Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre presents WINTERSONG—dances for a sacred season, a celebration of the solstice that’s celebrating its 36th anniversary this year. The seasonal dance performance takes place December 13, 14 and 15.
Unfortunately, as the company points out, it will also be lamenting a much less desirable milestone — that of being the company’s last time on stage at the Fleck Dance Theatre after some 700 performances at the venue, which will be shuttered in March 2025.
WINTERSONG—dances for a sacred season includes a world premiere by Justin Rapaport, along with pieces by choreographers Hanna Kiel, Colin Connor, Carol Anderson and Rodney Diverlus.
The Program
Scintilla (World Premiere) — Choreography by Justin Rapaport
Music by Flawed Mangoes, Lloyd Vaan, Alvedon and Ludwig van Beethoven, performed by Paavali Jumppanen
Choreographer Justin Rapaport describes his inspiration in a statement. “Winter solstice, endless night… so easy to lose oneself in that darkness. But within such obscurity, the shimmering moon still rises to penetrate that void, the dormant beacon we all share within, waiting to be reawakened.”
Justin is a freelance dance artist. Since graduating from the Juilliard School, he’s worked with dance companies throughout North America and Europe, including Ballet BC, Anne Plamondon, Peter London Global Dance Theater, Boykin Dance Projects and many others. He received the Danish Dance Theater Award in 2021.
sagittarius, meet capricorn (2021) — Choreography by Rodney Diverlus
Music by Clifford Brown & Theon Cross
“I draw inspiration from the celestial wonders associated with the solstice, most fantastical of all for me, Sagittarius’ meeting with and passing of the “baton” to Capricorn. I use jazz, swing/lindy hop, and contemporary movement woven in new palettes that explore rhythm and groove,” says choreographer Rodney Diverlus.
Rodney is a Haitian-Canadian movement artist whose work fuses jazz and contemporary dance. He was the winner of the 2019 Canadian Stage Award for Direction, and has debuted world premiere pieces with Toronto Dance Theatre, Tapestry Opera, and Toronto Metropolitan University.
A Sonata of Shadows (2023) — Choreography by Hanna Kiel
Music by Adam Campbell
“This composition delves into the aftermath of the solstice, examining its connection to our lives and the lessons we derive from it. There are moments when it feels like this darkness will never dissipate. However, as in the natural cycle, daylight inevitably returns. This piece explores the profound nuances of these dark moments, delving into the feeling that they might persist indefinitely,” says choreographer Hanna Kiel.
Dora award winning choreographer Hanna Kiel is a founder and artistic director of Human Body Expression, and a resident choreographer at Canada’s Ballet Jorgen.
Against the Dark (2010) — Choreography by Colin Connor
Music by Matthew Setzer and Kirk Elliott
Colin writes, “The ones who put light in the sky are the ones who can fly. If our future is to have light, it is for our young artists to fly, for them, solstice by solstice, to bring light.”
Connor has created more than 50 commissioned works for companies such as Richmond Ballet and Limón Dance Company, along with a Contemporary/Flamenco collaboration that was performed more than 100 times. His work has been presented across North America and Europe. The former Artistic Director of the Limón Dance Company, Colin has contributed seven works to CCDT repertoire.
Nowell Sing We (1988) — Choreography by Carol Anderson
Music by Kirk Elliott
Nowell Sing We was created for the very first WinterSong back in 1988, and since then, has been performed by every CCDT company member. Kirk Elliott’s music offers arrangements of medieval carols, with echoes of medieval art in the set design.
Carol Anderson is a founding member and Artistic Director of Dancemakers, and has created 10 works for CCDT as the company’s most frequent guest artist.
- Find tickets and show details [HERE].
Are you looking to promote an event? Have a news tip? Need to know the best events happening this weekend? Send us a note.
#LUDWIGVAN
Get the daily arts news straight to your inbox.