DANCE:
Shake and bake

Spicey dance picks from Fringe to flamenco

by MARITES CARINO

By the time June rolls around, I’m itching for change. For me, the summer dance scene means leaving behind the milieu’s mainstream stages and seeking out new dance in territories beyond. So to whet your appetite, here’s a roundup of companies making first appearances over the summer months.

Over the next 10 days, get out to the Fringe festival because it’s a sure-fire way to discover new-to-you dance troupes. Although most associate the alternative fest with left-of-centre theatre, dance has cultivated a strong presence over the years, and some much-deserved recognition. So, last summer, Studio 303 inaugurated a Best Young Choreographer award. Fringe general manager Geoff Agombar says the Montreal Fringe distinguishes itself from other Fringe fests because of its strong dance component, which is evident in this year’s selection of over a dozen dance spectacles. With the hit-and-miss factor at play, buying tickets is a bit of a gamble. However, with a little bit of luck, you might come across a keeper amongst the new blood in this year’s mix.

After weeding through a stack of Fringe press releases, I’m intrigued by the production Les Sylphides by newcomers Les Ballets de la [parenthèse]. The Marseille-based contemporary group uses the 1909 poetic ballet of the same name as a starting point, but adds a twist: Instead of sylphs tiptoeing in tutus, a female quartet battles against feminine ideals.

In the same vein, Las Vegas troupe Stark Theatre delves into the American obsession for artificial perfection in Couture. And from New York City, Israeli-born choreographer Amiel Malale brings us a minimalist duet called Touch First.

From the international scene, two acts from New Zealand make a trip to town. Mika Haka, a tribal cabaret romp, opens at the Théâtre La Chapelle, and Toro Toro, an all-male dance crew who describe themselves as “pioneers of new Maori dance,” perform a world premiere of Ancient Future. In a music and dance show from Spain, guitarist Ricardo Garcia mixes up African and Indian flavours in Flamenco con Fusion. Visit www.montrealfringe.ca for more information.

Up north trip

There’s another good place to discover new dance companies, but you’re going to have to go north. Every year, Le Festival des arts de St-Sauveur includes a great selection of dance shows both indoors and out (July 29–Aug. 7). To kick it all off, a Canadian premiere by China’s Guangzhou Ballet is slotted for opening night. The company, which is more than a decade old, intermingles classical ballet with elements of traditional Chinese dance. I’m also looking forward to Cinéma Dance a new showcase for dance on film running alongside the fest. Keep an eye out for the schedule at www.artssaintsauveur.com.

Although it’s refreshing to experience new companies, it’s always comforting to see familiar faces. You can always count on the dance goldmine at Parc Lafontaine’s Théâtre de Verdure to catch shows you may have missed during the year. And the best part is, you don’t have to shell out.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens present a double program Aug. 3–7, where Dutch choreographer Didy Veldman takes a clownish approach to conformism in her large-ensemble work TooT. On the other side of the spectrum, a breathtaking piece by Stijn Celis, Noces, gives us a haunting and intense glimpse into the institution we call marriage. Lastly, if you couldn’t get out to St-Sauveur to see the world premiere created by local choreographer Shawn Hounsell during his spring residency with Le Jeune Ballet du Québec, good news: the company closes the summer dance season in the park, Aug.12–13.