Lua Shayenne is a multi-disciplinary artist who, for over 10 years, has been weaving stories, through dance, song and word. Her art practice is embedded in her African roots and her Faith. Her goal is to “effect a spiritual conquest” by establishing a relation with the human hearts and create original, inspiring and relevant art.
 
 A 2016/17/18 K.M. Hunter Dance award nominee and a recipient of the 2013 BMO seeds Fund Award for Artists working in community, Lua proudly tours with Lars Jan’s (NYC/LA) HOLOSCENES (Toronto/ Florida/ Miami/ New York/ London,UK/ Abu Dhabi/ Australia tours), a multidisciplinary water installation on climate change.
 
Lua was recently featured in Fall for Dance North, Dusk Dances/Canadian Stage in High Park, JAMII’s eclectic programming including SEVEN, The wedding Part II, WAYO children’s Festival and is co-choreographer for National Ballet School’s Sharing Dance 2021.
 
Lua is the creator and interpreter of the dance theatre children series titled, Tales and Dances Around the Baobab. The fourth tale of the series, being developed under the series, is YASSAMA and The Beaded Calabash, with support from the Wee Festival and le Théâtre Français de Toronto ( May 2022 premiere).
 
As the artistic director of Lua Shayenne Dance Company (LSDC), Lua commissioned, produced and danced in DORA nominated KIRA, The Path | La Voie which premiered at the Luminato Festival and toured in Ontario, to rave reviews. She is also creating two works for LSDC: WAVES | VAGUES and FRONTIERS | FRONTIÈRES.
 
Lua is also an educator and community builder. She teaches at the Ryerson University’s dance program and brings African dance, music, storytelling and culture to grassroots organizations and schools all over Canada and Europe.
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