LUA SHAYENNE DANCE COMPANY (LSDC) has been infusing the Canadian contemporary dance scene with the vibrant energy of its African influence in all its rich diversity to the world stage.
LSDC blends dance, music, and storytelling rooted in West African culture with contemporary arm forms and social commentary.
LSDC produces original dance works, delivers enriching educational programs, as well as YENSA Festival, a biennial festival which highlights Black female dance artists from Canada and internationally.
Led by the vision of Artistic Director, Lua Shayenne, LSDC’s artistic practice is also a spiritual practice in service to the wider community:
“The process of creating something new can potentially increase our sense of spiritual connection to one another and transform the hearts of our audiences and participants.
LSDC has presented six full length productions including Water Spirit and FRONTIERS | FRONTIÈRES (Betty Oliphant Theatre – 2024), KIRA, The Path | La Voie (YENSA Festival, MIFO, CC Frontenac, Kingston, ON, Luminato – 2019 & 2022), Djaa, the Drought (Arts in the Parks, Toronto – 2016 & Festival International Danse Encore, Québec – 2013), Hybrid and Woman’s Whisper (CC Frontenac, Kingston, ON – 2016), cos.mo.pol.i.tan, (Harbourfront Centre, Toronto – 2014); Departure 00:00, (Lower Ossington Theatre, Toronto – 2012).
LSDC has also been featured in major venues and festivals such as Fall for Dance North (Bluma Appel – 2025), Kuumba365 (2025), FrancoFest (2024), the 33rd Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance (2023), Sharing the Stage (National Ballet of Canada/Harbourfront – 2023), Common Ground Festival (2023), dance: made in canada festival | fait au canada | d:mic (2022), Fall for Dance North (2022), Dusk Dances (various years), Dancing On the Edge Festival (Vancouver), and more.
LSDC ARTISTS
2026 SEASON
DANCERS: LUA SHAYENNE, LIYAH SIMBULAN, AMELIE GIUSTA, NICOLE POWLETTE (Guest Apprentice)
MUSICIANS: CÉCÉ HABA, WALTER MACLEAN
GUEST COLLABORATORS: FARA TOLNO
LSDC STAFF
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, CURATOR: LUA SHAYENNE
ADMINISTRATOR: MONICA DEL RIO PAIN
ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR: HEIDI MCDONALD
ACCOUNTING MANAGER: MARC TERRANCE
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: ADRIANA MONTES
LSDC BOARD
Kristi Leacock – Chair
Alex Karolyi
Corrinne Russell
Rose N’dengue
