Carnival Spice® is Canada’s top provider of Caribbean dance and fitness. They bring movement to beautiful masquerade costumes through their dance and model team. When they are not performing, they are teaching others Caribbean dance through their signature Carnival Spice workouts. They also create engaged and inclusive spaces where participants can enjoy both in-person and virtually. The performance team was voted “Best Dance Company” in 2018 & 2019 via byblacks.com and were semi finalists in the “2021 International Soca Dance Championships”. The fitness classes were voted “1 of the top 5 classes at Elle studios by Fajo Magazine”. Carnival Spice is also the creators of the first ever “Soca Dance Directory” which features over 30 popular soca dance moves.
Vision:
Our vision is to continue to be a leading Caribbean fitness and entertainment group that cultivates community, connection and confidence & to foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for the Caribbean diaspora in Canada and beyond by creating safer spaces to express our cultural pride and appreciation.
Mission:
Serve as a cultural connection point for the Caribbean diaspora in Canada & abroad
Educate the next generation on the significance of Caribbean Carnival, and Black & Caribbean History
Provide exceptional family-friendly Carnival experiences at special events
Promote health and wellness through our Caribbean-dance fitness programs
Mentor emerging Black & Caribbean dance artists and facilitators; providing meaningful work opportunities through our Training and Performance Team
Meet The Training & Performance Team
The Training and Performance Team is the heart of Carnival Spice composed of the talented dancers, models and instructors who bring to life all of our offerings including corporate and community classes, entertainment and presentations. This vibrant collective is directed and mentored by our Artistic Director & industry leader, Shakera Martin. We are a team of emerging, semi-pro and professional artists who are passionate about sharing our gifts, enthusiasm and passion for Caribbean culture and Carnival with the world. Auditions for this dynamic team are held annually although many of our members have been with us for many years.
Meet The Founder
Shakera Martin is a Canadian Movement Coach and Speaker. At a young age, she was exposed to music and dance. The flair and vibrancy of her Caribbean culture is what she used to enhance her unique style of movement. She launched Carnival Spice™ with an intention to highlight and elevate Caribbean culture. Her performance credits include: The Marilyn Denis Show, The Canadian Olympic Committee, the Toronto Marlies and more. Since earning an Occupational Health and Safety degree at Toronto Metropolitan University (formally Ryerson), Shakera continues to promote the relationship between health, wellness and dance. In addition to Carnival Spice, she is the founder of Simply Shakera Inc., a lifestyle brand focusing on the empowerment of women through dance, fitness, and culture offering workshops and youth mentorship programs. This has allowed her work to reach as far as Belize and India as well as create partnerships with top fitness brands including Nike Toronto and Lululemon.
Shakera was one of the women whose contributions to the Black community were featured in CBC’s limited series “Herstory In Black by #HowSheHustles”, a celebration of 150 women who have made a place in Canadian history. She was also selected as one of Top Black Women to Watch in Canada for 2020 by the CIBWE organization. Shakera was featured as one of the top 100 Health Leaders In Canada for 2021 by Optimyz Magazine and awarded the 2022 - Influencer of the Year by the Afropolitan Canada. Most recently, Shakera was a Top Fitness Instructor In Canada - Class of 2023 by Impact Magazine and voted the 2023 “Notable Women” Of The Year in the Notable Life Awards.