In the face of an ongoing global environmental crisis, the planet has never been more in need of a sense of connection, drive and hope — that’s the message Sudbury’s earthdancers dance troupe will bring to the stage for three performances April 19-20 at Place des Arts on Larch Street.
Since their formation in 1989, the earthdancers have danced to make a difference. All proceeds from ticket sales for this month’s performances go towards environmental causes.
Earthdancers is a Sudbury-based, not-for-profit youth-directed group “with a legacy of inciting environmental awareness and change within their community-setting this precedent through the universal communication of dance,” the group said in a news release.
In these last three decades, all proceeds made through ticket sales — totally an impressive $206,000 — have been donated to various environmental beneficiaries locally, nationally and globally.
“This April, earthdancers celebrates its 31st annual benefit performance,” the group said. “Sharing the stage with them are earthdancers alumni spanning multiple generations, representing years of artists deeply connected to their Earth, their community, and their craft.”
For this upcoming production, earthdancers feature the work of a variety of talented choreographers, while remounting works from earlier productions.
Franco Mariotti, honorary chairman of the group, said earthdancers’ performances are must-see events. H
“These young dancers are creative, impressive, and absolutely entertaining,” said Mariotti in the news release. “They devote their passion for dance to raising money for the natural world. They are a must-see!"
Beyond the dance floor, the group continues to gather on Pine Street biannually in honour of Sudbury's Adopt-a-Road program to collect litter and contribute to a cleaner hometown.
“More than 50 individuals and businesses local to Northern Ontario have generously sponsored the group this year in support of their cause, all of which were approached by the dancers themselves.”
Tickets are on sale online here.
