NLIS 5
July 25, 2002
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)
 

Funds approved for local Irish dance specialist to travel to Ireland

Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Julie Bettney, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, have announced $9,408 for a local Irish dance specialist to travel to Dublin. Shawn Silver, a professional Irish dancer, instructor and choreographer, is on his way to Ireland to study with world champions in his field. Mr. Silver can then qualify for TCRG certification; the TCRG certificate is awarded by the Irish Dancing Commission to candidates who have shown competence in teaching the ceil� dances and in teaching solo dancers. There are currently no certified Irish dance instructors in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The cultural industries are critical to Newfoundland and Labrador�s strength both socially, and economically," said Minister Byrne. "The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency recognizes the significant, long-term contributions individuals like Shawn Silver are making to the growth of our economy, and we�re very pleased to be able to assist his professional development as an artist, and as an entrepreneur."

"We are pleased to provide financial support to Shawn Silver for his professional dance development," said Minister Bettney. "The Cultural and Heritage Industries component of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement provides opportunities for professional development through international exchange. This project will also strengthen our cultural connection with Ireland. 2002 has been a banner year for the cultural industries in this province and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the development of this industry."

Mr. Silver has an impressive resume, including dance performance and choreography in Mary Jane Lamond�s award winning video, Stepping Song, and for the Fables� performance at the Premier�s Gala during the recent Juno awards held in St. John�s. He has performed extensively in Canada and the United States as a dancer and actor. "This is an amazing opportunity for me, and I think for all the dancers here in this province," said Mr. Silver. "I am really looking forward to developing these skills and coming home to share them with the rest of the dance community. We have huge potential in the field, and I�m certainly delighted that government recognizes how important this is." Mr. Silver will attend an intensive five-week training program with internationally acclaimed Irish dancers Olive Hurley, Ronan McCormack and Terry Gillan.

Irish dancing has enjoyed increasing popularity as part of a growing interest in Irish culture throughout the world. However, Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the only places in North America that does not have certified Irish dance instructors. At present, all Irish dance taught here is strictly recreational. This has meant that local dancers do not have access to the professional competitive dance circuit which is growing exponentially in Ireland, Europe, the US and Canada.

The Cultural and Heritage Industries program of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement is a three-year, $3.4 million fund administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Canadian Heritage, and provincially by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. The fund is overseen by advisory committees comprised of leaders in the cultural and heritage industries in this province.

Media contact:

Peter A.H. Graham
Office of Minister of State for ACOA
(613) 957-9959

Doug Burgess
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(709) 772-2935

Carmel Turpin, Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
(709) 729-0928

Bruce Pearce
Shawn Silver Dance
(709) 739-1665

2002 07 25                                  4:15 p.m.


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