Vinok spreads holiday cheer to Edmonton & Red Deer

Number of dancers: nine. Number of singers: three. Number of musicians: six. Number of affable hosts: one. Level of enjoyment: priceless.

 

The statistics alone can’t even come close to measuring the energy and excitement generated by the multitalented entertainers who took part in Vinok Worldance’s Christmas Around the World. In November, this colourful cavalcade of culture managed to electrify two cities in less than two weeks.

The shows in Edmonton and Red Deer demonstrated superlatively why Vinok is of international caliber when it comes to showcasing traditional folk dances around the globe, traversing several cultures. This year’s run placed the spotlight on dances that originated in the Ukraine (which kicked off the proceedings), Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Ireland, China, the Netherlands, Romania and Hungary. Guest performers from The Running Thunder Dancers were also superb in their repertoire, ensuring that the heritage of the First Nations people were prominently highlighted.

Moving the affair along at a lively pace with the panache of an awards ceremony host was Timothy Anderson, who managed to inject his down-home wit in all the right places, provide some thought-provoking anecdotal fodder between dances, and even aptly represented Germany with his solo rendition of “O Tannenbaum.”  There were also carols from Venezuela, Canada and Italy.

Given the pace at which the dancers and musicians had to learn their parts, the execution of each act was tight, lively and kept audiences in rapt attention from start to finish.

Not only was Christmas Around the World a dynamic cross section of how different cultures celebrate their respective hallowed events, it also doubled as Vinok’s way of wish everyone all the best for the holiday season.

The 2011 edition of Christmas Around the World may have ended, but plans are underway for the 2012 incarnation taking place this November. Stay tuned for additional details.