The 48th annual Folkfest took place at Centennial Theatre on Saturday, June 4, 2022
Performers
Gruppo Folcloristico Trevigiano / Gruppo Italian Chorus
In 1998, Tarcisio & Lina Boffo’s dream came true. Finally, here in Vancouver, in their adoptive land, a Folkloristic Group is born. This group has definitely been a positive step in keeping alive the culture and tradition of the native land Trevigia-no-Veneto and to help others less fortunate. The ultimate commitment of this group is to please others through song and for the members of the group to enjoy themselves while sharing their culture
Eagles Song Dancers
Spakwus Slolem, (translated,"Eagle Song Dancers), are members of the Squamish Nation. Geographically located in what is called the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Our traditional territory being the Howe Sound, Vancouver to Whistler area. The Squamish have lived and utilized this area for over 10,000 years, having history traced back to the Great Flood, and an Ice Age.
We are a Coastal people, people of the cedar longhouses, of the great sea-going canoes, the racing war canoes, People of the Salmon. Our colourful history speaks of things of legend, of deeds of certain members of the Smylaith Tribe (Sasquatch), legends of the Animal Kingdom(i.e., The Raven, Seagull and Sun), which brings out Teachings of our Squamish People, the History of Takaya, the Wolf Clan, one of our Squamish Family's History.
Director : Bob Baker
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.
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko
Vancouver Okinawa Taiko has been performing in numerous festivals, charity functions and anniversary events for just about two decades. The group’s aim is to promote and preserve Okinawan style drum-dancing Eisa, add to share Okinawan cultural heritage. Our membership consists of a mixed generation to reflect presentation of grassroots folkart.
Kavital Dance School of Bharata Natyam and Kathak
Alka Goel-Stevens and Shelina Virani had a vision 34 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.
The Spirit of the South Seas
"The Spirit of the South Seas" – Hula Halau Na Keiki ‘O Ohana Lokahi” is an award winning group on the North Shore for over 50 years. Their many performances include PNE, Kitsilano Showboat, Kay Meek Theatre and Presentation House on the North Shore; QE Theatre Vancouver; and Shadbolt Center for the Fine Arts in Burnaby, Air Tahiti Nui, major multi-cultural celebrations, such as Iranian, Korean and Chinese New Year, Caribbean Days, Serbian, Italian and Japanese Festivals. They have also been honored to perform for the 1995 Grey-Cup half-time show, Expo ’86, Pope John’s 1984 visit, Lotto Canada draw, telethons, ’76 Olympics, opening of the Vancouver Art Gallery, 1977 Premiers’ Conference, Prince Phillip & Prince Andrew’s visit in 1978, hospitals, seniors homes and numerous private & public events. . In the true spirit of Aloha, which their name celebrates, they welcome everyone to join them in their dance, song and music. Their mission is to entertain you while promoting cultural awareness for all people.
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