Rhythm, Roots & Community
Charlotte Street Arts Centre celebrates Black History Month with a high-energy, Afro Hip-Hop dance party.
(Fredericton) The Charlotte Street Arts Centre (CSAC)’s ArtReach program will close out Black History Month with Rhythm, Roots & Community, a high-energy Afro Hip-Hop dance celebration on Saturday, February 28 from 7:00–9:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Street Arts Centre’s Jim Myles Auditorium. The evening will showcase participants from the Afro Hip-Hop Dance series and culminate in a community dance party, inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to move, connect, and celebrate together.
Led by Fredericton-based dancer and instructor Scholastic Soares, CSAC’s Afro Hip-Hop Dance program blends AfroDance and hip hop while highlighting cultural storytelling, rhythm, and accessibility.
Originally from Tanzania, Soares has been a Canadian resident since 2001 and began dancing in middle school as a form of self-expression and connection. Over time, dance became a transformative practice that shaped her personal and artistic journey.
With a versatile background in Afrodance, hip hop, and contemporary styles, Soares brings energy, experience, and cultural depth into every class. The series offers a welcoming environment for participants of all experience levels, encouraging exploration of movement while fostering appreciation for the historical and cultural roots embedded in African dance forms.
“As a Latin American, dance has always been an important part of my culture and identity,” said ArtReach Manager and program coordinator Oscar Tecu. “It’s something that connects people across generations and backgrounds. When I developed this program, I asked myself, how can we make this as accessible as possible? Not just for youth, but for newcomers of all ages. And how can we create a space where newcomers and long-time community members can connect?”
Oscar and Scholastic both moved to Canada around the same time and grew up together in the same youth group and shared experience that helped shape the program’s inclusive and community-focused vision.
“I really wanted to bridge that gap and bring people together,” said Tecu. “This is truly the best kind of community program. When you can bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to move your body to music. It’s the best kind of medicine. Good for the body, the soul, and the heart.”
Event Details:
Rhythm, Roots & Community: Celebrating Black History Month Through Dance
Saturday, February 28, 2026
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Charlotte Street Arts Centre
Entry by donation