newworks-vancouver

[newworks-vancouver]

Interview: Ellie Bishop

New Works’ Emerging Artists Showcase is just one sleep away, and we couldn’t be more excited. We have one more interview to share from the talented Ellie Bishop, who will be performing in tomorrow’s and Friday’s shows. 

There’s still a few tickets left, so pop on over to snatch them before they’re gone!

                                                                                       - Photo by Christie Wood

New Works: At what point did you choose to pursue dance as a career?

Ellie Bishop: I literally have a picture that I drew in kindergarten, with sparkly crayons, of myself dancing with the caption: "When I grow up, I want to be a ballerina." Classic, I never grew out of it though. I do remember a shift in my focus when I was 13, when I decided to give ballet more of my energy and time. I pursued ballet until I was 20, then contemporary dance stole my heart. Once I found MO, I felt like I had hit the jackpot.

                                                        - Photo by Daria Mikhaylyuk and Aiden Cass

New Works: What would a snapshot of a week in your life look like?

Ellie Bishop: 

Monday: This is my rest and digest day. I usually sleep in, read, and hang out with my dog until late afternoon. Evenings I teach jazz and stretch classes for the most hilarious 8-10 year olds.

Tuesday/Thursday: I dance with MO from 12-5, and right now I'm actually taking a scuba diving course which takes up my evenings.

Wednesday: I teach baby ballet classes before MO on Wednesdays. In spite of it being early, little kids in tutus is a pretty fun way to start my day! Then I head to 5 hours of my own class and rehearsal, without tutus (usually).

Friday: MO runs 5-9:30pm on Friday nights, so in the mornings I do laundry, read and write. Occasionally I'll meet up with friends for coffee, or go into the forest with my pup to soak up happy, peaceful energy from the trees.

Saturday: I start my day with baby ballet again, and then I have the rest of the day to myself. I've been working with friends on two new pieces recently, one with local choreographer Meredith Kalaman, and the other with another dancer in the program, Shay Saver. We find studio space to rehearse and play around in for a few hours on Saturdays.

Sunday: I'm with MO from 12-4:30, then I like to spend the evenings at home with my family.

                                                                                       - Photo by Christie Wood

New Works: Where do you hope to be in 5-10 years?

Ellie Bishop: Good question, I ask myself that all the time. Since moving back here after university, I often get asked if I'm staying in Vancouver for good...and my answer is generally "for good, for now." I love the dance community that Vancouver holds, and there is so much awesome work going on here that I'd like to be a part of going forward. There are great dance communities in so many places though, so much dance and art to explore! I think the question isn't so much 'where' as it is 'what'. Regardless of location, I want to be doing and participating in work that I'm proud of, and work that feels important. Not just to me, but also to the community that I'm supported by. If that important work is making people smile, I'd be especially proud of that.

//

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us Ellie. Good luck tomorrow!

[newworks-vancouver]

Interview: Jenna Mazur

                                                                                                  - Photo by Byron D

In just three days, Jenna Mazur will be dancing in New Works at Night’s Emerging Artist Showcase at the ANNEX. This two-evening event features original choreographed pieces by Serge Bennathan, Vanessa Goodman, Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond, all curated by Out Innerspace’s Artistic Directors. All the featured dancers have been taken from Modus Operandi, as part of New Works’ commitment to support and highlight the next generation of professional dance artists.

Jenna Mazur is one of these exciting emerging artists, and she’s kindly taken time out of her busy rehearsal schedule to chat with New Works about life as a dancer.

                                                                                                         - Nathan Ishar

New Works: At what point did you decide to pursue dance as a career?

Jenna Mazur: I think it was when I was in high school. I was in a half-day dance program through my school and local dance studio. I was already dancing more than I was doing academics... and schoolwork came really easily to me, but dancing was a challenge... so of course that's what I chose to pursue...

                                                                                  - Photo by Rebekah McNeilly

NW: Can you give us a snapshot of what a week in your life looks like as an emerging professional dancer in Vancouver? 

JM: I dance about 26 hours a week through Modus Operandi. This includes technique and improv classes, creation and rehearsals. Outside the program, I dance 6-17 hours a week in rehearsals, classes or my own research. I have two jobs and work about 24 hours a week.  My schedule is pretty tight, and I usually have just enough time to cycle between locations. In all my free time I try to see friends and family, catch up on errands, volunteer, take baths, go to the gym, and research things I'm interested in online. Depending on the time of year, there may be applications to write, projects to work on, or festivals full of shows to attend.

