This week I've been representing Ausdance at the Asia Pacific International Dance Conference and yesterday's World Dance Alliance AGM in Kuala Lumpur, where a new Executive Board was elected and the role of the networks reviewed.
The networks are a particularly valuable way for Australian dance people to get involved with WDA, so if you're interested in knowing more about them (see below), please contact us at Ausdance National. All Ausdance members are automatically members of WDA Asia Pacific and it's a great opportunity to extend your own networks and participate in new culturally diverse opportunities at the annual WDA conferences and festivals.
Australian & New Zealanders at the World Dance Alliance conference. L to R: Jeff Meiners, Ralph Buck, Tina HongNew WDA AP board
Several board members' terms expired this year, so at the 2010 AGM it was decided to implement a new transition plan to prevent loss of corporate memory and experience, but at the same time bring in new people who would contribute different ideas and skills.
The most notable change at the AGM was the retirement from the Executive Board of President Professor Mohd Anis Md Nor, who has brought a dynamic mix of diplomacy, deep knowledge of the region's cultures and an ability to mentor and encourage new dance leaders. He has been instrumental in establishing many new WDA AP chapters in the region, and will continue his active role in the organisation following his election to the recently-expanded Global Executive.
The newly elected WDA AP Executive Board is:
- President: Yunyu Wang (Taiwan)
- Vice President: Urmimala Sarker (India)
- Vice President South Asia: Lubna Marium (Bangladesh)
- Vice President Pacific: Christina Hong (Australia/New Zealand)
- Vice President South East Asia: Joseph Gonzales (Malaysia)
- Vice President South Asia: Anna Chan (Hong Kong - continuing)
- Treasurer: Jeff Hsieh (Taiwan)
- Secretary: Julie Dyson (Australia - continuing)
Networks
The Research & Documentation network is also undergoing a change of leadership. Stephanie Burridge is stepping down as co-chair to concentrate on producing more in the Routledge series 'Celebrating Dance', and has plans for a new book on dance in Taiwan to be launched next year, with others in the planning stages. Her co-chair, Urmimala Sarkar, will continue for another year to assist and mentor several younger WDA AP members who are keen to be actively involved in this network.
The Education and Training network continues under the leaderhsip of Ralph Buck and Jeff Meiners, as they plan next year's Global Summit 'Dance, Young People and Change' with daCi, while a new global network, Support and Development, is about to be formed.