Performers

A three-time Canadian National Dance champion, Karima Essa is Vancouver’s very own Bollywood star. An incredibly charismatic and passionate performer, choreographer and instructor, she has used her one-of-a-kind Bollywood talent to entertain diverse audiences at festivals, theatres and in schools across Canada.  In 2014, her love for Bollywood took her to the screens in Mumbai, India, as a two-time finalist on Omni TV’s reality show, Bollywood Star. With style, grace and a flair for the dramatic, she has been captivating adult and young audiences for decades.

Since first showcasing her Bollywood Star School show in schools in 2018, she has performed this show in 200 + schools. Karima’s new focus is on celebrating that all bodies can dance by bringing the Body Positivity movement to Bollywood Dance in schools and communities. Karima is also completing her Education Assistance certification and is interested in exploring how dance can help improve socio-emotional skills in children with autism or other special needs

Jirong graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Since arriving in Vancouver in 1988, Jirong has performed for the Canadian Governor General Concert as an erhu soloist and showcased his talent across Canada and the U.S., including appearances on Rogers TV and CBC radio programs. As the master of Chinese bowstring instruments, he has collaborated with many multicultural instrumentalists and is highly involved in the interdisciplinary arts in Vancouver. As a founder of the Canadian Chinese Music Society and the artistic director of Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, he has dedicated himself to bridging Western classical and contemporary music with Chinese instruments. His efforts have received praise and acclaim from Asian and Northern American audiences alike.

Boris Sichon was born in the Ukraine, where he finished Musical High School, in the study of percussion instruments. Boris is the owner of a unique collection of ethnic musical instruments he has compiled travelling around the globe. His collection now comprises over 200 rare and unique musical instruments.

Yuki the Juggler, from Cause & Effect Circus, is a Japanese Canadian entertainer based in Vancouver, Canada. In his almost two decade career, he is best known for his interactive juggling acts, collaboration shows, and freestyle dance fusion. Yuki’s achievements not only include 1st place prizes/awards but connecting the local community of misfits by producing events, serving on the board of organisations and sending students to circus school. He shows up at festivities, big and small around the globe. Juggling is his way to connect and communicate with the world.

Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Society (SEACHS)

December 22nd, 2009, SEACHS registered with the BC Registry to become an official non-profit organization.
SEACHS engages in training and educating Canadians about Southeast Asian cultures. It seeks to encourage young people in particular to become involved in the preservation and promotion of various forms of Southeast Asian culture. Through these activities it hopes to create a forum where people can engage in activities that promote Southeast Asian cultural heritage. This cultivates wellness within local Southeast Asian-Canadian communities and the wider public, thus enriches the diversity of Canadian society.

Surrey folk dancers meet weekly to enjoy folk dancing together. Folk dancing is a recreational activity suitable for all ages and abilities. Our dances and music originate from traditional community gatherings in countries around the world. Because they reflect a variety of stories and celebrations, dances range from serene to exuberant.

V3 is a group comprised of primarily young Vietnamese individuals whose primary purpose is to retain and promote Vietnamese culture.  V3 was formed in the fall of 2006, and since then, has been actively involved in community events.  V3 started out as a small group and soon after expanded to include individuals from different ethnicities who shared the same vision, goal, and passion.  The group is well recognized by the Lower Mainland community.  Activities carried out by the group have made positive changes through collaborations with other ethno-cultural organizations, broad community-based and government agencies.  Today, V3 is comprised of more than 50 members between the ages of 10-40, and is supported by parents and various organizations.

Martita and Rodrigo are amateur Tango dancers, originally from Argentina, living in Vancouver. They both have professional carrers, but they love Tango and had been dancing and contributing to expand Tango in different countries for more than a decade.

STORIES ON WHEELS is an original street theatre storytelling act for the whole family. Tales are brought to life by a high-energy comic performer, using beautifully illustrated picture cards displayed in a magnificent miniature wooden stage attached to the back of a unique bicycle. Inspired by a traditional Japanese travelling storytelling show popular from the 1920s through the 1950s called Kamishibai (literally paper theatre), the show combines the best of oral storytelling and narrative painting. Featuring gorgeous illustrations by local artists, as well as traditional picture cards from Japan, several short stories are told with music, dramatic action, and audience interaction. As well, the audience gets to hear an amusing and informative history of the art form. You’ve never been told a story this way, before!

Turban Tying with the India Pavilion

Learn about the history of turbans, and get your own turban tied courtesy of India Pavilion organizers.

Parade of Culture

Watch all of the cultural pavilions march throughout the festival before the Welcome Ceremony on the Main Stage.

Youth Cooking Showdown

Join us for a head-to-head culinary battle featuring Surrey youth for the first Cooking Showdown on the brand-new Cultural Cooking Arena. Chefs will need to make the most delicious meal to appeal to our panel of judges. Every meal will feature a different secret ingredient to challenge the competitors. Come cheer on your friends and family for their chance to be the next Cooking Showdown champion