                                                                                            - Photo by Wayne Mah NW: Where do you hope to be in 5 - 10 years?

JM: It's so hard to know, I feel like I can't plan that far in advance. I would love to be here in Vancouver, dancing! But there are also dance communities outside of here that I'd like to check out. I hope to be dancing in and creating work that excites me. 

Thank you so much Jenna! Good luck at the show!

[newworks-vancouver]

5 Questions with OURO Collective

In just a few days, OURO Collective will premiere their first full-length performance TANGENT, as part of our New Works at Night series. New Works has supported the work of this innovative company over the years, and we are thrilled to close our 2016/2017 Season with this exciting piece.Co-Artistic Director, Cristina Bucci, shares with us the origins of TANGENT, and some behind-the-scenes rehearsal pics (taken by the very talented Teppei Tanabe), ahead of the premiere next week.

NW: What was the origin of TANGENT?

CB: After creating three shorter pieces (20-25 minutes) over the past two years, we wanted to challenge ourselves as a group and create a full-length show. TANGENT is the culmination of our movement research as a collective from these past three seasons together.

NW: What is TANGENT about?

CB: The work investigates various "tangents" of the idea of extreme individualism, including narcissism, selfishness, isolation, idolization, and celebrity culture. TANGENT also represents our creative process as a group, with 5 different co-directors we often go off on tangents in our rehearsals that lead to paths and ideas that we never would have reached with a single director.

NW: What was the biggest surprise in creating TANGENT?

CB: How big of a difference it is to create a full-length show compared to the shorter pieces we have done in the past. It has been challenging at times, but a great learning experience for us and will help evolve the collective for our continued growth.

This is also the first show that we directly collaborated with a composer to create original music for the piece, as well as our first time working with a lighting designer from the beginning stages.

NW: What does your artistic practice include that people don't know about?

CB: For a while our rehearsals included ab workouts. Those were intense.

NW: Why should people come and see TANGENT?

CB: The topics that we introduce in the piece are relevant to our time and we feel that people will be able to connect with the work and be fully engaged. The energizing music, along with out unique movement aesthetic (a blend of street and contemporary dance) will keep audiences fully captivated.

Thank you Cristina! Definitely a show that's not to be missed - tickets available here!

All photos by Teppei Tanabe

[newworks-vancouver]

20 Great Moments from New Works’ Winter Season

As we celebrate the arrival of spring and look forward to longer sunny days, we want to also look back and highlight 20 bright moments from a not-so-distant and very successful winter season. 

During January and February 2016 New Works brought to stage and to the streets more than 50 artists: choreographers, dancers, musicians, lighting designers and photographers, and we saw an exponential increase in audience numbers in all of our events. Many familiar and new face joined us in an ongoing exploration and celebration of dance. Thank you for your support. It is because of you that we continue to do the work we do.

In January we had the pleasure of presenting works by Warehaus Dance Collective: Akeisha de Baat, Megan Hunter, Sofija Polovina, and by choreographer Mahaila Patterson O’Brien. All graduates of SFU School for the Contemporary Arts.   

The performance was reviewed by Rachel Silver of The Peak Newspaper, on January 25th.   

Photos by jucoVisualArts - Juan E. Contreras

Doe, the latest work by Warehaus Dance Collective.

VITA, Warehause Dance Collective’s début work and audience favourite.

For the time being, Mahaila Patterson O’Brian. Lighting design by Remy Siu.

On February 12 we returned to The Annex for New Works@ Night, where we presented Troy McLaughlin’s I Have a Dream, in celebration of Black History Month. Troy was joined on stage by musicians Carlos Joe Costa, Langston Raymond, John Howard and Wayne Stewart, singer Krystle Dos Santos and dancer Natalia McLaughlin.

Photos by Elvira Yebes and Kara Miranda Lawrence.

Carlos Joe Costa, Langston Raymond, John Howard and Wayne Stewart paying Ode to Ramsey during New Works at Night - Troy McLaighling: I have a Dream. Photo Elvira Yebes.

Doing the New Lowdown, Troy McLaughlin. Photo: Kara Miranda Lawrence.

I Have a Dream, Natalia and Troy McLaughlin. Photo: Kara Miranda Lawrence.

After the bow and before the talk back, from left to right: John Howard,  Carlos Joe Costa, Krystle Dos Santos, Troy McLaughlin, Natalia McLaughlin,   Langston Raymond,  and Wayne Stewart. Photo: Kara Miranda Lawrence.

