Performers

Started in 1996, we are a Vancouver based Latin Dance Company. We perform locally, at festivals, and all over the world for competitions.

ounder of the African Friendship Society, Jacky Essombe –aka Jacky Yenga– is a performer, TEDx speaker and best-selling author, and a messenger for the healing wisdom of African villages. She teaches how to use the power of community to heal and access joy through rhythm, movement and connection. Kocassalé Dioubaté (Guinea/Senegal), Aly Traoré (Guinea) and N’nato Camara (Guinea) are joining Jaky in this hear-pounding performance that showcases traditional rhythms, songs and dances from West and Central Africa. Join the Village and experience a deep sense of belonging, shared joy, unity, and friendship. 

Higher Ground Dance Company is in its 5th year and season and is based out of Vancouver. Founded and created by Natasha Gorrie, Higher Ground’s program is unlike any other street dance company in the lower mainland. Focusing on personal growth to help you level up, build your own voice and identity, and build knowledge of history with a true understanding of the culture of street dances.

Training in fundamentals of various street dances but focusing on Hip Hop styles, Breaking, Popping & locking.

The Mexican Dance Ensemble of Vancouver (MDE) was founded in March 2013 by professional Dancer Lourdes Ruiz. Mexico and its beauty are showcased through our dance numbers. Some of them narrate parts of the country’s history and general aspects of life, love, and death. 
History Danza folklórica Mexicana is a choreographed style of dance rooted in regional Mexican folklore, dating back to the post-Revolutionary period (1910). It contains theatrical elements and is considered a stylized art form. Its objective is to showcase the cultural diversity of each of the provinces in Mexico. 

Rangla Punjab Arts Academy was founded in 2016 by renowned Punjabi folk singer Sarbjit Cheema. Their vision is to provide the upcoming generations with a platform in which they can connect to their cultural roots, and their mother language Punjabi.

Rangla Punjab Arts Academy provides everyone with a fun, safe, and friendly environment in which everyone can express themselves through the various arts taught. Rangla Punjab Arts Academy has always stood by teaching its members values and ethics. Rangla Punjab Arts Academy holds various teams, which can showcase the powerful and graceful dance of Punjab, Bhangra!

Carla & Javi are loved for approaching dance with emphasis on connection and technique, fused with humour and theatrical exercises. Alongside a deep understanding of body conditioning and anatomy, they make dance accessible to students of all ages and abilities. Carla and Javi have trained extensively in Brazil to further develop their teaching methodology and to share a true cultural dance experience with their students.  Welcome to Brazilian Zouk!  

Cultural dance group.

MAMAKEISH is the only professional K-pop dance academy in Vancouver, specializing in training talented students. MAMAKEISH offers a range of courses, starting from beginner-level K-pop dance classes that anyone can take, to a trainee program that incorporates the training system of Korean entertainment companies, providing an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in Canada. MAMAKEISH also has a performance team dedicated to various events and shows.  As the heart of K-Pop culture in Vancouver, MAMAKEISH provides new opportunities and experiences.

ROOTS is a Peruvian folk dance group founded in 2017 under the direction of Jessica Roca Muncaster. ROOTS seeks to present and preserve Peruvian cultural dances within the communities of British Colombia. The beauty, colour, and excitement of traditional Peruvian dances are displayed in the repertoire, including dances from the three regions of Peru: Coastal, Andes, and the Amazon.
You can find ROOTS performing in a variety of venues including festivals, community groups, schools, and private events. Audiences love the combination of music, costumes, and folklore presented during the performances. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself up on your feet for the final dance. 
Roots is a group of volunteer dancers with various cultural backgrounds who share a passion for Peruvian Folk Dance. If you want a taste of Peru this is the group for you.  The rich heritage of Peruvian folk artistry is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Sekarwati Surrey is defined as the charm of Surrey which will present the traditional Indonesian "Renggong Manis and Indonesia Menari" dances. As high school students, they actively study Indonesian traditional dances and aspire to continue preserving Indonesian dances in Canada, especially on the West coast of Canada.

The Spirit of the South Seas Polynesian Dancers - Hula Halau Na Keiki 'O Ohana Lokahi, are an award-winning local group, who invite you to join them in their song & dance. Their repertoire takes you throughout the south seas, from the aboriginal kahiko to the romantic & graceful hula ‘auana of Hawaii though to the Cook Islands, to the Maori of New Zealand, through to the excitement of pulsating drums of Tahiti. 

Truce Student Ministries is a youth group under the Fijian Pentecostal Church based out in White Rock. Their age ranges from 10 yrs old to 18 yrs old. They minister the word of God through action songs and native Fijian dances, known as the 'meke'. 

Yoko Matsuno was born in Gifu prefecture, Japan and started taking dance lessons when she was 4 years old. She liked it so much that she decided to proceed with the intensive study to master the art form through the Nishikawa school of Japanese classical dance. In 1962, she received her “natori” (professional dance name), Nishikawa Kayo. Yoko not only dances but also plays the shamisen, a three-stringed instrument used for accompanying dance. In 1973 she became a certified shamisen player specializing in the “nagauta” style and received another stage name, Katsuyuya Kineya.

In 1976, she started teaching Japanese dance to members of the Japanese-Canadian community. The following year, she began teaching “matsuri-ondo” (festival dancing) for the Powell Street Festival and the Japanese-Canadian Centennial celebration. (She has lead the cultural impact of this art and introduced it to virtually people all over Canada.

Through dance and kimono dressing, Yoko has been introducing Japanese culture to the Canadian community for many years, and has contributed to the enrichment of the greater community.  As recognition for her 40 years of activity, Yoko was the recipient of the 2016 Nikkei Place Community award and 2018 Kiyukai Distinguished Services Award.

Hua Xia Multiculture Society has as a primary mission coordinating and implementing comprehensive educational, cultural and social programs designed to promote intercultural dialogue, awareness and to respect for diversity.  Through advocacy and cultural programs, we create opportunities for our clients and members to expand their cultural knowledge and appreciation.  We utilize our programs and support systems to provide an optimum developmental environment where all members may develop to the highest level of their potential within the intellectually and culturally vibrant community of in Surrey, and Lower Mainland of BC.
Our cultural expression group dedicates to encouraging the participation in the performing arts. We provide the opportunity for members to develop and transform from the stage to life.

The Steel School of Irish dance is located in Cloverdale and South Surrey and has been serving the community for over 35 years. Dancers from the school range in age from 3 to adult. With both competitive and recreational programs, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Dancers from the school have achieved great success both locally and internationally with both Regional and National titles in solo and team dancing. Irish dance is not only a beautiful art form and athletic activity - it's the perfect activity to learn a new skill, stay physically fit and make new friends!

Local “Yetiz” band has been performing Nepali folk songs at Surrey Fusion Festival for many years. They also perform and sing for many community programs.