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FAQ

  • 1. What is the vision behind Smile Paradise?
    Smile Paradise is more than a festival โ€” itโ€™s an experience. It celebrates African culture, empowers women, uplifts talents and schools, and nurtures meaningful projects across Africa. Itโ€™s also about joy, connection, and self-expression through dance, music, food, and fashion โ€” where everyone can truly #ShareYourSmile.
  • 2. When and Where is Smile Paradise happening?
    ๐Ÿ“… October 17โ€“20, 2025 ๐Ÿ“ Station Clark, 4529 Clark St, Suite 003, Montrรฉal, QC H2T 2T3 Located in the vibrant Plateau area, surrounded by cafรฉs, shops, and that unique Montreal vibe!
  • 3. Whatโ€™s the venue like?
    Station Clark is a spacious and central venue โ€” warm, modern, and perfect for dancing, connecting, and vibing. Itโ€™s easy to access by metro (less than 10 min from Mont-Royal Station) and surrounded by free and paid parking options.
  • 4. Where do I find the festival program and dress code?
    ๐Ÿ“ฒ The full program and daily dress codes are available on our official pages. ๐Ÿชฉ Dress Codes โ€ข Friday โ€“ SKY: Shades of white, blue, grey, or black. โ€ข Saturday โ€“ TOUCH OF GOLD: Add a hint of gold to shine! โ€ข Sunday โ€“ UNITY: Celebrate diversity with your favorite colors. Each day โ€” add one African-inspired item (bracelet, earrings, fabric, etc.).
  • 5. Where can I get a social media frame for the festival?
    โœจ Grab the official Smile Paradise 2025 Twibbon here: ๐Ÿ‘‰ https://www.twibbonize.com/smileparadise25 Show your colors, your pride, and your smile โ€” youโ€™re part of the movement!
  • 6. How do I register on-site for the event?
    ๐ŸŽŸ On-site registration will be open at Station Clark. Youโ€™ll find our registration desk at the entrance โ€” look for the โ€œWelcome / Accueilโ€ sign! You will have to register as well over here: https://www.dancervillage.com/smile-paradise-festival
  • 7. Will I be able to pay at the registration desk?
    โœ… Yes! You can pay directly on-site by card, Interac, or cash. We recommend securing your pass online to guarantee your spot โ€” Buy your pass here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/dancervillagecom/1446935
  • 8. Will there be vendors at the festival?
    ๐Ÿ› Absolutely! Explore our AFRICAN MARKET featuring: โ€ข African fabrics, jewelry, and accessories ๐Ÿชถ โ€ข Festival T-shirts and tote bags ๐Ÿ‘• โ€ข African snacks and food tasting ๐Ÿ› โ€ข And even a Game Station with Songoo, card, and dice games ๐ŸŽฒ Because Smile Paradise is not just about dancing โ€” itโ€™s a full cultural and joyful experience!
  • 9. Who is the event hotel reserved for, and what are the conditions?
    ๐Ÿจ The official festival hotel is reserved primarily for artists, DJs, and the organizing team, but a limited number of rooms are also open to participants who wish to share the full festival experience. ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ The main night for the artist stay is Saturday, October 18 โ†’ Sunday, October 19. โœ… Rooms include breakfast and provide exclusive opportunities to meet the artists and DJs informally.
  • 10. Iโ€™m an artist staying at the hotel. What should I expect?
    Welcome to the Smile Paradise family! ๐ŸŒŸ Your stay includes: โ€ข Comfortable accommodation close to the venue โ€ข Morning coffee chats and group breakfasts โ˜• โ€ข Behind-the-scenes networking with fellow artists โ€ข Shuttle or carpool coordination to and from the venue ๐Ÿš— Our team will communicate check-in/check-out details and provide your welcome pack upon arrival.
  • 11. What are the highlights of the 2025 edition?
    ๐Ÿ”ฅ Smile Paradise 2025 โ€“ The African Glow brings you: โ€ข 10+ Bootcamps (Kizomba, Semba, Urban Kiz, Konpa, Afro, Tarraxo) โ€ข 3h Semba Masterclass by Fabricio Do Zangado ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น โ€ข Day & Night Socials + Afro Jam Sessions ๐ŸŽถ โ€ข African food tasting and snacks ๐Ÿ› โ€ข Festival market with T-shirts, accessories & handmade crafts ๐Ÿ›๏ธ โ€ข The Dancing for Growth book by Smile ๐Ÿ“˜ โ€ข Game station with Songo, cards & dice ๐ŸŽฒ โ€ข And a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere โ€” all in one magical place ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ•บ๐Ÿพ
  • 12. How will you ensure everyone gets to dance?
    ๐Ÿ’ƒ๐Ÿพ Inclusivity is our motto! Our team promotes balanced dance rotation, themed socials, and accessible spaces so everyone โ€” beginners or pros โ€” can enjoy. We also ensure a friendly flow during socials by encouraging rotation, connection, and respect on the dance floor. โœจ At Smile Paradise, everyone shines.
  • 13. How can we eat/drink at the venue?
    ๐Ÿด Youโ€™ll find authentic African dishes, snacks, and drinks available on-site throughout the weekend. ๐Ÿฅ‚ The festival is BYOD (Bring Your Own Drink) โ€” so you can bring your favorite beverage (alcoholic or not)! ๐Ÿ’ง Water will also be available at the venue. Enjoy your meals, hydrate, and dance the night away with energy and flavor!
  • 14. Is there a place where I can ask questions?
    Of course! Smile Paradise is all about community and connection โ€” and weโ€™ve got the perfect space for that! ๐ŸŒโœจ Join our official **Facebook discussion group** ๐Ÿ‘‰ [Smile Paradise Talks](https://www.facebook.com/groups/smileparadisetalks) This group is designed for all attendees to: ๐Ÿ’ฌ Chat about **accommodation & roomies** ๐Ÿš— Coordinate **rides & carpools** ๐Ÿน Plan **hangouts & meetups** ๐Ÿ—“ Share **festival tips, updates, and excitement** You can also reach us anytime through: ๐Ÿ“ง **Email:** [smilendancenet@gmail.com](mailto:smilendancenet@gmail.com) ๐Ÿ“ฑ **Instagram:** [@smileparadise_festival](https://www.instagram.com/smileparadise_festival) ๐Ÿ“˜ **Facebook Event:** RSVP & message us directly And of course, our on-site **Info Desk** will be available throughout the festival for guidance, help, or just a friendly smile ๐Ÿ˜Š
  • 15. Where can I park near Station Clark?
    Youโ€™ll find free and paid parking options nearby: โœ… Free spots on Clark Street, and around St-Urbain and St-Dominique (no restrictions on weekends). ๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Paid options include street meters and a Plateau-Mont-Royal daily permit for just $15, valid for 24h in resident zones (code: PMR01 at parking terminals). ๐Ÿ’ก Pro tip: The daily permit is often cheaper and more flexible than parking meters!
  • 16. What does โ€œBYOBโ€ mean for the festival?
    BYOB = Bring Your Own Beverage! ๐Ÿฅ‚ Youโ€™re free to bring your favorite drink โ€” alcoholic or not โ€” and enjoy it responsibly during the festival. ๐Ÿ’ง Water will be available on site. โœจ Itโ€™s all about freedom, comfort, and celebrating your way โ€” because at Smile Paradise, your vibe matters!
  • 17. What is the Masterclass, and how can I join?
    The Semba Masterclass is a 3-hour deep-dive session led by Fabricio Do Zangado ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น, designed to help you refine your technique and feel the rhythm of Semba in a powerful, authentic way. ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Takes place Sunday, October 19 during the daytime program. ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Access it with a Masterclass Pass โ€” or get it included with your Sunday Day Pass. ๐Ÿ”ฅ Limited spots available โ€” early booking recommended!