About Us

Mission Statement: "Building community through rhythm and dance events"

Mandate

. Organize, sponsor, support and promote a wide variety of drum and dance events

. Network with other drumming, dance and cultural organizations for the purpose of promotion and information exchange

. Increase public awareness regarding the health benefits of rhythm and movement

. Participate in established community events

. Sponsor an annual rhythm and dance festival in Greater Vancouver

VRAD is open to all enthusiasts of Rhythm and Dance from all cultural backgrounds.

The people behind VRAD:

Laurie Robson	I started my journey with the hand drum several years ago and "wow" what an adventure. It has been the perfect activity to balance the stress of management in the Financial Industry, with the need to feed my creative appetite. I enjoy the dynamics created when drummers and dancers come together to share the beat, and it's really amazing the number of incredible people your sure to meet. While I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon, I am passionate about hand drumming and the awesome experience created when you bring diverse groups of people together to create this joyful experience. You will find me at Drum Circles and Classes, Concerts and Dances, I am the one with the red dancing shoes, a sparkle in my eye and a grin from ear to ear.
Allenton Deazle	After visiting Montreal and being exposed to hand drumming for the first time, I was hooked. I later arrived in Vancouver in '93 and searched for a similar experience but I was not able to find anything until 2 and a half years ago when I stumbled on a small group of drummers at Spanish Banks - I was hooked again. Ever since, I have been very active in the drumming community attending and organizing drum circles and supporting many of our local artists by attending their performances and workshops. Drum and dance is the perfect balance for me in the high tech world I work in. It brings me back to a much simpler place where I am replenished with joy and happiness
Ron Stelting	I have lead community rhythm events for over 8 years and I am a regular dance accompanist at SFU, Arts Umbrella and Ballet BC. I believe that drumming is a great community event and have led many processions including the Winter Solstice, the Fringe Festival, Luminaries and the Parade of Lost Souls. I am a professional musician, having recorded with many including Pepe Danza, John Gilliat, Jim Foster and kid performers the buddy system in addition to being an active participant in Corporate rhythm events with the drum cafe. I believe that participating in a drum circle is an energizing experience that builds confidence and celebrates life and releases stress. Rhythm is the ultimate non verbal communication tool, cutting through cultural, racial and gender differences.
Bodie MacNeil	Former Founder and Key Strategist for VRAD 'Drumming is the rhythm of the heart, the beat of the dance. Together they are healers for our ills and create community for players, dancers and music fans. Coming from a background of music and general event coordination, promotion and production, in addition to being a drummer, percussionist, singer in local bands, I have found music and dance to be a liberating and healing force, as is now proven in documented studies'