From The Annex we moved to Granville Island for Pop Up Dances on February 20 and 21, and Dance Allsorts on February 28. 

Pop Up Dances 2016 had record attendance numbers. The energy was high, the smiles shone bright, even with the small patches of rain we had on Sunday. Thank you to Bloco Energia for the warm rhythms that kept us moving, to all the performers for eight intriguing and inspiring performances and to all the venue managers for being so welcoming.

Photos by jucoVisualArts - Juan E. Contreras

Bloco Energia leading the way to the first performance at the Creekhouse Courtyard.

Hello Hello at the Creekhouse Courtyard. Choreography by Julie Lebel, performed by Sarah Ballard Gallos, Meredith Kalaman, Iwona Gilarska and Miriam Colvin.

Flying Apsaras by Lorita Leung Dance Company at the Arts Club Scene Shop.

Argentine Tango Lab performing at Dalbergia Wood + Fine Objects.

The Tunnel at the Ocean Concrete Shop. Choreography and concept by Heather Laura Gray, in collaboration with Emily Tellier, Navid Charkhi and Katie Lowen.

On the last Sunday of February we presented Dance Allsorts at Performance Works on Granville Island for the first time. This sold out show brought together OURO Collective and Heather Laura Gray for an unforgettable and energy packed afternoon.

The performance was reviewed by Rachel Silver of The Peak Newspaper, on March 7.  

Photos by jucoVisualArts - Juan E. Contreras

The Tunnel. Choreography and concept by Heather Laura Gray, in collaboration with Emily Tellier, Navid Charkhi and Katie Lowen. Lighting design by Mark Eugster.

PACE, the latest work by OURO Collective: Antonio Somera, Maiko Miyauchi, Cristina Bucci, Dean Placzek, Mark Siller and Kevin Li. Lighting Design by James Kokol.

What an incredible way to start 2016. We can’t wait to continue sharing performances with you all over the city in the coming months. Thank you for your support!

[newworks-vancouver]

We are thrilled to present táctil, a new creation by Raices y Alas Flamenco in April 2016, as part of Dance Allsorts. There are two chances to catch the performance and workshop. Don’t miss out! Sunday, April 17 in Vancouver at the Roundhouse https://www.facebook.com/events/1525308611097599/ Sunday, April 24 in Coquitlam at Evergreen Cultural Centre. https://www.facebook.com/events/193162991055543/ Advanced tickets for guaranteed seating available online at: http://www.eventbrite.ca/o/new-works-1621999068

[newworks-vancouver]

BY-DONATION DANCE CLASSES WITH OURO COLLECTIVE & HEATHER LAURA GRAY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 4:30-6:45PM ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY ARTS & RECREATION CENTRE, ROOM B 181 ROUNDHOUSE MEWS, VANCOUVER 

Do you have a small remaining balance on a bunch of gift cards? Those small amounts combined could help change a life.

You are invite to donate your gift cards or make a cash donation for an afternoon of dance with OURO Collective and Heather Laura Gray. All proceeds will go to support the work of Immigrant Service Society of BC, a leading organization that has been offering support to refugees and immigrants for over 30 years. Enjoy learning how these dance makers develop creative ideas inside and outside their bodies. They will provide great music, movement and fun for all ages. 

For details please email: info@newworks.ca

OURO Collective www.ourocollective.ca Heather Laura Gray www.heatherlauragray.com Presented with the support of New Works and the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre

[newworks-vancouver]

Looking back at 2015. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Ruminate, Meredith Kalaman and Arash Kahkpour. Photo-Curtis Stodgell

As 2015 comes to an end, we would like to look back and celebrate some of the great moments of this action-packed year. Thank you for your ongoing support, it's because of you that we continue to do the work we do.

January began with a bang! with events happening almost every week. We had the pleasure of presenting a mixed program of contemporary dance featuring Meredith Kalaman’s Ruminate and the première of Deanna Peters’ contemporary piece Cut Away.

As part of our New Works @ Night series we presented Tango Poema, an original work by Susana Domingues. This intriguing project sprung from a series of prose written by Susana Domingues, which provocatively explore the tango experience. The show featured ten Vancouver tango dance talents and piano solos by special guest Linda Lee Thomas.

