Cris Howell, Founder of Central Valley Dance Conference

Artist Statement

My dream is to get dancers from the Central Valley to come together annually under one roof to share their passions, aspirations and spirit through the Language of Dance to the public. My intent is to educate, inspire and promote dance as an educational, cultural and social part of life.

To date, the planning of the conference brought people together from different socio, economic and cultural backgrounds, all working together towards making the event a successful one.

The premier event (2006) brought 17 groups of dancers of varied styles and levels, singers and musicians, together in Unity, sharing with each other information on techniques, dance schools, costuming, instruction and more. We had a total of 53 performers and 240 attendees.

Today, a conglomeration of VISUAL ART, MUSIC AND DANCE from different cultures in the Central Valley will be presented to the public on October 19 and 20 at the Fresno (Veterans) Memorial Auditorium, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Event Celebrates Unity in Diversity. Each 90 minute live show provides an insight of what the world might look like if we set aside our differences to come together in unity.

Although I am just one person, I strongly believe that "Dance, Like Music, Knows No Barriers" whether it be economic, social, cultural or political barriers.

With this in mind, I hope that the citizens of the Central Valley, can show the world that we can "Celebrate Unity and Diversity thru the Language of Dance".

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Artist website and gallery: www.centralvalleydance.com