Dance Victoria Footnotes 68 (Spring 2021)

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ISSUE 68 • SPRING 2021 • (Virtual) Home Season + Bereishit Dance Co. + Chrystal Dance Prize + Looking Ahead + more…

Dance Victoria’s (Virtual) Home Season Bringing the World’s Best Dance to your home

Bereishit Dance Company

Single n o tickets w! o sale n ( South Korea)

April 8–11, 2021 Running Time: Act 1: 30 minutes, Act 2: 30 minutes

Catching Up with Kari McLay 50/50 Raffle Help us raise $10,000 for local dance artists

Looking Ahead

Bereishit Dance Company in BOW_Control. Photo: Sanghun OK

21/22 Season

In the Studios Kemi Craig Lindsay Delaronde & Visible Bodies Collective Véronique Emmett

2 Footnotes • Issue 68 • Spring 2021

Dance Victoria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and your home and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from its studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society. DanceVictoria.com

Dance Scene A Trip to a New Frontier

BY STEPHEN WHITE

President

Susan K.E. Howard

Vice President

Robert Millar

Secretary

Colette Baty

Treasurer

Emily Zeng

Directors

Maggie Bartold Frances Grunberg Stacey Horton

Staff: Executive Producer Stephen White General Manager

Bernard Sauvé

Operations Manager Shireen McNeilage Marketing Manager

Tracy Smith

Studios & Admin Assistant

Kiera Shaw

Accounting

Julie Collins

Graphic Design

Rayola Creative

Advertising Sales

Bonnie Light Advertising

If you’d like to volunteer for Dance Victoria please visit DanceVictoria.com and complete the online volunteer form.

Studios and Office: 111 – 2750 Quadra Street Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 250-595-1829 DanceVictoria.com for trailers, tickets and more information Footnotes is written by Tracy Smith and Stephen White (unless otherwise noted).

A FEW WEEKS AGO, Dance Victoria’s Board of Directors, Bernard, me and a fantastic facilitator contracted to help us devise a three-year strategic plan, assembled on Zoom. Two hours on a Saturday and another two on Sunday. In recent years, when we looked into the future at our planning sessions, it was easy enough to draw a straight line on an upward trajectory. Audience growth — tick, sponsorship — tick, donors — tick… We pulled from data we had collected that pointed to the success of our various initiatives. We identified areas that might need attention and suggested tweaks to specific projects. In some cases, we decided to wind something down that had fulfilled its objectives or had not succeeded as we had anticipated. It was always a good discussion, but it was also pretty straightforward.

This year the process was a little different, more like trying to draw a blueprint in a wind tunnel, with one hand holding your hat on your head.

As is often the case with these kind of planning sessions, the first day is devoted to what we call “blue skying”: an exercise that encourages everyone to imagine what might be. We had just come off Dance Days in January that was successful beyond our expectations. New this season, we had commissioned 10 two-minute videos from members of the community who “loved to dance.” We were surprised and delighted by the submissions, publicly releasing one per day over the 10 days of our festival. When it was all over, the videos had been viewed more than 5,300 people across North America and in Colombia, Brazil, the UK, Germany, China and South Korea! More than 1,700 people voted to select their favourite video.

Also, during Dance Days, we contracted with local dance filmmaker Constance Cooke to offer a three-hour “how-to make your own dance film” workshop. Ninety-five people from Europe and North America registered. An event that featured local artist David Ferguson talking about his collaboration with South Korean choreographer Hoyeon Kim also drew a wide audience, but what made that evening particularly special was that Mr. Kim himself was part of the conversation all the way from Seoul.

Virtual is limitless. The possibilities are mind-boggling. Our group think on the first day of the planning session had us imagining a whole new Dance Victoria occupying a special niche on the internet. We would need to carve out a unique identity and learn how to promote ourselves in a whole new way, and think of it, we could boast a huge international audience. We could offer unlimited programming…

That evening, when the session was over, I thought even more about what the future could hold. One thing I have been happy about these days is the ability to share the work that our resident artists are creating in our studios online. I began thinking about virtual festivals of new work that included participation with colleagues from around the world. It was daunting, but also exciting.

On Sunday when we checked into our Zoom conversation for our second session, things had shifted. Like me, the others had given consideration to the awesome potential of the digital environment. But that day, as we continued to craft our goals for the next few years, we agreed that while there is much to explore in terms of virtual programming, nothing replicates the live experience. It was fun to go on an adventurous tour, like a trip into space (the new frontier) if you will, but it was both comforting and exciting to land back on earth, committed to returning to the Royal Theatre as soon as it’s safe. FN

Photos: Stephen White by Tracy Smith.

Dance Victoria Board:

DanceVictoria.com • 3

Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects Awarded to Ralph Escamillan and OURO Collective

Photos: Ralph Escamillan by David Cooper and OURO Collective courtesy of the company

This past fall the Dance Victoria Awards Committee agreed to support two projects from a group of 18 proposals submitted to its fall 2020 competition, committing a total of $40,000 in commissioning support for the Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects category.

Vancouver-based dance artist Ralph Escamillan was awarded $10,000 to develop Piña, a new dance work over a two-year period with Filipino dancer Raul “Buboy” Raquitico. The first year will focus on research and development. When travel restrictions are lifted, Escamillan will travel to the Philippines to build the choreography.

Escamillan is particularly interested in creating costumes with piña fabric, a traditional Filipino fiber made from pineapple leaves.

Dance Victoria also awarded $30,000 to support a collaboration between Vancouver’s OURO Collective and German-born, LA dancer RubberLegz. Their project, 7y98D, is focused on climate change and will have two components. First the group will work remotely with RubberLegz to develop a film to be completed in late spring 2021. In the fall of 2021, the collective will integrate the film into a planned live performance suitable for touring. The title of the work was inspired by “The Climate Clock,” a public art installation set on Manhattan’s Union Square. The clock is set to countdown the time remaining for the world to avoid climate disaster. The Collective became aware of the clock when it posted 7 years 98 days in the fall of 2019. FN

Chrystal Dance Prize – Training Application deadline: April 15, 2021 Applications for the Chrystal Dance Prize - Training are due April 15, 2021. This prize supports young dancers completing their training at an international dance institution. In 2021, Dance Victoria will award up to $12,000 for emerging artists.

Applicants must be residents of western Canada and this prize only supports full-time studies (intensives and summer programs

are not eligible). Dance Victoria recognizes that international studies may not be feasible in 2021/22 due to COVID-19.

Applicants are given the opportunity in the application to explain how they can continue their studies remotely given current travel restrictions. Application guidelines and the submission procedure are at DanceVictoria.com. FN

4 Footnotes • Issue 68 • Spring 2021

Bereishit Dance Company BOW_Control and Balance and Imbalance April 8–11, 2021 The word ‘Bereishit’<‫ תישארב‬/ Genesis comes from the Hebrew word ‘Bereishit’, the first word in the Torah meaning ‘in the beginning’. It is pronounced “BRESH-IT”, if you are curious…you can only imagine the pronunciations going around our office since last fall! The company’s work focuses on the dynamic relationship related to humanity and sociality. In that sense, the word Bereishit is a symbolic word for humans and the beginning of human civilization. For our final presentation, the program explores the boundaries of sport and dance.

Choreographer and Artistic Director Soon-ho Park has created two intensely physical works: BOW_Control and Balance and Imbalance.

Park draws from many sources including hip-hop and judo, the Japanese martial art. His own dance studies in aikido, Martha Graham, contact improvisation and modern dance influence his works and how he approaches dance creation.

The rigorous male duet, BOW_Control, celebrates the clean lines and power of traditional archery, blurring the boundaries between sport, art, and meditation. BOW_Control is an exercise tool, a self-reflection tool, a sport, a game, and a meditation. Park uses the deep history of South Korean archery and reflects on the bow as an exercise and as a self-reflection

tool, creating a dance that pulls from the old traditions of South Korea to make something new.

Park is also interested in how sounds affect movement and how we communicate with others. You’ll notice that Balance and Imbalance includes Pansori (Korean: ), a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a singer and a drummer. Park uses pansori to meld forms of past and present. He isn’t concerned if you understand the story and can understand the language. Instead, he focuses on the sounds of the pansori and how it affects the movement.

Five dancers, one vocalist, and two janggu (traditional Korean drum) performers interact with the sounds and gestures of the piece to maximize the emotion in Balance and Imbalance. To make Balance and Imbalance, the choreographer combined Korean percussion (Samulnori), Korean singing (Pansori), Korean folk music, dance and ritual (Pungmul Nori), and Korean philosophy (Chun-Ji-In), sometimes in a modern way.

Samulnori is a genre of percussion music originating in Korea. The word “samul” means “four objects” and “nori” means “play.” Samulnori is performed with four traditional Korean musical instruments.

Samulnori (literally “Korean traditional percussion instruments playing”) has its roots in Pungmul nori, a Korean folk genre comprising music, acrobatics, folk dance, and rituals, which was traditionally performed in rice farming villages to ensure and celebrate good harvests.

