Monsters, popcorn and dance - challenging people to see & hear dance in a unique way
Dyana Sonik-Henderson one of Victoria’s newer professional teachers/choreographers has quickly carved out a place in the hearts of her students and audiences alike for her enthusiasm and award-winning indie dance company Broken Rhythms.
On Teaching: “I was made to teach as it allows me to do what I love which is connect with others, build community and be in a room with others describing music through dance.”
On creation: “Abstract trust” is what defines this artists process. “I have found that my creative process or the muse in the room is always present and the pieces, the images will come together to make a work in the presence of trust …if I cling too hard it will crumble.”
As Artist Director of Broken Rhythms Dyana creates works as a vehicle to perform rhythmical contemporary - a style encompassing jazz, contemporary and modern where the driving force is music and rhythm.
Presently Broken Rhythms is working on Universal Horrors based on the old monster films of the 1930’s thru 1950’s. Classic films like Frankenstein inspire “a feel, a specific type of staging and musical score” that are rich in visual cues and, whether silent or not, Dyana finds they “display a lot of emotion which lends well to dance.” Universal Horrors asks “what is a monster?” and how can we subvert “the female role in these films where they are either super evil or helpless but never the hero.” Presented at The Roxy Theatre, the classic marquee and smell of popcorn accentuate Universal Horrors vintage theatre experience where dance literally meets monster movies.
Although the genesis for Universal Monsters began 3 years ago it would seem that our present global political climate provides a timely backdrop for the dance works look at monsters created through misunderstanding or fear perpetuated by difference. Perhaps no better time to buy a ticket, dig into a bag of popcorn and face these dancing monsters.
Show dates: March 14, 16, 17, 18 7:30 nightly w/ 2pm matinee 19th
Location: Roxy Theatre (2657 Quadra St)
Tickets: $25 in advance/ $30 at the door or online www.bluebridgetheatre.ca
Website: brokenrhythmsvictoria.com