National Gymnaestrada Performance
Bowen Island Gymnastics Club presents
National Gymnaestrada Performance
Join us for a magical journey inspired by the beauty of Bowen Island. Follow the spirit of a humpback whale as our gymnasts bring the ocean, forests, and winds of Howe Sound to life through movement, music, and imagination.
When & where
- Sunday, June 28, 2026
BICS Gym, Bowen Island - Doors open: 1:15 PM
- Performance begins: 1:30 PM
After the show
- BBQ and concession stand
- Meet our giant whale puppet, performers, and characters
Admission
$15 Adults · $5 Children
Cash at the door
About the event
The Bowen Island Gymnastics Club Performance Team has been selected to participate in the 2026 National Gymnaestrada in Regina, Saskatchewan from July 1–4. We will join teams from across Canada for Gymnaestrada which is an inclusive, non-competitive, performance-based event that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and the joy of movement.
Our performance
Our Bowen Island Performance Team brings together 40 performers, aged 11 to 77, in a powerful multi-generational production inspired by Canada’s Wild West Coast. Through ocean, land, and sky, the performance weaves a magical journey of swimmers, wildlife, and coastal life — guided by the spirit of the humpback whale and the winds of Howe Sound / Átl’ka7tsem UNESCO Biosphere Region.
Rooted in community and connection, this piece celebrates belonging, storytelling, and the place we call home: Bowen Island.
The team
The team includes dedicated Competitive and Advanced Recreational gymnasts who have achieved success at the provincial level and have performed group routines throughout British Columbia, alongside recreational adult participants and performers. Several members have also had the honour of representing Canada at previous World Gymnaestrada events in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
The team heads to Nationals with hopes of qualifying for the 2027 World Gymnaestrada in Portugal.
Join us for a community performance and celebration of our Magical Ocean Journey! Meet the whale, cast, and characters following the performance.
With thanks
Community supporters
A huge thank you to all of the community artists, businesses, and supporters whose creativity, generosity, and dedication helped bring this performance to life:
Nancy Lee, Krista Hennebury, Sarah Wellman, Gail Lotenberg, Jordy Walker, Bowen Island Municipality, Bowen Island Community School, Bowen Island Community Foundation, Bowen Building Centre, Cormorant Marine, Inga Toews, Cat Main, Taz Dunsmuir, Daryl Deegan / Bowen Beer and Wine, The General Store, Mist, Art by Di, and the engaging Whale Presentation of Tobin Sparling who donated his knowledge and time for our Whale Tale Fundraiser.
Bowen Puppeteer Team
A very, very special thank you to the incredible Bowen Puppeteer Team for bringing the extraordinary whale to life: Paul Hooson, Blair Hayashi, Rose Marsolais, and Liz Nankin.
Special recognition also goes to the passion and dedication of Liz Nankin, who spent countless hours not only creating the whale, but also designing the ocean waves, wind effects, the SS Bowen sail, and lumberjack maple syrup props that help bring our story to life.
We hope to see you there and celebrate this magical journey together!