Performers

Kocassale Dioubate, from the Mandingo (or Malinke) tribe of Guinea, West Africa, is a descendant of his tribe’s ‘ djeliba’ (also known as griots) traditional story-tellers, entertainers, musicians, praise singers, counselors, and mediators, those who keep and preserve the tribe’s oral history and tradition, known to have deep connections to the spiritual, social, and political powers. Koca was born into this inherited lineage of arts and entertainment, as well as social skill, and has been playing and creating music, as well as dancing, since his early childhood, ever since he was old enough to walk.

Hua Xia Multiculture Society has as a primary mission coordinating and implementing comprehensive educational, cultural and social programs designed to promote intercultural dialogue, awareness and to respect for diversity.  Through advocacy and cultural programs, we create opportunities for our clients and members to expand their cultural knowledge and appreciation.  We utilize our programs and support systems to provide an optimum developmental environment where all members may develop to the highest level of their potential within the intellectually and culturally vibrant community of in Surrey, and Lower Mainland of BC.
Our cultural expression group dedicates to encouraging the participation in the performing arts. We provide the opportunity for members to develop and transform from the stage to life.

The Steel School of Irish dance is located in Cloverdale and South Surrey and has been serving the community for over 35 years. Dancers from the school range in age from 3 to adult. With both competitive and recreational programs, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Dancers from the school have achieved great success both locally and internationally with both Regional and National titles in solo and team dancing. Irish dance is not only a beautiful art form and athletic activity - it's the perfect activity to learn a new skill, stay physically fit and make new friends!

The Korean Traditional Arts Society (KTAS) is dedicated to promoting the various forms and expressions of Korean traditional culture and art in Vancouver, Canada.
KTAS develops educational activities, materials and resources available to a diverse audience through workshops, exhibitions and performances to raise community awareness of Korean culture. It also focuses on encouraging and facilitating cultural exchanges and cooperation between Canada and Korea.
KTAS aims to promote cooperation through culture and performances with various ethnic groups in Vancouver and to contribute to the future development of Vancouver culture and arts through history and cultural exchange with indigenous peoples.

Local “Yetiz” band has been performing Nepali folk songs at Surrey Fusion Festival for many years. They also perform and sing for many community programs.

Affiliated with Keri's Highland Dance Studio in White Rock, B.C, The Wee Drams is a traditional Highland dance company with a modern swish of the kilt. Previously known as Two Wee Drams, the performance group has since expanded and is comprised of B.C Provincial Representatives, dancers who performed with The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Highland Dance Team, and championship level technique. Performing in White Rock, Vancouver, and everywhere in between, The Wee Drams aim to promote Scottish and Celtic culture through Highland dance. 

Megan will be showing traditional big house dance as well as hip hop dances.

A three-time Canadian National Dance champion, Karima Essa is Vancouver’s very own Bollywood star. An incredibly charismatic and passionate performer, choreographer and instructor, she has used her one-of-a-kind Bollywood talent to entertain diverse audiences at festivals, theatres and in schools across Canada.  In 2014, her love for Bollywood took her to the screens in Mumbai, India, as a two-time finalist on Omni TV’s reality show, Bollywood Star. With style, grace and a flair for the dramatic, she has been captivating adult and young audiences for decades.

Since first showcasing her Bollywood Star School show in schools in 2018, she has performed this show in 200 + schools. Karima’s new focus is on celebrating that all bodies can dance by bringing the Body Positivity movement to Bollywood Dance in schools and communities. Karima is also completing her Education Assistance certification and is interested in exploring how dance can help improve socio-emotional skills in children with autism or other special needs

Jirong graduated from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Since arriving in Vancouver in 1988, Jirong has performed for the Canadian Governor General Concert as an erhu soloist and showcased his talent across Canada and the U.S., including appearances on Rogers TV and CBC radio programs. As the master of Chinese bowstring instruments, he has collaborated with many multicultural instrumentalists and is highly involved in the interdisciplinary arts in Vancouver. As a founder of the Canadian Chinese Music Society and the artistic director of Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble, he has dedicated himself to bridging Western classical and contemporary music with Chinese instruments. His efforts have received praise and acclaim from Asian and Northern American audiences alike.

Boris Sichon was born in the Ukraine, where he finished Musical High School, in the study of percussion instruments. Boris is the owner of a unique collection of ethnic musical instruments he has compiled travelling around the globe. His collection now comprises over 200 rare and unique musical instruments.

Yuki the Juggler, from Cause & Effect Circus, is a Japanese Canadian entertainer based in Vancouver, Canada. In his almost two decade career, he is best known for his interactive juggling acts, collaboration shows, and freestyle dance fusion. Yuki’s achievements not only include 1st place prizes/awards but connecting the local community of misfits by producing events, serving on the board of organisations and sending students to circus school. He shows up at festivities, big and small around the globe. Juggling is his way to connect and communicate with the world.

December 22nd, 2009, SEACHS registered with the BC Registry to become an official non-profit organization.
SEACHS engages in training and educating Canadians about Southeast Asian cultures. It seeks to encourage young people in particular to become involved in the preservation and promotion of various forms of Southeast Asian culture. Through these activities it hopes to create a forum where people can engage in activities that promote Southeast Asian cultural heritage. This cultivates wellness within local Southeast Asian-Canadian communities and the wider public, thus enriches the diversity of Canadian society.

Surrey folk dancers meet weekly to enjoy folk dancing together. Folk dancing is a recreational activity suitable for all ages and abilities. Our dances and music originate from traditional community gatherings in countries around the world. Because they reflect a variety of stories and celebrations, dances range from serene to exuberant.

V3 is a group comprised of primarily young Vietnamese individuals whose primary purpose is to retain and promote Vietnamese culture.  V3 was formed in the fall of 2006, and since then, has been actively involved in community events.  V3 started out as a small group and soon after expanded to include individuals from different ethnicities who shared the same vision, goal, and passion.  The group is well recognized by the Lower Mainland community.  Activities carried out by the group have made positive changes through collaborations with other ethno-cultural organizations, broad community-based and government agencies.  Today, V3 is comprised of more than 50 members between the ages of 10-40, and is supported by parents and various organizations.

Martita and Rodrigo are amateur Tango dancers, originally from Argentina, living in Vancouver. They both have professional carrers, but they love Tango and had been dancing and contributing to expand Tango in different countries for more than a decade.

STORIES ON WHEELS is an original street theatre storytelling act for the whole family. Tales are brought to life by a high-energy comic performer, using beautifully illustrated picture cards displayed in a magnificent miniature wooden stage attached to the back of a unique bicycle. Inspired by a traditional Japanese travelling storytelling show popular from the 1920s through the 1950s called Kamishibai (literally paper theatre), the show combines the best of oral storytelling and narrative painting. Featuring gorgeous illustrations by local artists, as well as traditional picture cards from Japan, several short stories are told with music, dramatic action, and audience interaction. As well, the audience gets to hear an amusing and informative history of the art form. You’ve never been told a story this way, before!