AfroVibras Perú . Photo: jucoVisualArts - Juan Contreras

In January we launched a new collaboration with Caravan World Rhythms offering a series of master classes as well as an evening performance and dance party with San Diego-based Afro-Cuban choreographer and dancer Silfredo La O Vigo. In February, as part of Dance Allsorts AfroVibras Perú and Samba Fusion invited us to discover and celebrate African Heritage and the African Diasporas of Peru and Brazil. This event was held as part of Africa Fête Festival, also in collaboration with Caravan World Rhytms.

táctil, Raices y Alas Flamenco. Photo: jucoVisualArts - Juan Contreras

At the end of February we returned to Granville Island with Pop Up Dances, a tour of site-specific performances that takes place during the Winterruption Festival. This fully-packed weekend moved to the rhythm of our tour guides, Vancouver-based drum ensemble Bloco Energia. We had the pleasure of presenting Ottawa-based contemporary dance company Tara Luz Danse on their first-ever performance in Vancouver, alongside Vancouver-based pataSola Dance, who planted the seeds of their upcoming full-length work: Umbral. The tour also included the response. with the solo version of Orbits and a 10-minute excerpt of táctil, by Raices y Alas Flamenco. The full version of táctil will be presented in April 2016 as part of our 15/16 Dance Allsorts Season.  

In March we had the pleasure of working with Mozaico Flamenco on a new installment of Viñetas del Mozaico, which featured a new belly dance/flamenco fusion performed by dancers Ashley Kirkham, Andrea Williams and Kasandra La China, with Davide Sampaolo and Tim Gerwing on percussion.  

Orbits, Alexa Mardon, the response.  Photo: jucoVisualArts - Juan Contreras

In April, the response. filled the stage at the Roundhouse to present Surrender a dramatic and intense solo piece by Amber Funk Barton, alongside the ensemble version of Orbits, featuring members of the response.’s apprentice program. We completed the season of Dance Allsorts with Project Soul’s The Power of Words an impactful piece that deals with relevant and poignant social issues.

Amber Wells and Native Thunder Productions.  Photo: jucoVisualArts - Juan Contreras

We welcomed the summer with our signature summer dance series All Over the Map which kicked off July 1st with an spectacular Canada Day Celebration on Granville Island. Alex Wells, Lil'Wat Nation Hoop Dancer and members of Native Thunder Productions led a parade through the island at 1:30pm, and brightened the stage at the Picnic Pavilion for a full hour at 4pm. Alex, a three-time hoop-dancing world champion, shared the stage with incredible dancers and musicians: Roseanne Greene, Victor Harry, Kasey James, Amber Wells, Nelson Leon, Francis James and Melvin Wilson.

 Adanu Habobo getting people ready to dance, All Over the Map 2015 Photo: jucoVisualArts - Juan Contreras

In August we continued our dance and music journeys around the world with performances by V’ni Dansi, Luciterra Dance Company and Adanu Habobo. The Ron Basford Park was filled with smiling faces and many audience members ready to get up and dance to the rhythm of drums, guitar and fiddle.

OURO Collective at New Works 15/16 Season launch. Photo: jucoVisualArts - Juan Contreras

In September we Launched our 2015/2016 Season with an evening of dance at The Annex featuring OURO Collective and Amber Funk Baron of the response.. At the end of the month we joined forces with The ACT Centre to present Dance Allsorts in Maple Ridge for the very first time! We were delighted to work with such a supportive team to introduce New Works and the work of Samba Fusion and AfroVibras Perú to a new audience.

In October we welcomed the students and Alumni of the Modus Operadi training program for an intense and powerful performance, and in November we had the opportunity to spend an afternoon once again with Alex Wells and the members of Native Thunder Productions that generously shared traditions and stories with audience members eager to engage and learn.  

 Alex Wells, Native Thunder Productions. Photo: jucoVisualArts - Juan Contreras 

During 2015 we also completed a successful first season of our Share Dance program, an initiative which brings workshops and performances to inner city schools throughout the city of Vancouver. Since it started Shad Dance has brought 30 dance workshops to six elementary schools, grades 4-7, and taught over 500 children a variety of different dance genres and histories. We are excited to embark on our second year of this program, and to meet the demand and requests we have had for more workshops and more schools to be incorporated into this important initiative.

Share Dance workshops led by Bboyzm. Photos: Yvonne Chew

Thank you for helping us make 2015 a great success! We look forward continuing to share our love of dance with you in 2016 and beyond!

