Dances for a Small Stage 29 - A New Home for a Solid Series
Movent takes us to a new location on Main Street (10th at Broadway in the Ukrainian Centre) but brings along their dance floor and black drapes. Its 29th iteration features James Fagan Tait as the poetry-quoting emcee and a diverse line-up of dancers co-curated by Julie-Anne Saroyan and Karissa Barry. Come early to enjoy perogies and sausages (or just grab a drink and chat with friends).
The evening features nine different choreographies. Overall, it feels somewhat sci-fi and futuristic to me (which I think is a combination of costumes, music and titles). Small Stage has a special place in my heart as it was one of the first times I realized dance could be funny – who knew? And tonight did not disappoint me – I was certainly chuckling at a few points along the journey.
So from number one to number nine, here goes!
1) Choreography from James Gnam of Plastic Orchid - an excerpt from _post v2.0 titled La Byadara. Performed by Lara Barclay in a costume of white, poufy netting, it reminded me of a previous work called Chunking also by Plastic Orchid which I saw at the Shadbolt Centre in December 2012. There is a sense of awkward ballet to it all... as she works her way out of the netting and into the freedom of skin.
2) but some of us are looking at the stars by creator / performer Daelik (of MACHINENOISY). Visually engaging, Daelik's performance involves movement as the performer interacting with silver crinkly reflective mylar-esque material. On the small stage under the lights, the material is transfixing, emitting a purplish glow. With music by DJ Galactica, the dancer explores the stage crawling through the material and trying to find whatever he is seeking. Particularly loved the amusing T-shirt!
3) open to somebody else by creators and improvisors Dayna Szyndrowski & Elisa Thorn. Enter a harp. YAY! A harp! (Wait, I'm at a dance show... hmm... well, I'll totally go along with it!) This performance was a duet between rhythm and tap dancer Szyndrowski with harpist Thorn (who augumented her acoustic harp playing with electronic pedals). Or perhaps it was a trio due to the overlay of "Words of wisdom from Nina Simone remixed by Dayna Szyndrowski). Once the three got going, I found it hynoptic - the gentleness of the harp, the harshness of the tapping and the underscore of the reverberating voice. It brought the house down - much applause!
4) Now more choreography from James Gnam of Plastic Orchid - an excerpt from _post v2.0 titled Cyngnets. Featuring three choreographers / performers (Sammy-Jane Gray, Lara Barclay and Bevin Poole), the costumes were similarly outlandish - shiny white corsets with white hot pants and socks each topped off by a circular tutu. Led by the digitized music, this balletic but muscular excerpt evoked for me the Mad Hatter and the Teacups at Disneyland.
5) Eva... solo for Jean brings the choreographer / performer Jean-Francois Duke (a guest from Quebec) to the small stage. In a simple black outfit, Duke offers lovely, fluid movement to accompany a melancholy song of memory ("Snow Against Sugar Cane" by Marie-Jo Therio).
INTERMISSION TIME
6) Ancient Lace offers a choreography by Kirsten Wicklund performed by Wicklund and Hayden Fong. It shares a love story of intense physicality (reminded me of new film Rust and Bone) where the duo attack, abandon, reunite and continue. It also made me worried for Bill Nye Science Guy who is joining the cast of Dancing for the Stars. Nobody said dance was easy!
7) sea / unseen is a choreography / performance by Julianne Chapple. In a transfixing, transparent white dress Chapple offers a slow, meditative, ritualistic performance accompanied by music featuring disjointed voices. It feels like Ophelia drowning as Chapple becomes increasingly drenched with water from a simple bowl downstage leading to a frantic twirling where all I could hear was her breath.
8) Bipedicularity is created by choreographer / performerr Farley Johansson (Science Friction). His strong, smooth yet explosive movement reflected the power of the science fictionesque music by Pretty Lights. I thought it was very Moon, even Warehouse 13... goofy yet sophisticated.
9) "the last part of the beginning, starting at the End." was choreographed by Karissa Barry, performed by Barry and Jessica Wilkie. Cue red lights flashing at the audience, then the entrance of two people in black hoodies wearing black goggles. They appear to be on a quest, an investigation. The movement is very strong and theatrical. I felt I'd fallen into the world of Carmen Sandiego (but cooler).
So that's the line-up. Dances for a Small Stage 29 runs two more nights at the Ukrainian Centre - which is a good new home for the series. The small stage is lovely, the atmosphere is warm and this eclectic group of performers is excited to be dancing for you.
PS EXTRA: Best note from the friend who came along with me was the contrast between the dancers who were so light on their feet and the heavier sound of the stage technicians who came on to change set pieces. What a difference.