OUR STORY
DOAHL Legacy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black dance traditions. We provide comprehensive dance education, mentorship, and mental health support to children and youth, especially those from Black and equity deserving communities. Through our inclusive programming, community partnerships, and commitment to cultural preservation, we aim to inspire self-expression, dismantle anti-Black racism in the arts, and foster long-term personal growth for every student who enters our space.
About Us
We are Charline and Gregory Hines—partners in life and dance. In the
mid-1990s, we were active members of one of Canada’s first hip-hop dance agencies, touring and performing nationwide. When we decided to start a family, we knew we wanted to build more than a career for ourselves; we wanted to establish a community centre
where children—especially Black children—would be celebrated
through the arts.
In 2003, we founded DOAHL Dance Academy with just six students in a local community centre. While DOAHL began as a dance school, it has since grown into a vibrant nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Black youth, preserving Black dance traditions, and creating an inclusive space for all. Over the past two decades and 2,500+ students later, we continue to nurture a strong sense of community and celebrate the cultural roots of dance, guided by our unwavering vision.
OUR MISSION
We strive to create an inclusive dance community that centres Black cultures and heritage, nurtures self-expression, and fosters collective well-being through dance education, mental health support, and cultural preservation.
OUR VISION
We imagine a world where Black dance traditions are honoured, every child’s unique identity is uplifted, and future generations carry the legacy of cultural pride and artistic excellence forward.
OUR THREE PILLARS
1. DANCE LIFE
Education & Pathways
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Robust Curriculum: We spotlight the Black roots of dance styles—from hip hop to vernacular tap—across all our programmes.
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Individualized Mentorship: We guide students toward their unique dance pathways, whether in professional performance or as an empowering creative outlet.
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Community Engagement: By partnering with schools and local groups, we work to dismantle anti-Black racism in the arts and foster true equity.
2. DANCE SPIRIT
Mental Health & Charity Work
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Holistic Wellness: We foster a safe, uplifting environment where children can address their mental health needs and build self-confidence through movement.
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Culturally-Informed Support: We centre the experiences of Black and racialized youth, offering resources that speak directly to their identities.
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Community Outreach: Our charitable programmes ensure every child—regardless of financial barriers—has the opportunity to learn and grow through dance.
3. DANCE LEGACY
Preservation & Ongoing Impact
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Honouring Roots: We celebrate and preserve the cultural significance of Black dance styles—including hip-hop, Afro-dance, vernacular tap, and jazz.
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20+ Years of Impact: With more than 2,500 students having passed through our doors, many return as mentors, teachers, or parents of the next generation of dancers.
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Continuous Advocacy: We champion greater representation of Black dance in competitions and educational spaces, partnering with adjudicators, dance schools, and community leaders.
OUR PROGRAMS
Dance History Workshops
We explore the connections between historic African dance forms and modern styles like hip-hop. These interactive sessions highlight the evolution and significance of Black dance traditions.
In-School Education
We bring hip-hop, Afro-dance, and more directly into classrooms. Our lessons highlight Black dance heritage and address anti-Black racism in the arts through engaging hands-on activities.
Mental Health Through Dance
We combine movement, music, and mentorship to support emotional wellness, helping youth develop confidence, resilience, and self-expression in a culturally rooted environment.
Contact us for more info
HOW TO SUPPORT
Donate: Your contributions help us provide scholarships, cover costumes and competition fees, and fund mental health initiatives for our youth.
Note: We are not a charity so we cannot provide a tax receipt.
Volunteer: We welcome supporters of all skill sets—from dance enthusiasts and educators to wellness advocates.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues. Your voice helps us reach more children who can benefit from our programmes.
Join Our Classes: Enrol a child, sponsor a student, or attend a workshop to see firsthand how transformative dance can be.e firsthand how transformative dance can be. (ADD YOUR REGISTRATION PAGE)