International Dance Day (Apr 29th)

If there is something that I feel is *mine* or represents *me* (out of all performing arts) is dance. I’m a trained dancer, formerly competitive and still learner of various styles of dance. So I’m really looking forward to the International Dance Day 2011 celebrations in Vancouver. And I also have a giveaway, two tickets to Sara Coffin’s premiere – for the April 29th opening.

Free daytime events featuring swing, flamenco and more; plus the premiere of a new work by award-winning choreographer Sara Coffin (for which I am doing a giveaway. Daytime events are FREE. 8 pm performance tickets $15 on International Dance Day ($25/$18 on April 30) from Tickets Tonight 604.684.2787. For more information you can call 604 606 6400 or check The Dance Centre website.

Free events include a lunchtime performance of flamenco and other dance styles at the Vancouver Public Library; downtown ‘swing bombs’ with swing champions Tessa Cunningham and Myles Munroe; and studio showings and a photo exhibit at Scotiabank Dance Centre. The evening sees the premiere of taking your experience from mine, a new work by rising choreographer Sara Coffin exploring the impact of digital media on our lives, presented through the Iris Garland Choreographer Award (the performance also runs Saturday April 30 at 8pm).

Here is the listing of all events

Free daytime events

9.30am Working Class at Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street): the Training Society of Vancouver invites the public to watch a professional contemporary dance class, followed at 11.30am by an informal studio showing of work in development by local dancers. Coffee, muffins and talkback provided.

12-1pm Downtown pedestrians will be treated to a series of ‘swing bombs’ with surprise appearances by swing champions Tessa Cunningham and Myles Munroe.

1-2pm Lunchtime performance in the main atrium of the Vancouver Public Library (350 West Georgia Street) featuring Karen Flamenco, Mandala Arts and Culture classical East Indian dance, and members of the Urban Tap Squad.

5.30pm Contemporary ballet company the plastic orchid factory hosts a studio showing of excerpts from Dance Centre Artist-in-Residence James Gnam’s new work _post at Scotiabank Dance Centre, followed by a talkback with special guests. The lobby will also host an exhibit of images taken by renowned photographer David Cooper of _post, which is set to premiere in May.

Evening performance

8pm The rapidly evolving relationship between people, technology and online culture inspires taking your experience for mine, an adventurous ensemble work created by Sara Coffin, one of BC’s most exciting emerging choreographic voices. Her new work will investigate how the digital traces we leave behind can alter our concept of self. With so much of our lives on display through social media and governed by digital devices and screens, is dialing into the digital network altering our ability to attune?

Performed by dancers Julia Carr, Amanda Sheather, Meghan Goodman and Jacinte Armstrong, the piece will feature an original score by Coffin’s longtime collaborator Phil Thomson, multimedia design by Andrew Hawryshkewich, and lighting design by Kimberly Plough. taking your experience for mine is presented through The Dance Centre’s third Iris Garland Emerging Choreographer Award, which is awarded every two years to a young choreographer who shows exceptional promise.

Tickets for taking your experience from mine runs Friday-Saturday April 29-30 at 8pm at Scotiabank Dance Centre. All tickets $15 on International Dance Day, April 29; tickets $25/$18 on April 30. Tickets Tonight: 604 684 2787.

Initiated in 1982 by UNESCO, International Dance Day is marked annually on April 29 with events across Canada and around the world. The date commemorates the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), regarded as the founder of modern ballet. Each year The Dance Centre, BC’s resource centre for dance, presents events which celebrate the art form.

To enter my giveaway, check the website of The Dance Centre and the lineup of events. Come back here and drop a comment on this post telling me which one of the performances you are looking forward the most. I will draw a winner from all entries via Twitter and comments on Wednesday April 27th at 5pm. You can drop a comment on this post and, if you have Twitter, earn an additional entry by posting the below marked text on to your Twitter stream.

I entered to win tickets to International Dance Day from @hummingbird604. You can enter too! http://is.gd/iDDyR9