JOAT Festival – August 29 to August 4, 2023 LiveEvents August 21, 2023 1097 JOAT International Street Dance Festival From August 29 to September 4, come celebrate street dance in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles! From the streets to the stage, artists of many different backgrounds dance, compete, and share their passion with all the generosity and intensity that drive them. Electrifying and festive. Spearheaded by Handy “HYA” Yacinthe, a pioneer of today’s popping dance community in Quebec and a major influencer on the Canadian and international street dance scene, the Festival celebrates street dance culture as a cultural and social factor. This week of programming and activities featuring more than 150 artists who will immerse you in the world of street dance: high-level battles, breaking, popping, hiphop, krump, beatmakers, Kidz Battle, masterclasses, exhibition! An opportunity to discover some of the Afro-American community dances that have become popular around the world. For the whole family! Free outdoor events at Esplanade de la Place des Arts Art Market August 31 from 4 pm to 8 pm September 1 from 4 pm to 8 pm September 2 from 12 pm to 8 pm September 3 from 12 pm to 8 pm Amid the festival celebrations, visit the Art Market and discover the work of exceptional craftspeople: visual arts on canvas, on carpets and even on shoes. SPOT SESSION August 31, 4:00 pm September 1, 4:00 pm September 3, 4:00 pm Come participate or watch an open street dance practice. For dancers, it’s a moment of gathering to train and share with the street dance community. For the audience, it’s an opportunity to see the artists improvise Hip Hop moves, breaking, popping, krump, and other street dances in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. JOAT PRELIMS Break August 31, 6:00 pm Pre-selection battle of dancers aiming to participate in the final of the JOAT Battle. All breakers are invited to showcase their skills for a short period in front of the judges and the audience. The 16 best-selected dancers chosen by the judges will take part in the Club Soda battle later that evening. Le Patin Libre August 31, 8:00 pm September 3, 8:00 pm The artists of Le Patin Libre are known for their ice shows combining the virtuosity of Olympic skating, the creativity of contemporary dance and the energy of urban dance. This time, they’re swapping their blades for wheels to deliver a remarkable inline skating performance. Funktastique Voyage August 31, 8:30 pm These musical performances hosted by various DJs will light up the late summer nights. Montreal Loves Dilla September 1, 3:00 pm A group of local DJs will host a tribute evening to legendary music producer and hip hop icon J Dilla. PRELIMS Hip Hop September 1, 6:00 pm Pre-selection battle of dancers aiming to participate in the final of the JOAT Battle. All hip hop dancers are invited to showcase their skills for a short period in front of the JOAT judges and the audience. The 16 best-selected dancers chosen by the judges will take part in the Club Soda battle later that evening. Introduction to street dance September 2, 12:00 pm September 3, 12:00 pm Introductory street dance workshops! Open to all ages and levels, these workshops provide a friendly, non-judgmental space for learning and self-expression. No previous experience necessary. Introduction to Krump September 2, 2:00 pm Introductory street dance workshops! Open to all ages and levels, these workshops provide a friendly, non-judgmental space for learning and self-expression. No previous experience necessary. MKA Session September 2, 3:00 pm Krump battle-performances and discovery of this form of street dance that merges movements with remarkable expressiveness and energy. Born in Los Angeles within the Black community in the early 2000s, this style is notably derived from Clowning, ancestral African rituals, and modern hip-hop culture. This event, in collaboration with Montreal Krump Alliance, will bring you moments charged with emotion. Introduction to hustle September 2, 4:30 pm An energetic experience into the hustle universe – a ballroom dance that originated in New York City nightclubs in the 1970s. To the rhythms of Latin, disco and funk music, learn the basics of this social dance in a festive atmosphere. JOAT Block party September 2, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm A celebration in the fine tradition of block parties, which originated in African-American communities as a way to celebrate and socialize. Line up of DJs: Sweet Larock, Dj Manifest and Mofak MC: Erich Preach THE SHED September 2, 9:00 pm There are never enough opportunities to come together in a festive atmosphere while celebrating street dance and the cultural richness of our community. With THE SHED, a 100% improvised live band featuring hip hop, jazz, and R&B. JOAT Kidzbattle September 3, 2:30 pm The JOAT Festival is open to all generations! You’re invited to attend the JOAT KidzBattle, an all-styles dance battle for ages 18 and under. Come and witness this event and discover the overflowing creativity of the new generation of dancers, who will perform with passion and ingenuity. Join us in celebrating the emerging talent within the street dance community. A wonderful activity for the whole family! JOAT Vocal Cypher – Performance September 3, from 5:40 pm to 6:00 pm At this year’s popping prelims JOAT is hosting an open vocal cypher for MCs and singers to improvise on stage. Hosted by Rupert Common this cypher occurs after our freestyle workshop and features Scynikal, Sam I Am, Karma and Meryem Saci. If you are a poet, rapper or vocalist then this cypher is for you! PRELIMS Popping September 3, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm Pre-selection battle of dancers aiming to participate in the final of the JOAT Battle. All poppers are invited to showcase their skills for a short period in front of the JOAT judges and the audience. The 16 best-selected dancers chosen by the judges will take part in the Club Soda battle later that evening. DJ SHASH’U & FRIENDS September 3, 8:30 pm Outdoor musical performances hosted by DJ Shash’U. He’ll share hosting duties with a lineup of equally talented guest artists. A DJ set to remember! For more information visit: www.joatfestival.com
