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GWDC: Season Launch (Virtual)
September 15, 2020 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Ainsley Hillyard, Alison Kause, Alida Kendell, and Kate Stashko of Good Women Dance Collective (GWDC) invite you to celebrate the launch of their most memorable season yet!
Contemporary dancer and co-founder of Montreal’s Wants&Needs Danse, Sasha Kleinplatz, will be joining GWDC’s 2020/21 season for Convergence 2021—the collective’s annual show that highlights various works from different artists including Dustin Stamp, a fancy dancer from Saddle Lake Cree Nation, and guests; and a collaboration between GWDC and poet and spoken word artist, Brandon Wint.
Season 2020/21 also features an exciting collaboration between FEMME, an all-female vocal quartet, and GWDC in which they reflect upon domestic abuse during the world premiere of The Beginning of Happiness by Edmonton composer, Jane Berry, choreographed by GWDC, and performed by FEMME and GWDC. While the composition draws on Berry’s experience with domestic violence, the work encourages performers to bring their own thoughts into the work so that their own personal experiences are included in the show.
“In these uncertain times, GWDC is excited to continue supporting the creation of new work by courageous and curious artists from across Canada. We are all learning quickly and becoming more adaptable and agile—pivoting has multiple meanings for dance in the 2020/21 season and we are excited by the transformative possibilities that can arise out of uncertainty.”
In between each production, Canadian artists Anastassiia La Musa, Lebogang Disele, Krista Lin, Erin Pettifor, Nina Milanovski, and Larissa Pohoreski will be completing residencies at GWDC’s new space located within the Shumka Dance Centre, just a six-minute walk from their previous studio at The Ruth Carse Centre for Dance.
GWDC will be kicking off Season 2020/21 with a virtual celebration on September 15th from 7 to 8 pm via Facebook live. The night will feature interviews and brief performances by Lebogang Disele, Deviani Bonilla, Phany Peeña, Larissa Pohoreski, Jane Berry, Brandon Wint, Erin Pettifor, and Nina Milanovski, as well as a DJ dance party. All are invited to attend.