This section features the latest News about Jade’s Hip Hop Academy Events and Performances in the community from August 2010 to July 2011.
All these events and performances are in addition to our regular competitions and Showcases. For news and information on those please visit “Competition Results 2011” and our “ShowCase”section.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy August 2010 JHHA GRAND OPENING Brampton
On Saturday August 14th JHHA celebrated the Grand Opening of their new location. JHHA expanded into two units in 12 Bram Crt, boasting two brand new studios, larger waiting room and change rooms. Ms. Jade, Ms. Inge and several parent volunteers spent the months of June and July working on the new building. Tasks included painting, laying down flooring, building a wall, installing mirrors and sound systems and moving in all the new furniture among other things. The Grand Opening was attended by, dancers, parents and community leaders including City Councillor John Sanderson who came by to wish Ms. Jade success with a certificate of Congratulations. The Grand Opening was celebrated with performances, cake and food. For photos please visit our Gallery.
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy August 2010 CIBC Run for the Cure & West Fete Brampton
Saturday August 7th was a busy day for 6 JHHA PC dancers ages 9-13. They were booked for two performances at two different events and two different locations in Brampton.
In the morning dancers performed at CIBC Back to School Fashion Show which also promoted CIBC’s Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer Research. Dancers performed at the CIBC branch located at Steeles and Hurontario.
The afternoon saw dancers in Heart Lake Conservation Area in North Brampton for the Caribbean West Fete Carnival. Dancers performed for a massive crowd scattered across the park. Their performances drew in audiences and received huge praise and applause.
Jade's Hip Hop Academy August 2010 Michael Jackson Tribute for LAC Volunteers Living Arts Centre, Mississauga
On wednesday August 11th JHHA PC was asked to perform their Michael Jackson tribute routine for the Living Arts Centre staff and volunteers appreciation dinner. Dancers entertained staff and guests in the lobby of the Living Arts Centre. Eight JHHA PC dancers ages 12- 16 performed and the performance received with great audience acclaim.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy September 2010 TIFF Energizer Flash Dance Toronto
Toronto International Film Festival is one of the biggest events in Toronto. The festival draws worldwide attention and is a time when celebrities flock to the city. Ms. Jade was asked to choreography a part of a Flash Dance for the company Energizer that would take place during TIFF. So on September 14th in down town Toronto Ms. Jade and 35 JHHA dancers ages 10-18 performed their flash dance alongside fellow choreographer Jason Murray and Upstage Production dancers and 7 Arts Dance Company. It was a great success!
For video of the performance please click here.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy October 2010 Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Distillery District, Toronto
One of Toronto`s biggest Arts Festivals, Nuit Blanche is a celebration of contemporary art and goes from sunset to sunrise. One million people attended last year`s festival which features live Art and public art displays throughout entire down town Toronto. JHHA Performance Company performed as part of Dance Ontario`s presentation of LOOK, LISTEN, MOVE in the historic Distillery District. Dancers performed their 15 minute piece `What is Hip Hop Dance` a piece that educated audiences on authentic hip hop dance distinguishing that from commercialized hip hop from Music Videos. The Company performed three times at 8:30pm, 12am and 2:30am attracting large crowds and receiving audience acclaim.
For the video of the Performance click here.
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy October 2010 Seminar at York University York U Toronto
On Monday October 18th Jade was asked to teach a seminar at York University. She taught in the Education Department and worked with teacher candidates teaching them how to incorporate dance into the Gr.6-8 Social Sciences curriculum. The seminar included an overview of the social sciences and dance curriculum and Jade shared her years of experience of working with children. More importantly the seminar touched on the power of the arts to engage students and drew correlation between a child’s success in the arts and its effect on their confidence in their scholastic abilities. Jade brought along JHHA dancer and Gr.7 student Brittany who shared her experiences and offered some suggestions from her perspective as student to the class. Jade also did a hip Hop workshop with the class and offered many suggestions on exercises, assignments and subjects.
Jade's Hip Hop Academy October 2010 Congress of Black Women Gala Chandi Gateway Banquet Hall, Brampton
On Friday October 22nd a last minute emergency request came through for a performance. We were able to send our soloist Jendayi who performed her Musician Part II at the Congress of Black Women 21st Anniversary Gala & Scholarship Awards. The gala honoured youth in our community for their achievements and overcoming obstacles and they received scholarships towards their post secondary education.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy November 2010 BBPA National Convention Sheraton Hotel and Convention Centre Toronto
On Thursday November 4thJHHA Performance Company ages 7-18 performed at the Inaugural BBPA National Convention that took place at the Sheraton Hotel Centre. Hosted by Canadian Idol Judge Farley Flex, the event featured politicians, community leaders and business professionals. Dancers took part in the opening night; listened to John Tory and other dignitaries speak and performed for all guests.
