Photos by Megan Verhey
Text by Nicole Elsasser

For 12 years, the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival has been a life force in the city’s arts community representing contemporary dance so faithfully that it draws people from all around. According to Catrina von Radecki, a co-founder and general manager of the festival, the larger goal of the festival is to put the city of Guelph on the artistic map showcasing, not only the dance talent found within its limits, but also all that makes Guelph unique.
“The Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival enthralls, inspires, impassions and educates,” said von Radecki. “It is recognized both locally and nationally, staging accomplished dance artists from across Canada…We offer opportunities for people to understand what contemporary dance is and how such a unique form of artistic expression can convey messages about the world we live in.”
Von Radecki explained that something that distinguishes Guelph’s contemporary dance festival from others is that it is able to showcase this particular style of dance in a variety of different forms and venues as well as provide opportunities for dancers and choreographers to share their passion at differing stages in their professional development.
Ultimately, organizers of the festival agree that there is an intimate connection between the artistic community, more specifically that of the dance world and the community of Guelph in a larger sense.
“On a personal level, the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival has allowed me to better understand how the arts can be a driving force behind unifying a community,” said von Radecki. “It has provided me with an opportunity to share, grow and become part of the a city that I have grown to love.”
“Guelph is a city of festivals,” said festival publicist Lynn Broughton. “The Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival represents what Guelph offers through the whole year.”

http://www.theontarion.com/2010/06/guelph-contemporary-dance-festival-june-3-6-2010/