TBTN Performer Recap

We have posted about all the folks who will be performing at TBTN this year, but here they are in one post:

• Kathryn Kimmins will lead us in laughter yoga
• Anne Marie from the YWCA Hamilton will lead us in Zumba
• Rhythms of Resistance Toronto will be providing some revolutionary samba music for the march
• Melanie Skene of Many Hands Arts is bringing her giant puppets
• And there will be a couple of exciting surprises too!

Laughter Yoga

Kathryn Kimmins of Laugh Yourself Healthy will be leading us in laughter yoga at TBTN.

From her website:

10 Good Reasons to Laugh for NO Reason!

1. Laugher easily changes the way we feel.  It helps us to feel good, relax, be more self-confident and self-expressive.
2. Laughter improves our interpersonal relationships. If we are laughing, we can’t be fighting.
3. Laughter is a stress buster. It relieves physical, emotional and mental stress
4. Laughter strengthens the immune system and helps maintain good health.
5. Laughter is anti-aging. It increases blood supply to the face, making it glow. It helps us to feel and look younger. We look beautiful when we laugh.
6. Laughter is an aerobic exercise equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise.
7. Laughter increases the levels of endorphins-the body’s natural pain killers
8. Laughter helps control high blood pressure and improves respiration, circulation and digestion.
9. Laughter makes us more imaginative and creative. It improves our sense of humour and sleep.
10. Laughter helps dump depression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders. Laughter shrinks the hurts of everyday life. It interrupts the power struggle and releases tension and anger.  This helps us to be more accepting and peaceful.

Now try not to laugh along with this baby:

Get Ready to Dance!

Rhythms Of Resistance Toronto have put together a women-identified crew to play at TBTN in Hamilton!

The movies were made during the Youth Exchange “StylesInConflict — towards PEACE”, which took place in Poznan, Poland in 2009.  Film by Sabine Conlin, Katrin Hentschel, Kamila Lenczewska.

Watch Out…

This year at TBTN Hamilton…. GIANT PUPPETS!

Giant Puppets at Solus Parade

Melanie Skene of Many Hands Art will be bring her giant puppets to walk in Hamilton’s march this year.

I am an activist artist who is committed to creating art that explores issues related to the social justice and the environment.  The central feature of my artistic work is creating and working with puppets, particularly giant puppets who are brought to life in community festivals and parades.  My identity as an artist is complemented by my identity as an activist and my motivation for both stems from a desire to contribute to the creation of a more just world that respects earth as giver and sustainer of life.

- Melanie Skene

We are excited and honoured to have Melanie’s puppets join us in this year’s TBTN!