[newworks-vancouver]

VAST: Year One Fundraising Campaign

The Response Dance Society (the response.) is about to embark upon its most ambitious production yet, and we need your help! The company’s Artistic Director, Amber Funk Barton is creating her first full length solo which will involve original set and light design, music composition and costume construction.  The creation process is taking place in stages as Amber and the company work towards a 2017 première.

In order for the company to fulfil its creative goals and operation during the first phase of creation this year, we need your help to raise a minimum of $3000.

Your generous donation will ensure the artists of the creative team of VAST are paid their worth and by professional standards, support the company’s developing Apprentice Program and overall operation that takes place behind-the scenes allowing Amber to work in the studio.

The Response Dance Society is a registered Canadian charity.  Canadian donors who donate an amount of $25.00 or greater will receive a tax deductible receipt.

To make your donation, please visit the response’s indiegogo campaign page or their profile on Canada Helps.

[newworks-vancouver]

Dance Allsorts: Modus Operandi

Sunday, October 25, 2015 Roundhouse Performance Centre 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver Performance at 2:00pm, followed by a Q&A with the artists Free workshop at 3:15pm, open to all ages and ability levels Pay what you can at the door. Suggested $15 adults, $5 Children under 12. Advanced tickets for guaranteed seating available on-line. Workshop capacity limited to 30 people. Register on-line to secure your

The October edition of Dance Allsorts will present a mixed program of Contemporary dance featuring a selection of works performed by and created in collaboration with members of the Modus Operandi training program. 

Modus Operandi provides rigorous, meaningful and challenging post secondary education through a four-year program dedicated to young emerging and aspiring professionals. These dancers are a small and determined group of rebellious thinkers and movers inspired by radically relevant philosophies and hailing from diverse backgrounds and points of view. Now in its ninth season of operation, Modus Operandi is a project of Out Innerspace Dance Theatre and its Artistic Directors, David Raymond and Tiffany Tregarthen.

[newworks-vancouver]

New Works celebrates nineteen years of bringing dance to Vancouver by launching its 15/16 Season with OURO Collective and the response. on Friday, September 18, 7pm at the Orpheum Annex. Tickets $20 available online at eventbrite.ca. September marks the first full year of creation for OURO Collective, making this the perfect occasion to share the stage with Amber Funk Barton of the response. who has been a mentor and great supporter of this up-and-coming dance collective that has taken Vancouver by storm. OURO Collective brings together Cristina Bucci, Dean Placzek, Maiko Miyauchi, Rina Pellerin and Mark Siller, artists who use urban dance vocabulary (hip hop, popping, waacking, and breaking) along with contemporary dance for the creation and production of their work. OURO will present at extended 40-minute version of their début piece M-Sessions, a work that draws inspiration from photography by Jourdan Tymkow and highlights each dancer's genre and background, as the collective works on creating their own unique hybrid of movement. The collective will also be incorporating some work-in-progress from their second creation, PACE to be premi​e​red in 2016. Amber Funk Barton of the response. explores the universe that exists outside and within in Vast, a solo work-in-progress inspired by observations of properties and elements that are found within the human body, which are also present in the stars. the response. is a project-based contemporary dance company dedicated to challenging how dance is made, shown and perceived, its work focuses on the articulation of contemporary technique with the athleticism, dynamics and energy of urban dance and culture. Get ready for an evening of dance that breaks boundaries, that moves and transforms! New Works 15/16 Season Launch Friday, September 18, 2015. 7pm Orpheum Annex, 823 Seymour St. Vancouver Tickets $20 available online at eventbrite.ca

[newworks-vancouver]

Adanu Habobo brings West Africa to Vancouver

The 12th edition of All Over the Map comes to an end this Sunday August 23, and what better way to complete this great celebration of dance than by moving to the rhythms of West Africa, brought to Vancouver by Adanu Habobo. We recently had a chance to chat with one of the group’s co-director, Curtis Andrews, who shared with us the history and philosophy behind the dance collective. Join us for Adanu Habobo’s performance this Sunday (Aug 23) at 1:00 and 3:00pm at Ron Basford Park on Granville Island (next to performance Works).

When and how was the group formed?

The group was formed August of 2012 by myself and Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo. I have been studying and playing the music of Ghana since 1998 when I first went there to immerse myself in the culture. After many trips, I eventually met Kofi here in Vancouver when we both moved to Vancouver around the same time (2009). The main ethnic group that I associate with in Ghana are the "Ewe" people, the same ethnic group as Kofi. Thus we have a lot of similarities and understanding from a musical and cultural perspective. We work well together and have similar goals and aesthetics.

