History of Goh Ballet Academy
For the past 30 years, Vancouver has been home to the most decorated and diverse dance institute in Canada. The Goh Ballet Academy was established in 1978 by Principal Dancers Choo Chiat and Lin Yee Goh who moved here from China. The Academy’s objective was the pursuit of technical and artistic excellence in conjunction with raising cultural awareness in the dance community.
Whether from its original site in a basement studio or to its now familiar heritage building location on Main Street, the Gohs’ passion and talent infuse all those they encounter. The Academy has trained a generations of dancers who garner critical praise, respect and accolades. It has also created an international audience who anticipates impressive new works from this versatile and vibrant organization.
Along with the Academy, Mr. Goh had the vision to create the Goh Ballet Youth Company in 1979. This performing group reflects the city’s cultural diversity; serves as a magnet to attract talented dancers locally and abroad; and facilitates the transition from that of a student to professional dancer.
The academy is a true representation of the city’s diversity. Students from countries such as England, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Yugoslavia, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and China have, and continue to come to the Goh Ballet to train full time as well as to attend the annual summer school. This global student body is complemented by a host of internationally renowned teachers and choreographers who impart knowledge with generosity and enthusiasm.
Through its wide-ranging repertoire of classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, character and Chinese dance, the Goh Ballet has touched a diverse audience ranging from the youngsters discovering dance through the Ensemble’s education outreach program to the seasoned dance aficionados attending performances and international festivals.
It has toured the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and the United States. In 1994, the Youth Company was the first Canadian organization to be invited to perform at Rencontres Internationales de la Danse Festival in La Baule, France where its performance brought an astounding eight curtain calls.The combination of talent, international exposure and well-rounded curriculums, the Goh Ballet has successfully established a reputation by producing prizewinners at international competitions. These same prize winners and other graduates have gone on to flourishing careers with professional companies.
Through the Goh Ballet Academy and Vancouver Goh Ballet Youth Ensemble, the Gohs have firmly established Vancouver as a city that houses a first rate training institute producing world class dancers.
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