“Style is the answer to everything,” poet Charles Bukowski once wrote in his poem Style, which included the line, “To do a dangerous thing with style is what I call art.” And by that definition Tango, to the Pointe, presented by PointeTango is the epitome of art. I recently had the pleasure of watching dancers Erin Scott-Kafadar and Alexander Richardson perform their work at the 2022 Vancouver Fringe Festival. Tango, to the Pointe is not only an impressive fusion of Argentine tango and classical ballet, but also a breathtakingly beautiful celebration of art.
Read more5 new Canadian dance works you can watch for free, virtually on December 15
NEXT: New Dance in Development features creative new works from 5 emerging Canadian choreographers. You can watch the free presentation virtually on December 15, 2021.
Read more#BoysDanceToo: Jacob Williams finds his footing
When Jacob Williams was a kid, he loved singing and dancing around the house to his mom’s disco music. It was clear that he found his passion for performing and dance early in life – and this passion would eventually lead him on a journey of training and self-discovery before finding his place at BalletBC in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Read moreDance at the 2019 Chutzpah! Festival
The 19th annual Chutzpah! Festival is in full swing and continues until November 24, celebrating culturally rich works in comedy, music, theatre and dance. Here are three exciting dance works playing at this year’s festival.
Read more#BoysDanceToo: An interview with Roberto Campanella
Life is all about creating your own path and Roberto Campanella knows about that. Originally from Rome, Roberto had a successful dance career joining his first company, Compagnia Italiana di Danza Contemporanea, at the age of 17. He eventually leaped to Toronto to dance for The National Ballet of Canada, where he began choreographing. Since then, Roberto has had a stellar career in teaching, choreographing, and directing. One of his most notable credits was choreographing the Academy Award-winning film The Shape of Water.
Read moreBallet BC’s opening program a blend of risk-taking and reviving a fan favourite
Ballet BC opened its season this past week with Program 1, featuring three ballets with distinctly different styles. One of these ballets was an internationally acclaimed work from iconic choreographer William Forsythe. The second piece was a world premiere, set to the music of Jimi Hendrix. The third – and strongest – piece was a gorgeous remount of a ballet originally set on the company in 2011. It’s no surprise then that this piece, Petite Cérémonie, fits the company like a glove, and was likely the most memorable ballet of the night among audiences.
Read moreFirehall Arts Centre opens season with exciting new work, Never Still
Water is life. We’re basically made of it. Our body composition is roughly 50 – 70% water. Water also covers 71% of the earth. We’re mysteriously connected to water – and that’s something that Vancouver’s Vanessa Goodman, artistic director of Action at a Distance Dance Society, explores in her new work, Never Still, which will open the Firehall Arts Centre’s 2018/2019 season on Wednesday, September 26.
Read moreDance Review: Program 1 defines Ballet BC’s stature as a world-class artistic treasure
There’s a common theme underlying Ballet BC’s season-opening work, Program 1. This exquisite offering of two pieces, Eight Years of Silence and B.R.I.S.A., is defined by the personal journey of overcoming personal demons. Whether by confronting one’s own fears or finding the courage to break away from your comfort zone, Program 1 is a remarkable display of artistry, embodied by the incredibly talented Ballet BC dancers, who combine superb technique and versatility into world-class contemporary dance.
Read moreDance Review: Coastal City Ballet’s Giselle is an authentic gem
Giselle is one of the world’s most beloved classical ballets. But since Vancouver is such a contemporary-focused city, it’s rare to see a live production of Giselle. Thankfully, Coastal City Ballet has brought this iconic ballet to life and has done a fine job. Showcasing some outstanding young talent, Coastal City Ballet’s Giselle is also very polished and well-packaged with attractive set, lighting and costume designs.
Read moreDance Review: Ballet BC offers engaging and unique contemporary with Program 3
Ballet BC concludes its 2016/2017 season with Program 3, a triple bill of two pieces choreographed by Israeli artists and one original piece by artistic director, Emily Molnar.Overall, all three pieces were both entertaining and intriguing. Ballet BC’s stature as a top contemporary company is clearly evident. Program 3 demonstrates creativity and various styles of contemporary, while also being very engaging for the audience – a feat that isn’t always achieved with ambitious contemporary.
Read moreBallet BC concludes 31st season with Program 3
Ballet BC will conclude its 31st season with Program 3, which opens tomorrow night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. This much anticipated finale to the contemporary ballet troupe's trilogy of montage works this season will feature creations by Israeli choreographers Emanuel Gat and Ohad Naharin, as well as Ballet BC’s Artistic Director Emily Molnar.
Read moreRoyal Winnipeg Ballet's "Nutcracker" celebrates Christmas and being Canadian
Attending Nutcracker is one of my favourite holiday traditions, and this year for the first time I had the pleasure of watching Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s (RWB) version. I was intrigued when I heard that they did their own unique Canadian version of the show. So how is RWB’s Canadian-themed version? It's the ballet equivalent of enjoying a classy maple and bacon donut, or a gourmet poutine, or a Caesar made with Grey Goose vodka...you get the idea.
Read moreThe Arts Club’s "Billy Elliot" will be remembered as a stunning artistic achievement
It’s rare to experience a show that reaches out and truly touches the hearts of its audience in an electrifying and unforgettable way. The Arts Club’s production of Billy Elliot, which recently completed its run at the Stanley Theatre was just that - a theatrical masterpiece superbly brought to life through the use of dance, music, singing and the outstanding collaborative efforts of its creative team. And the driving force behind everything was the standout performance of the show’s young star, Nolan Fahey.
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