On Friday November 5th five JHHA dancers took part in the conference activities which features seminars, workshops and round table discussions. Ms. Jade was asked to speak at the Convention and shared her testimonial about the success of the studio and being a young entrepreneur. She spoke alongside Bruce George, the co-founder of Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on HBO and fellow young entrepreneur Ricky Neckles of NGE Enterprise.
For a video of the Performance and event please click here.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy November 2010 Zonta Women of Achievement Awards Lester B Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton
On November 18th, 2010 Jade was again nominated for a Zonta Women of Achievement Award and this time she won the prestigious award and was named Young Woman of Achievement 2010. She was nominated among 3 other young women in this category in addition to 13 other well established and esteemed women in the Brampton Caledon Community. The young Woman of Achievement Award recognizes a young woman between the ages of 18 to 25 who volunteers her time, inspires other women and girls, gives back to the community and is a role model to her peers.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy December 2010 5th Annual Aroni Awards Gala Arcadian Court, Toronto
The December 4th and 5th weekend was a busy one for the Jade’s Hip Hop Academy Performance Company(JHHA PC). On Saturday December 4th members of the JHHA PC ages 7-18 dressed up and attended the Aroni Awards Gala hosted by comedian Jay Martin and CBC`s Dwight Drummond and Anne Marie Mediwake . The event serves to celebrate and award the achievements of youth and community members in various categories and exist in memory of Aron Y Haile. JHHA PC performed as part of the entertainment of the night. The performance was received with audience acclaim,
To see if a video of the performance click here
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy December 2010 BBPA Luncheon Maestro Fresh Wes Platinum Convention Centre Woodbridge
On Sunday December 5th JHHA PC was at the annual BBPA Luncheon. The Luncheon featured key note speaker Maestro Fresh Wes, one of Canada`s most successful rappers, who`s `Let your Backbone Slide`` is still one of the best selling Canadian hip hop singles of all time. JHHA PC performed a special tribute to Maestro receiving standing ovation.
To see a video of the Performance Click here.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy January 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations McVety Conference Centre, Toronto
On January 15th the youngest JHHA Performance Company members, 7yr old Ethan and Kaylinda performed their special “I have a Dream” duet for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations. They were among several performers from the community but were the only dance act among many singers and choirs. They impressed the audience even receiving some standing ovations. The host of the show Radio anchor for 680 news even took some time to interview both dancers after their performance. Though they struggled to answer some questions in their first ever live interview they did indeed confirm that they enjoy dancing because it is fun and makes them happy and that they would be famous dancers in the future.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy January 2011 Dance Weekend’ 11 Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
JHHA dancer and soloist Jendayi was asked to open Dance Weekend ’11 back in April 2010 after impressing Dance Ontario’s executive director with her performance at Pearson International Airport on International Dance Day. Jendayi Opened the 3 day annual Dance Festival which features the top dance companies from around the province on Friday January 21st at Harbourfront Centres Fleck Dance Theatre. Jendayi’s performance of her solo “Musician Part2” was followed by JHHA Performance Company’s first 20 minute theatre piece titled “Mean To Be; a story of friendship and love through a timeline of Hip Hop Dance. The entire performance received rave reviews.
Too see a video of the Performance Click here
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy January 2011 ABDC Season6 Auditions Manhattan, New York
JHHA made history as the first Canadian children’s crew to audition for America’s Best Dance Crews and one of the youngest crews of all time to make it through round 2 out of 3 of the audition process.
In the start of the New Year Ms. Jade received an e-mail notification about auditions for America’s Best Dance Crew Season 6, after making a phone call and confirming that kids from Canada were allowed to participate, JHHA was invited to come to the New York audition. JHHA Droppaz were one of an estimated 50 crews that auditioned in New York on Saturday January 29th. After the crew of seven young dancers ages 11-15 presenting their audition piece they were asked by producers to come to call backs on the following day. The group was issued the challenge of composing an entirely new dance of 1.5 minutes to present at call backs. So after arriving at the auditions at 8am and waiting 9 hours to audition on Saturday the group worked tirelessly through the night to be back at 10am on Sunday with their new piece. Dancers did the best they could and after a lengthy deliberation by producers were told that they would not be selected for this season. Interestingly enough no reason was given for the decision, the disappointed young dancers held their heads high in an interview following the news and vowed to keep working hard and come audition again next season.
