From non-Black dancers performing in Blackface, to the exquisite work of legendary Black artists, It’s About Time: Dancing Black in Canada shines a light on the largely undocumented dance history of Canada’s Black population before 1970.

Curated by Seika Boye PhD, this exhibit exposes the representation of Blackness on Canadian stages, as well as audience and media reception of Black performance in Canada during this era. Featured are individual dance artists such as Leonard Gibson, Ola Skanks, Ethel Bruneau, Joey Hollingsworth and Kathryn Brown. It’s About Time explores legislation of leisure culture, dance lessons and the role of social dances at mid-century.

The exhibit opens January 31st at DCD Gallery (149 Church St., 3rd Floor). Get more info here.