Government supports dance in Manitoba - Have yourself a nice dance

April 29, 2010

INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY CELEBRATED AT MANITOBA LEGISLATIVE BUILDING
The importance of dance to Manitoba’s way of life was recognized today by Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino as she celebrated International Dance Day by watching performances at the Legislative Building.

“Last year, government supported dance in the province with more than $1.4 million in funding for dance or dance-related initiatives,” said Marcelino. “Manitoba is home to a wide variety of nationalities and dance is one way in which we showcase that diversity.”



The province is represented by numerous dance companies including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Contemporary Dancers, Ruth Cansfield Dance, TRIP Dance, Summer Bear Dance Troupe, Rusalka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble, Chai Folk Ensemble, India School of Dance, L’Ensemble Folklorique de la Rivière-Rouge, NAfro Dance Productions, Magdaragat/Kayumangi Performing Arts and many others.



Marcelino noted the work of Stephanie Ballard and Margaret Piasecki of the Winnipeg Dance Preservation Initiative. The initiative, established in 2006 by Ballard and Piasecki with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, supports all efforts to celebrate the past, present and future of dance in Manitoba. Celebrating International Dance Day is one of its primary annual events.



Marcelino also reminded Manitobans the 2010 Provincial Dance Festival will be held May 9 to 23. The annual event has grown from a one-day program to a 14-day event, featuring performances by more than 1,600 dancers from across the province.



“Dance is the artistic expression of emotions, feelings and opinions through the movement of the body. Dancing is a way to show how much we enjoy life,” said Marcelino. “I invite all Manitobans to celebrate International Dance Day.”

The goal of International Dance Day is to increase awareness among the general public of the importance of dance, as well as to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education.