Originally Posted May 16th, 2016
As a not-for-profit organization, Toronto Lindy Hop is 100% run by volunteers who are dedicated to improving and enriching the swing dancing experience in Toronto; and to building a friendly, vibrant, and fun social Lindy Hop community, right here in Toronto.
We strive to provide many programs and services. Some of our programs are free to everyone, like the Dance Ambassador program, which helps to promote an inclusive atmosphere, helping new dancers to feel welcome in the Toronto Lindy Hop community. Other programs require a fee to participate – like Lindyworks, TLH’s annual Lindy Hop and Vernacular Jazz workshop, or Lindystock – a dance event held in a wilderness setting with the comforts of home. These fees help cover the expenses of running the events, like venue rentals, instructors’ flights and fees, decor, musicians, DJs, etc.
We aim to provide our programs at the best price possible so that the most dancers possible can enjoy them, however, we also want to pay our beloved musician, DJs, and instructors a fair and reasonable rate for their services and expertise.
The great thing about being a not-for-profit is that any extra money that is made from paid events gets invested back into the programs. That means more star instructors teaching at workshops, a stronger Dance Ambassador program, extra fun at the Stocks and Homegrown!
But, sometimes we need a little extra help to make sure that the programs we offer are of the caliber that our community deserves. That’s where TO WLHD comes in as a fundraiser.
Historically, all proceeds from the previous Frankie Tribute Weekends were donated directly to the Frankie Manning Foundation (Which works to keep Frankie’s values, and those of the Savoy Ballroom dancers alive.The fund supports projects that are grounded in unity and collaboration and strives to promote Lindy Hop and enable people of all backgrounds to participate in this joyous dance), and although we still want the community to support this important organization, we also think it’s important for funds raised in Toronto to go back into improving and enriching the Toronto dance community.
If you would like additional funds to go directly to the Frankie Manning Foundation, we encourage you to donate directly on the FMF site.
We work very hard to make this event one that reflects our community and we hope that you are as excited about this years’ event as we are. If you’re interested in getting involved with TLH and helping to grow Toronto’s Lindy Hop events and programs, get in touch at info@torontolindyhop.ca.
See you on June 1st, 2024 for our next ‘Toronto Celebrates World Lindy Hop Day’ Celebrations‘!
