The entrance was decorated with beautiful Rangoli, brass lamps and sitar music flowed through the hallway and auditorium.  Gold, red, green and other beautiful colors were everywhere, it was like a slice of India.  The program started of with the lighting of the lamp followed by the Indian and Canadian National Anthems and the inaugural speeches by both Indian and Canadian dignitaries. The Stars of the North Drum group performed a song that flowed into a group vocal performance by Pandit Jasraj School of Music. The grand Chanda Mela drum performance by the Vancouver Malayalee Samaja ended with the presentation of certificates to the participating organisations. The inaugural cultural program started off with a classical Bharatanatyam piece presented by Mandala Arts, followed by a Bhangra dance from the Royal Academy of Bhangra before the intermission.

The second session started off with Shiv Tandav by Varad Ashram Inter-Cultural Service Humanitarian World Association and later we had vibrant performances by Kashmiri group and Bharatiya Tamizh Sangam. This section included performances from various states of India, including a folk dance from Haryana, Dandiya Raas from Gujarat, Nryutendrajalam from Malayalee Association, a Telegu folk dance, and the famous Bihu dance from Assam. Thamil cultural association presented a Senthamil Nadu folk dance, and there was a Giddha dance from Punjab.  We also saw a dance on Shiva by Nandanum school of Bharatanatyam before the session closed.  All these beautiful dances were presented with authentic costumes, slide projections, and beautiful stage decorations, while the acoustics of the hall enhanced the sound of the music and footwork.

Besides these wonderful performances, delicious food, snacks, excellent chai and coffee were all served at nominal rates.  The dosas, vadas, and chaat were all very fresh and tasty. I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Raishma Bhan, who along with other beautiful ladies, presented the Kashmiri dance.  This was the first time that the Kashmiri group participated in Namaste Canada and they did a fabulous job.

UBC student Vaishnavi Sridhar had this to say ”Namaste Canada beautifully showcased the colors of India in the Metro Vancouver area. All the performances were a feast to the eyes and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I especially loved the beautiful performance by the Developmental Disabilities Association and the high energy Kalbelia performance by the India Cultural Association of Vancouver. I am eagerly looking forward to Namaste Canada 2019.”

Mrs. Sonal Munshi from Margi Dance Academy of Kathak dance said “Namaste Canada is a platform provided by CGI Vancouver to bring the Indian … community together to celebrate and share our common heritage and Indian culture. When you think from [the] community perspective, ‘no duplicate’ policy, in terms of participating associations and the dances, adopted this year was a big plus point as most states got a chance to perform and the community got a chance to see some of the state dances they may never have had a chance to see. I wish and hope we will see even more diversity in the years to come. The community came together. A true ‘India in Vancouver’ experience for all but especially for younger generations to experience the ‘Unity in Diversity’ and to see the vast, rich, and diverse cultural heritage of India. To have an ‘Indian Experience’ in a very positive way. I saw during rehearsals that the participants were very enthusiastic. They worked hard even with their busy schedules. For me, it was a wonderful experience working as a part of the team Namaste Canada 2018.”

Mrs. Raishma Bhan of Kashmiris of Greater Vancouver group had this to say, ”I would like to start off by thanking [the Consulate] for offering our Kashmiri group an opportunity to be a part of this amazing event. Our very first experience of performing on the stage has been extremely positive and a great confidence booster. The interactions with the Namaste Canada team were professional and supportive. On the whole, I and my group had an amazing time rehearsing, performing and being a part of this magical team. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Consul General, Ms. Abhilasha Joshi jee, for organizing such an amazingly successful event. Also kudos to all the volunteers who worked numerous hours to make this event a success. We hope to continue this relationship for a very long time to come. Jai Hind.”

The final session in the evening brought more vibrant music, colors and many more exquisite dances to the stage. It was a great combination of folk, classical, and Bollywood dances that enthralled the audience. It began with Yakshagana of Karnataka which is an ancient folk art with elaborate costumes, makeup and drama.  Next came the beautiful Varnam in Mohiniyattam style.  The Garba dance, Sambalpuri dance, and Kolattam dance followed to balance classical with folk.  The Developmental Disabilities Association touched the hearts of everyone in the audience with their presentation.  The Koli dance, also called the fisherman/woman dance, from Maharashtra brought nostalgic memories of Mumbai shores to me.  The exquisite and well choreographed Raas Lila in Manipuri style was performed very gracefully.  The Rajasthani Kalbelia costumes and dance were mesmerizing.  As always, Shiamak Davar’s dance presentation provided the spectacular event a glamorous, Bollywood style finale. Best wishes for Namaste Canada 2019.

