World Dance Alliance Global Summit July 23–28, 2017
School of Music at Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Dancing from the Grassroots
Planning for the 2017 Global Summit is progressing well and registration will open by April 1. Every detail has to be finalized before registration can actually take place, but many of your questions should be answered below.
Flights: You should book your flight to St John’s International Airport, Newfoundland. The code is YYT. Be careful booking since there is a St John in New Brunswick also. We strongly recommend that you use a carrier that flies directly to Canada rather than using a connecting flight through the USA. In Canada connections can be made from major cities such as Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.
Canadian Currency: ATM machines are available at the airport and on campus, but there is no currency exchange counter at the St. John’s airport. Make sure you obtain Canadian dollars before you leave the airport to pay the taxi fare from the airport to campus.
Transportation from Airport: Taxis cost $25 to $30 to Memorial University. The # 14 bus goes from the airport to the Memorial University Student approximately every hour and takes 30 minutes. If you want to rent a car you should do this immediately because rental cars are very limited during the summer. Most major car rental companies rent from the airport.
Accommodation: There are 300 rooms reserved in Macpherson College, Memorial University’s newest residence. These are single rooms sharing a bathroom with the adjacent room in the suite. The rate is $60 per person per night. If you wish to share the suite with a particular person you will be able to indicate the name on the registration form. The Summit runs from the opening Reception, the evening of Sunday, July 23 to the evening of Friday, July 28. Most people will likely depart Saturday, July 29.
There will be a special promotion posted that will permit you to register at this special rate between July 21-30. Payment is due at the time of booking by either Visa or MasterCard. If you are travelling with a partner, there are a few one bedroom suites with double beds. You will need to contact housing (email will be provided) directly to book a suite. Most hotels are not within walking distance of the campus. If you prefer hotel or bed and breakfast accommodation, you may find information under 2017 Global Summit, then click on Tourist Information.
Transportation: Evening performances take place Monday to Thursday downtown, and a traditional kitchen party will take place downtown on Friday evening. Taxis are approximately $10 one way. We recommend that several people share a taxi. Public transportation from the Student Centre is also available to the downtown area and other locations in St John’s.
Currency: All prices are given in Canadian currency. The rate fluctuates daily but is around $1.00 Can = $.74 US.
Registration: Registrations received by June 1 will be $300 regular and $200 students; after June 1 the fee is $350 regular and $250 students. Daily registration is $110 regular and $85 students. Registration includes entry to scholarly papers and panels, workshops, choreographic laboratories, performances on campus in Cook Recital Hall, and downtown at LSPU Hall, opening reception, coffee breaks. Free workshops are scheduled on a first come basis. Please consult your program when you register on campus for workshop times, descriptions and sign up procedure.
Food: Fast food outlets are available on campus but there are few dining options close to the campus. A continental breakfast (pastries, fruit salad, yogurt, toast, cereal, tea, coffee, juice, milk) may be purchased for $9 daily. A box lunch ( meat or vegetarian) may be purchased for $11 daily. Numerous restaurants are open for dinner near the downtown theatre where evening performances will take place. In recent years St John’s has become a food lovers paradise. Award winning chefs will tempt you with fresh seafood, hearty traditional Newfoundland fare, and international cuisine. There is a good choice of both fine dining and a more casual atmosphere.
Performances: On campus performances are scheduled from Monday to Friday in Cook Recital Hall from 3:30-5 PM. Tickets are free to registrants. A limited number of additional tickets ($5) will be available for purchase at the registration table. Evening performances take place downtown Monday to Thursday in LSPU Hall. You may attend the 6 PM or 8:30 PM performance subject to availability. After June 15 a limited number of tickets ($15) will be available through the LSPU Hall box office at http://rca.nf.ca/purchase-tickets/general- information/ You will be able to dine first or dine after seeing the performance. A traditional Kitchen Party is planned at the Ship Pub on the Friday evening beginning at 8 pm with live musicians and dancing. The cover charge is $10, and you can purchase food and drink during the evening.
Information for Presenters and Performers: Please note that anyone presenting or performing must be a current member of WDA. Scheduling will begin April 1, and you will not be scheduled unless both you and your dancers have current memberships in WDA.
Presenters: (papers, pecha kucha, panels and workshops) will receive information about the date and time of their presentation by May 1. Information on equipment will be sent at the same time.
Choreographers and Dancers: Scheduling will begin April 1. Choreographers will be sent information about stage dimensions, lighting plot, equipment available. Full information about your piece and the names of your dancers must be received by April 15. Please note that all your dancers must pay the registration fee and be current members of WDA.