Groups shake it around Vancouver for International Dance Day

From ballet at City Hall to South Asian and Brazilian beats at the Vancouver Public Library main branch, don't be surprised to see performances where you least expect them as local artists celebrate International Dance Day.

Initiated in 1982 by UNESCO, International Dance Day happens every April 29 with events across Canada and around the world. The date marks the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), who is regarded as the founder of modern ballet.

At 12:30 p.m., the Goh Ballet is debuting a new commission at City Hall, at the 12th Avenue entrance. Dance to the Beat of Your Heart is specially choreographed by the company's senior instructor Adonis Daukaev and produced by goh director Chan Hon Goh. 

Meanwhile, the Dance Centre has orchestrated events all day long. The list is here; pick a few, or groove the day away.

12-12:30 p.m. South Asian Arts + Aché Brasil: a performance of high-energy, exuberant bhangra, and capoeira, the acrobatic Brazilian fusion of dance, martial arts, singing, and percussion, at the Vancouver Public Library Main Concourse (350 West Georgia Street).

1-1:30 p.m. Discover Swing: Port-O-Swing Vancouver Dance School gives a demonstration and free lesson in swing, the sociable and fun dance style rooted in the rhythms and syncopations of jazz, at the Vancouver Art Gallery South Plaza (Robson Street between Howe and Hornby streets) or downstairs at Robson Square in case of rain.

2-2:30 p.m. Bollywood Youth Bash: students from Windermere and Sir Charles Tupper Secondary Schools perform Bollywood routines created with Shiamak Vancouver. Presented with CADA/West and Made In BC—Dance on Tour. At Vancouver Art Gallery South Plaza (Robson Street between Howe and Hornby streets).

5:30-6 p.m. Dance in the Park: contemporary dance ensemble Polymer Dance performs an outdoor site-specific work, travelling in and around
Emery Barnes Park (Davie Street between Seymour and Richards Street).

6-7 p.m. Triple Bill: dynamic contemporary dance works by three of Vancouver’s most exciting young choreographers—Katie de Vries,Thoenn Glover, and Daisy Thompson—at the Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street).

7-7:30 p.m. SPLAY: Justine A. Chambers and Modus Operandi training program share research for a new work devised by Chambers behind the doors of Scotiabank Dance Centre’s 1930 Art Deco frontage on Granville Street. The research is inspired by Motown's back up dances and informed by the site's confined space.

And all day, in the lobby of the Scotiabank Dance Centre, check out Body Narratives Collective’s photograms developed during research and performances which integrate dance and photography. 

See Luca "Lazylegs" Patuelli's inspiring message for International Dance Day here: