1. PRESS RELASE “International Dance Festival” 2010 26th February-14th March Chiang Mai – Phuket – Bangkok The friends-of-the-Arts foundation, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration: Ministry of Culture and Tourism Authority of Thailand proudly present the 10th “International Dance Festival” to celebrate and honour the Diamond Wedding Jubilee of their Majesties the King Bhumibol (Rama 9) and Queen Sirikit of Thailand in 3 major cities of Thailand: Chiang Mai 26th-28th February at 16.00-22.00 hours at Three Kings Monument, Walking Street. Phuket 2nd-4th March at 16.00-22.00 hours at JungCeylon (Patong beach) Bangkok 5th-14th March at 16.00-22.00 hours at Benjasiri Park (next to the Emporium Shopping Complex) There will be performances by talented Thai performers as well as renowned dancers and dance companies from all over the world! The friends-of-the-Arts foundation is pleased to invite the Italian and European dance community to participate in the festival. The Cultural Partners are encouraged: a) to have a small display booth at the festival where it is possible to promote themes that represent your dance company/institute. b) we also encourage you to arrange other unique national visual arts display and events (such as paintings, musicians lectures and talks). The foundation is delighted to find suitable galleries, and lecture halls for your events etc.. Background: the 10th Anniversary of the
International Dance Festival
2010, organised by the friends-of-the-Arts foundation This is now the 10th year of holding the festival. In 2009 we had over 400 performing artists (representatives from the best of Thailand plus professional performing artist/dancers from twelve countries) on two stages in Bangkok. In addition there were Master Classes: Workshops: “Young Talent Stage”: Visual Arts Exhibitions: Performing Arts Fair. Summery: The 10th Anniversary of the
International Dance Festival
2010. The friends-of-the-Arts foundation plans a free public festival at three locations Chiang Mai: Phuket: Bangkok. See below for the details of the Planed Program. Activities; Free Public Performance (FPP): (staged for the general public (free of charge): the preview for each act is limited to 10 - 15 minutes). Main “Fund Raise” Performance: (ticket-sales: venues to be announced: double/triple bills limited to 75 minutes). The friends-of-the-Arts foundation will stage for the dance audiences full length performances during 6th-14th March at Thailand Cultural Centre (main hall) and AKSARA THEATER. Street Acts: (fun loving performing artist willing to show their craft as “buskers” traditional street performers!). Workshop: (free for the general public: different disciples to be announced: taught by seasoned professionals). A Week long Master Classes: (for experience students and professionals). “Young Talent Stage”: (an opportunity for young talent performing artists/dancers to stage their work). Visual Arts Exhibitions and Arts Market: Performing Arts Fair: (a performing arts educational fair: where local and international academies have the opportunity to promote their institution) Note: The festival is to be bigger and better! With over 15-17 countries being represented: we expect over 100,000 audience in attendance. For full background information please enter:< http://www.friends-of-the-Arts.info >. The Mission: (of the 10th Anniversary of the
International Dance Festival
2010): to develop Thai youth to discover their own natural talent. to support young talented and professional Thai artists. to organize performances; master classes: workshop; seminars; exhibitions. to introduce and promote performing arts to the general public. to establish exchange programs with international institutions. to network and collaborate with individual performing artists and arts organisation. to educate and open minds to the joy-of-life through the performing arts! The friends-of-the-Arts foundation is to collaborate with 14 ~ 16 Cultural Partners (cultural institutions and embassies) to present the best examples from their performing artists work at the festival, such as Black Light Theater (Prague) the renown singer Felippa Giordano (Italy) the unique performance of Sunlight Zone (USA) Guangdong Dance Theatre (China) and Oplas theatre (Italy) etc.. Visual Artists from the Art Market by the Office of Contemporary Arts and Culture, Ministry of Culture will display their work. Thai dance professionals and universities are also a part of this year’s “International Dance Festival” 2010. Over 400 dancers and performing artists are to participate in the festival. “Young Talented Showcase”, a stage provided for local and International youth performing groups to present their work to the public free of charge. It was created to give opportunity for amateur to progress into professional and is also a cultural bridge between Thai and international performers: encouraging networking! Apart from the unique and talented performances from all over the world the “International Dance Festival” 2010 will provide you with one week of Master Classes with master teachers for those who are interested in learning more on new and innovative techniques i.e. Khon (Thai mask dance) Muay Thai Chaiya (the art of ancient Thai martial art): Tai Ji Chuan: Contemporary Dance: Hip-Hop: Classical Ballet etc . art exhibition, varied types of 12 outdoor dance Workshops such as Belly Dance: Chinese Dance: Lower Spinal Rotation etc.. which will ensure you that spending an edutaining afternoon at “International Dance Festival” 2010: For further information of International Dance Festival 2009 / Master Classes & Workshops registration:< www.friends-of-the-arts.info >.