The 2012 World Dance Alliance (WDA) Global Dance Summit & International Festival of Dance began with a bang at TNUA on July 14, with almost 1,000 dance lovers and professionals taking part.

ROC first lady Christine Chow Ma and other guests of honor hit the gong to announce the start of the event at an opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony also featured a parade of the representatives from the host country – Taiwan – and others: Singapore, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Finland, the United States, Jamaica, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India, Britain, Denmark, the Philippines, Estonia, Trinidad and Tobago, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Indonesia, West Indies, Papua New Guinea, Switzerland, Norway, Cambodia, Croatia, Israel and the Russian Federation.

In his address to the ceremony, TNUA President Prof. Ju, Tzong-ching extended a warm welcome to all participants.

He noted that TNUA has been growing, working hard and achieving breakthroughs over the years since its establishment. It has been active in participating in international events, demonstrating a strong commitment that has helped promote Taiwan to the international community, he added.

Prof. Eeva Anttila, chair of Dance and the Child International (daCi), said she was glad to see the event being hosted in Asia, particularly in Taiwan. She said every participant was here for the future of children and dance.

Prof. Wang Yunyu, president of WDA-AP (Asia Pacific), noted that it is the first time that WDA and daCi have cooperated in Asia, breaking national boundaries with non-verbal communication.
 
The eight-day event featured talks, workshops, exhibitions and performances. Highlights included eight dance performances by children and teenagers.