Dance Ontario is proud to announce the two commissioned artists for our Creative Partnership Program, whose original works will premiere at DanceWeekend’26 this January at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto!
Lukas Malkowski (he/they)
@mal_kowski is a Toronto-based choreographer, performer, and educator whose practice merges physical intensity with thoughtful metaphor. With a background in international performance and education—including five years working in Germany—Lukas has recently returned to Canada to deepen his choreographic work and teaching. A graduate of The Toronto Metropolitan University, their movement methodology prioritizes athletic rigour, repetition, and somatic storytelling. Lukas recently premiered their full-length solo Microphone Controller in Berlin and continues to lead workshops and commissions across the country.
Commissioned Work: True North
Photo by: Tiffany Manankil
Africa Wagg (she/her)
@choreobyafricawagg is a rising choreographer, performer, and dance educator based in Toronto. Originally from Orillia, Ontario, she holds a BFA in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University and is currently completing her MA in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies at York University. Africa is know for her vibrant, emotionally grounded choreography and her commitment to cultivating inclusive and empowering dance environments. With a growing portfolio of freelance commissions and teaching roles, she brings curiosity, care, and a fresh perspective to the stage.
Commissioned Work: The Making of Us
Photo by: Jeremy Mimnagh
Join us in January 2026 at Harbourfront Centre to witness the premiere of these new works at DanceWeekend’26!