Presented in partnership with CMHC Granville Island
All Over The Map 2024
Feat. V'ni Dansi, Eva Cho, Palak Dhiman, Afrobeats Van, Rina&Simziez, Amulya Keshoju, Roots Peruvian Folk Dance, and Mozaico Flamenco.
July 21 & August 11, 2024
Picnic Pavilion, Granville Island
FREE
New Works proudly presents All Over the Map 2024, a free series of outdoor dance and music performances taking place on Granville Island this summer! This season we are proud to feature eight artists and groups over four performances which will take over the Granville Island Picnic Pavilion on Sunday, July 21, and Sunday, August 11, 2024. Performances will take place at 1pm and 3pm, and audiences of all ages are welcome.
Sunday, July 21 at 1pm & 3pm
Picnic Pavilion, Granville Island (next to the bridge on Old Bridge Walk footpath)
Performances by V'ni Dansi, Eva Cho, Palak Dhiman, and Afrobeats Van.
V’ni Dansi
V’ni Dansi is a Vancouver-based traditional Métis and contemporary dance company dedicated to sharing the dances, stories and culture of the Métis. Led by Artistic Director Yvonne Chartrand, the company is dedicated to preservation and innovation.
V’ni Dansi holds the distinction of being the only company in Canada to teach and perform both Métis and contemporary dance. Meaning “Come and Dance” in Michif, V’ni Dansi is thrilled to share the Métis people’s joyful culture with audiences of all nations.
// photo by Vickie Legere
About the work
Coming soon.
Eva Cho
Eva Cho is a dancer and musical performer. She has enjoyed traditional Chinese dancing and singing since she was seven years old. Eva moved to Vancouver in 2010 from Regina where she taught teens and adults Chinese Folk Dance. Eva currently volunteers at Vancouver’s Carnegie Center where she teaches Chinese Folk Dance to seniors. She has performed at various venues, including the Carnegie Center, the Roundhouse, the Granville Island stage, and the Heart of the City Festival at Oppenheimer park.
About the work
Coming soon.
Palak Dhiman
I am an Indian classical dancer, practicing a dance form called "Kathak," which originated from Northern India. The word Kathak has its originates in the word "kathā" which translates to "story." Kathak is a storytelling dance form that incorporates different elements of bodily expressions to tell stories through dance. I have been learning this art form for almost 30 years mainly in Canada (as well as India), and have been sharing my art as a dance educator for almost 20 years through regular curriculum and workshops. I have been active as a professional dance artist for the past 15 years, and have performed in ensemble dance drama productions, performed in festivals in Canada, the US, India, and Nepal. In the last 6 years I have been transitioned to working as an independent artist presenting my own work and collaborating with other artists in Canada. While my practice has been in Winnipeg and Ottawa for many years, I have recently made a permanent move to Vancouver and finding ways to continue my artistic practice in my new home.
// photo by Anbus Photography
About the work
The Showers of the Monsoon Rains
Performed by: Palak Dhiman
"The Showers of the Monsoon Rains," or "Barse Badariya, Saawan Ki," is a poem composed by Meerabai, a 16th-century mystic poet from Rajasthan, India. This composition beautifully captures the awe-inspiring essence of the monsoon season, weaving emotions associated with nature's awe-inspiring expressions, and and the anticipation of reuniting with one’s beloved. The poem comes to life in a Kathak performance, an Indian classical dance form known for its storytelling prowess. Originating from Northern India, Kathak combines intricate body movements, elaborate footwork patterns, expressive hand gestures, and mime to narrate stories and convey emotions. The piece starts dramatically as the dancer hears the first rumbles of thunder. Curious, she opens the door to witness the monsoon in its full glory and steps outside, immersing herself completely in the rain showers, embodying the poem's theme of renewal and connection. // Photo by Anbus Photography
Afrobeats Van
The Elite Squad is a community of Afro-dance enthusiasts dedicated to collaboration, community involvement, and artistic excellence. Our goal is to bring together diverse dancers to produce captivating performances that honour Afro-dance traditions. We believe in the power of teamwork and provide a nurturing environment for dancers to explore their art form. Through community engagement and artistic collaboration, we aim to create opportunities for positive social change and push the limits of traditional dance.
About the work
Title of the work: Unity Rhythms
Unity Rhythms = celebrating pan-Africanism
Unity Rhythms embodies the core of Pan-Africanism’s principles of unity, resilience, and liberation in a multidisciplinary performance showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of African rhythms in dance, music and storytelling. It pays tribute to the extraordinary contributions of African peoples throughout history. At a time when the world is increasingly recognizing the importance of cultural diversity and the need for unity in the face of global challenges, UNITY RHYTHMS serves as a powerful force to bring people together, transcending boundaries and differences to foster a sense of togetherness and solidarity.
