As part of Dance Together’s residency at Assembly Park this Spring, dance artist Mel Hart will be at The Studios to teach Hip Hip 101 – a fun and dynamic class that explores the foundations of hip-hop movement that can help you feel more at ease at your next social dance event. 

Mel Hart is an dance artist and emerging curator who loves creating and bringing joyful, vibrant stories to unique spaces through movement. Mel has always believed that dancing can bring people together to stir conversation, emotion and engagement.  

Most recently, her collective SaMel Tanz premiered their full-length work “CHAMPIONESS” at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre, presented by DanceWorks. Mel also toured with Nova Dance for the performance of “Svāhā” at the Vancouver Playhouse and danced for Teria Morada at Summer Soulsa Festival in New Brunswick.  

This residency is an opportunity for Mel to dive into her Trinidadian heritage through music and movement, discovering parallels and contradictions to her training in Hip Hop and western Contemporary dance. 

Read on to learn more about Mel Hart. 

Assembly Park: Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do. 

Mel Hart: “I am a creative and social person who loves dancing many different styles and sharing art! I teach dance across the GTA and choreograph for multiple events and spaces.” 

AP: What is your biggest source of inspiration? 

MH: “This is a hard question to answer, because I find inspiration from many things…the amazing women in my life and the lived experiences, from historic figures, my own, or even local/ community.” 

AP: When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? 

MH: “Ever since I was introduced to art, since I was a little girl – probably 6 years old.” 

AP: How has the arts and culture community in Vaughan impacted you? 

MH: “It’s made me feel welcomed and valued, which is so appreciated as an artist coming into a new space/community. It’s also brought me joy because I get to share what I love to do and give a positive experience to others.” 

AP: Tell us a fun fact about yourself. 

MH: “I LOVE food. I love the experience of trying new things and I find eating one of the most incredible experiences in life – it ignites all your senses and brings people together.”