2024-25 Community Engagement
Claudia Moore
CDC
Okanagan Nation Territory (Kelowna)
In collaboration with the Rotary Centre for the Arts, Claudia has organised an opportunity for folks curious about contemporary danceo get up close and personal with acclaimed dance artists. Each artist will perform a short solo, teach you a few moves and answer any questions about this exciting artform.
The first Salon took place on April 13 with Isaac Gasangwa, known in the dance world as Izo Dreamchaser. Claudia writes:
"We had a truly wonderful 1st Dance Salon on April 13 with the magical Izo Dreamchaser and 8 enthusiastic participants. He began by performing a dazzling trio with 2 of the gifted students he is mentoring. After a brief chat about Izo's background with some amazing stories of his life in Rwanda and his transition to Vancouver, he then led us all in a simple rhythmic phrase that we all learned and thoroughly enjoyed dancing together. We ended the program with a chance for conversation between artists and participants. The smiles on everyone's faces and the heightened level of energy in the room were a testament to the joyful time we all experienced!"
Photo credits: Eliseo Santillan
Emily Carlson
Ancillary CDC
Secwepemc (Secwepemcul’ewc), Ktunaxa, Sinixt Territory (Revelstoke)
As part of the Revelstoke Winter Carnival February 2025, CDC Emily Carlson hosted a Variety Show for members of the Revelstoke community. It was wonderful to witness performers from ages 5 to senior share their talents with an audience of over 150!
“The Variety Show was an immensely impactful show for performers and audience members alike, with 24 artists performing and an audience of over 150! The responses we continue to receive from the community are incredibly positive! People left the show feeling inspired and expressed interest in continuing to nourish the performing arts in Revelstoke. The talent of Revelstoke showed up, from all ages and disciplines. It was a night full of laughs, art, music, dance, comedy, poetry and more. We look forward to being able to continue to host an event like this in the future.”
The contemporary dance routine was a nice way to top off a fun night! Attendee
Photo credit: Caitlin Alexannder
“It was amazing to watch a whole community come together on one stage and celebrate creativity. It’s so cool to see a small town give a platform for people of all ages to share their art and passion. I am excited for next year!” - Mia Knobler, event coordinator for LFI (local food initiative)
Fior Saoirse Skye
CDC
Ts’msyen La̱xyuup homelands
(Prince Rupert)
Winterfest
During Prince Rupert's Winterfest, Foir Saoirse teamed up with students from Leaders in Action at Coast Mountain College to create an illuminated dance space for the nighttime celebration. Members of the community had the opportunity to dance and play with a variety of circus and dance props while we captured the fun and light trails with long exposure photography.
Holiday Flash Mob
In the winter, Kodinna Anaka, again graced us with his talents by breaking down some dance moves so students and family members from Coast Mountain College could bring some cheer to our community by performing a flash mob throughout the downtown core, dancing to popular holiday songs.
Fior Saoirse Skye
CDC
Ts’msyen La̱xyuup homelands
(Prince Rupert)
During the fall 2024, we worked with Kodinna Anaka, a performer with a deep passion for content creation. Originally from Nigeria, he is currently studying business at Coast Mountain College and shared his passion for dance by helping choreograph a Thriller Flash Mob. He brought energy and charisma to the rehearsals and was able to teach dozens of students, staff and community members the moves to the famous Michael Jackson dance. We were able to take the dance to the streets and perform throughout the city on Halloween.
