‘Dance first, think later’: Montrealer uplifts through new dance studio
Posted February 23, 2024 12:06 pm.
Last Updated February 23, 2024 6:52 pm.
Uplifting through dance and being a social worker in Montreal is Armel Omatoko — also known as Melo Omat.
CityNews first introduced you the instructor back in 2022, virtually.
Fast-forward to today, we visit in person at their first ever Uplift514 Studios.
“New Year, new Studio,” said Omat. “Super excited about it!”
“We’ve created really a nice community,” explained Omat. “Where we can count on each other.”
“It’s just beautiful to see.”
The beauty, now happening at the corner of Papineau and Saint Catherine Street.
For the last month, that’s where the Uplift514 Studios have called home.
The space’s smell – still brand-new – but the dancers, filled with all levels of experience.
“I teach Ndombolo from the Congo,” said Omat. “There’s Zaouli from Ivory Coast.”
“We have teachers here that teach Konto from Nigeria,” he added. “Afro-house from Angola.”
“We’re really trying to bring all of those different styles and different countries together.”
Teaching since 2015, Omat was bringing that uplifting energy before to various studios across the city with uplift514 co-founder, Jackie Traoré.
When Omat’s not getting down in the studio, he’s also working to inspire young people in his community at Montreal’s Maison des Jeunes L’Escampette where he’s a youth worker.
“I love just empowering young kids, the youth,” he said. “By being active in the community, trying to guide them.”
“Help where needed, and just by caring.”
RELATED: Montrealer follows ‘rhythm in his heart’ to dance
His involvement there grew seven years ago after giving –- you guessed it — dance classes at the center.
“Seven years,” he said laughing. “Yeah, time flies!”
His energy –- contagious.
“He’s kind,” said Malaïka Raymond Rouamba, Uplift514 Studio member. “He’s funny, he lets you be you.”
“You just really want to have fun,” added another participant, Savhana Lecoro. “The people now also are like a family.”
Omat is proud of the dance members, his work, and new studio space.
Inspiring Montrealer’s everywhere he goes to follow the rhythm in their heart.
“Don’t forget our motto,” he said. “Dance first, think later!”