Jade`s Hip Hop Academy February 2011 Young Black & Gifted Dare II Dream Jamaican Canadian Association Centre, Toronto
On Saturday February 19th Jade was asked to share her testimonial about the success of the studio and being a young entrepreneur. This time it was for one of Toronto’s premier Black History Month youth events, “Young Black & Gifted “ Dare II Dream. Jade shared her story plus some advice for students and future entrepreneurs along side fellow speakers, Dwight Drummond (CBC), Dwayne Morgan (Up from the Roots & When Brothers Speak) and Ricky Neckles (Neckles Global Enterprise). In attandence with inspirational greetings were BBPA President Pauline Christian, MP Alan Tonks, Consul General Seth George Ramocan, Garnet Manning 2010 Brampton Mayoral Candidate and former City Councilor.
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy March 2011 Stomping Out Stigma Notre Dame Secondary School, Ajax
On Tuesday March 1st on the request of Canadian Idol Judge Farley Flex, JHHA Performance Company presented a special stepping number at Notre Dame Secondary School in Ajax. The Student Athletics Association of the school organized two special assemblies for the entire school to draw attention to the important issue of stigma’s. The event was called “Stomping out Stigma” and five JHHA PC members ages 10-16 opened both assemblies entertaining staff and students.
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy March 2011 Harry Jerome Awards Media Launch RBC Building, Toronto
On Tuesday March 15th the recipients of the 2011 BBPA Harry Jerome Award were announced at a media launch which was held at the RBC building at 200 Bay St. in Toronto. The Annual Harry Jerome awards honour some of the brightest and most accomplished African Canadians across the country in 16 categories. It was announced that Jade is the recipient of the 2011 BBPA Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award. Jade was interviewed by various newspapers including the Toronto Star, which featured her in an article in Wednesdays (March 16th) Star Paper. The award will be presented to Jade at a Gala on Saturday April 30th in the Toronto Congress Centre.
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy March 2011 Brampton Board of Trade (BBOT) After Business Event Rose Theatre, Brampton
On Wednesday March 16th the Brampton Board of Trade in conjunction with the Brampton Arts Council held their ‘After Business Networking Event’. Members of the Brampton Arts Council including JHHA set up booth with services and products on display. JHHA was also asked to do a special presentation for all attendees. Our youngest competitive group J CREW ages 6-7 and soloist Castle performed in the Rose Theatre Lobby and delighted audiences.
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy March 2011 Rogers Television DAYTIME Rogers Studio, Mississuaga
After seeing the Article in the Toronto Star, Jade was contacted by Rogers Television to appear on their DAYTIME talk show. So on Thursday March 24th Jade appeared on the show sharing the success story of the studio and talked about what it was like receiving the Harry Jerome Award as well as the Zonta Award she received back in November. (pictures coming soon)
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy March 2011 Women of Honour Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto
Thursday March 24th proved to be a busy day for Jade. As a recipient of a 2011 Harry Jerome Award Jade is now required to attend many pre-Harry Jerome events. One of which was the BBPA Women of Honour; A celebration of accomplished women in the community held at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto on Thursday evening. The evening honoured seven women including our friend and supporter Marcie Ien (CTV Host Canada AM), Tracy Moore ( Host Cityline) and Ebonnie Rowe (founder of Each One Teach One & PhemPhat Entertainment group producer of ‘Honey Jam’). A performance request was also made to Jade and on such short notice she took JHHA Performance Company dancer Jendayi to perform her solo Musician Part 1. After her successful performance Jade and Jendayi both rushed back to the studio to continue classes.
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy March 2011 Leon Bacardi Award of Excellence Rose Theatre, Brampton
On Saturday March 26th at the Rose Theatre in Brampton our very own Jendayi Dyer was the recipient of the Leon Argmassilla Award of Excellence for Outstanding Achievements in the Arts. Jendayi Dyer is a member of Jade’s Hip Hop Academy’s competitive team for 5 years as well as their Performance Company.
This is the one of the highest honours a young artist under the age of 18 can receive in the City of Brampton. She was presented the Award by the Brampton Arts Council which consisted of a beautiful trophy and $500 cheque at the Rose Theatre during Brampton Symphony Orchestra Earth Hour Tchaikovsky concert. At just 15 years old Jendayi's ability to captivate and move an audience are extraordinary. She has competed all throughout Ontario, Montreal and New York and has been an award winning team member and is a very successful Soloist. She began her training at age 11 and by the time she was 12 a solo artist had been born. At 13 years old she was given a challenge; she was to embody various musical instruments throughout a new solo titled “Musician”. Jendayi’s ability to grasp the depth of her character won her numerous awards, including all first place standings and many overalls. In the dance studio world to win an overall award means that your routine was the highest scoring routine out of all solos in any genre in a particular age category. This is not an easy feat and typically hip hop solos do not win against ballet, jazz, tap or lyrical yet Jendayi has achieved winning overalls many times. When she was 14 her performance of her solo "Musician Part II" not only continued her success on the competition circuit but was so impressive that she was asked to Open Dance Weekend '11 at Harbroufront Centre(described earlier above in January Events). Jendayi is a role model at our studio where for the last two years she spends time volunteering as a Teacher assistant and Student Teacher in our pre-competitive and recreational classes.
