by MARITES CARINO

It’s that time of the year again. The days are supposedly getting longer but you could’ve fooled me. Brighten up those long winter nights by frolicking to a handful of this winter’s nocturnal dance outings—guaranteed to pull you through to the spring meltdown.

Kicking off 2003, local choreographer Laurence Lemieux presents Varenka, Varenka! at L’Agora de la Danse, Jan. 22–Feb. 1. Based on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel Poor Folks, Lemieux translates the tale of two characters through movement with dancer Bill Coleman and Russian classical accordionist Vladimir Sidorov. Rounding off the month, local choreographer Zab Maboungou flies solo in Nsamu, at Usine C from Jan. 31–Feb.1.

For a healthy dose of theatre-dance, catch Himalayas—Prayer for a Rope, a Pope and a Rogue at Usine C from Feb. 6–8. A work for six dancers and four musicians, the piece was created by choreographer Richard Tremblay in honour of the International Year of the Mountain as declared by UNESCO.

From mountains to mounds of chocolate… whether you’re dreading Valentine’s Day, or have a sweetie to celebrate with, this city’s version of Quebec’s Carnaval, the annual Montreal Highlights Festival, features some dance performances you shouldn’t miss. First off, La La La Human Steps is back from touring with Amelia, a work for nine dancers in pointy shoes (Feb. 13–16). For something verging on the outrageous, check out the quirky Méli-mélo by Chicos Mambo, a theatre-dance company from Barcelona who will be performing in North America for the first time. It’s at Métropolis from Feb. 27–March 2. Finishing off dance at the winter fest is Toronto-based choreographer Sarah Chase with Portraits/Mapping. Chase lures you into her intimate world of words and movement at the Museum of Modern Art, Feb. 26–27.

Female footwork

Which brings us into March. To commemorate International Women’s Day, the SaGeste series at Tangente features female solo works from March 6–9. Dancing in the spotlight this year are Nathalie Blanchet, Chantal Lamirande and Italian choreographer Rebecca Murgi.

That same weekend, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens is putting on an evening showcasing three of master choreographer Jirí Kylián’s works, Mar. 6–12 at Place des Arts.

And from the land of the rising sun Kim Itoh + The Glorious Future take over the Centre Pierre-Péladeau with two works, I Want to Hold You, which deals with the theme of communication between people, and Dead and Alive, March 13–15. Artistic director Itoh, who has a background in butoh and classical dance, brings his company to the province for the first time. A week later, Mar. 21–22, Studio 303 holds the 10th anniversary edition of Edgy Women. This features women artists from all disciplines and is not to be missed.

Mixing the powers of choir and dance, 16-member choir Ensemble Mruta Mertsi, directed by André Pappathomas, hooks up with five choreographers to integrate the two art forms at L’Agora de la Danse from March 25–29.

After spending some time in Japan, choreographer Dominique Porte presents Errance et réflexes, Apr. 3–12 at Place des Arts, a work for five dancers that investigates our interaction with all that surrounds us. In the same building, The National Ballet of Canada keeps it classical from April 10–12 with their performance of La Fille mal gardée.

Ending the month with a bang is Bobo in Paradise, Apr.24–26. This comes from Belgian hip hop company Hush Hush Hush as they make their North American premiere at Usine C. Also, the same weekend another large ensemble international company, the Ballet Contemporáneo del Teatro San Martín performs El Mesías at Place des Arts. And if it’s true that the days have finally gotten longer, you’ll surely have room to appreciate Blind, a work with dancers in the dark—literally. It features Alexander Baervoets, Andrew Harwood and Lin Snelling at L’Agora de la Danse, Apr. 29–30.

Happy frolicking! :