Sunday, August 11 at 1pm & 3pm
Picnic Pavilion, Granville Island (next to the bridge on Old Bridge Walk footpath)
Performances by Rina&Simziez, Amulya Keshoju, Roots Peruvian Folk Dance, and Mozaico Flamenco.
Rina&Simziez
This dynamic duo combines their extensive backgrounds in contemporary, street dance, and various classical styles to create innovative and emotionally engaging performances. Simran Sachar, an East Indian/Punjabi artist, brings versatility from her training in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, w*acking, hip-hop, and house, while Rina Pellerin, a seasoned street dancer, enriches their routines with her experience in ballet, waacking, and multiple street dance styles. Together, they push the boundaries of contemporary dance, captivating audiences with their unique and powerful artistry.
// Photos by Shawn Kim
About the work
“The Way We Are Loomed”
“Loom” is an exploration of the instant friendships we build as children, as blank canvases we intertwine, thread and loom ourselves together without hesitation. Two strangers meet for the first time at summer camp and immediately begin their youthful sisterly bond. Realized through the street/club dance style of Waacking.
Amulya Keshoju
I have immersed myself in the art of Kuchipudi dance for nearly two decades, starting my journey at the tender age of four under the tutelage of my mother, Karuna Sree, herself an esteemed dance teacher. As I grew, my thirst for knowledge led me to seek guidance from various other accomplished teachers, each contributing to my comprehensive understanding of this intricate dance form.
My dedication and passion culminated in the completion of my certification and diploma in Kuchipudi dance from renowned institutions in Hyderabad, India. These milestones not only solidified my expertise but also fueled my ambition to share the beauty of Kuchipudi with audiences worldwide.
Under the continued mentorship of my mother, I have honed my skills and refined my artistry, preparing myself for performances on diverse stages. From captivating local audiences at community events in Vancouver to showcasing my talent at the prestigious Indian Summer Festival 2023 through NOVA DANCE, I have embraced every opportunity to express myself through the graceful movements of Kuchipudi.
About the work
Tarangam: Waves of Grace on the plate of Tradition (Excerpts).
Song: Marakatha manimaya
Tarangam, meaning "waves" in Sanskrit, is a captivating segment in Kuchipudi dance where the dancer's movements mimic the ebb and flow of water. It begins with the dancer placing a plate on the ground, symbolizing the ocean or a river. As they dance, their feet create rhythmic patterns akin to waves, accompanied by expressive gestures depicting Hindu mythology or themes of devotion. Marakatha Manimaya Tarangam, a revered part of Kuchipudi, involves the dancer portraying Lord Krishna's playful interactions with the gopis (girls) of Vrindavan. It requires precision and grace as the dancer maneuvers a plate with agility, embodying Krishna's charm, and divine grace.
Roots Peruvian Folk Dance
ROOTS is a Peruvian folklore dance ensemble dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich traditions of Peru through captivating performances and cultural exchange within the communities of British Columbia.
Under the direction of Jessica Roca Muncaster and rooted in Peru's diverse cultural tapestry, Roots dance group showcases the captivating beauty and rhythmic expressions of traditional Peruvian folklore. Drawing inspiration from indigenous, European, and African influences, they pay homage to the vibrant history and cultural heritage of their beloved nation.
Their performances showcase a wide array of traditional dances from the three regions of Peru: The Coast, the Andes and the Amazon, all executed with precise choreography, vibrant costumes, and dynamic music.
Roots has had the honour of representing Peru on esteemed stages in BC, captivating audiences with their authentic performances.
As ambassadors of Peruvian culture, Roots celebrates diversity sharing the rich traditions of Peruvian folklore with people of all ages and backgrounds and inspiring the next generation of artists. Join Roots on this extraordinary journey as they continue to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Peruvian folklore and preserve their cultural legacy for years to come.
About the work
Roots is driven by an unwavering love for our cultural heritage and a profound belief in the power of art to unite and inspire. With this performance, we will strive to transport audiences to the heart of Peru, mesmerizing them with enchanting rhythms from the Coast, the Andean and the Amazon, breathtaking costumes, and captivating stories passed down through generations
Mozaico Flamenco
Mozaico Flamenco collective for "Flamenco Dim Sum" is Cyrena "La Sirena" (dancer, singer, cellist) and Kasandra "La China" (dancer, singer), who share a common bond in their love for the art of flamenco and their Asian-Canadian heritage. Each artist has performed flamenco for 20+ years and are considered professionals and veterans in the field, having trained in Spain, US and Canada. We develop music and practise dances together locally in Vancouver, and when we are unable to gather face to face, we are on whatsapp, as Jake Lee lives in Victoria, BC. The goal is to celebrate a truly multicultural view of Spanish flamenco and find our identity and celebrate what it means to be Chinese Canadian in Flamenco.
