The 49th annual Folkfest will take place at Centennial Theatre on Saturday, June 3, 2023
Performers
Serbian Folklore Ensemble Vuk Karadzic Veteran
Serbian Folklore Ensemble Vuk Karadzic – Veterans was founded in 1970 with a goal to keep
the Serbian tradition and culture alive through the best possible way: music and dance. The
group you are going to watch tonight has been together since 2010.
Kolo is the traditional collective folk dance, in which dancers, both male and female, form a
circle and dance, holding each other’s hands. Each region has at least one unique kolo and
every kolo has its specific steps.
Program of Performance:
Dances from Leskovac – Very dynamic dances form town called Leskovac at South Eastern
Serbia - Choreographer Vladimir Ilic and Maja Ajdanic from Desa Djordjevic teaching
Hitōtōse(ひととせ) Presented by WA NO GAKKOU Japenese Cultural School @ TOZENJI
"TATE (殺陣)" is a stunt action using a sword often seen in plays, movies, and TV series, especially period dramas and samurai movies. It is a specialized technique in theatre designed to create the illusion of physical combat without causing harm to the performers. This technique has existed in Japanese theater culture since ancient times and is one of the traditional Japanese arts that is different from sports and martial arts. A live samurai sword fighting show led by Japanese actors Yuki Kedoin(祁答院雄貴) and Haruno Niiyama(新山はるの) together with their students from Tozenji, Coquitlam.
Le Plaisir Dance Troupe
Le Plaisir means pleasure in French. This name truly reflects the group's compassion and dedication to bring out "Truth, Virtue and Beauty of Life" through their performance. Le Plaisir Dance Troupe started with several Taiwan Chung Hsing University Alumni in 2007 with the intention to perform at the annual Alumni event. The debut was a success and Le Plaisir has quickly gained fame in greater Vancouver. Under the leadership of Ms. Jane Wang, Le Plaisir now has 50+ members from Taiwan and China sharing the love of dance. With the mission to promote Chinese art, culture and traditions, Le Plaisir has been very well received at various festivals as well as many charity and multicultural events.
AMED Dance Academy
Pooneh is the award-winning Artistic Director of the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance (AMED) created in 2005. She has a Masters Degree of Art and is a professional performer, Master Instructor, Choreographer, Director and Producer. She comes from a strong dance background in Middle Eastern, Folklore and Ballet to create a colorful Middle Eastern fusion repertoire. Combining authentic feeling with modern flair, delighting audiences from all over with her passion, powerful technique musicality, and sense of fun. She believes there is no dance without real emotions. Her magnetic presence has made her a favorite with audiences everywhere.
Polynesian Dancers
Canada’s only Masters’ Degree, Na Kumu Hula Palapala Paul Ma’ema’e Kapua o Kahala Tavai, was raised and educated throughout the Cook Islands, New Zealand, Tahiti & the Polynesian Cultural Centre, Hawai’i , came to Canada and started teaching the most authentic culture, stories, dances, music of all Polynesia, now a local teacher of 52 years, and trainer of international award winning champions who perform for Cruise ships , Movies, TV, Tours celebrates tonight’s’ show, with 2 of his 2023 Surrey Festival first Place dance winners.
Kavital Dance School of Bharata Natyam and Kathak
Alka Goel-Stevens and Shelina Virani had a vision 35 years ago to open up a dance school where they could pass classical dance art to people in the Lower Mainland. They opened the doors of Kavital Dance School in January 1987 and began their journey to teach Bharata Natyam and Kathak to people wanting to learn the dance and culture of India. Bharata Natyam is a classical dance style from South India which is over 2000 years old and Kathak is a classical dance style from North India which is over 800 years old.
Mexico Vivo Vancouver Mexican Folk Dance Troupe
México Vivo Folklore and Salsa is a Vancouver based ballet with a repertoire that features a wide range of musical genres of the different regions of México such as Chiapas, Michoacán, Veracruz, Oaxaca, Jalisco, Nayarit and Yucatán.
México Vivo Folklore and Salsa was founded by the ballet’s director Maria Hillmer in 2001. Maria a native of México City has an extensive background in Mexican Folklore dances and choreography. Maria passion for dance and mentoring has laid a successful group formed by talented adults and children who share their love and passion of dancing.
Zumba Vancouver
Zumba Vancouver started in 2008 and has been teaching Zumba to people all over the Lower Mainland. Zumba Vancouver has twelve dedicated instructors that teach a fitness class based on various global dance styles. Combining high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations, Zumba allows participants to dance away their worries. You can find more information about Zumba Vancouver at www.zumbavancouver.ca
The Flower Academy of Dance
The Flower Academy of Dance has been teaching Chinese dance in Burnaby for eight years. This talented group has participated in the World Cup of Dance, the Surrey Dance Festival and other international dance competitions. They have won many awards including coming first in the Surrey Festival Dance. The Flower Academy of Dance also participates in many charity performances. The talented dancers will perform three beautiful dances this evening.
Artistic Director - Kelly
Vancouver Pars National Ballet (VPNB )
VPNB is committed to preserving and perpetuating the fragile tradition of Iranian folklore dances in an endeavour to project how art can interconnect communities.
Our goal is to enrich the lives of our participants and spectators. We are driven by a strong sense of duty to educate and integrate this ethnic art form that is on the verge of extinction. This group utilizes dance as one of the most effective tools of communication and understanding with all the diverse cultures in Canada.
Artistic Director - Azita Sahebjam
For additional information about the performances please