Who are the members? 

The members include professional and amateur musicians/dancers, some with much experience in African music/dance, some with none at all. Some are professionals in other fields. Some are students. All have a passion for the music and dance of Africa and are committed to learning more about it through this ensemble and what Kofi and can offer.

Can anyone join?

We have open auditions and are always auditioning new members, but not everyone sticks with it. Talent is one thing, but commitment and dedication to the group and culture is valued more actually. We do not need experts or divas. We need people with rhythm and dedication. They can contact us about joining.

Does the group travel to Ghana to learn from artists there? 

Some of the members have spent time in Ghana learning music/dance before joining Adanu Habobo. Kofi of course grew up in the country and culture. His daughter Esinu is also a key member of the group. I have been visiting Ghana since 1999 and have been there about 9 times for dedicated study on various levels. Both Kofi and also arrange study tours to the rural areas of Ghana, if anybody wants to travel to the country under our guidance.

What are some of the projects you have worked on as a collective?

We have done some interesting projects in the past and have some new things coming up this year and next year. We have done a couple of sold-out shows in Vancouver, both with visiting artists from Ghana(via Seattle) and also Zimbabwe (local musician/dancer Kurai Blessing Mubaiwa), as well as featuring a brass ensemble to accompany our group, with traditional vocal songs arranged for brass. 

What are some of your upcoming projects?

In the Fall, we will be collaborating in a concert with faculty members of Capilano's University's jazz program, with whom Kofi has worked with recently. In the new year, we are planning a concert that will involve a larger choral element, using members of a local choir. Should be awesome!

Find out more about Adanu Habobo on their website:  www.adanuhabobo.com

[newworks-vancouver]

Luciterra shines bright! Here are some great moments from from last Sunday's performances captured by Juan Contreras

[newworks-vancouver]

Clarity.Earth: In Conversation with Luciterra

Luciterra is a Vancouver-based dance company composed by Naomi, Laura, Amber and Gillian. Their unique repertoire presents bellydance in fusion with various other dance styles taking audiences on a dynamic journey. 

We are thrilled to present Luciterra as part of All Over the Map 2015, on August 16 at 1:00 and 3:00 pm, at Ron Basford Park on Granville Island.

Can you tell us about the fusion of dance styles that characterizes the group? 

Luciterra performs a unique fusion style of dance that blends elements of many dance forms including bellydance, jazz, contemporary, and pop lock, with tightly choreographed, precise, and complex muscular isolation layered over sweeping and dynamic musicality. This fusion creates a dynamic and elusive style that resists categorization.  Each of us have different backgrounds in performance and dance, so our style is influenced by all of our past trainings and passions. 

When and how was the group established?  

We were all students of Lava at the Scotia Bank Dance Centre. Basically, we met and fell in love through her classes! Amber and Laura were already in a duo called "Vital Divine" and Gillian and Naomi were big fans! In 2009, Amber was finishing her master's degree and travelled to Africa for several months. Gillian, Laura and Naomi started working together at this time with the intent of including Amber once she was home. After one gig at a Greek restaurant, Luciterra was born and we haven't looked back since! 

Luciterra, as a dance company has a very unique structure, can you tell us more about it? 

Our  business is incorporated as a Worker's Cooperative, which means that each of us has an equal share in the company, with no front woman or lead director. As a non-hierarchical group, we operate with consensus for all our decision making. This is unusual for most dance companies, as there is usually a leader in charge. Instead, we run our dance school, production company and performance troupe together, and each one of us has a voice in all departments.  We decided upon this unconventional business model because it fit our feminist politics and lined up with our value system. 

Where does the name Luciterra come from?

It actually came from Gillian's mother, who has a master's degree in creative writing! We loved the words "Lucid" meaning clarity and "Terra" meaning earth, so she put them together and our name was born! 

Can you describe your creative process? What comes first (if it applies), movement, sounds, music, history...?

Most of the time we pick our music first because we love pieces with complex timing and unique sounds that compliment our movement style. This is usually a long process which can sometimes be frustrating! As a group, we can be picky about the sounds and energy of the music, so we will search for weeks for the perfect song!  We also look at our repertoire of dances and try and round it out with a different sound or mood.  

