Spring Arts Preview dANCE critics’ picks

By Yasmine Shemesh

As we move through life, dance is simply a translator of the human experience.

From the ongoing Vancouver International Dance Festival (which includes pieces like Wabi-Sabi and Ichigo-Ichieh) to Piña, just look at the many expressions of it on this page.

KOKORO DANCE: WABI-SABI

AT THE VANCOUVER PLAYHOUSE FROM MARCH 2 TO 4

> Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi are two of the most iconic figures in Vancouver’s dance community. Along with establishing the Vancouver International Dance Festival in 2000, the pair continues to create thought-provoking work with their butoh-inspired company, Kokoro Dance. In Wabi-Sabi, Bourget and Hirabayashi perform a duet (to a score by their son, composer Joseph Hirabayashi) that considers transience and imperfection. The Draw: The choreography is improvised, so no performance will be the same.

HIROMOTO IDA: ICHIGO-ICHIEH: BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR MYSELF

AT THE SHADBOLT CENTRE’S STUDIO THEATRE FROM MARCH 17 TO 18

> Taking inspiration from Japanese Noh theatre and Western contemporary dance, Hiromoto Ida tells the story of an old man who reflects on his life on what will be his last birthday. The Draw: A poignant look at love, transformation, and regeneration.

VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL BURLESQUE FESTIVAL

AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS, MARCH 29-APRIL 1

> Launched in 2006, Canada’s longest-running burlesque festival is back with showcases, talks, workshops, and much more. You won’t want to miss Moscato Sky, a Latinx, trans-femme, and non-binary classically trained dancer and choreographer. The Draw: An inclusive lineup of new faces, big stars, and industry legends.

DANCERS OF DAMELAHAMID: SPIRIT AND TRADITION

AT SCOTIABANK DANCE CENTRE ON MARCH 30

> Spirit and Tradition was originally commissioned in 2010 by North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre and is one of the renowned Indigenous dance company’s most popular productions. The work combines masked dances, drumming, and projected visuals to share cultural teachings about reciprocity and community. The Draw: Dancers of Damelahamid was founded in the 1960s to protect and revitalize Indigenous artistic practices when the Potlatch Ban was lifted in 1951.

HILLEL KOGAN: WE LOVE ARABS

AT SCOTIABANK DANCE CENTRE, APRIL 13-15

> How can we co-exist in conflict? Hillel Kogan and Mourad Bouayad deconstruct the question with biting humour as a Jewish choreographer collaborates with an Arab dancer. The Draw: A sharp commentary on stereotypes, bias, and peace.

FAKEKNOT: PIÑA

AT SFU GOLDCORP CENTRE FOR THE ARTS FROM MAY 4 TO 6

> Named for the delicate Philippine fibre made from pineapple leaves, Piña is underscored by cultural resilience. The work, inspired by FakeKnot artistic director Ralph Escamillan’s identity as a first-generation Canadian-born Filipinx, draws parallels between the delicate strength of the textile and that of the diaspora. The Draw: Escamillan’s always vibrant choreography, and an original score by Kimmortal.

KASANDRA FLAMENCO: ROJO Y

SOMBRA

AT SHADBOLT CENTRE’S STUDIO THEATRE FROM MAY 26 TO 27

> The Kasandra Flamenco offers a theatrical interpretation of the folkloric art form originating from Southern Spain. In the piece, dancing with a piece of red silk, the ensemble explores the ebbs and flows of energy with their bodies alongside the changing textures of the fabric. The Draw: A fresh take on flamenco, all the way down to the music, which pairs classical guitar with electronic sounds. GS

In The Grand Chapiteau

LES GRANDS HURLEURS TÉLAGE DIOUF A GENTICORUM JOCELYNE BARIBEAU Sparkling

FORRÓ DO CANA DEVON et LOUIS LÉGER

THE SYBARITIC STRING BAND with caller SHERRY NEVINS iMÉTIS JIGGERS

PODORYTHMIE LES ÉCHOS DU PACIFIQUE

In The Petit Chapiteau

MADAME DIVA SEEKA SINGS WILL ET SEEKA

ROBIN LAYNE CONTE D’AFRIQUE avec MULUNGIE