Known for his signature – ‘Music for the Planet’, Ricky and this large star-studded ensemble will play compositions from his latest album ‘Shanti Samsara – World Music for Environmental Consciousness’. This album was launched in the presence of world leaders at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Paris COP21, and has since gained a following with numbers running into millions.

Oh yes, he’s played the field, with fifteen studio albums released in international markets and over 3,500 commercials for radio and television. He even scored music for the opening ceremony of the Cricket World Cup 2011, which was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Grammy® Award Winner aside, Ricky is a US Billboard #1 artist, an internationally renowned Indian Music Composer, Conservationist and Professor, who has had the honor of performing twice at the United Nations General Assembly, NY, among other famed venues around the world.

Ricky is a recipient of the United Nations ‘Global Humanitarian Artist’ award. Among other awards under his belt are ‘Producer of the Year’ at the South African Music Awards (South Africa), ‘Album of the Year’ at the Zone Music Awards (New Orleans), ‘Global Indian Music Award’ and ‘Mirchi Music Awards’ (India), and Centre for Conscious Creativity’s ‘FutureVision’ Award (Los Angeles).

Ricky has also been conferred with the title ‘Youth Icon of India’. In the last year, ‘Real Leaders’, a signatory to the United Nations, named him one of the ‘100 Real Leaders’ who ‘inspire the future’, alongside legends like Bill Gates, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Angelina Jolie. This was a moment of pride as he was the sole Indian on that list. The House of Commons, Parliament of Canada, also awarded Ricky for his ‘Outstanding Musical and Humanitarian Achievement’ recently.
As Ricky is gearing up for the concerts he says, “I’m absolutely honored and thrilled to perform in Canada, which is one of the most Environmentally Conscious nations of the world. My music, my work and my life is dedicated to the cause of environment, so reaching out to thousands of people who are already connected with nature at both, Holland Park and Simon Fraser University, is very special to me. The amazing Surrey City Orchestra will be in attendance as well, with two of Canada’s finest musicians, Grammy® Winner Jennifer Gasoi and Grammy® Nominee Ron Korb, and that makes it all the more special!”

Here’s where you can be a part of the experience:

July 22, 2018 (Sunday): 7pm at Surrey Fusion Festival, Holland Park (Free entry for public)

As we eagerly await the Global Symphonic Experience, Ricky Kej lets us in on something, “I have a very special musical dedication to this beautiful country,Canada, and I can’t wait to reveal it! I am grateful to our organizer Vivek Savkur and our generous sponsor Sharn Bhinder and Gold Key Life Insurance”

In this full house event I was in the front row seat with no other than Yosof Hakimi from Aaj magazine. Indian classical dance and music is a science with technique, style, and rooted in history.

In North America with its growing multicultural herd we are making our way integrating the history we left behind. What a beautiful way to share this joy of dance, drama, music in Indian classical dance. At times I felt “Krishna” on stage, and the Tandav “Shiva” fill the room in the performers who danced with shakti that only comes from a place of deep worship. For me the body is a temple that is the instrument like most of these dancers I become one with the dance.

The message I went home with was ‘we need more of this’ and a sense of welcome was the other message where the group invited everyone in to support them. The night was illuminated by the fire of tranquil dance performances.

Sunny Singh is proudly representing Canada in the Hollywood scene as a three-time World Police Games Gold medalist. Sunny’s commitment to his career and representing his nation is continuously demonstrated. He was competing in the World Police Championship in British Columbia in 2009, when he found out that his father passed away. He was on the floor during a competition when he found out, and someone said, “Do you want to fight or give up? You already have silver Sunny.” He did not give up, and ended being recognized as World Champion. Sunny refused to attend his father’s funeral so that he could represent Canada. He has competed in more than 150 tournaments nationally and internationally.  

