 Last Tuesday, March 22nd, a special cocktail-benefit was held at les Grands Ballets Canadiens studios. It was an evening that was organized and planned by the dancers and crew of les GBC having for objective to tease us with their self-made performances...man did that work! Standing there among the dancing stars, I was immediately captivated by the scene that was unfolding in front of me: two dancers, Anya Nesvitaylo and Leigh Alderson clasped to one another, moving as one and perfectly with the music. In a heart beat, other dancers filled the floor to create a unison effect with the couple. Connecting with the dancer's moves and minds... While the other teaser performances went on, we were so few and so close that we could hear every squeak, every breath and see all of the muscles contract. What a difference between sitting in front of a huge stage among hundreds of people and being there, only a few meters away. No settings but that of the studio, a few chairs and the music. Stripped of any decorative distractions, the performances were organic and authentic. I could see the dancers' facial expressions and felt the emotions. This immersive workshop experience made its way to everyone's heart. The choreographers and dancers took us with them as they danced. Another special element that definitely took dancing to another level was the fact that some of the pieces had voicing...What do I mean by that? Aaahhh! You'll have to check out the workshop À Suivre for yourselves bee readers! Speaking with the choreographers Sam, Éline, Sahra, myself, Renata & Jean-Sébastien After the demonstrations were done, the floor was open for us to ask any questions we wanted to the creators/choreographers. I asked two questions, one being A) How many hours of practice for each choreography? Is there a particular number they like to hit? "As many as possible!" one of them said. As if they don't dance enough as it is, these choreographies demand even more time of their busy schedules. So after a full day of rehearsals, they have to squeeze another few hours for these creations and practice some more. My second questions was B) What was the inspiration behind one of the last pieces? Troy Herring answered that the piece is really meant for us to feel whatever moves us, it's left for us to interpret and for it to express what we are feeling. He and Corwin Barnette were hilarious in explaining their teaming together to create choreographies. They mentioned how they actually complete one another quite well as they both in poses diversified working styles: one being more structured and logical while the other more impulsive and "far out there". Brought together, they seem to be the Lennon and McCartney in translating their ideas and bring their choreography making to the stage. Hanging out with the kindest dancers in Montreal! The tasty cupcakes! Soon after, the cocktail-benefit began in the room next door, giving us a chance to hang out with the dancers. I got a chance to see the bubbly Mahomi and discuss with Troy and Corwin more personally. Artistic photos of the choreographers hung on a wall and multiple tables adorned with delicious goodies from sponsoring companies welcomed us. Yummy Sangria, that Sahra was elegantly serving, a selection of white and red wine, cheeses, tiny boxed popcorn, personalized tiny GBC cupcakes and last but not least, there was a table of assortments of pies provided by Ta Pies. Renata and her fiancé Steve introduced me to these palate pleasing pies, mentioning that a taste of these famous pies would change my world. They did, they truly did ;)
I also got the opportunity to meet Éline Malègue and Rubén Julliard, two wonderful choreographers who, in a few minutes passionately shared about their dancing realities and took the time to answer my questions. This was the real treat: to hang out and discuss with GBC dancers and meeting individuals from all over the world. The ambiance was one of kindness and genuine appreciation from everyone in the room. The crowd was happy, talking and laughing; everyone mixing and having a good time, me the most! All this just begs the question: Imagine how spectacular and breath taking the Choreography Workshop À Suivre will be next week? ....well, à suivre! Bee dancin' xx Comments are closed.
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AuthorMy name is Ivana. I love photography and meeting people. I hold a Master's in counselling psychology and work as a career consultant. Music is my fuel and an important source of energy in my life. I drive my vespa around the city and I love what I do! :) About this blog: me on my artistic soap box! My first novel!
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