JOAT at the MEM !

MEM is delighted to welcome the street dance festival JOAT !

On the program:

Panel discussion - Echoes of the Past, Bridges to Tomorrow

Wednesday, August 27 – 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

MEM Belvédère

Imagine Montreal in the early 1990s. Street dance was emerging, driven by young people seeking expression and community. Join a roundtable with three key witnesses of this vibrant cultural movement’s golden age :

• Natasha « Tash » Jean-Bart
• Martin « Cholo B » Sanchez
• Marvin R. Baptiste

They will share memories, shed light on the era, and reflect on how a thriving local scene took shape in the city’s northeast from the late ’80s to the mid-’90s.

What are DAW’S ?

Wednesday, August 27 – 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

MEM Cabaret

Catch an electrifying event where two groups of beatmakers showcase original creations. New for this edition: beats will be manipulated in real time, with live creation adding an extra layer of energy and uniqueness to the experience. Expect a high- energy atmosphere as artists go head-to-head, pulling out all the stops to win over and electrify the crowd!

In partnership with LOOPSESSION

JOAT.EXE - Short film screening

From Wednesday, August 27 to Sunday, August 31 – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

MEM Workshop 1

This short documentary directed by Do Phan Hoi traces the evolution of the JOAT Festival international de street dance. Blending archival footage, personal accounts, and dance sequences, the film highlights key figures who have shaped Montreal’s street dance scene. Driven by a sharp edit and an original soundtrack by Shash’U and Magnanimous, it pays tribute to the raw and creative energy of a movement that grew from local neighborhoods to take center stage at Place des Arts in 2022. More than a film, it’s a celebration in motion — a close-up on a living culture that keeps pushing boundaries.

AMALGAME - exhibition

From Wednesday, August 27 to Sunday, August 31 – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Cordes à linge du MEM

Amalgame pays tribute to a tight-knit community through dance. In this exhibition, photographers Do Phan Hoi and Victor Le explore the faces and bodies that bring JOAT to life — a festival where excellence meets inclusion. Suspended, candid, or explosive moments reveal the human and artistic richness of street dance. Each image is a piece of the collective puzzle that is JOAT, where styles, stories, and cultures intertwine with ease.

About JOAT International Street Dance Festival

A festive week where artists from all over the world come together to celebrate street dance and its related arts. The program features live music, cyphers, high-level battles, parties, workshops, art exhibitions, conferences, and performances, offering a full immersion into the dynamic world of street dance, showcasing outstanding artists.

Discover the festival on JOAT website JOAT Festival