An upcoming event in New Westminster, hosted by the Dancers of Damelahamid, will present a weeklong exhibition and celebration of the dance and culture of Indigenous groups from the Pacific Northwest.
The Coastal Dance Festival is an annual event, now in its 13th year, that brings together groups from British Columbia, the Yukon, Alaska and Washington as well as guests from across North America and beyond. The goal is to highlight and preserve traditional modes of dance in the region while connecting with the global Indigenous community. Cultures involved include the Squamish, Tsleil-Wautuh, and Tlingit Nations.
The week will begin with midweek performances aimed at school groups, followed by evening events aimed at showcasing Canadian and international dancers. Finally, the weekend will see afternoon performances on the festival stage featuring traditional dance groups from the region like the Dakha Khwan Dancers and the Chinook Song Cancers, as well as the Tuakana and Teina Leadership Academy Group, a visiting Maori team from New Zealand. Events like this, often advertised through poster printing and brochure printing, can be crucial for both preserving traditional dance and helping it grow as an art form.
The Coastal Dance festival will kick off with school performances at the UBC Museum of Anthropology, then move to the Anvil Centre Theatre in New Westminster for the remainder of the week, concluding on March 1.
Location
615 Agnes Street
New Westminster, BC V3M 1G9
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Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
Thu: 9:00 - 5:00
Fri: 9:00 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed