A weekend to get inspired

Hello fellow movement enthusiasts!

Just thought I would advise you that the Expanse Movement Arts Festival will be showcasing some of the very best talent in E-town starting March 4 and running until March 6. I also thought I would tip you off (read: shamelessly plug) some of my own acquaintances and fellow dancers from Orchesis.

I had the privilege of working with Raena Waddell during the maintenance rehearsals for Josh Beamish's piece "Faceless Headwoman" for Dance Motif 2010. Raena is a stunning dancer, a talented choreographer, and a fun person!! Working with Raena helped me to re-focus my energy into every extremity while on stage, even while standing still. Her acclaimed piece "The Surrender Method" has been re-mounted for Expanse and I am looking forward to catching her own work in action!

Kathy Metzger-Corriveau is an established modern dance teacher and I am currently taking a ballet class under her direction. Her sharp-eye has helped me identify some of my weaknesses in technique and her patience is helping me turn those into strengths. The piece she has choreographed for Expanse sounds incredible as it details her pregnancy and all of the changes that come with bearing her two children.

Finally, Kelsie Acton is talented dramatist and an amazing dancer. We have danced together in Josh Beamish's piece for Dance Motif 2010 and I look to her for direction every jazz class! Countless hours of rehearsals have gone into Kelsie's piece - I know because she was often running to them after 3h of jazz class! - and I look forward to seeing all of those plans come to fruition as she choreographs and dances a piece that draws on multiple visual media for inspiration.

Regardless of whether you care for any of the aforementioned pieces, I suggest you check out Expanse at the Roxy next weekend to get inspired and get moving! I know I will hardly be able to stay in my seat!!

Click here to read the Edmonton Journal's preview of Expanse.

Click here to find details about Josh's piece for Dance Motif 2010.