Since Korea’s people were 90% in farm-related work until modern times, this music defined

Bereishit Dance Company in Balance and Imbalance and BOW_Control by Christopher Duggan

A Taste of Seoul Concludes Our Virtual Home Season

Bereishit Dance Company in Balance and Imbalance, Nikith Nath for the Arts Center at NYU, Abu Dhabi and in BOW_Control by Sang Yun

DanceVictoria.com • 5

Korean folk and popular music.

A poet once described each of the four instruments of Samulnori as representing a different weather condition: Kkwaenggwari: represents thunder Jing: the sounds of wind Janggi: rain Buk: clouds Pansori is a Korean genre of musical storytelling performed by a vocalist and a drummer. One singer and one drummer playing a barrel drum called a Buk usually perform the music. Originally a collection of 12 operas, there are now only five that have been passed down to us today. In 2003, UNESCO officially recognized Pansori as an important piece of world culture.

Pansori Sugungga, which is the music in Balance and Imbalance, is the old story of ‘Tokkijeon,’ in opera form. The tale they relay is Sugungga, about a dragon king, a turtle, and a rabbit. The opera contains much humorous banter between the characters.

Synopsis of Sugungga The Dragon King of the Southern Sea is suffering from an ailment that can be cured only with the liver of a rabbit. The king thereupon summons all the ministers to look for the liver of a rabbit on the ground.

The terrapin turtle volunteers his service to journey to a forest and return with a rabbit.

The turtle succeeds in doing this by luring the rabbit with the wonderful prospects of living in the palace. The rabbit, after discovering his danger at the palace, coaxes the King into allowing him to return to the forest by explaining that his liver was so much in demand that it

finally became necessary to conceal it in a secret place and that he had, therefore, come without it.

Upon hearing this, the Dragon King of the Southern Sea grants the rabbit permission to go back to the forest with the turtle after the rabbit promises that he will return with his liver. Once in the forest, the rabbit ridicules the King and turtle’s stupidity and is never seen again.

But the rabbit is also actually quite moved by the turtle’s faithfulness to the King.

The pre-show conversation will give you additional insights into what you’re about to experience. That conversation will be accessible on Dance Victoria’s secure web page for all ticket holders. FN

In Conversation with Bereishit Artistic Director Soon-ho Park Presented by

Ticket holders for Bereishit Dance Company have access to a pre-show video conversation between Artistic Director/ Choreographer Soon-ho Park (and a translator) and Jacob’s Pillow Scholar-in-Residence Maura Keefe. The pre-show video is one of many resources offered on the secure web page.

Extras include an “In the Studios” video of works-in-progress

by Dance Victoria resident artists, detailed program notes, a virtual cocktail demonstration with Cascadia Liquor, discount offers by local retailers, sponsor messages and more.

DanceVictoria.com

6 Footnotes • Issue 68 • Spring 2021

Looking Ahead: Dance Victoria’s 25th Anniversary Season in 2021–22 On this page in a typical year, Dance Victoria would be promoting its upcoming season with the announcement that subscriptions are “Now on Sale!”

Not so long ago, it seemed likely that we could do that. The federal government promised everyone would be vaccinated by the end of September. Hearing that news, Bernard and I high-fived and got busy planning an exceptional 25th Anniversary Season that had us return to the Royal Theatre in mid-November.

We contacted companies, drew up Memos of Understanding and began fixing prices. We knew not everyone would be comfortable returning to the theatre in the fall so we devised contingency plans whereby Dance Victoria subscribers could opt to join us at the theatre or experience the same performance livestreamed from the Royal in the comfort and safety of their own home, with no penalty.

Then the vaccine rollout started and stopped, hiccupping before collapsing to a trickle. Despite this, we have been reassured that the

Return to the Royal!

We have been so moved by the generosity of our community this season. Your support has enabled us to continue programming and supporting dance in our community. Now we are laser focused on our return to the Royal Theatre as soon as it is safe.

We are in continual dialogue with the team at the Royal, developing protocols in concert with the Island Health Authority

government is still on schedule to meet its September 30 commitment.

Currently as we write this, the news is concentrated on the variants and my goodness…

So now we have curated a blockbuster virtual season. Either way, we know that we will have a remarkable season for you. It could very well be a hybrid — some live, some virtual. Like always, there will be a subscriber renewal process during which time only subscribers of our 2019/20 and 2020/21 season are able to renew (and keep or upgrade their seats) followed by a public sales period. It looks like this will happen in September 2021.

Please be reassured that we are committed to make 2021/22 memorable because we remain committed to bringing you The World’s Best Dance!

– The Team at Dance Victoria FN

to ensure everyone’s well-being when the doors are finally open, and we can be with each other once again. But we need your help to get across the threshold.

