competitive dance teacher, and choreographer. Her love for dance ignited at the age of 3, leading her to 10 years of competitive training at Art and Soul Dance Company. She trained in various styles of dance including, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, Acro, Tap, and Hip-Hop. Lorin also has training from Ace Dance Theatre, a renowned contemporary ballet company based in Toronto. As a "junior ace," she performed in two of their full-length productions and toured Spain to perform in multiple cities. She also has experience learning from industry choreographers including, Akira Uchida, Stephanie Rutherford, and Hani Abaza. Lorin also competed representing Team Canada in the IDO world championship in South Africa, trained by, industry leader Tiffany Mclauchlan. She is very excited to evolve as an artist and perform with Unapologetic Dance Company.

• Instagram

LIYAH SIMBULAN
dance artist

Liyah Simbulan is a Toronto based dance artist, choreographer and dance educator . She began dancing at the age of six years old and had danced at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance for twelve years and competed full time for ten of those years. Liyah is intensively trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary & modern. She also attended Etobicoke School of the Arts for their dance program. This program gave her the opportunity to develop her love for choreography and teaching, and pushed Liyah into various leadership roles. Some of these roles include Head of Contemporary Dance for multiple productions and other choreographic opportunities.Her passion for dance has carried her into post secondary where she is currently enrolled in the performance dance program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Her passion for dance has also led her to choreograph for Canada’s Walk of Fame 2023 as well as joining Unapologetic Dance Company in the same year.

• Instagram

QIARA ST AMAND
dance artist

Qiara discovered her love for dance while growing up in her hometown of Ottawa. Fortunately, Ottawa is home to Canterbury High School, which offers a specialized Program of the Arts where Qiara was able to thrive in the dance program. Performing with other students and working with other students excelling in music and drama, training in modern and ballet, and gaining skills in lighting, music and choreography. While completing her degree, she has been a dancer, choreographer, and executive member of the Toronto Metropolitan University Dance Team. In her years on the team she has branched out into creating her own pieces which have earned her overall and multiple choreography awards.Her continuous desire to explore more aspects of dance have now brought her to Kode Red Dance Company and Unapologetic Dance Company where she is truly grateful to represent them on stage.

• Instagram

HANNAH CHENG

Hannah is an emerging Toronto-based dance artist. Born and raised in Hong Kong, she has trained in RAD ballet and ATOD jazz under the instruction of Cindy S. Rengan. Her love for contemporary dance began as she attended the Joffrey San Francisco Summer Intensive and she returned to Hong Kong to train in contemporary dance under Siu May, co-founder of Infinity Dance Studio, Hong Kong. At the age of 18, Hannah relocated to Toronto to study at the University of Toronto. While continuing her academic career, she pursued her love of dance with Unapologetic Dance Company and as one of the leaders of FLUX, a competitive choreography dance team based at the University of Toronto.Hannah danced with Unapologetic through 2020-2023 and participated in the "In Their Time" and "Sentience" shows as a choreographer and principal dancer.

• Instagram

PARKER LEE GRANT

Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Parker moved to New York City in 2015 to study at the Joffrey Ballet School as a Jazz and Contemporary Trainee. Upon completion of her training there, she started as a student in the International Training Program at the Peridance Capezio Center. Parker has had the pleasure of performing with companies such as Doubletake Dance, Mook Dance Company, Move DiPR, Wandering Movers, BAVA Dance, cloudecollective, and The Next Stage Project. Some favorite past performances include New York Fashion Week, the Grey Cup Halftime Show, Capezio A.C.E. Awards, the Columbus Day Parade, and the US Open’s opening ceremonies.Parker danced with Unapologetic through 2020-2023 and participated in the "In Their Time" and "Sentience" shows as a choreographer and principal dancer.

• Instagram

KALI KELLINGTON

Kali comes from a little town called Aylmer ON, where she began dancing when she was 4 years old at Studio Dance Pointe. Quickly she advanced to join the competitive team doing Jazz, Acro, and Ballet. By the following year her love for dance grew stronger as she was introduced to Lyrical and Contemporary. She is always wanting to try new things, explore the world of dance with her body in movement. Kali is extremely excited to be able to share and perform along side such creative people on stage and off.Kali danced with Unapologetic through 2022-2023 and participated in the "Sentience" show as a performer.

• Instagram

SHANE MAHABIR

Shane Mahabir is an artist from Toronto, Ontario. Growing up in Oakville, Shane grew up in an artistic environment from a young age. Starting dance at age 5, dance has always been the focus of Shane's life. Being trained under Nicky Saclamacis and Carla Marques, Shane has received dance training in Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet, Tap and many other genres. At 12, Shane got into the world of acting and is represented by Francesa Nicassio with Stars Academy Talent. Shane has also trained with Pro Arte Danza in Toronto, ON, under Roberto Campanella, where they focused on contemporary/modern company pieces that pushed Shane's artistry even further.Shane danced with Unapologetic through 2022-2023 and participated in the "Sentience" show as a featured dancer.