Then we listen to the song together and talk about the arc of the piece. Then we discuss the sections and how they make us feel. We decide what sort of movements the music inspires within us and if there are specific sounds we want to highlight. 

Then we start to dance to it! We each jam and come up with combos and teach them to each other. Most of our dances have been choreographed count by count as a group, so we all have a piece of ourselves blended into each piece.   

We film our dances after each rehearsal and performance to retain our work and analyze our work. Technology has certainly helped us improve as a cohesive company! 

  What is going on in dance right now that is exciting to you?

Our dance genre keeps evolving with the new generation of dancers working hard to have a unique voice. Each year we attend International festivals where we perform and watch our colleagues impress us with technique that keeps getting sharper and more impressive. This inspires us to keep training and pushing our comfort levels in all avenues of our dance! 

Who are some of your important artistic influences? (dance or otherwise?)

Fusion belly dancers: Zoe Jakes, Rachel Brice, Suhaila Salimpour,  Kami Liddle,  April Rose, Colleena Shakti

 Burlesque, circus arts, live performance theatre, fashion

What are some of your upcoming projects? 

We recently finished our last monthly "Decadent Eccentric" show at Guilt and Company in Gastown after an amazing four-year run! Every month was a new show consisting of group numbers, duets, and solos, hosted by circus artist Chris Murdoch. 

We have decided to work on bigger, more conceptual projects which will include more performers with a variety of talents! Rather than a monthly show, we would like to focus on creating larger productions fewer times a year.  

Also, we are planning a European tour for summer of July 2016!  

Where can people find our more about your work and upcoming performances?

www.luciterradance.com 

[newworks-vancouver]

Highlights from a great afternoon at All Over the Map with V’ni Dansi. Photographs courtesy of Vancouver Dance Project (Yvonne Chew).

All Over the Map continues August 16 with Luciterra, and August 23 with Adanu Habobo at Ron Baford Park (next to Performance Works) on Granville Island, two shows per day at 1:00 and 3:00 pm

Find out more and get updates about the performances on this Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/389551874568658/?fref=ts

[newworks-vancouver]

V’ni Dansi: Come Dance!

In conversation with Yvonne Chartrand, Artistic Director of V’ni Dansi

When and how was the group established? Who are the members?

I formed the Louis Riel Métis Dancers in 2001. I trained the dancers for a year before we had our first performance in 2002 at the Vancouver Art  Gallery. We currently have ten members who practice and perform year-round.

Where does the name V'ni Dansi come from?

V’ni Dansi is Michif from the Red River area in Manitoba and means “come and dance”. A large part of Métis culture is about social dancing and community gatherings; our company name reflects that strong cultural emphasis on music and dance. Dance is a really important part of cultural reclamation for Métis people. I have always been profoundly influenced by a quote from Louis Riel: My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awaken it will be the Artists who give them their spirit back.

Can you tell us about the fusion of Traditional Métis and contemporary dance that characterizes V'ni Dansi?

Components of traditional Métis dance always inspire my contemporary choreography but I don’t actually fuse the styles.

Our work manifests in three distinct creative themes: traditional Métis jigging, contemporary Métis jigging, and Indigenous contemporary dance. The jigging component of our work is performed under the name –  the Louis Riel Métis Dancers. Contemporary works are my creations under the name V'ni Dansi.

Traditional Métis jigging preserves historical dances like The Red River Jig, Drops of Brandy, and Reel of Eight. Contemporary Métis jigging modernizes these traditional forms but still maintains the cultural roots of each dance. Indigenous contemporary dance is sourced from the ancestral memory of the body and my Métis culture.

Can you describe your creative process? What comes first (if it applies), movement, music, history, tradition?

It’s different in every piece, there’s no set formula but I have often started with the stories and history of Métis people. Contemporary works like Marguerite, A Poet and Prophet and Gabriel’s Crossing started with stories of resistance and my desire to pay homage to those at the forefront of the resistance movement. I’ve often set movement first and then composers create music around the movement.

What is going on in dance right now that is exciting to you?

There’s a lot of amazing dance work being done in Canada right now. Personally, I am very excited to be exploring new ways of creating movement. Because I have always felt it was extremely important to tell the stories of the Métis and to give them a voice in the Canadian dance landscape, much of my past contemporary work has been literal based storytelling. I am now exploring the poetry of movement from a more abstract and intellectual perspective. It’s interesting to express an idea without a literal story attached to it.

 Who are some of your important artistic influences? (dance or otherwise?)

