ABOUT US

Ethio-Canadian Cultural Academy. (ECCAI) is a registered non profit organization that started on the month of August 2010 by a volunteer group composed of different dancers that represent the different ethnic groups in the country of Ethiopia. It was founded to introduce the beautiful culture of Ethiopia to Manitoban, Toronto  and Canadians as a whole. We also wanted to keep kids connected to their culture and heritage, so that they are well rounded individuals with a positive self image and a greater sense of community connections with their peers. Ethio-Canadian Cultural Academy Inc. aims to develop, enhance and promote recreation of various dance types and cultural diversity here in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Toronto, Ontario. All our traditional dance, Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromigna and Arabic  languages, cultural and heritage education programs are open to all who are interested. We hope to build cultural understanding between all the communities we operate in and serve. Furthermore we want to create greater unity and healthy relationships among Canadians and Ethiopians. Our programs promote community development, cultural activities as well as trade and tourism. We believe our organization raises awareness and provides opportunities for the enhancement of multicultural societies and promote a healthy lifestyle in the society of Manitoba and Toronto. ECCAI also supports recent immigrants, and adopted families by providing them important information and helping them on their transition to their new Canadian life and make settlement as smooth as possible.

faq'S

What kind of classes do we offer and what are the costs?
We offer: Kids and youth Dance Classes – Give your children a gift of a lifetime hobby and let them join thousands of kids already involved in the competitive Dance sport. Whether taken seriously or just for fun, dancing will benefit your children in many ways:
  • great exercise, helps to develop good posture, grace and balance
  • kids become more confident, they gain good social skills
  • dancing develops musicality and love for music


We offer Group Classes: Learn to dance Amharigna, Tigrigna, Guragigna Welaytigna, Oromigna, Afarigna, Ashenda, Agewigna and more traditional dances and live performances. Our Beginner Classes are very popular and enjoyable.
We also offer traditional instrument lessons, for those students that want to do it all! With this class you don’t have to choose between dance classes or learning one of Ethiopia’s unique instruments, you can do both! The classes are fast paced high intensity traditional Ethiopian dances that will increase the students’ physical strength levels.
Cost: FREE, every individual or family can enjoy learning the traditional dances of Ethiopia without worrying about cost.
What should I wear?
​You can wear anything you feel comfortable in. Jeans, T-shirts, skirts, leggings are all right. Wear something that won’t restrict your movements but not too loose so the instructor can see if your body is moving correctly. You can wear costumes as well. During performances we will be providing students with traditional outfits, so that we perceive the overall culture of Ethiopia.
what kind of shoes do I need?
The shoes are very important for a dancer. You can wear sneakers or other comfortable shoes. Please, try not to wear the same shoes you have worn outside, or if you must – just wipe them really well.
How soon will I feel comfortable with the dances?
At beginner level classes you learn five basics traditional dances Amharigna, Tigrigna, Oromigna, Guragina, and Welaytigna.
New students will be placed in the beginner level and based on their performance they will then be transferred to the next level. You can then continue learning at the intermediate and advanced levels, which will include more than the five basic dances.
The only secret is practice. The more you dance, the more confident you will feel dancing and the more you will enjoy it! Don’t be afraid to ask more experienced dancers for a help. Dancing is a social hobby and those good dancers are thrilled to help and welcome new faces on the dance floor.
CAN I WATCH MY CHILD DANCING?
Yes you can. In fact we encourage parents to stay and see their child’s progress during their training and encourage them to do their best!

THE ETHIO-CANADIAN CULTURAL ACADEMY WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS