Productions
Groove Nation Faculty
Our GNWS Faculty, is a highly accredited group Dancers and Choreographers who pride themselves on educated the dance community through their passion of dance and instruction. We have enlisted this talented group from all over the world to bring you the best experience possible in an array of dance styles. Check out the credentials of the GNWS Faculty below!
Leon Blackwood
Leon Blackwood is no stranger to Music and Movement. He began to explore the possibilities of a Dance Career around the age of 15, Performing at community events and with school dance crews. In hopes of building his choreography reputation he started his own Dance Group/ Company, Nu Limit Ent. in early 2003.
His strong performance skills and signature cool factor have landed him Principal Dance roles in movies such as “Honey” Staring Jessica Alba, Lil’ Romeo and Missy Elliott. Disney’s “Frenemies”, “Alvin and The Chipmunks 3 Ship Wrecked” (Playing Alvin) and assistant choreographer and Dancer on "Make Your Move”. Training in classes and workshops around the GTA and the U.S he joined the cast of 1 of the most noted Hip Hop conventions “The Monsters of Hip Hop” In 2009.
Through his hard work and dedication he has been able to Dance, Tour and/or Choreograph for the likes of Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Victoria Duffield, Jully Black, Blake McGrath, Down With Webster, Keshia Chanté and Danny Fernandes to name a few. Leon has been able to provide choreography for major events, networks and charities such as the YMCA, Much Music, Toronto District School Board, ABDC Season 2 Commercial, So You Think You Can Dance and So You Think You Can Dance Canada . He’s assisted/ worked along side with Top Choreographers Luther Brown, Rhapsody James, NappyTabs, Kevin Maher, Marty Kudelka, Hi Hat, Gil Duldulao, and Laurie-Anne Gibson on many projects from Artist music video’s and movies to major network programs like the Much Music Video Awards, Juno Awards and So You Think You Can Dance. Continuing to build his craft he travels to L.A a few times a year to train and work with some of the industry’s leading Choreographers and Dancers. He has become one of the most sought after Commercial Dancers and Choreographers in Toronto, sharing his passion for Dance and Movement around the world.
MsToya Robinson
MsToya Robinson is a Dancer, Choreographer, and Instructor born and raised in Toronto! She began dance at the age of 3 and is technically trained in ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics and hip hop and competed across North America winning many championships. MsToya broke into the entertainment industry with a tap dance role alongside the late great Gregory Hines in the movie "Bojangles". From there she went on to dance in a few more movies, videos and stage performances with Drake, Black Eyed Peas, Rihanna, Akon, Flo Rida, Kardinal Offishall and Ludacris to name a few. MsToya has also performed on tours in North America, the Caribbean, UK, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia with Massari, Kreesha Turner, Blake McGrath and soca star Destra. She has also assisted Tre Armstrong and Luther Brown on all the seasons of So You Think You Can Dance Canada.
A true lover of dance and movement, MsToya likes to express her creativity through choreography which has lead her to produce routines for the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Argonauts, and the Toronto Rock Cheerleaders. Just last summer, MsToya had the opportunity to work with R&B superstar Mya on her performance for Toronto's Carnival. It was a huge accomplishment and one of the years highlights for her. As of late, MsToya choreographed and danced in Massari's latest music video "Shisha" and is currently choreographing and staging his world tour! Make sure you check out this entertainer and stay up to date with her at www.mstoyarobinson.com as she is busy preparing for another full year of dance and performances around the world!
Ivan Blackstock
BirdGang Dance Company Artistic Director Ivan Blackstock describes himself as a multi-faceted Director and Choreographer who stimulates audiences through movement, concept and sound. His creative process is intense and extremely visual. He is a conceptual nomad, creating a world inside his subconscious that would have Tim Burton and Salvador Dali on the same astral plane. He works closely with his dancers using many tools such as method acting, film, music, animation and collages to support his dancers in understanding the concept for each work. With honesty and thinking strategically about his work Ivan brings to the stage a signature style both illustrative and thought-provoking.
Ivan has worked commercially on music videos, advertisements and in street dance shows and knows how to produce a WOW factor to his creations. He is now at a point in his career where he is focusing on a future creating work for the theatre.
Credits include: Breakin Convention, Jonzi-D's Lyrikal Fearta, Company of Elders, TAG…Just Writing My Name, Flashdance the musical, Dizzee Rascal and Will.I.Am, Rita Ora, Glastonbury Festival, So You think You Can Dance UK, Dancing with the Stars USA, Adidas, Reebok, STRIKE!
