Community for the Culture
An Amiskwaciy Waskahikan (Edmonton) based dance company, officially launched in July 2020.
Aya Sol supports the dance community with HIGH QUALITY DANCE TRAINING and education, with a strong focus on foundation, open to all levels of dancers. We choose teachers and Guest Teachers who represent and respect the history, community and culture of the styles taught. Training is focused on Club Styles, Street Styles, and Latin Styles; including House, Hip Hop, Heels, Latin Heels, Reggaeton, Tap and Shuffle. We host special GUEST ARTISTS who share their expertise in Chicago Footwork, Litefeet, Waacking, Salsa and Bachata.
Our Core values are quality, connection, authenticity, collaboration, creativity, and fun! Our mission is to support artists by providing a platform for growth and opportunities, while we inspire and elevate our communities through the arts.
We aim to create a culture of inclusion where we celebrate diversity. We stand for humanity and have ZERO tolerance for hate, violence, racism, queerphobia, bullying or harassment both in class and online. Aya Sol strives to create a SAFE AND CREATIVE space that fosters growth for everyone.
Aya Sol honours and acknowledges that we move and create on TREATY 6 TERRITORY, the traditional land of the diverse Indigenous people including Nehiyawak/Cree, Dene Suline, Nakota Sioux, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi/Blackfoot, as well as the Metis and the Inuk/Inuit peoples.
Hip Hop
HIP HOP is a freestyle street dance that was born in the Bronx, NYC in the mid 70s. Four essential elements of Hip Hop include the MC, the DJ, B-boys and B-girls, and graffiti artists. Hip Hop has been one of the most influential musical genres and cultural movements in the world, impacting dance styles, fashion, media, art, language…to name a few. Aya Sol aims to support the dance community by always providing the highest quality training with authenticity, with respect to the pioneers and architects of this style. Classes will always bring focus to the history, culture, and community that built it and continues to build it to this day.
Reggaeton
Reggaeton can be traced to a musical riddim that originated in Jamaican reggae. In the 1980’s, a Panamanian artist, El General, added spanish rap over these rhythms, creating a new genre known as, “reggae en espanol”. This sound caught fire in Puerto Rico, where more musical genres were added into the mix. Reggaeton was the new sound coming out of the late 90s and is still hot on a global scale. The dance is a sensual mix of Latin, Hip Hop, Dancehall, and Caribbean styles. Originally a social street dance it is now more popularly danced without a partner.
Heels
A Sassy, Sultry and empowering program that focuses on dancing in heels. This class you will learn how to move in heels, build confidence and feel empowered while enjoying a supportive community of dancers. AYA SOL Heels programs include elements of Latin, Hip Hop, Vogue Femme, Waacking, Modern Jazz, Pop and R&B, in the movement taught. Our Heels dance programs have included Guest Artists such as Kelli Forman, Andrew & Marco, and others who offer their expertise in all elements of the style.
House
HOUSE is a club style that began with the birth of House music in Chicago in the late 70’s. Chicago created a unique House dance style of there own, that continued to evolve along with the music which moved into ghetto house music, juke and then “trax”. This fire new sound, which typically runs at 160 bpm, influenced the creation of Chicago Footwork. Meanwhile, House music spread to New York and a dance style was building with a diverse mix of movement style influences including Hip Hop, Latin, Tap, African, Jazz, and Martial arts. While Chicago House and New York House styles are different, House music and the dance is one of love and inclusion, with an essence that is free and a vibe that is uplifting. AYA SOL House Classes teach with respect to the history, community, culture and pioneers of this style.
Choreography
Aya Sol has choreographed for local Artists, television series, weddings, dance crews, competitions, and events.
Special Events
Personalized for your special event; Weddings, Birthdays, Bachelorettes, Team building.
One on One Private Lessons
Customized training to level up your dance skills. Train in the styles of your choice, learn at your own pace and receive focused feedback. (In person and/or online)
Choreography
Aya Sol has choreographed for local Artists, dance teams and competitions, weddings, special events, and videos. We are ready to create with you whatever the occasion. (In person and/or online)
Your donation will help us continue to offer high quality training opportunities and host events that build community through the Arts. We value your support!
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul”- Martha Graham
Music is the Heartbeat, Dance is the Spirit ~ Aya Sol
