They communicate through dialects such as: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip hop, House dancing, Vogueing, Waacking and Bboyin. Their work reflects a distinct language that stands out from the masses. Rightly named Gadfly Dance Company, they personify innovation.

Gadfly is the brainchild of Apolonia Velasquez and Ofilio Portillo, a creative duet originally from Montreal and now based in Toronto. Initially, these two maverick choreographers had for vision to see Urban Dance genres completed with real human qualities, and some flavor added to Contemporary dance. From there, it is from the need to express themselves without the constraints of commercial demands and to finally put urban dances in the forefront that other established dancers decided to collaborate. As a result, in 2008, Canada’s first contemporary urban dance ensemble was created.

Now, after only two years of existence, what makes Gadfly unique among the myriad of existing dance companies is both its outstanding performers and its fresh and eccentric concept. Contemporary Urban Dancing is more than just a fusion of dances styles. Merging art with entertainment, they bring on stage a unique energy and their works breathe through that spontaneity found only in the urban dance culture.

Performances:

• Unbearable Prospect
• Bench Clothing store opening
• Series 808
• Dance Matters Series
• The Bazaar
• Talent Defined
• Dances of Offerings

Festivals:

• Luminato Festival
• Nuit Blanche Festival
• Toronto Fringe Festival
• Junction Festival
• Break Beats & Culture
• Rock, Paper, Sistas Festival
• Women in Dance
• International Dance Day

Contributed for organizations and Charities:

• Keep-A-Breast
• Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists
• The Speech and Stuttering Institute
• Rethink Breast Cancer
• Sick Kids
• Doctor’s Without Borders (support for Haiti)
• Liam’s Light