SAVE THE DATE
We are all excited to see you at Folkfest 2026. The programme is on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Centennial Theatre. Doors open at 5:30 pm. The show starts from 6:30 pm. Please bring your friends and family.
2026: Performers
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
AMED Dance Academy
Pooneh Alizadeh (Mehrbanoo) is the award-winning artistic director of the Academy of Middle Eastern Dance, AMED Dance Academy. Her strong academic background in Middle Eastern, Folklore, and Ballet, Creates a colourful Middle Eastern fusion repertoire. Combining authentic feeling with a modern flair includes a master’s degree in Art. She is an accomplished performer, master instructor, choreographer, director, and producer. She has utilized her artistic passions and expertise to help the community, seniors, handicapped and develop innovative performance and teaching programs. She is Awarded as a BC Culture Ambassador in 2016. Also she received The Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards of 2018.
Le Plaisir Dance Society
LE PLAISIR DANCE SOCIETY was founded in 2007 and registered as a non-profit organization in accordance with association regulations in 2014.
The troupe devotes itself to promoting traditional Chinese dance art as well as creating and popularizing traditional local dances. It has taken an active part in countless charity performances and fundraisers across the Greater Vancouver area, winning wide popularity and high recognition from audiences.
Anita Shahriary, Vocalist
Anita Shahriary is a mezzo-soprano, pianist, lyricist, and composer known for blending classical technique with diverse musical styles. She has been singing for over 10 years and has completed all levels of Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) voice training. Anita has performed extensively across British Columbia at festivals, concerts, and community events.
She has received numerous awards, including 1st place at the Vancouver Kiwanis (2026) and 3rd place at the Performing Arts BC (2025) Provincial Excellence Festivals, and the BCCM Voice Festival Gold Trophy (2023). In addition to performing, she teaches voice and piano, working with students of all ages. Anita is passionate about using music to connect cultures and communities, and frequently incorporates both classical and contemporary elements into her performances. Through her artistry, she strives to create meaningful and engaging musical experiences for diverse audiences.
Slavik - Slovak Cultural Society
SLAVIK - Slovak Folklore Society is happy to participate in this year's North Shore Folkfest for the fourth time. Slavik is named after the nightingale, a small bird known for its powerful and beautiful voice. We are a non-profit organization formed by Slovak immigrants in May 2011. Our aim is to preserve and showcase Slovak folklore to the new generations of Slovak immigrants, as well as to the multicultural audience of the Lower Mainland. Slavik focuses on folk dance, music, costumes, traditions and language. More information about us can be found at www.facebook.com/slavikfolkloresociety.
Vancouver Pars National Ballet (VPNB )
Vancouver Pars National Ballet represents Iranian folk and traditional dances. Vancouver pars national ballet is a cultural dance company dedicated to preserving and showcasing Iranian folk and traditional dance. Blending classical technique with regional styles, the company celebrates Iran’s rich heritage
through performance and education.
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko has been performing in numerous festivals, charity functions and anniversary events for over two decades. The group's aim is to promote and preserve Okinawan style drum-dancing Eisa, and to share Okinawan cultural heritage. The membership consists of a mixed generation to reflect the presentation of grassroots folk art. We hope to deliver the Okinawan spirit through the beat of our drums and harmonies of our dance.
Kyunghee Taekwondo Demo Team
KYUNGHEE TAEKWONDO DEMO TEAM was organized in 2010, and we have been demonstrating in many different events for more than 120 times around Greater Vancouver. Taekwondo is one of the most systematic and scientific Korean traditional Martial arts that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. KyungHee Taekwondo Demo Team won the 2015 – 2023 Pan American Taekwondo championships. Our remarkable effort is allowing the growth of Taekwondo and Korean culture in Canada.
Bhangra - Sheena & Emmit Maroke
Sheena and Emmit are brother and sister. They will represent India. And they'll be performing a short Punjabi Dhol routine followed by a traditional Bhangra performance.
Sheena is currently in grade 9 and has been dancing Traditional Bhangra for past 4 years. Sheena also enjoys playing the Dhol. She runs track, plays volleyball and ultimate Frisby on our school teams.
Emmit is currently in grade 7 and is graduating this year from Elementary school. He has also been dancing Bhangra for past 4 years and also plays the Dhol. Emmit plays club soccer, basketball and volleyball on his school teams.
Little Flower Dance Academy​
The Flower Academy of Dance has been teaching Chinese dance in Burnaby for eight years and has trained more than 1,000 outstanding dancers since they were established eight years ago. 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.
Wailele Wai Wai
Since 2006, our Vancouver-based hula group has been dedicated to sharing the vibrant tradition of Hawaiian hula. Through expressive hand movements and rhythmic storytelling, we bring the history and heart of the islands to life.
Our mission is to embody the Aloha Spirit, spreading love and happiness across our community. From the stage at the Kitsilano Showboat and the Nikkei Centre to local senior residences and multicultural festivals, we strive to touch hearts and celebrate Hawaiian culture with every performance.
Ignite & Unite Dance Team
Ignite & Unite Dance Team is a Vancouver-based community collective of dancers from diverse cultural backgrounds, united through movement to raise awareness of social and global issues. Through expressive performances like the Papaoutai flashmob, they aim to spread joy, foster connection, and inspire unity—believing that dance transcends borders and speaks the universal language of the heart.
For additional information about the performances please