Ticket sales have been strong for the fourth annual Dancefest Sudbury, to be held at Alphonse Raymond Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 7.
About 150 dancers are set to perform brand new material at the festival, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The dancers are from 17 groups from Greater Sudbury and as far away as Manitoulin Island. Most are returning from last year.
“Tickets are almost sold out, but we will have some available at the door,” said co-ordinator Neville Hewage. The auditorium holds 357 seats.
Next year, Hewage said he will follow the Cinéfest film format and solicit outside performers.
“We are developing an international theme that promotes cultural harmony,” he said.
“The way Cinefest works with international, national, local and regional films is a success. We need to begin to follow that,” said Hewage. Organizations from outside the north are checking out the festival after invitations to participate were sent out.
Emphasis was placed on how the goal of the first four years of the festival was to build community support. Hewage said he has 60 direct volunteers helping out, with another 30 to 40 who have also put in time to organize the event.
According to Hewage, the community has been supportive. Last year Dancefest Sudbury sold out.
Admission is $10, with children under 12 allowed in free. For more information, visit www.ontariointernational.org.
Some of the performers this year include:
- Company G Performers
- a group of 31 dancers ranging from seven to 21 years of age
- they support various charities such as the Canadian Cancer Treatment Centre
- Sudbury Irish Arts Association
- one of 600 branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann worldwide, Ireland's premiere cultural group
- Sampo Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
- they have performed at Finnish festivals, Santa Claus Parades and gymnastics events
- Earthdancers
- a group of youth whose dream is to make a difference in the world
- they donate proceeds to benefit the environment
- Nickel City Cloggers
- consist of 20 members who practice weekly at the Parkside Centre and the Minnow Lake Legion
- they have performed at retirement and nursing homes, friendship centres and schools
