Clarence Ford is a sought-after visionary who has worked with Cirque du Soleil, global celebrities, sports franchises and Fortune 500 brands to produce live shows, TV productions, films and commercials. This Toronto-based director, choreographer, producer and teacher knows what it takes to entertain and exceeds audience expectations on stage, screen, ice and water. Clarence’s innovative expertise led him to work on concerts for the late James Brown, Alanis Morissette, Arrested Development, Del La Soul, and Canadian pop stars Sugar Jones.
He has also worked on corporate and not-for-profit events, featuring various renowned talents, such as Lenny Kravitz, David Foster, Stevie Wonder, Wyclef Jean, Avril LaVigne, Sarah McLachlan, John Mayer and the Barenaked Ladies. In addition to Cirque du Soleil, Clarence counts Adidas, Pepsi, Reebok and Robbie Williams, among his long-standing clients. Other current and past clients include: The Clinton Foundation, Canadian Olympic Committee (Samsung’s 2010 Olympic Gala Show), CBC, DreamWorks, Ford Motor Company, Free the Children (WE Day), Imperial Tobacco (Definiti Canadian Tour), Labatt, Miramax, UNICEF (Against Aids Concert), Universal, NBA Toronto Raptors, The CFL (Grey Cup) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (Dreaming with Open Eyes).
Clarence’s credits range from choreographing award-winning, international performers to bringing pop culture to synchronized swimming and skating, through stars like Kurt Browning and world champion Yna-Kim. His ‘In the Groove’ film about Kurt Browning inspired the ‘Athletes in Motion’ CTV series of short films, commissioned for the 2010 Olympics and its Victory Ceremony. He was subsequently the artistic director for the award-winning series and directed three of its films, which were shown broadcast and seen online worldwide.
With his unique vision, Clarence choreographed Cirque du Soleil’s creation ‘KOOZA.’ Ontario’s Luminato Festival commissioned him to create ‘On The One’ – a funk music festival that ranks as one of its most successful events to date. Clarence was invited to be a part of TO2015’s Arts & Culture Advisory Council and helped develop the vision and strategic direction of various Toronto 2015 Pan Am & Parapan Am Games festivals. He created and directed opening productions for David Foster’s star-studded gala fundraiser in 2013 and is collaborating with him on future events.
Some of Clarence’s other noteworthy projects include: creative direction/choreography of
‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ ‘Stars on Ice,’ We Day Opening Production the One X One Gala and Canada’s top entertainment award shows (Junos, Genies and Geminis). He has also created fashion shows for Greta Constantine, Fashion Television, Reebok and London England’s George Clothing Line. On screen, Clarence choreographed Robbie William’s top-rated music video ‘Radio.’
He has worked on film productions around the world, including Los Angeles, the West Indies, and Europe. Clarence’s film credits include: The Tuxedo (Jackie Chan/ Jennifer Love Hewitt), Billy Madison (Adam Sandler) How To Deal (Mandy Moore), Gossip (Kate Hudson), Undercover Brother, (Eddie Griffin/Billy Dee Williams), Ladies Man (Will Farrell) and The Smurfs 2.
Clarence’s talent is evident in more than 80 television commercials, including spots for American Express, Pepsi, Advil, Reebok, Kodak, Coke, Tylenol and Budweiser. He began his career on stage as a performer on Soul Express, a musical group that toured nationally and landed its own TV special. Clarence’s transition from one of Canada’s top performers to one of most respected choreographers and creative producers was natural.
Today, he leads Clarence Ford Entertainment, a company that merges live entertainment with evolving technology and a social conscience. Clarence serves as creative director and producer for various clients and gives back through varied initiatives. This work includes Square Circle, one of Toronto’s first inner city social circus programs, which Clarence founded in 2014.
Square Circle is part of the global social circus movement that drives social change in communities by helping inner city kids realize their creative potential and learn invaluable life skills. Square Circle’s premiere program is part of the world-renowned revitalization of Toronto’s Regent Park.