Please consider contributing to our Return to the Royal campaign as we raise the final $20,000 to meet our target, so that we can raise the curtain at the Royal Theatre in 2021/22, our 25th Anniversary Season. Thank you.

Please send my receipt to:

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o I have included Dance Victoria Society in my Estate Plan o I’d like to learn more about Dance Victoria’s Legacy Circle program

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How to donate: Thank Mail: Return this form with a cheque to: you!

Dance Victoria Society 111 – 2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8 Phone: 250-595-1829 with your credit card in hand Online: Donate over our secure page at DanceVictoria.com In Person: at Dance Victoria Studios (we’ll give you a tour) or at the Royal and McPherson Box Offices Dance Victoria is a federally registered charity and will provide a tax-deductible receipt for all donations $10 and over. Charitable # 87377 5522 RR0001

DanceVictoria.com • 7

Catching Up With Kari McLay Kari McLay is a long-time supporter, Resource Council member and sponsor of Dance Victoria. She was recently interviewed by Michelle Ardiel and Metka Lazar of Talking Shop. We are grateful for Michelle (also a DV supporter!) and Metka letting us reprint this interview in its entirety.

Name: Kari McLay Shop: Tulipe Noire Clothing Address: 1887 Oak Bay Avenue, Victoria, BC Instagram: @tulipenoireclothing

Photos by Michelle Ardiel for Talking Shop

What is Tulipe Noire?

Tulipe Noire is a lifestyle clothing store located in the South Jubilee suburb of Victoria, B.C. We know you have a background in social work. Can you tell us more about that? Did you have any retail experience before opening your shop? What made you decide to open a clothing and fashion boutique?

I have a masters degree in social work, specializing in group and family therapy. I had a long career in medical social work working at a number of hospitals in both Montreal and Victoria. I grew up in retail. My grandfather opened a retail business in downtown Victoria in 1947. His business, Cowichan Trading, is still owned by our family and continues to be in operation to this day. I decided to open a retail store because I wanted the challenge of creating a unique environment for women of all ages and sizes.

I wanted the challenge to be my own boss and create employment opportunities for others. I also wanted to nurture my creative side and to fulfill goals as a community fundraiser and philanthropist. Thankfully, I have achieved these goals and I continue to combine both social work and business. I am also proud to work as an educator/life skills facilitator for the Canadian Mental Health Association.

8 Footnotes • Issue 68 • Spring 2021

If you had to describe your shop to someone who hasn’t seen it, how would you describe it? What makes it unique?

My store is small and inviting. It is bright and cheerful, and my staff are welcoming and kind. We specialize in casual timeless high-quality clothing.

Can you tell us a bit about your personal style and aesthetic?

My style is classic, timeless and sophisticated. I am not one to follow trends. I only wear natural fibres. Cotton, silk, and cashmere are my favourites. I love artistic original jewelry.

Inspiration is all around us. Can you tell us who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by music, art and beautiful spaces. I love to decorate, and I collect art for my home. Incidentally, I am now selling original art from my store and I have created a home gallery space above my store where I will showcase home decor.

Each season represents new styles, new trends, new products.

How do you evaluate what is working and what isn’t? What guides you in your choices?

I have a simple formula. When I look at a line or piece of clothing, I ask myself, “Will this look great on a woman who is 30 to 80? Will this be wearable for 3-5 years or even longer?” I rarely regret my purchases because they stand the test of quality, style and timelessness.

Where and how do you source your new items for your store?

I look for inspiration for new lines from my agents and also from my customers. I talk regularly with a couple of other retailers who live in other cities in Canada and the USA. We share tips on lines and buying, which is very helpful and fun.

You have some beautiful original artwork around your shop. Can you tell us more about the art and your plans for your next adventure with it?

I have always been a lover of art. My late mother was an artist and through her I met many wonderful artists and was raised to appreciate the arts in general. I minored in Art History and I have an astute appreciation for how important art is in our culture. I intend to continue to represent artists in my store. I think it adds something very special to the environment and helps the artists themselves.

Your family has owned many long-standing businesses right in the downtown core. When you opened your shop, why did you choose a location in Oak Bay instead of your familiar stomping grounds? Do you have any thoughts on the differences between the two locations in terms of owning a small business?

I was torn between opening downtown or in South Jubilee. I love downtown. I grew up there in our family businesses and I live downtown. I chose the location where I am now because it is close to the Royal Jubilee Hospital where I worked for 10 years. I like that my store is on a two-way street with easy parking. I like that there are residential apartments above and a cozy traditional tearoom next door.

The location has always felt cozy, comfortable, easy and never intimidating.