• Instagram

ALEXANDRA McCHESNEY

Alexandra began dancing in Kingston, Ontario at the age of three, training and competing primarily in ballet, jazz, contemporary. During her training she also received supplementary training in the summers with intensives such as Alberta Ballet School, Colorado Conservatory of Dance’s Movement Lab, and Boston Ballet School. She has completed her RAD Advanced Two with distinction and ADAPT Intermediate III jazz exam with honours. Finding a love of movement and dreams of helping others through it, has led her to Toronto where she is currently receiving a BFA in performance dance at Toronto Metropolitan University.Alexandra danced with Unapologetic through 2021-2022 and participated in the "In Their Time" show as a performer.

• Instagram

ELENA GOLDACK

Elena Goldak is an emerging dance artist from Saskatoon, SK. She began dancing at the age of five and trained at La Danse School of Dance Arts, competing in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical, and attaining her RAD Advanced 1. At age 17, she quit dance entirely. In the fall of 2019, Elena moved out of Saskatoon to pursue her undergraduate education at the University of Toronto. Two years later, she reconnected with dance, and began training in contemporary with Kahvontay Slaughter. As a member of Unapologetic Dance Company, Elena hopes to explore and celebrate dance alongside the Toronto dance community.Elena danced with Unapologetic through 2021-2022 and participated in the "In Their Time" show as a choreographer and performer.

• Instagram

SELENA FEDECHKO

Selena began her training as a competitive dancer while growing up in Alberta. Early on, she took the initiative to broaden her experiences and developed her aspirations by successfully competing, attending dance intensives, and performing in various summer courses. She has had many opportunities to work with numerous dancers, teachers, and choreographers: Performing in Canada, England, and the United States. With a desire to further herself professionally, she graduated from Centennial College’s Dance Performance Program in Toronto. She continues to explore and develop her artistry as a well-versed and adaptable performer.Selena danced with Unapologetic through 2021-2022 and participated in the "In Their Time" show as a performer.

• Instagram

EMILIA BALLESTER DIAZ

Emilia is an enthusiastic, energetic and dedicated dancer and choreographer who takes pride in her Mexican heritage and infuses it in her dancing. She started training in Tap when she was only 8 years old and expanded her training to include Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip-hop. In 2020, Emilia was accepted for the Centennial College Dance Performance Diploma program in Toronto, Canada which inspired a new goal to diversify her dancing and become an inspiration for more Latinxs to pursuit their passion.Emilia danced with unapologetic through 2022-2023 and participated in the "In Their Time" show as a performer.

• Instagram

SERENA KUNG

Serena Kung is a Toronto native, where she spent her training focused in ballet, jazz, and contemporary. Her extensive technical background primarily includes ADAPT and RAD where she successfully attained her Solo Seal Award. She has performed works by Kirven Douthit-Boyd at The Ailey School where she trained for a summer on full scholarship. Since then, she has continued to explore her passion for dance as part of Western University’s HEAT Dance Team.Serena danced with Unapologetic through 2021-2023 and participated in the "In Their Time" show as a choreographer and principal dancer.

• Instagram

WEI LI

Wayne Li is a Toronto-based dance artist who recently moved to Toronto in a new journey to grow. He was born in China and started to dance since junior high school. During his undergrads years, he found his passion for cheerleading and continued his training with classical ballet and jazz techniques. In 2017, he was certified as a registered dance teacher and Jazz Dance Level 1-3 registered examiner by the Chinese Dancers Association. He has been working as a professional dancer for CCTV (national) events and concerts, as well as choreographer for commercials and competitions.Wayne danced with Unapologetic through 2021-2022 and participated in the "In Their Time" show as a performer.

• Instagram

MITCHIE DING
sound engineer ⋮ music director

China born and Toronto raised, Mitchie Ding is a freelance visual artist and producer. Mitchie graduated from Humber College in 2023, achieving Honours and a Diploma in Event Management. For the company Mitchie takes charge on sound engineering, editing work, as well as website maintenance.dingzhaoting@gmail.com ⋮ Portfolio

JADE IRELAND
communications

Jade 'Riley' Ireland is a freelance designer and writer originating from Scotland, UK. Jade achieved a Master of the Arts Degree in Art History from University of Glasgow with honours of the 2nd class in 2021. For the company Jade handles website design and maintenance as well as communications.breezebloccs@gmail.com

Feel free to email us for any show information, queries about joining or helping out, or even just for a chat! members' social media pages and admin contact info can be found on their profiles

WHERE TO FIND US35 Golden Ave, Toronto
ON, M6R 2J5

• Instagram

• gallery

• chapter 2

• chapter 1

• gallery

• chapter 3

• chapter 2

• gallery

• chapter 4

• chapter 3

• gallery

• IN THEIR TIME

• SENTIENCE

SONDER

COMING SOON

• CDC CINEMA

• REIGNITE

• UNITE X