By Holly Hebert

The 2024 Arts in the Parks season has fully kicked off and events are happening all across Toronto. In these first few weeks of getting started, we’ve seen dancing, poetry, garden stories, and more. If you’re looking to catch up on any events, read along as one of our summer staff takes you through what she’s been able to attend.  

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Open Jam’s Belly of the Beatz, at Earl Bales Park on June 8, popped off with a dance workshop at the park’s amphitheatre. Bringing in American dancer Popula to lead, the afternoon’s workshop was a combination of his motivational speeches and popping techniques. He inspired the array of kids and adults in attendance to share their moves with confidence.  

Open Jam’s aim is “to keep the legacy of street dance culture, specifically “popping”, alive by creating spaces and opportunities for exchange, knowledge-sharing and growth” (Open Jam Collective). Keeping in touch with this, the 90-minute workshop spilled into an open jam session where anyone could remain on the stage and continue dancing. Many folks chose to stay grooving while others waited for the evening dance battle that was to come

Tender Possibilities, led by Farhia Tato, made its way to Guild Park and Gardens on June 9 for an intimate poetry workshop. Although pouring rain was on and off throughout the afternoon, participants said the dreary weather only added to the atmosphere. With two tents covering blankets for sitting, around 20 folks sat cozily together, attentively reading and taking inspiration from Tato.  With more to come throughout the summer, “this series explores six themes—Origin, Memory, Migration & Movement, Resistance, Nature, and Rebirth—in a cycle that aligns between the summer solstice and autumn equinox” (Tender Possibilities). Sparking creative thought and using a meditative environment, participants left the first workshop feeling reflective and thoughtful.  

Lastely, Described Toronto’s Hopewell Garden Audio Story took place at Walter Saunders Memorial Park Thursday, June 20. This guided walk around the park’s garden was led by native plant expert Lorraine Johnson who was mic’d up to make the presentation available online. Described Toronto “[welcomed] attendees, both in-person and virtual, to experience the fascinating world of native plants and be inspired by the hope that is cultivated when natural habitats are restored” (Described Toronto). 

Although last Thursday evening saw thunder and lightning, attendees and artists alike came equipped with rain gear and the audio story went on, with on-site listeners absorbed in Johnson’s talk. After a walk through and around the garden, the sun peeking out every so often, the group found a dry spot for the Questions and Answers segment. With the event being transformed into a podcast after the live walk and talk, in the Q & A, any folks who asked a question would also appear in the podcast.