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 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. Le Plaisir now has over 60 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.
Anita Shahriary, Vocalist
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Slavik - Slovak Cultural Society
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Vancouver Pars National Ballet (VPNB )
Vancouver Pars National Ballet (VPNB) was established in 1989, with a vision of both enlightening and interacting with all communities nationally and internationally. 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. This group utilizes dance as one of the most effective tools of communication and understanding with all the diverse cultures in Canada. Creating a profound interest in the hearts of innumerable young artists and trainees is the most satisfying and rewarding criteria of this group. We believe a healthy body incorporates a healthy soul.
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 100 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
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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