Little Pear Garden Dance Company honours its artistic director
InsideToronto.com
Sept. 8, 2017
Prominent dance professionals, city councilors and community leaders attended Little Pear Garden Dance Company’s gala to honour prolific artistic director Emily Cheung for her ongoing contribution to promote multiculturalism through dance in Canada.
Emily was applauded for her unique choreographic style of an impeccable synthesis of contemporary dance, Chinese classical, folk and elements of martial arts.
“Since Emily has taken leadership over 10 years ago, she has successfully transformed the group into a professional dance company, which is now one of the most sought-after groups in Canada,” says Stephen Siu, president of Yee Hong Community Wellness Foundation.
During the evening gala, guests enjoyed three key performances including: Breath of Demon which explored basic human emotions by projecting the story of two supernatural beings in the primordial darkness; Efirts - “Strife” read backward, is a contemporary commentary on human evolution and conflicts; Wa Dance is an ethnic dance from Yunnan China in which dancers powerfully sway their hair as many as 30 rounds each time.
“Art is the essence of a community, and the essence of a city. Emily is very daring and innovative; I will not be surprised if she takes the company to the world stage in the next 10 years,” adds Sandra Yeung Racco, City Councilor of Vaughan, Ward 4.
“We are thankful for everyone’s support. As we passionately embrace our past and pursue our exciting future, we will continue to promote professional Canadian artists and cultural diversity in the arts,” says Emily Cheung.
Cheung adds that her mission is to train and nurture emerging dancers and choreographers, expand the repertoire and create dynamic, groundbreaking productions. She is committed to maintaining the integrity of ancient traditions, while incorporating contemporary genres and modern dance trends to entertain culturally diverse audiences at venues and festivals throughout the city.
