DESI DIARY

SUMMER SKIES: A FESTIVAL OF DANCE AND MUSIC

This year’s Summer Skies features an exciting lineup of musicians and dancers, representing a range of art forms. On July 5 and 6 at Streetsville Village Square, Mississauga.

Sampradaya Dance Creations invites you to Summer Skies, a vibrant two-day outdoor celebration of rhythm, movement, and melody, taking place on July 5 and 6 at Streetsville Village Square, Mississauga.

Previously also held at the historic Benares House, a heritage site in Mississauga, the free, public festival brings artistes and audiences to honour art, celebrate community, and experience the transformative power of dance and music – under the open summer skies.

Curated with care, this year’s Summer Skies features an exciting lineup of musicians and dancers, representing a range of art forms. The program includes live music and dance, interdisciplinary collaborations, and special showcases, reflecting Sampradaya’s commitment to creating platforms for cultural dialogue and artistic explorations. The lineup includes 20 dance and music groups, spanning genres and generations.

Artistic Director Suma Suresh shares, “Summer Skies is a joyful two-day celebration of community, dance and music – a special annual gathering under the open skies. Now in its fourth year, Summer Skies is set against the backdrop of some of Mississauga’s most scenic and welcoming spaces. These are special spaces that we want to animate by offering both community and professional artists the opportunity to share their work with new and diverse audiences.”

Founded in 1990 by internationally acclaimed Bharatanatyam soloist, scholar, educator, and cultural producer Lata Pada, Sampradaya Dance Creations is recognized as a pioneering force in South Asian dance, both in Canada and globally. SDC’s work blends classical Bharatanatyam vocabulary with contemporary expression, rooted in a deep commitment to artistic excellence and cultural relevance. From national tours and ensemble productions to vibrant community festivals, Sampradaya brings South Asian dance to audiences across Canada and around the world, including India, the United States, Indonesia, and Ireland. 2025 marked the completion of the company’s 35th anniversary – a year of reflection, celebration, and renewed vision.

When and where: Saturday, July 5, and Sunday, July 6 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Streetsville Village Square, Mississauga. Free and open to all.