The 2016 Vancouver International Dance Festival, which features 29 performances by artists from Canada, Japan, Sweden and Cuba, aims to spark imagination.

Starting from Feb. 28, the three-week-long festival has attracted many audiences.

Barbara Bourget, artistic director of the festival, said that though it was tough considering the weather, they were persisting. "And it's our passion, our love and what we live for."

She added that the festival aims to present the power of imagination and the possibilities of human potential.

On Sunday afternoon, a free show by five dancers from a local company called Mascall Dance in downtown Vancouver attracted the eyes of many pedestrians.

"It's nice to be able to touch the audience and have the chance to get close to them. I really enjoy this way," dancer Billy Marchenski told Xinhua.

Artistic director of Mascall Dance, Jennifer Mascall, said the performance was just part of the whole piece, and dancers had been working on the piece for three years, but they were allowed to improvise some during this public show.

"We were trying to discuss what is wit amongst the ensemble. And we think when somebody gets what you're delivering, wit appears," said Jennifer. "Then the audiences make comments that can truly give you a bit of delight."

The festival is now in its 16th year and includes several world and national premieres. Most of the shows explore contemporary dance. Endi

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