What is additionally remarkable is that Jendayi suffers from severe Asthma which makes it difficult for her to dance. However this does not stop Jendayi from giving every practice and every performance 110% proving to everyone that her condition will not stop her from achieving success. Jendayi has proven she has a fighting spirit and that she will forever continue to pursue excellence in dance. With her proven talent, volunteerism and her ability to overcome adversity, Jendayi Dyer is a perfect recipient of the Leon Argamasilla Bacardi Award of Excellence.
As the Chair of the Dance Ontario Youth Board Jade was in charge of organizing International dance Day Activities at Pearson Airport. Jade coordinated 8 different dance companies from Toronto and the GTA including her own Jade’s Hip Hop Academy Performance to Company to perform at the Airport on Friday April 29th. The event saw over 90 dancers in-between the ages of 7-23 perform and entertain travelers with Hip Hop, Bollywood, Salsa, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Step and more during the hours of 12pm-5pm. Jade also ensured the five youth board members were busy at work doing introductions, taking pictures and passing out programs. The event rand smoothly and was a great success!!
Jade’s Hip Hop Academy April 2011 Harry Jerome Awards Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto
On Saturday April 30th Jade received the 2011 BBPA Harry Jerome Young Entrepreneur Award. The Gala took place at the Toronto Congress Centre (TCC). In addition to receiving the award Jade also choreographed the opening production number “Stand Up Canada” which featured 18 of her own dancers from the Jade’s Hip Hop Academy Performance Company, the vocal group One Accord and solo vocalist Carlos Morgan. In addition to that she also choreographed and performed with Glenn Lewis who performed his new single “Good One”.
Jade’s day began at 11:00am with rehearsals at TCC where she rehearsed first with her dancers and singers and then with Glenn Lewis. Both numbers required coordination with a live band directed by Eddie Bullen and setting of lighting. She left the TCC at 2:00pm to return for the gala at 5:00pm.
The evening was filled with running around and attending to her various responsibilities. In the mean time she had a just to meet premier Dalton Mc Guinty as well as fellow recipient John Tory. “Stand Up Canada” was a success and brought the entire audience to their feet. After receiving the award on stage several pictures and interviews followed and then Jade changed to perform with Glenn Lewis. Their performance was a hit and Jade changed back into her gown and enjoyed the rest of the festivities.
Jade brought her team of staff members and student assistants ages 13-19 with her to the Gala.
Jade would like to thank her staff who ran classes at the studio in her absences at all pre-Harry Jerome Events and rehearsals. Jade also gives a big thank you to her parent volunteers who helped direct dancers backstage during the Gala.
To See a Video of the Harry Jerome Awards Gala Click Here
Jade Jager Clark April 2010 CBC Radio Interview CBC Studios, Toronto CBC Radio requested an interview with Jade about winning the Harry Jerome Award. On Monday May 2nd Jade went to CBC studios at 8:00am and had an interview with host Matt Galloway. Jade spoke about winning the award, the multiple responsibilities she had on the night off and gave some advice to listeners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Jade Jager Clark April 2010 Stephen Lewis Foundation HOPE RISING Concert Sony Centre, Toronto
Staff from the Stephen Lewis Foundation had heard Jade on CBC radio and contacted her that same day to request her presence at the HOPE RISING Benefit Concert for the Foundation featuring Alicia Keys and K’NAAN. Jade was honoured to receive two tickets to the event which was held at the Sony Centre in Toronto. The Stephen Lewis foundation is working hard to turn the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Jade was one of the lucky audience members selected by K’NAAN to come on stage and sing his worldwide hit “Waving Flags”! Other powerful performances and words came from artists such as Jully Black, Angelique Kidjo and Harry Belafonte. Jade had the pleasure of meeting Stephen Lewis a man she greatly respects and admires. One of the facts that struck Jade the hardest is there are over 14.8 million children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Africa. That’s half the population of Canada!!! Jade looks forward to establishing a partnership with the Stephen Lewis Foundation and contributing performances to many future events.
This Season has been our busiest yet. With increasing demands for Performances all throughout Toronto, the GTA and even other parts of southern Ontario, a new studio, almost double the enrollement, the Academy and the JHHA Performance Company (JHHA PC) have been quite busy.
Coming Up...
JHHA ShowCase
Saturday June 11th
at 2:00pm and at 7:00pm
JHHA 5th Anniversary Party
Sunday June 19th
Century Gardens Rec Centre
2:00-6:00pm
