International Dance Day (World Dance Day) Initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute (http://www.iti-worldwide.org/), International Dance Day falls on April 29 of every year, commemorating the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a distinguished choreographer that brought about significant reforms in ballet production. Among the goals of the Dance Day are to increase the awareness of the importance of dance among the general public, as well as to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education.

Every year, an international message authored by a well-known dance personality is circulated around the world as part of International Dance Day celebrations. Additionally, since 2005, the Canadian Dance Assembly has issued a Canadian message in conjunction with the UNESCO message. “Dance has the rare and precious power to unite people of all ages, cultures and religions and has an intrinsic value to Canadian society.” Yvon Zoglo, Crazy Smooth.

The Canadian Dance Assembly proudly presents the first ever National Dance Week leading up to International Dance Day on April 29 2012 as part of the I love dance/J’aime la danse National Campaign. Stay tuned for how the RWB will be participate in this exciting initiative.

It was an exciting time for the RWB School RD students who participated in the Showtime Convention and Competition March 9-11 in Winnipeg.  All results that placed in the top 3 are listed below:

Pre-Jazz Dance Ensemble – “Beautiful People” by Darilyn Burdeniuk – 1^st place with an invite to Dance World Cup*

Junior Jazz Dance Ensemble – “Carwash” by Darilyn Burdeniuk – 2^nd place

Intermediate Jazz Dance Ensemble – “Diamonds” by Kira Kjear – 2^nd place

Senior Jazz Dance Ensemble – “Big Spender” by Darilyn Burdeniuk – 2^nd place with an invite to Dance World Cup*

Senior Lyrical Jazz – “Cold Water” by Laurie Alston and rehearsed by Rachel Cooper – 2^nd place with an invite to Dance World Cup*

Junior Tap Dance Ensemble – “Stix” by Julie Gregorchuk – 2^nd  place

Intermediate Tap Dance Ensemble – “Men In Black” by Aimee Brasko – 2^nd place with and invite to Dance World Cup*

Senior Tap Dance Ensemble – “Jumpin’ Jack” – 2^nd place

Aisha Kunzig solo by Laurie Alston/Rachel Cooper – 1^st place with an invite to Dance World Cup*

Soleil Kunzig solo by Nicole Egeland – 1^st place with an invite to Dance World Cup*

Lia Loewen solo by Nicole Egeland – 1^st place with an invite to Dance World Cup*

Delaney Giesbrecht solo by Karin Giesbrecht – 1^st place with an invite to Dance World Cup*

Congratulations to all other participants and competitors who took part in the weekend’s events.

*Dance World Cup is the next stage of this competition and is held in Montreal in the summer. The RWB School will not be participating in this aspect of the competition.

Sending a big congratulations and thank you to the following RD Students who performed at the Satellite Recitals for a brilliant job. 

Beausejour Satellite Recital March 9
Coordinator Lea-Anne Bangert / RD teacher: Christine Wu

1. Title: Albion Polka
   Dancers: Llana Arreza, Sophie Chen, Elke Hasselmann
   Choreographer: Kelly Bale
2. Title: Ease On Down The Road
   Choreographer: Julie Gregorchuk
   Dancers: Zoe Eccleston, Maia Saunders and Aspyn Woodstock

St. Malo Satellite Recital March 15
Coordinator is Kathy Marion and Crystal Dubois / RD teacher: Denise Belzile and Jolene Kutzner

RD performances: 

1. Title: Francis
   Dancer: Marina Lamontagne
   Choreographer: Karin Giesbrecht
2. Title: Le Plaisir
   Dancer: Magdalena McGregor
   Choreographer: Kelly Bale

Altona Satellite Recital March 18
Coordinator Deandra Sawatzky / RD Teacher: Marilee Schroeder
Title: Skinny LoveDancers: Aisha KunzigChoreographer: Laurie Alston, rehearsed by Rachel Cooper

1. Title: Ole de la Curra
   Dancer: Emma Sickert
   Choreographer: Maritel Centurion 

Gimli Satellite Recital March 19
Coordinator is Kimberly Becker and Cheryl Ellison / RD
Teacher: Katie Devonshire

1. Title: Car Wash
   Dancers: Danika Burdeniuk, Julianne Chartier, Megan Gareau, Soleil Kunzig
   Choreographer: Julie Gregorchuk
2. Title: Watch Me
   Dancer: Soleil Kunzig
   Choreographer: Nicole Egeland 
3. Title: Your World
   Dancer: Danika Burdeniuk
   Choreographer: Darilyn Burdeniuk