Sunny holds dual citizenship, as a Canadian and British national, having immigrated to Canada from the United Kingdom in 2005. He has travelled across the world, including: USA, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore, India, Thailand and Switzerland. Sunny’s goal is to use his martial arts skills to become a well-known martial arts actor. Aside from martial arts, Sunny enjoys boxing and cricket. He considers boxing as a good cardio workout, and a way to gain stamina, and it is a sport in which is he still undergoing training.  

Sunny has completed various projects and has future projects in both Hollywood and Bollywood. In a movie called Jun, Sunny played the role of an assassin. He is featured in a film called Replican, which will be released next year. He was responsible for directing all fight scenes as a fight choreographer and second lead villain in Futureshift, his first feature film in Canada. Replican and Futureshift were directed by Susan Thomas. Next year, Sunny will play the role of a secret agent in a movie in New York. He will also be part of a major bodyguard fight scene, working with Cynthia Rothrock in Two Days and Two Kills, directed by Dave Durch. He will be showcased in the beginning, middle and end of the movie; a major Hollywood accomplishment. Sunny’s life story will also be coming to the big screen soon, in a film called Bitto Guru. 

What is it about this group of artists that has captivated so many theatregoers worldwide—transcending culture, race, and ethnicity? And why are Chinese people flying out of mainland China to Taiwan and other locations in order to see the show? 

‘The highest realm in arts’  

“Demonstrating the highest realm in arts, Shen Yun inspires the performing arts world,” said Chi Cao, principal dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet and lead actor in “Mao’s Last Dancer.”  

Certainly, Shen Yun draws top artists from around the world including winners of international competitions in classical Chinese dance and music. Its production charms showgoers through superb dance and a unique orchestra highlighting Chinese melodies in a seamless combination of Eastern and Western instruments.  

In addition, the all-new program every year is a visual feast showcasing exquisite handmade costumes and state-of-the-art technological innovations. This includes groundbreaking animated backdrops that extend the stage and transport theatregoers into different realms, depicting the natural world as well as ancient Chinese art, such as classical Chinese gardens and heavenly scenes often portrayed in Buddhist paintings.  

Contributing to the extraordinary performance is not only the artists’ and the entire team’s talent and vigorous devotion to excellence, but their deep belief in and embodiment of Shen Yun’s mission.  

 Inner beauty and purity  

Established in 2006, New York-based Shen Yun was founded on the mission of reviving the authentic traditional culture of China through classical Chinese dance and music.  

The company’s dancers train many hours a day, emphasizing form, bearing, and technical skills. The concept of bearing is particularly important in classical Chinese dance. It is the element that allows the performer to express inner feelings through movement, where the nobler the dancer’s character, the more outstanding the dance.  

As such, Shen Yun performers not only devote themselves to practicing technique but also to refining their personal character through what is called self-cultivation in traditional Chinese culture. It is rooted in the ancient Chinese belief that to create true art, there must first be inner beauty and purity.  

 ‘The beauty of divine beings dancing’  

The name Shen Yun in fact means “the beauty of divine beings dancing.” It reflects the company’s aspiration to share with audiences the ancient Chinese belief that the arts are a gift to humankind from heaven.  

It also echoes the ideals of the moral and spiritual values that define the heart and soul of traditional Chinese culture, such as benevolence and justice, propriety and wisdom, respect for and faith in heaven, and divine retribution.  

These are principles that have largely been lost in China following decades of communist repression. Indeed, Shen Yun cannot be seen in mainland China, where its mission to revive the age-old spiritual essence of traditional China is not permitted in the officially atheistic country.  

‘Go back and see it six times’  

For its part, Shen Yun masterfully presents the noble values and splendid artistry of China’s ancient culture in their authentic form, rooted in 5,000 years of civilization. The effects are deeply felt by audience members.  

“There is no word to describe it. … If I had to, the words might be ‘divine,’ ‘reborn,’ and ‘hope,’” said cello virtuoso Christine Walevska.  

“The human spirit, the dignity, the power, the love of those people was astounding. … This is the profound quintessential end of entertainment. There is nothing beyond this, nothing,” said former producer Jim Crill.  

“I have reviewed over 3,000 shows, none can compare to what I saw tonight. … Five stars! The top!” said renowned Broadway critic Richard Connema. “Go back and see it six times.”  

 Shen Yun returns to the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver March 23–25 for its 11th season. For more information, please visit ShenYun.com/Van