My first artistic influence was dancer Paula Ross, I was so excited to learn that she was Métis! She was my first inspiration to move into professional dance. Another early influence was the company Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers; I wanted to do everything they were doing, only with focus on Métis dance work. 

I have been really fortunate to have mentored with senior artist Robin Poitras for the last several years. Her somatic work is so wonderful. Robin and visual artist Edward Poitras have shown me a whole new way of seeing a project through from start to final production. Robin has introduced me to a lot of new ways of working and to a lot of amazing senior artists in Canada such as Margie Gillis, Michael Greyeyes and Bill Coleman. I have been dancing alongside Bill Coleman during the development of a new work and I am so intrigued by how he’s working. Marie Chouinard’s work has also been really inspirational to me; I just spent a week taking a workshop from one of her company dancers Carol Prieur, exploring the internal landscape and how it influences movement. Rulan Tangen of Dancing Earth in Santa Fe has also influenced how I see dance; her emphasis on dance outdoors has reaffirmed my belief in the land and the earth as powerful motivators for dance work.

What are some of your upcoming projects? Where can people find our more about your work and upcoming performances?

We are just about to launch a newly designed website after going through a rebranding process. All of our latest news is there as well as on facebook.

www.vnidansi.ca and www.facebook.com/vnidansi

Anyone interested in learning Métis dance is welcome to attend “Métis Night” every Wednesday at the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre where I teach traditional Métis dance. This is great way to learn about the culture through the community. Several of our professional dancers started out with this community group.

Next month I’ll be at the John Arcand Fiddle Festival near Saskatoon. I go every year and I am always inspired by the fiddle music and the dancing. I’ll be doing some work with Métis elder Maria Campbell exploring the Rue Garou, a Métis folklore monster. Another festival I attend every year is Back to Batoche Days which just wrapped up, seeing the dynamic and creative energy of the youth there was such an inspiration. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have some wonderful Métis dance choreographers.

In September, I’ll be performing in a new work by Edward Poitras at Performing Turtle Island in Regina. Later in the Fall, I’ll enter a second creation phase of my contemporary dance work Eagle Spirit. I’m also excited to teach a workshop at Dare To Be Square West – a square dance workshop and dance series in November. And in the Spring, four Louis Riel Métis Dancers will tour our youth production Cooking It Up Métis to 20 schools in BC. So many exciting things to come!

Experience the work of V’ni Dansi live at All Over the Map, Sunday August 9th at 1:00 and 3:00pm. The stage will be located at Ron Basford Park, on Granville Island (next to Performance Works).

[newworks-vancouver]

ANNOUNCING: ALL OVER THE MAP 2015

All Over the Map returns to Granville Island in August! Join us August 9, 16 and 23 at 1:00 and 3:00pm as we explore Métis and contemporary dance traditions with V’ni Dansi, Belly-Dance fusion with Luciterra, and music and dance from West Africa with Adanu Habobo. ALL OVER THE MAP: AUGUST 9, 16, 23 (SUNDAYS) Two shows per day at 1:00pm and 3:00pm at Ron Basford Park on Granville Island, next to Performance Works In case of rain, the shows move inside Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St

AUGUST 9: V”NI DANSI Based in Vancouver, V’ni Dansi is a traditional Métis and contemporary dance company dedicated to the preservation of traditional Métis dance and the innovation of Indigenous contemporary works. V’ni Dansi holds the distinction of being the only company in Canada to teach and perform both Métis and contemporary dance. (Photo: Chris Randle) 

AUGUST 16: LUCITERRA Founded in 2009, Luciterra performs a unique fusion style of dance that blends elements from bellydance, jazz, contemporary, and pop lock, in tightly choreographed works, with precise and complex muscular isolation. This fusion creates a dynamic and elusive style that is as smooth as it is exciting. (Photo: Ghost Image )

AUGUST 23: ADANU HABOBO Adanu Habobo is a drum and dance ensemble based in Vancouver, co-directed by Dr. Kofi Gbolonyo and Curtis Andrews. Established in 2012, the group strives to share the love and knowledge of the traditional music and dance of Ghana, West Africa. The word “adanu” refers to the Ewe concept “artistic wisdom��� and “Habobo” refers to an association of members, usually connected through music and dance. (Photo: Asad Masede) Facebook event: All Over the Map - Free Summer Dance Series

[newworks-vancouver]

"You can't help but fall in love with dance" DANCE MATTERS featuring Vancouver dance artists!