The Community Justice Centre hosts the third annual interfaith bridging event this Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay.
Dubbed Dance in the Spirit: Spirit in the Dance, the event will present a variety of dance forms from various faiths and cultures, followed by an explanation from presenters.
"Each one of them represents a different ethno-cultural faith-based tradition," said Bruce Curtis, chief administrator at the centre. "It is in fact part of an overall program of anti-racism, anti-homophobia, anti-hate crime activity.
"It's an attempt to bring together members of a wide variety of faith communities from the Comox Valley to explore and understand the basis upon which other faith communities respond to the world and the environment in which we are living, and to promote a deeper understanding that leads to being more welcoming and inclusive. That of course is right in keeping with community justice."
Presenters include the Spirit Dancers from the Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry performing dance in the Kwakwaka'wakw and Cree cultural styles; Vancouver's Lorne Mallin presenting the Priestly Blessing and Chant from the Jewish Temple tradition; the Chinese Cultural Club of Victoria presenting two dances from the Chinese and Mongolian ethnic traditions choreographed by Dr. Lin Hua of UVic; Dhyana Barkow presenting Polynesian Aloha Spirit Hula; Comox Valley Multicultural and Immigrant Services Society president Jin Lin presenting the Taiwanese Dragon Dance; and the Reclaiming Witch's Spiral Dance.
Guests will have an opportunity to try each dance form.
A half-hour intermission will include videos of dances and groups that could not attend the event, such as Tsimshian hip-hop and the spiritual practice of Sufi Whirling Dervish dancing.
There is no charge for the event. Refreshments will be provided.
Call the centre at 250-334-8101 to register.
