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Tap dance star Danny Nielsen’s collaboration with pianist/percussionist Kristian Alexandrov, In Conversation, premieres this month. We sat down with Danny to discuss his artistic practice, his collaborators and what people can expect from this new work.

How has your artistic practice evolved over time?

My dancing currently feels very honest. It’s less about the speed and flash that I once was drawn to and more about communication and expression.

In terms of creating work, I’ve allowed myself more trust. To let things evolve naturally with my collaborators and less of a need to control.

What was the starting point/inspiration for your new work In Conversation?

A documentary called “Icons Among Us” which spoke to moving the needle forward in jazz without changing it beyond recognition. With this in mind, the show is compromised of about half of Kristian Alexandrov’s original music and half more modern music with our own arrangements of each.

Who are your collaborators on the piece? Why did you choose to work together?

Kristian Alexandrov (pianist/percussionist) has played for dancers for over 20 years. He understands how to leave space and compose music that’s very easy to dance to. He and I both have ties to Decidedly Jazz Danceworks in Calgary.

Matthew Shields (creative consultant/director) is one of the most brilliant directors in tap dance today. I’ve had the honour of being in a few of his works and his knowledge attention to detail go unmatched. I’m lucky to call him a friend and gracious he took time out of his schedule to be a part of the project.

Jack Chipman (lighting design/video) is an amazing up and coming artist is the field. Myself and him have had many conversations about using video as light.

Anything else you’d like people to know or what they should expect?

I can tell you what they shouldn’t expect, is a typical tap performance comprised of various arrangements of jazz standards. We’ve worked really hard to make a set list that most will have never heard any of the tunes before. I’ve wanted to do this for several years now, but this is the first show I’ve been able to achieve the separation from well known jazz standards.

What do you hope people will take away from In Conversation?

I hope that audiences gain more of an understanding of this art form which, generally, is still quite misunderstood amongst the masses. As tap dancers, we are educators in the midst of performing. I’m just trying to do my part in sharing this art form.

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The Dance Centre presents the Global Dance Connections Series
Danny Nielsen: In Conversation
May 23 & 24, 2024 | 8pm
Scotiabank Dance Centre

Info and Tickets
Photos: TDC and courtesy of the artist

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