National Ballet of Canada Principal Dancers to Appear at Chinese Cultural Centre Gala Fundraising Event

January 15, 2009, Toronto — The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCC) is pleased to announce that this year's star-studded Gala marking the Chinese New Year will again feature Principal Dancers from The National Ballet of Canada. Performing on stage at this year's fundraising ballet event include renowned National Ballet of Canada Principal Dancers Aleksandar Antonijevic, Sonia Rodriguez, Piotr Stanczyk and Chan Hon Goh. They will be joined on stage by such international stars as Orlando Ballet Principal Dancers Eddy Tovar and Chiaki Yasukawa.

The Gala presentation, which is entitled Rolex Presents: A Chinese New Year Celebration with Chan Hon Goh, Prima Ballerina of The National Ballet of Canada, and Friends, will be held at the P.C. Ho Theatre in the Chinese Cultural Centre on Saturday, January 31, 2009. The evening will feature the world premiere of Canadian choreographer Matjash Mrozewski's Finale Defile, commissioned specifically for this event. The program will also showcase excerpts from both classical and contemporary ballets, including Don Quixote, Le Corsaire, Cinderella, Madame Butterfly, and The Nutcracker. The Gala event is a charity performance and all proceeds, after expenses, will benefit CCC.

Dr. Ming-tat Cheung, Chairman and President of CCC remarked “this gala is a showcase of our mandate being home for the West to meet the East and highlight of our upcoming Chinese New Year celebration series. We would like to invite not only the Chinese communities but also other ethnic groups to share the joy and festivities of our traditions and culture.” More about CCC Chinese New Year events is available at www.cccgt.org/cny09

The evening's celebrated performer, Chan Hon Goh, is one of North America's foremost ballerinas, a gifted artist who is recognized around the world for her incredible dancing ability, delicate beauty and dramatic power. She has been a Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada for more than ten years and brings fantastic technical confidence, a radiant stage presence and emotional depth to the many and varied roles she performs. She is in high demand as an international guest artist and teacher. Ms. Goh has received the New Pioneers Arts Award for her invaluable contributions not only to the professional dance community but also to the cultural and artistic tapestry in Canada. More information about Chan Hon Goh is available at www.chanhongoh.com. Ms Goh is also the artistic coordinator and producer for the performance.

Tickets still available are $100 (VIP), $70 and $50. For purchase of 10 or more tickets, a 10% discount is offered. VIP ticket holders will also have the chance to attend the post performance reception and mingle with Chan Hon Goh and the artists.

Rolex presents: A Chinese New Year Celebration with Chan Hon Goh, Prima Ballerina of the National Ballet of Canada and Friends

Date:	January 31, 2009 (Saturday)
Time:	7:30pm
Venue:	P.C. Ho Theatre The Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto

Sales outlets:

Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto
5183 Sheppard Ave. East, Scarborough
www.cccgt.org/ballet09
Sun Wah Bookstore
280 Spadina Ave E, Toronto (Dragon City Shopping Mall)
416-977-3457

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