What are some of the hardest lessons you’ve had with your business? How have you overcome them?

The biggest mistake in any retail business is spending too much. I have learned to say no and to buy less. There are always more things to buy. Having said that, it is a fine balance. My dad has also taught me that “you can’t sell apples from an empty cart.” Managing overhead and buying right is key to the success of any business.

How has the internet and online shopping impacted your business?

Do you do business online? If so, what are the major differences for you between your online shop and your brick-and-mortar?

I opened an online store and tried it for a few months. I realized that it was more work than I wanted to maintain it and it was easier and quicker to sell on my floor than keeping extra stock on hand. It just wasn’t for me. Tulipe Noire is definitely more old school in this regard and I am fine with that.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to open up a shop?

Do your research and be focussed and disciplined. Know your “why” for opening your business and be clear on your business model and your target market. Hire a good bookkeeper. Find a space in a great location with reasonable rent. Be prepared to work the business full-time for three to five years. Hire a right-hand person and pay her or him very well. Be an ambassador for one or more charities within your means.

Have you made any hard decisions to get you through the ongoing challenges of COVID? To be honest, it’s back to business as usual but never taking anything for granted. Never take the eye off the ball. As long as I can pay my bills and my staff — if there’s a little left over for me, I am happy.

As you look back on this chapter in our lives, what do you hope to gain in terms of personal and/or business growth?

I have learned to appreciate my business, my staff and my loyal customers more than ever. I have made a promise to myself to not take anything for granted and to nurture my business more than ever.

Anything else you would like to mention or we forgot to ask you?

Life is short. Business is a vehicle to make a difference. Small independent businesses are the backbone of our economy and I believe we need to collaborate and support each other. FN Full Blog Post: https://talkingshop.ca/in-convo-kari-tulipe-noireclothing/

DanceVictoria.com • 9

Residency Opportunities at Dance Victoria Studios We’re welcoming back dance artist Arash Khakpour from The Biting School in Vancouver for a dance residency from March 21 to March 27.

Arash is working on a contemporary creation called My dream is the shape of endings (working title). While at Dance Victoria, he will investigate improvisation scores to challenge his choreographic tendencies. “Choreography for me is unpacking, and awakening the complexity of existence; through the channels of the body and allowing them to speak recklessly,” he explains. The scores he will work with are physical and emotional stories intertwined with memories of

dreams. “Dreams are a nurturing part of life. I am interested in creating a space where each dancer can use their expansive energetic field within the performance, as a cultural and historical being.”

Dance Victoria remains committed to supporting independent dance artists in B.C. For this reason, it will be conducting a call for proposals this May for residencies at Dance Victoria in the coming year. Look for an announcement of Dance Victoria’s resident artists this summer. FN

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609 Dunedin St., Victoria BC V8T 2L7 250-590-2998 www.fastracprinting.com

Sell your home. Support Dance Victoria.

Arash Khakpour photo by Iman Emadian

Choose a DFH realtor below and mention Dance Victoria when you buy or sell your property. Ten percent of the realtor’s commission helps bring The World’s Best Dance to our community.

Dorothee Friese | dorothee@shaw.ca • 250-477-7291

Peter Crichton | crichton@islandnet.com • 250-477-7291

Terry Moore | tlmoore@shaw.ca • 250-477-7291

Maureen Vincent | maureenvincent68@gmail.com • 250-656-0131

John Melvin | john@johnmelvinproperties.ca • 250-477-7291

Kevin Sing | ksing@kevinsing.com • 250-477-7291

10 Footnotes • Issue 68 • Spring 2021

Help Us Raise $10,000 for Local Artists Through Our 50/50 Raffle When COVID-19 hit, we knew we had to find a way to continue to share the World’s Best Dance and support local independent dance artists who need opportunities to work and create in this very challenging environment. We needed a new way to engage the community in the celebration of dance after countless cancelled contracts, scratched performances and lost opportunities for dance artists.

So this is what we did: • We doubled our artist residencies.

• We gave these artists free access to our studios to develop work.

• We created more opportunities for commissions to support the creation of new dance works, allocating almost $89,000 to benefit 72 artists.

And there is still so much more to do. And we need your help to do it!

Help us raise $10,000 for local artists through our 50/50 raffle.

It’s a winning combination. Check out DanceVictoria.com for our latest jackpot update!

Tickets: 250-595-1829 or DanceVictoria.com/50-50 • Total Number of Tickets: 1000 @ $10, and 1000 @ 5 for $40 • Draw is on June, 1 2021 at Dance Victoria Studios, 111-2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC.

50/50 Raffle Help us raise $10,000 for local dance artists