MEDIA RELEASE
11 September 2013
Award winning troupe collaboration takes Asia Vision Cup at 2013 Viva Eclectika
Viva Eclectika 2013 Intercultural Dance and Music Challenge - 31st August 2013
Viva Eclectika is a biennial event that is run in association with the Human Rights Commission and Race Relations Office
since its inception in 1999 and is part of the Diversity Forum 2013 organised by the New Zealand Asia Association
(NZAA). The competition is all about creative fusion of different styles and cultures.
Their goal is to promote unity, goodwill, understanding and positive race relations. Living in a place as culturally
diverse as Auckland means the creative possibilities are endless! This year they had Chinese dragon dancing fused with
Scottish pipers, Japanese Taiko Drummers and Haka, Carribean Steel bands with Korean dancing... and Middle Eastern,
Chinese Fan, French CanCan and Flamenco fusion.
Location: Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls Grammar, 16 Howe Street, Auckland.
The World Dance Project and Phoenix Belly Dance The World Dance Project is a collaborative troupe consisting of dancers from Phoenix Belly Dance, Pineapple Productions,
and La Escuela. Phoenix Belly Dance, led by Candice Frankland, contributed the Middle Eastern dance genre to the fusion.
They have a repertoire ranging from modern and contemporary belly dance (incorporating Chinese fan dancing) to
traditional folkloric styles. Pineapple Productions specializes in a wide variety of dance styles, among them being
French Cancan, and La Escuela brings fiery flamenco to the table.
Comprised of seventeen dancers and one musician, The World Dance Project was formed specifically for Viva Eclectika.
Over the course of approximately four months, the leaders of the respective troupes worked together to create a dynamic
choreography, entitled 'This Is Our World'.
This Is Our World' revolves around the concept of paying homage to Mother Earth through dance. Despite the multitude of
dance genres that have been created over the ages, we all share the same world and the gifts it provides us. Amidst
flurries of cancan, flamenco and Middle Eastern dance, the live music of a yayli tanbur player helps weave together
cultures that aren't as different as they might first appear. The aim of this piece is to show the audience a world not
separated by our differences, but united by them.
“This all woman group play delightfully with imagery of Mother Earth as provider of all that is precious to the human
condition” writes Dr Linda Ashley for Theatre Review (www.theatrereview.org.nz).
Viva Eclectika Asia Vision Cup The 'Asia Vision Cup’ category is awarded to the group which presents the best fusion dance with an Asian influence. The
World Dance Project also received a $500 prize cheque and the Asia Vision Cup to take home until the next biennial event
takes place.
About Phoenix Winners of the Jambalaya Festival Multi-Discipline Dance Competition, voted Best Entertainment Company by NZ Corporate
Events and invited to be guest artists at the Australian Dance Festival and Sydney Latin Festival, SkyCity Breakers
Games, and NZ TV shows! These award winning performers made up of women of various backgrounds who aim to promote the
rich cultural experience and elegance of Middle Eastern dance through lessons and performances.
For more information please contact Candice Frankland with Phoenix Belly Dance at 0211704183 or
phoenix.candice@gmail.com or www.phoenixbellydance.co.nz
Click for big version.
ENDS