Private dancers

>> You are now entering the Felix Ruckert realm

by MARITES CARINO

If you're just a tad squeamish about personal space invasion, this show's definitely not for you. Danse-Cité presents Projet Ruckert Formule double intégrale 14, which features two choreographies by Berliner Felix Ruckert.

First, Hautnah is a choreography for your eyes only--audience members concoct the show they want to see. They choose from a list of ten different solos by ten dancers. Once they've made their choice, the spectator is taken to a private viewing room for an intimate session with the dancer.

Hautnah, which is loosely translated as "as close as skin," gives the spectator the unique experience of being part of a solo choreography, which could last anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Ruckert created the work in 1995 and re-cast it with québécois dancers last year.

Local dancers Marc Boivin, Catherine Jodoin, Emmanuel Jouthe, Laura Boucaya, Nancy Leduc, Jacques Moisan, Marika Rizzi, Catherine Tardif, Luis Vergara, and Benoit Lachambre make up the group of 10. But if you've got a penchant for a particular dancer, get there early so you can put your name on the list, as each dancer has a limited number of nightly performances.

Meanwhile, upstairs at L'Agora during Hautnah, is another work by Ruckert, which is making its North-American premiere. Schwartz is an interactive experience where audience members are anything but passive.

The performance is divided into two parts. When the audience first enters the Ruckert realm, they're subject to rules which are projected on a screen. Then, in silence, these rules must be adhered to.

During the second part, half the spectators sit in chairs and the rest remain standing. Those standing follow projected directions, which include interacting with the people sitting, and then the roles are reversed. Curious? Check it out for yourself. :

Hautnah and Schwartz at l'Agora de la danse, 8pm. Schwartz reservations: 525-1500.

Hautnah tickets available on site only