Performing and Visual Arts Communities Unite in Montreal for DansEmotion 2013

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Sept. 18, 2013) - DansEmotion, Montreal's convention for the Quebec dance community, is ready to welcome students and guests to Place Bonaventure on October 18 and 19 for its second year. Dedicated to the future of dance, the two-day convention brings together dancers of all levels, industry professionals, exhibitors and lovers of the performing arts to celebrate the talent of Quebec artists. This year, the event has expanded beyond dance to include workshops for music, drama and visual arts.

"DansEmotion was created to unite and solidify the arts communities in Quebec and throughout Canada," said Marianne Birch, founder of DansEmotion. "At a time when resources are limited, it is unity that will strengthen, promote and educate the public about the amazing arts culture we have here."

Presented in partnership with En Pointe Enterprises and Rosco Floors, DansEmotion 2013 will bring educational opportunities to event attendees, which include workshops, performances and a variety of programs that allow networking between professionals, aspiring dancers and major players in the dance community. New this year is a feature seminar and performance from Robotics Dance, a program where students up to the age of 19 can learn about science and technology through hands-on experiences, while understanding the importance of teamwork and sharing knowledge. In addition, a collaboration with Quebec's nine school boards will bring Spotlight on the Arts to the show, a program that shares best practices in arts education.

"Our community lacks an abundance of resources and limits many trying to succeed," said Birch. "This event is a great way for teachers who want to help their students learn more about the world of dance. We've diversified our reach to incorporate each of the four arts, making for an excellent educational opportunity for students to learn about all aspects."

Also new to the expo for 2013 is the DansEmotion Challenge, taking place on Saturday, October 19 for youth competing in three age categories: 7 to 11 years, 12 to 16 years, and 17 years and up. Prizes include Cirque du Soleil items and a tour of its facilities, as well as student scholarship awards and much more.

Celebrities from the dance industry will make appearances at the convention, including the Cirque du Soleil Casting Team and Vanesa Garcia-Ribala Montoya of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal. Recruiters from Canada's top schools for the arts will also be in attendance, including the prestigious School of Alberta Ballet, Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine, École de Danse Christiane Belanger, L'École de danse de Québec and York University, in addition to local dance and art companies.

The event will feature over 60 exhibitors from across Quebec and throughout Canada, with between 3,000 and 5,000 participants expected to attend.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Single-day admission is $12 for students, $15 for the general public, and free for children ages five and under. Group pricing is available for academic institutions and dance companies. The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit DansEmotion.com.