This popular series offers informative and inspiring shows by BC dance companies and artists, highlighting a wide range of dance genres.
October 27: VanVogueJam
November 23: Karen Flamenco Dance Company
March 30: Dancers of Damelahamid
April 20: Lamondance
May 18: Aeriosa
Scroll down for show details and links to individual performances.
VanVogueJam Thursday October 27 | 12 noon
Ballroom culture emerged in the 1960s, birthed from Black, Latinx, Trans and Queer communities, and has exploded into a countercultural phenomenon. Ballroom’s many categories include vogue – a highly stylized competitive form which demands symmetry, precision and grace – and its spirit of joyful extravagance is rooted in defiant resistance to oppression. Curated by VVJ founder Ralph Escamillan, the program will feature local performers bringing their own work from the runway to the stage, while honouring the history of Ballroom Culture.
Karen Flamenco Dance Company Wednesday November 23 | 12 noon
An innovative company whose distinctive productions combine the technical brilliance of flamenco with dramatic flair, Karen Flamenco has captured the imagination of dance lovers of all ages. This performance showcases traditional, classical and contemporary works, with spirited dancing, masterful storytelling, heart-stirring live music and singing, and colourful costumes, to epitomize the passion and excitement of flamenco.
Dancers of Damelahamid Thursday March 30 | 12 noon
Dancers of Damelahamid is an Indigenous dance company with a rich history of masked dance which inspires compelling performances. Spirit and Tradition layers vibrant dances, singing, drumming, and projected imagery to immerse us in the ecosystems and culture of the Indigenous lands and waters of the Northwest Coast. Tracing themes of reciprocity and ecological sustainability, the work shares important teachings on balance, interconnectedness, and community.
Lamondance Thursday April 20 | 12 noon
Lamondance has earned a reputation as an exceptional contemporary dance training company designed for emerging artists about to embark on a professional performing career. Drawing talented dancers from across Canada and overseas, and commissioning bold and inventive choreography, Artistic Director Davi Rodrigues moulds ensembles of honed, expressive and fluent performers. This performance will feature a selection of works from the current repertoire.
Aeriosa Thursday May 18 | 12 noon
Aeriosa combines the athleticism of rock climbing and the artistry of dance to perform breathtaking works in theatres, and outside on buildings and mountains. The company is also committed to nurturing diverse artists and practitioners: New Artists and Approaches in Vertical Dance will share works by company members and Butterflies In Spirit, a unique group which uses hip hop, contemporary and First Nations dances to raise awareness of violence against Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people.
Duration of each show: approx 60 minutes including artist talkback.