RITMO & CAFE
Folkloric Group - PARADE
Ritmo y Café is a dance group from London, ON, founded 22 years ago. Its director is Alba Cielo Velasquez, from Cali, Colombia. The mission of the group is to help Latino children born in Canada, or those who have been living in Canada for some time, maintain their roots and traditions. At the same time, the group aims to provide a fun and recreational activity in their daily lives, allowing them to learn and enjoy the wonderful art of dance. Today, in one of our performances, we would like to pay tribute to our wonderful Colombian singer-songwriter, TOTO LA MOMPOSINA, who passed away in May of this year.
This entire initiative is deeply rooted in a structured dance program and inspired by the passion of its founder and director, Colombian artist Cielo Velásquez.
TONATIUH
Folklore Group - PARADE
Founded in 2002 in Toronto, Canada, by Artistic Director Luz Adriana Castillo, a graduate of the National School of Mexican Folkloric Dance in Mexico City, Tonatiuh was born from a deep passion for preserving and sharing the vibrant cultural heritage of Mexico through dance. Through colourful costumes, powerful rhythms, and storytelling in movement, we celebrate the spirit of Mexico’s diverse regions. Each performance is not only an artistic expression, but a living tribute to generations of history, culture, and community. Tonatiuh welcomes dancers of all ages, nationalities, and experience levels. We believe that folkloric dance is a bridge between cultures — uniting people through respect, discipline, and shared passion.
YAMBEQUE
Folkloric Group - PARADE
Grupo Yambeque is a Latin dance and performance group that brings the energy of Salsa and Colombian folklore to the stage. We specialize in high-impact shows, party animation, and interactive dance workshops for all ages. Our mission is to share the joy of Latin culture through music, movement, and community. Whether performing at festivals or leading cultural events, we bring rhythm, colour, and connection wherever we go. With Grupo Yambeque, every moment is a celebration!
KANTUTA DE BOLIVIA
Folkloric Group – PARADE
Kantuta is the national flower of Bolivia; it grows only in Bolivian soil, near the Altiplano heights. It features the colours of the national flag: red, yellow, and green. The dance group was named after the Kantuta flower as a symbol of gratitude to our motherland, which is rich in pre-colonial culture, art, and folklore. The Kantuta de Bolivia dance group was established in 2017 to introduce Bolivian dances to the current generation, ensuring that the cultural heritage of Bolivian folklore remains alive in Canada.
FREE STYLE
Dance Group
Free Style Dance is a dance academy led by Helen Rojas and Santiago Rojas, with over 17 years of experience training children and youth in Latin urban dance. We are currently champions in several competitions across Ontario, Canada, recognized for our talent, dedication, and passion. Our team is made up of dancers from many different nationalities, proudly representing the flags of Latin America through dance. We inspire confidence, creativity, and excellence both on and off the stage.
MEXICAN LEGACY
Folkloric Group - PARADE
Mexican Legacy Dance Company is a passionate and vibrant dance group dedicated to preserving and sharing Mexico’s rich cultural heritage through traditional folkloric performances. Their mission is to connect communities by showcasing the diverse and colourful traditions of Mexican music, dance, and costume—building a cultural bridge between Canada and Mexico.
SENTIR VENEZUELA
Folkloric Group – PARADE
Sentir Venezuela Cultural Group is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and sharing Venezuelan culture through their traditional music and dances in Canada. Founded in Toronto 10 years ago, we celebrate Venezuela’s rich cultural heritage. Their performances are vibrant, joyful, energetic, colourful, and always with a smile, bringing Venezuela to their hearts.
Our repertoire includes Afro-Venezuelan rhythms such as Calypso, Parranda, Drums, Waltz, and the principal Venezuelan dance, Joropo.
LLASAS DE BOLIVIA
Folkloric Group - PARADE
The Dance Group LLASAS was founded in December 2007 in Oruro, Bolivia. The group’s objective is to promote the beautiful Bolivian folklore. They feature dances from various regions and take pride in representing Bolivia at multicultural events in Canada.
CANDOMBE C1080 NORTH
Music Group - PARADE
Where tradition and passion meet in every drum. This iconic Uruguayan comparsa embodies the vibrant heart of candombe. It combines music, dance, and song. It is a fundamental part of Uruguay’s cultural identity and is especially celebrated during Carnival.
C1080 North Candombe brings the vibrant Afro-Uruguayan rhythm of candombe to Toronto’s multicultural stage. Inspired by Montevideo’s legendary Cuareim 1080, this dynamic drumline keeps alive the powerful tradition of chico, repique, and piano drums, echoing the heartbeat of Uruguay through the streets of Toronto.
They are a standout presence at Latin festivals and cultural events, with performances at Toronto Latinos and Latin Night at BMO Field drawing crowds with their infectious energy and irresistible rhythms. More than a performance group, C1080 North is a cultural bridge—honouring Afro-Uruguayan heritage while uniting diverse audiences through the universal language of rhythm and celebration.
RITMO PANAMEÑO
Folklore Group - PARADE
Under the direction of María Paz. Created in September 2007, this group has performed at various events and presentations across Toronto and Montreal.