dance Immersion welcomes IABD Conference North of the border to celebrate dance artistry

TORONTO - October 11, 2006

The 19th annual International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) launches in Toronto, offering opportunities for artists, dance companies, directors and scholars to converge their ideas and interact. Hosted by dance Immersion, the four-day event will take place at The Sheraton Centre Toronto with performances at the Premiere Dance Theater, Harbourfront from January 18th to 21st, 2007.

This year's theme is Widening the Sphere: Taking an Expansive View of Our Community, relating directly to the sharing, participation and fellowship which are integral parts of each IABD Conference. The 'expansive view' also alludes to the conference being held outside the U.S. for the first time in the organization's history.

The opening presentation opens the conference on January 18th with inspiring performances from New York's Urban Bush Women and Montréal based Compagnie Danse NYATA NYATA, featuring the pioneer of contemporary African dance, Zab Maboungou. Toronto artists, Blaze Entertainment, program director Vivine Scarlett and Montréal's Ghislaine Doté will highlight the dance Immersion Showcase Presentation on Friday night.

The schedule for the conference also offers an International Showcase, featuring performances from Cuba, South Africa and England. Philadelphia's Philadanco will also take the stage from IABD founder and artistic director Joan Myers Brown.

The full line-up includes master dance classes with internationally acclaimed instructors, panel discussions, seminars, Youth Showcase, auditions for leading dance festivals, African & exhibitor marketplace and networking events. Also highlighting the upcoming conference is a luncheon tribute to Katherine Dunham and a dinner with international guest speaker Professor Rex Nettleford, famed choreographer, Jamaican scholar and social critic.

The International Association of Blacks in Dance preserves and 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 11 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 dance expressions for professional and aspiring dance artists, working in various styles.

For more information, www.danceimmersion.ca

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Available for interviews, Vivine Scarlett, Program Director

For media inquiries please contact:

Kevin Pennant
kp@pennantmediagroup.com