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Posted by Lori Henry Jul 15, 2008 |
I had been meaning to check out New Works’ All Over the Map Dance and Music Series for many years now. They put on free performances on Granville Island on an outdoor stage, encouraging Vancouverites to dance, learn about other cultures, and have fun in the sun.
With a motto of “All Sorts of Dance for All Sorts of People,” the shows are kid-friendly, family-friendly, couple-friendly and, really, anyone-friendly. I took a visiting friend from Sweden and we rocked out this past weekend to the charming rhythms of Kunaka (playing at the Folk Festival this upcoming weekend) and infectious spirit of the dance troupe Miyanda. All of their music and dance came from South Africa.
Next up, on Sunday July 20 (the shows run on six Sundays throughout the summer) is the Langley Ukulele Ensemble and Kauhane Polynesian Dancers. All shows start at 2:00pm at Ron Basford Park on Granville Island and, if it rains (it’s always a consideration in Vancouver!), performances move to the adjacent Performance Works theatre.
Coming up this summer is also SOULdiers’ Dance hip hop on July 27, Mozaico Flamenco Dance Theatre on August 17, and Dancers of Damelahamid, First Nations dance and music, on August 24. If you’re in town, this is a great event to go out for- the turn out is great and you’ll be hard pressed not to get up and try out your dance moves.