Vision
At Casa de Danza, we envision a vibrant Toronto dance community where every artist is supported in their creative journey. We recognize the pressing need for infrastructure that fosters artistic growth and collaboration in our city. Therefore, we are dedicated to providing a physical space that serves as a hub for professional dance artists, offering not only shelter but also the resources and facilities necessary for their artistic endeavors. We celebrate the rich diversity of bodies and cultures that shape our city, with a special focus on highlighting the traditions and innovations of Latino roots. Our vision is to be a beacon of inclusivity and excellence, where all forms of dance are embraced and where the synergy between artistic expression and physical space fuels innovation. Through collaboration, support, and celebration, Casa de Danza aims to empower every dancer to thrive and contribute to the dynamic tapestry of Toronto's dance scene.
Values
Education & Context:
providing opportunities for knowledge sharing of specific Latin dance styles, cultural traditions, and history.
Equity:
addressing systemic barriers and actively supporting Latin artists who have been historically excluded or marginalized.
Belonging & Connection:
fostering spaces where everyone is treated as a neighbour and a friend; where all people feel seen, welcomed, and part of something meaningful.
Visibility & Representation:
creating opportunities for Latin dance artists and themes to be seen, heard, and recognized by the wider community.
Humanity:
celebrating art as a lens through which universal human experiences are shared and honored.
Our People
Sarahí Cardenas
Founder & Artistic Director/Producer
Sarahi Cardenas immigrated from Mexico to Canada in 2015 to continue her career as a professional dancer with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen. After completing her contract with the company, she began freelancing in Toronto’s vibrant dance scene. In 2019, she co-founded The Fifth Dance, initially with a business partner. When her partner shifted focus to other ventures, Sarahi took on the challenge of running the studio independently.
During the pandemic, Sarahi not only managed to keep The Fifth Dance afloat but also transformed it into a thriving business by offering online classes. This innovation led to the launch of the Adult Program, which provides dancers of all skill levels with an inclusive and welcoming space to enjoy dance. By 2022, the studio secured its first commercial lease, marking a significant milestone in its growth. In 2024, The Fifth Dance proudly celebrated five years of operations, having established a reputation for offering fun and accessible dance training for a diverse community of dancers.
Board members
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Josh Marchesini (he/him) is a trilingual (English, Spanish, French) Salvadoran-Canadian writer, artsworker and event/theatre producer based in Toronto. He has worked with a variety of organizations in the performing arts to execute effective strategies in fundraising, member relations, producing, marketing and content creation both in Toronto and Montréal. He is a proud alum of Our Bodies, Our Stories, a performance creation and arts leadership program, directed by multidisciplinary Kama La Mackerel. Recently, he participated in Generator’s Artist Producer Lab and was a Mentee for Communicating the Arts’ 30 UNDER 30 Global Mentorship Program. He holds a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration & Cultural Management from Humber Polytechnic and a BA in Art History from McGill University.
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Brenda is a licensed architect and passionate arts advocate with over 20 years of experience designing spaces that inspire connection, creativity, and community. As a board member of Casa de Danza she brings a unique perspective on the intersection of design and the arts, contributing to strategic planning, facility development, and community engagement initiatives.
Throughout her career, Brenda has remained deeply committed to fostering inclusive, accessible spaces for artistic expression. She believes that great design and the arts both play vital roles in shaping equitable, vibrant communities.
Brenda holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carleton University and is recognized in the industry for her proven ability to lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams for complex projects from concept through construction. As a dance student and enthusiast, she is excited to bring her voice and vision to the board in support of the organization’s mission and impact.
Outside of professional practice, Brenda is a dance student, avid cyclist and aspiring baker. She has participated in the Ride to Conquer Cancer for 6 consecutive years, raising funds in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. When she’s not in the dance studio taking classes, Brenda enjoys travelling, hiking, sketching, and reading.
What we do
We support artists and their different journeys.
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More info to come
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