Celia Franca Foundation

Ottawa: The Celia Franca Foundation announces In the Pursuit of Excellence, the performance project which honours the legacy of Celia Franca, legendary dancer, choreographer and teacher. The performance by young people aged 7 to 17, takes place on Sunday, June 6 at 2:30pm, at the Fourth Stage of the National Arts Centre in collaboration with the Ottawa Citizen.

In the Pursuit of Excellence, celebrating the talents of young dancers from The School of Dance, embodies Miss Franca's love of young people, her commitment to excellence in the performing arts and her belief in the importance of performance experience in the education of artists.

Mary Jago, a special guest of the Foundation, will be teaching the young dancers some of Miss Franca’s choreography. Traditionally in classical ballet, professional seasoned dancers “continue the line” as Miss Franca would say, by passing choreography down from generation to generation. During In the Pursuit of Excellence the audience will observe this important process in action.

Miss Jago was a Principal Ballerina with the National Ballet of Canada and now travels across the world as a much sought after Teacher, Artistic Advisor and Consultant. The Foundation is pleased that Miss Jago is able to pass Miss Franca’s work onto our next generation of dancers.

“The School of Dance is honoured to participate in this event of the Celia Franca Foundation,” says Merrilee Hodgins, Artistic Director of The School of Dance. “I know that Celia would be thrilled to see these talented young people performing and working with Mary Jago. She would delight in the energy radiating from the stage.”

The Celia Franca Foundation was created in 1979 to honour Celia Franca’s vision for excellence in arts education. For 29 years, the Foundation has quietly provided scholarships for serious young Canadians wishing to further their training in professional settings. In 2007, the Foundation expanded its mandate to include community outreach projects related to dance education.

In the Pursuit of Excellence
June 6, 2:30pm
National Arts Centre, Fourth Stage
Tickets: $20
Please note that tickets are available exclusively at The School of Dance.

For tickets and information, please contact The School of Dance at 613-238-7838.

www.celiafrancafoundation.com

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The Celia Franca Foundation was established in 1979 to honour Celia Franca's devotion to quality dance education in Canada. Since its inception, the Celia Franca Foundation, through sponsorships and scholarships, has quietly helped young dancers attend some of Canada's finest training institutions. The Foundation has also helped independent choreographers, researchers, and young teachers-in-training attain their goals.

The Celia Franca Foundation is a registered, Canadian charity.

All gifts are tax deductible.