La Connexional

09/19/2026

AFRO DANCE IS NOT ONE THING • BELONGING SUMMIT

In this conversation from the E=M³ Belonging Summit, Kamsie of Jinjá Studios talks about building space for distinct styles to be learned and celebrated - from Coupé-Décalé to Amapiano and dancehall.

That is part of what belonging can look like: making room for people to find their style, their people and their confidence through movement.

Thank you to Kamsie, Mofi and Jinjá Studios for being part of the day, and for giving us the green light to share this conversation.

Which African dance style first made you feel at home?

CoupeDecale Dancehall MovementThatBuildsBelongin

08/22/2026

Brock from SerenAura Sound is joining us for Rhythm Cradle at the Belonging Summit.

Together with Marcus Fung, Brock will help lead the closing experience: a participatory space for rhythm, sound and slowing down together.

Join us at Hearth Cowork & Cowellness this evening.

Today, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
5720A 75 Street NW, Edmonton

08/22/2026

Aliza is joining us today at the Belonging Summit.

A social worker and creative facilitator, Aliza will be holding space for a songwriting circle. It’s a chance to slow down, make something together and let music open up new ways of connecting.

Join us at Hearth Cowork & Cowellness.

Today, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
5720A 75 Street NW, Edmonton

08/22/2026

MangeBienSZN is joining us today at the Belonging Summit.

As a movement collective, they bring energy, presence and the kind of shared experience that reminds us how much connection can happen when we move together.

Come through to Hearth Cowork & Cowellness this afternoon and evening.

Today, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
5720A 75 Street NW, Edmonton

08/22/2026

Jinjá Studios is joining us today at the Belonging Summit.

An Afro-Fusion dance collective and studio, Jinjá brings movement, culture and community into the room. We’re glad to have them be part of this gathering as we make space to connect, listen and move together.

Hearth Cowork & Cowellness
Today, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
5720A 75 Street NW, Edmonton

08/22/2026

We talk about arriving at the beautiful Hearth Cowork space and setting up for our event. Doors open at 4:30 PM, with a key panel discussion from 5:30 to 6:30 PM featuring David Shepherd and Marcus Fung, which I’ll moderate. Then from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, we’ll have a sunset groove music soul call and jam, including a special rhythm cuddle activation by Marcus Fung and Brock from Savory Nova Sound. We’re excited to hold space for everyone joining us.

08/22/2026

Marcus Fung is joining us today for both the panel conversation and the music circle that follows.

From 5:30 PM, he’ll be part of a conversation on belonging, culture, arts, technology and community futures alongside David Shepherd, with Ivan Touko moderating.

Then from 6:30 PM, Marcus will help guide the Music Circle and GROOVE Jam as we move into the evening together through rhythm, sound and shared participation.

Hearth Cowork & Cowellness
Today, 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM
5720A 75 Street NW, Edmonton

08/22/2026

David Shepherd will be joining us for tonight’s panel conversation on belonging, culture, arts, technology and the futures we’re building together.

David is the MLA for Edmonton-City Centre, a lifelong Edmontonian and a community advocate whose work has focused on safer, more connected and inclusive communities. His background spans music, communications and public service, with advocacy across downtown revitalization, the arts, housing, mental health and anti-racism.

Join David, Marcus Fung and moderator Ivan Touko from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at Hearth Cowork & Cowellness.

08/22/2026

Plans changed, but we’re still gathering.

Tonight, we’re bringing Belonging to Hearth Cowork & Cowellness for a smaller evening of conversation, music and community.

Doors open at 4:30 PM. We’ll begin with a conversation on belonging, culture, arts, technology and what comes next for our communities, then close the evening with drumming, a music circle and Rhythm Cradle.

Come through if you’re in Edmonton. Come as you are.

Hearth Cowork & Cowellness
5720A 75 Street NW, Edmonton
belong.falac.org

08/19/2026