Kasandra “La China” – Artistic director, Bailaora, dancer, singer:
Kasandra “La China” is one of Canada’s leading flamenco dancers, recognized across the country for her technical precision, explosive stage presence, musicality to percussive footwork, & drive to push the artistic envelope. A tirelessly ambitious artistic director and soloist, she has been identified as “Vancouver’s flamenco star who has embodied flamenco with her dynamic, precise style” by Flamenco-World magazine. Kasandra founded Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Academy in 2002 & Mozaico Flamenco Dance Theatre in 2003 with her mentor, Maestro Oscar Nieto. In 2006, Kasandra created Mozaico Flamenco Café de Chinitas which had several installments in subsequent years including 2007 “Imagenes del Oriente”, 2010 “Vinetas del Mozaico”, 2013 with international guest artists from Madrid and 2024’s tablao in cave-style setting.
In 2013, Kasandra created her solo company, Kasandra Flamenco, which produced and directed world class shows with international guest artists including Solo Flamenco, Encuentros, La Tarara, Ritmo Y Soniquete and most recently, the premiere of flamencontemporary work, Rojo Y Sombra 2023. Today she is the director of Mozaico Flamenco Performance and programmer for the Mozaico Flamenco Sunday Salon Series, outdoor PopUp Series and content creator for digital programs including Flamenco Café, History of Vancouver Flamenco and Flamenco-On-Demand. www.kasandraflamenco.com
Cyrena “La Sirena” – Flamenco singer, dancer, cellist, viol de gamba, spoken word:
Cyrena “La Sirena” is a flamenco dancer, flamenco singer and flamenco cellist and frequently performs in all three capacities. She has performed in the Vancouver, Victoria and Albuquerque Flamenco Festivals, Dance Centre Noon Hour, Dance All-Sorts and most recently with Los Gitanos in Tsawwassen. As a dancer, she choreographed and danced with Rachel Mercer, principal cellist of the National Arts Centre Orchestra for the world premiere of Alice Ping Yee Ho's "Mascarada: a Cello and Flamenco Dance Concerto" in 2021.
As a flamenco cellist, she has performed with Mozaico Flamenco in the “Café de Chinitas” series 2006, 2007, 2010, 2013 and Kasandra Flamenco’s “La Tarara” in 2017. She has also performed with Raices y Alas and the Jondo Flamenco Festival. She has collaborated extensively with guitarists Peter Mole, Gareth Owen, Jake Lee “Chinito” and internationally with Gaspar Rodriguez, Daniel Jurado and Josue Tacoronte. She has recently been incorporating the 16th century 7-stringed viola da gamba into the flamenco repetoire. She is a key collaborator for Mozaico Flamenco’s “Flamenco Dim Sum” project and directed the 2022 installment “Con Arte y Amor”.
Peter Mole – Flamenco guitarist, composer):
From Victoria to Corner Brook and in every major venue in Vancouver, including the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Chan Centre and main stage at the Vancouver Folk Festival, Peter Mole has been performing for more than 30 years. In 1994, he introduced Cuadro Flamenco to Vancouver, bringing it to the legendary Kino Flamenco Cafe where he played weekly shows for 26 years, mentoring and providing opportunities to many accomplished flamenco singers and dancers today. Peter composed and performed the music for "Mariposa: The Butterfly's Evil Spell", at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. He composed for the score for the NFB documentary "Opre Roma" with "Los Canasteros". Most recently, Peter has recently completed his first solo recording “La luna y el viento” funded by the Canada Council for the Arts. He performs extensively with Calle Verde, Mozaico Flamenco, Flamenco Rosario and is the chosen accompanist for most flamenco dancers in the vibrant Vancouver flamenco community. Peter is a key collaborator for many of Mozaico Flamenco projects including “Flamenco Around The Map: Andalucia”, “Flamenco Dim Sum”, outdoor PopUp Series and the Sunday Salon Series. www.petermole.ca
About the work
This is the Year of the Dragon and "Flamenco Dim Sum" will combine many multicultural, colourful ideas including Cyrena dancing a traditional "Tientos" in Chinese cheong sam dress and incorporating fans and also Kasandra dancing with "Manton De Manila", large silk shawl with Chinese design made in Spain. The show incorporates Mandarin/English/Spanish poetry/lyrics and draws the link between China and Spain and shows how props such as the original fan from China and Chinese silk embroidery made it to Spain via the silk road through the Philippines.
“Dim Sum” is one of the great meals in Chinese culture at the intersection of breakfast, brunch and late lunch! You keep ordering “this and that” until you ready to roll out the door. In this spirit, Mozaico Flamenco integrates "this and that” so that spectators can gain a true vision of Canadian multiculturalism and innovation in flamenco.
Presented with
Top photo: Mozaico Flamenco artists