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STRATHCONA CHINESE DANCE COMPANY
Strathcona Chinese Dance Company (SCDC) was founded in 1973 by Mimie Ho as a recreational dance program to promote Chinese dance art in Canada. Under the artistic direction and leadership of Anabel Ho since 1989, the company has blossomed into a world renowned folkloric dance troupe.
SCDC is committed to fostering artistic exchange and enhancing cultural understanding while promoting goodwill and fellowship through the performing arts.
Over the past 35 years, Strathcona Chinese Dance Company along with its students and instructors have received numerous hounourable awards, trophies, medals and scholarships in regional, national and international dance competitions worldwide.
SCDC has been most priviledged to present command performances for the Queen of England, The Emperor of Japan and distinguished Heads of States on various occassions.
Strathcona dancers have shared their talents with worldwide audiences through their extensive tours throughout Canada, U.S.A., China, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Greece and Poland, reaching over 140 cities. SCDC has performed in International Dance Festivals including International Folk Festivals in Greece, Poland and U.S.A., 16 shows at Expo 74 in Spokane, U.S.A., 169 shows at Expo 86 in Vancouver, six times at Macao International Dance Festival, five times at Bumbershoot Festival in Seattle and eleven tours to China.
SCDC has also been actively participating in local and national cultural events including 13 times at Canadian Heritage Festival in different provinces, 16 times at the International Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver, the annual Spring Festival Parade, Festivity Celebrations, Canada Day, North Vancouver Folkfest, Opening Ceremony of B.C. Place, 169 shows at Expo 86, the Papal Visit, Asia Pacific Economic Conference, CBC Specials, Rick Hanson 10th Anniversary T.V. Special, Full length Dance Drama “Madam White Snake”, Chinese New Year Festival in Calgary, 10 times at Lantern Festival in Victoria, 3 times at Festival By the Sea in New Brunswick, Winterlude Festival in Ottawa, Genghis Khan World Exhibition in Edmonton, Canada 125’s “Spirit of A Nation” Canada Tour.
Local Performance Highlights include:
- Performance for Her Majesty The Queen in celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, 2002.
- Opening Ceremony of B.C. Canada Pavlion in Beijing, 2008
- Closing Ceremong of Triathlon World Championship in Vancouver, 2008
- Performing for the International Olympic Committee, “Celebration of Canada”, 2010 Olympic Bid, March 4, 2003.
- Performing for the Opening Ceremony of the World Weightlighting Championship
- Performing for CBC’s “Ching Chiang and the Dragon” and “Kung Hagus Fat Choy” in celebration of 2004 New Year which will be broadcasted on January 25, 2004.
In recognition of SCDC’s contribution to the Chinese dance art and the community, the Chinese Benevolent Association presented SCDC with the “Situ Zhifang Award”. The Troupe has also received Service Award presented by the former Premier Mike Harcourt, Appreciation Award from Prime Minister Jean Chretian for Special Performances to celebrate APEC in Vancouver, Award of Recognition for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebration and the Chinese Cultural Centre Cultural Award.
Founder and Director General, Mimie Ho is recognized for her dedication and community service in Canada. In 1983 she received the Volunteer Award from the Vancouver Parks Board and once again in 1993 after two decades of voluntary service at the Strathcona Community Centre. In 1984, she received the Citation for the Promotion of Multiculturalism, and in 1988 she was presented with Celebration 88 Certificate of Merit by the Prime Minister of Canada. Mimie Ho was honoured as the first Chinese Canadian woman to receive the Civic Merit Award from the City of Vancouver in 1996. In 1997 she was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from Prime Minister Jean Chretian for her significant contribution to APEC.
Anabel Ho received the Certificate of Appreciation for her performance in Canadian Heritage Festival in 1991. In 1992, she was awarded for the performances in Canada 125’s “Spirit of A Nation” Canada Tour. In 2002, Anabel was recognised for her outstanding choreography for Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee celebration.
Strathcona Chinese Dance Company will continue with their efforts to strive for dance excellence, preserve and promote Chinese Dance Art as an integral part of the diverse cultural mosaic in Canada.
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