The Collective's History
Since our inception in 1994, the collective has presented professional artists in numerous public performances and produced many different events.
Highlights of Past Events
Terracotta Warriors and 3 Muses of Dun Huang (2007). Presented by the Dance Ontario Danceweekend.
Dim Sum Festival (2007). A mixed program of Chinese Opera, Chinese Classical and Folk, Panel discussion on 'Beauty Through the Generations' and Chinese Contemporary Dance showcase. Feature guest artist Master Bi Gu Yun from China. Also combined program at the Bata Shoe Museum Exhibition. Peking Opera lecture and demonstration with Master Bi Gu Yun, William Lau and Tu Ji Sheng.
Hundred Chinese Opera Flowers Pavilion (2006). Presented at the Papermill Theatre, Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum in partnership with the City of Toronto Culture Division and with the assistance of the Chinese Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario), Inc. Public lectures & performance. Post-show discussion
Spring Lanterns II: A Showcase of Chinese Dances (2006). A mixed program showcasing the diversity and richness of Chinese dance. Featuring new Canadian adaptations of traditional works, and new choreography by Hari Krishnan and Emily Cheung. Public performances. Post-performance discussion.
Lotus Dance Series (2005). A tribute to the legendary Madam DAI Ai Lian as part of the First Harbourfront Dim Sum Festival. Four community groups and nine professional dancers interpret a diverse range of Chinese dances. Free public performances.
Asian Legends & Tales (2005). Presented in partnership with the City of Toronto Culture Division and in affiliation with the Canadian Foundation for Asian Culture (Central Ontario), Inc. as part of Toronto Asian Heritage Month celebrations. Free public performances targeted at youth, performed by youth of various Asian descent. Post-performance discussions.
Autumn Melodies: A Centenary Celebration of Peking Opera Master Cheng Yan Qiu (2004). Photo and costumes exhibition presented in partnership with the City of Toronto Culture Division. Public Performances. Lecture demonstrations.
Femme Fatale of Chinese Opera (2004). A DanceWorks CoWorks Series event. Public performances. Lecture demonstrations.
Spring Lanterns: A Glimpse of Chinese Dance (2003). A DanceWorks CoWorks Series event. Public performances. Post-performance discussion.
Jing Ju: Secrets of the Peking Opera (2002). Presented in association with the Art Gallery of Ontario and CanAsian Dance Festival. A DanceWorks CoWorks Series event. Public performances. Lecture demonstration.
Beauty of the White Peony : A Centenary Celebration of Peking Opera Master Xun Hui Sheng (2000). Presented in association with CanAsian Dance Festival. A DanceWorks CoWorks Series event. Public performances.
A Celebration of Asian Dance Symposium and Dance Demonstrations (1997). Presented in partnership with the Chinese Canadian National Council (national chapter). Demonstrations of eight Chinese dance styles. Panel discussions on issues relevant to Asian Canadian artists. The events put many groups in touch with the collective, including the Asian Dance Collective (now called the CanAsian Dance Festival), Community Folk Arts Council of Metropolitan Toronto, Kala Nidhi Fine Arts of Canada, Dance Ontario, and the Dance Umbrella of Ontario.
Tenth Anniversary Cross-Canada Tour (2004). Public performances. Lecture demonstrations. Public workshops.
An Encounter with Dance Master Madam Dai Ai Lian (1997). Presented in partnership with the Chinese Canadian National Council (national chapter). Lecture demonstrations. Workshops for professional artists. Master class.
The Mei Lanfang Centenary: A Glimpse of Peking Opera (1994). Presented in partnership with the Chinese Canadian National Council (national chapter). Four public performances (Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal). Post-performance discussions. Lecture demonstrations. Workshops for professional artists. Photo and costume exhibition.
The Little Pear Garden has established itself as a pioneer in the development of Chinese performing arts in Canada. We constantly explore new ways to bring a diverse audience to our well-attended public presentations. We hope to continue to nurture the development of Chinese performing arts in Canada through our commitment to producing high caliber concert performances, lecture demonstrations and workshops for professional artists.