The culmination of two years of work on a cultural dance exchange project is finally here. From July 19 to 29, the Sunshine Coast Youth Dance Association (SCYDA) will be hosting the exchange between DS Danse and Cie Ph/f/ase of Belgium. Together, these two youth dance companies will present three joint dance performances during their 10-day stay on the Sunshine Coast. In August, DS Danse travels to Belgium to continue the cultural exchange on Belgian soil.
Full performances by DS Danse and Cie Ph/f/ase will be held at the Heritage Playhouse Theatre on July 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and July 25 for Sea Cavalcade in Winegarden Park between 8 and 10 p.m. On Aug. 7, DS Danse will travel to Belgium to join Cie Ph/f/ase for the 100th anniversary commemoration events for World War I. Dance performances are being held at the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, Ostend and Koekelare. While in Belgium, SCYDA dancers will visit Canadian war memorial sites, including Vimy Ridge in France and In Flanders Field Museum in Belgium, and will be laying a wreath at the Last Post at Menin Gate in Ypres.
In preparation of the commemoration events being held in Belgium, DS Danse has developed dance pieces that represent Canada’s engagement in World War I with the Second Battle of Ypres. Of special note, two pieces have been created for the performances in Belgium: Ode to Canada, with music by Canadian composer Oliver Schroer, and In Flanders Fields, a poem by Lt.-Col. John McRae, with music by Canadian group Blind Colour.
Both DS Danse and Cie Ph/f/ase are youth-focused dance companies that provide challenging dance environments where dancers are supported to develop their skills in creative expression through dance movement. The programs promote performance opportunities to dance outside of the structured class and year-end season performances. The objective of both programs is to develop leadership and mentorship skills in a non-competitive environment. The integration and bringing together of both companies provides a special accord and cultural bridge in the world of dance. It also fosters the connectedness and integration of international youth to one another as persons of the world.
Tickets are available for both performances at Peggy Sues and Laedeli in Gibsons and the Visitor Centre in Sechelt. Ticket inquiries can also be directed to Heidi Riggs at 604-886-1773. SCYDA looks forward to hosting the community at these events and graciously acknowledge the incredible support they have received.
