The 19th Annual International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) Conference (January 18th to 21st, 2007) launches with the Opening Night Showcase, setting the tone for the entire IABD conference with powerful performances, from internationally renowned dance companies from Canada and the U.S., including Cry, Ailey's 1971 solo, For all Black women everywhere - especially our mothers by Asha Thomas of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (United States). The opening event takes place at Premiere Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre, on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 7:00pm.

As a major highlight of the conference, keynote speaker Professor Rex Nettleford will deliver a speech centered around the conference's theme, "Widening the Sphere: Taking an Expansive View of Our Community". Professor Nettleford has been a major influence in the cultural, social and educational development of the West Indies, and has also published on a wide variety of issues affecting the life, politics and development of the Caribbean. He is also the founder, artistic director and principal choreographer of the internationally acclaimed National Dance Theatre Company of Jamaica and is regarded as a leading Caribbean authority on the performing arts.

At the heart of the conference will be four dynamic showcase presentations, featuring over 30 performances by professional artists and ensembles to include Vincent Mantsoe (South Africa/France), Tavaziva Dance (United Kingdom), Philadanco (USA) and Compagnie Danse Nyata Nyata (Montreal, Canada).

Other exciting features of the Conference include master dance classes, seminars, workshops and panel discussions led by such critically acclaimed members of the dance community as Len Gibson, Eleo Pomare, John Alleyne and George Randolph The legendary and late Katherine Dunham is also being honoured at a Luncheon Tribute in celebration of her life and commitment to dance on Friday, January 19.

The primary conference site is the Sheraton Centre Toronto, with performances at the Premiere Dance Theatre, Harbourfront Centre.

The International Association of Blacks in Dance preserves ad promotes dance by people of African ancestry or origin, and assists and increases opportunities for artists in networking, funding, performance, education, audience development, philosophical dialogue, touring and advocacy.

dance Immersion is a not-for-profit charitable organization that promotes, cultivates and preserves dances of the African Diaspora. For 12 years, various styles of dance and dance artists have been introduced to the public through presentations, forums, workshops, visual arts displays, and Youth Arts programs. The organization provides a nurturing and supportive environment of various dance expressions for professional and aspiring dance artists.

Showcase Performance Tickets: $30-$50
416) 973-4000
www.harbourfrontcentre.com

Conference Registration:
(416) 504-7529
www.artsboxoffice.ca

For more information:
(416) 203-0666
www.danceimmersion.ca

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Available for interviews, Vivine Scarlett, Program Director