By Monique Salez
From the curation then presentation of world class dance to the generosity of the audiences who year upon year have grown in their appreciation of the art of dance, Stephen White, producer at Dance Victoria, experiences a “circle of generosity” that keeps him inspired and engaged in his vocation. Mr. White adds, dance is an art form where one can experience “awe at the capacity of the human body.” Where a “vigorous training of the body as instrument” creates the opportunity to “express on a metaphorical level” creating a space where both dancer and audience can participate in “a shared communion.”
This participation is heightened during Dance Days, the annual 10-day cross city celebration of dance coordinated by Dance Victoria where everyone is invited to live, think and breathe dance. Diverse offerings from free dance and movement classes, to invitations to watch classes or intimate showings, are rounded out by Rough Cuts, a presentation of six new works at the Metro Studio that were conceived during this past summer’s inaugural Choreographic Lab. Boasting a new electronic guide that works well from your mobile device, the ninth annual Dance Days kicks off with Dancers of Damelahamid’s Flicker on Jan. 19th at the McPherson Playhouse. Afterward attend the post-show chat with the company’s Executive and Artistic Director/Choreographer Margaret Grenier who will also lead an Indigenous/Contemporary movement workshop on Jan. 20th at the Songhees Wellness Centre. Yet again, Dance Days is proof of the philosophy of generosity inherent in not only Dance Victoria’s bones but the entire Victoria dance community. So, bring your beautiful self out to move, to learn and to celebrate life through dance.
Monique’s High Five:
Dancers of Damelahamid (McPherson) The pre/post-show chats, the show itself and/or the movement workshop, which ever you choose, you will be engaged in a deeper appreciation and understanding of Indigenous Culture as it relates to the past and moves into the future.
Untitled Distance (Rough Cuts, The Metro) Arash Khakpour never ceases to be an innovative provocateur.
Pound. Transforms drumming into an incredible way to workout. Drum sticks, cardio, and conditioning…now your speaking my language!
Therapy Conversation, Conversation Therapy. Join Nicola Gunn of Melbourne Australia for “a workshop for talking, thinking and doing that uses conversation to generate performative material, using language to shape action”. Words + Body = Magic
Hotness 101 – Booty Bounce Twerkshop Passion & Performance invite you to “Pop, Drop, Grind and Bounce your booty in their twerkshop!” Note: The picture advertises people floor humping so stretch it out people! DanceVictoria.com