The 7th Manifesto Festival delivered a much needed dance-a-thon to Toronto last weekend, hopping venues and moving bodies from September 19th to 22nd. The celebration of hip hop and youth culture maintained a welcoming mood felt throughout, as stylish fest-goers young and old took in dance parties, award shows, panels, live performances, and an art exhibition at Sacred Seven Gallery.

Opening night at newly renovated Measure started off right as DJ L'Oqenz and Poirier had the crowd moving. The vibe carried on through Friday's Foundry co-presented Adelaide Hall take-over to Saturday, where a colourful art exhibit exploring the theme of evolution decked the walls of Sacred Seven Gallery, while live painting went on outside.

On Sunday at Yonge & Dundas Square, where the Graffiti Boxmen Project artists were still working on their art into the evening, The Last Style Standing might have been the day's most exciting portion — dance competition was fierce. While the B-Boys style wowed the fans, more traditional dance styles ruled the finals.

Performers ecstatically interacted with fans, several jumping the fence and dancing among the crowd. Kardinal Offishall joined Kenya Boys Choir in the middle of their set — Offishall saw them play in Africa and, when he found out they planned to be at Manifesto, requested to join in. Shad, another special guest, followed up.

Headliner Jhene Aiko of LA had a large contingent of fans braving the cold weather, and mentioned that since it was her first time in Canada she'd be playing extra songs. DJ Mel Boogie's brother, Maestro Fresh Wes, also stopped by to celebrate her 20th anniversary. As the festival moved toward its close, even the photographers in the pit were dancing.

PHOTOS

Thursday

Saturday

Sunday

Photos by John Kivellote, Derek Flack, and Rose Joy Kivellote.