Toronto, ON—It’s been two years and too long since students in Outside Looking In’s dance program took to the stage in Canada’s largest Indigenous youth performance. But after eight months of rehearsing, they will be ready to put on a spectacular show for the 15th anniversary of its Annual Showcase at Toronto’s Meridian Hall on Thursday, May 12th.
Outside Looking In (OLI) is a nationally based organization that offers multiple support programs for Indigenous youth across the country including
- A high school accredited dance program for Indigenous youth in grades 7-12
- Future Leaders, a high school credit mentorship program
- A Work Study program providing paid employment while earning college/university credits
- Entrepreneurship program teaching basic business skills
- An alumni accelerator supporting past OLI graduates with life goals
OLI amps up the star power for this year’s Annual Showcase with the addition of two of Canada’s latest JUNO Award nominees: Godfather of PowWoW Step, DJ Shub and the hugely popular Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
“We are all just so pumped to have our Annual Showcase return as a live stage event,” said OLI CEO Tracee Smith. “With the addition of two superstar performers and the winner of our first ever national dance contest, we have an awesome show in store for this year’s audience.”
Two shows are scheduled for May 12th at 10:30am (students only) and 7:30pm (general public). Tickets for the evening show are $35 to $95 each (plus fees & taxes), and are available online through the following outlets:
- olishow.com/events,
- Ticketmaster
- TO Live
- By phone at 1-855-985-2787 or 416-368-6161 x1,
- In person at the Meridian Hall Box Office located at 27 Front Street East.
Since the inception of its dance program in 2007, OLI has played a critical role in empowering thousands of Indigenous youth and achieving high school graduation rates of over 96% while improving academic standing and health and well being.
Running simultaneously with the school year, the innovative program pairs some of Canada’s hippest choreographers with participating schools.
About Outside Looking In
Founded in 2007, Outside Looking In is a nationally registered charitable organization that aims to empower Indigenous youth through the transformative art of dance, while they pursue education, increase their mental and physical health, and engage in self-expression. For information, visit olishow.com.
