So much dance to see these coming weeks!

“Hofesh Shechter and his company are absolutely at the top of their game. … If you love
contemporary dance, then this is an absolute must-see!” – North West End

Next Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22, DanceHouse has an amazing evening in store for you with the presentation of the Hofesh Schecter Company in an evening of two works – Double Murder: Clowns/The Fix.

The evening begins with Clowns, a sarcastic nod to our ever-growing indifference to violence; originally created for Nederlands Dans Theater 1 and later produced as a film and broadcast by the BBC. In a macabre comedy of murder and desire, Clowns unleashes a whirlwind of choreographed anarchy, testing how far we are willing to go in the name of entertainment.

As an antidote to the murderous, poisonous energy of Clowns, Shechter’s new creation, The Fix, brings a tender, fragile energy to the stage. It offers a raw and compassionate moment to balance the forces of aggression that press on us daily. A shield to protect us from the noise of life outside, and a place that allows the performers to be fragile, be seen for their utmost human qualities. Violence, tenderness, and hope are all laid bare through Shechter’s achingly beautiful, cinematic lens. And, did you know that Schecter also composed the score for both works? Check out a video trailer of the works here, and then swing on over here to get your tix! And as always, come on down to the Vancouver Playhouse at 7:15 pm for a Pre-show Chat each night in the Vancouver Playhouse Upper Lobby with Host: Barb Clausen, DanceHouse Co-founder. Guests: Executive Producer Colette Hansford (Friday) and Associate Artistic Director Bruno Guillore (Saturday).

And for those dancers out there, two workshops will be offered by company members: Hofesh Shechter Company – Student Workshop, Saturday October 22 | 11am-1pm Taught by Bruno Guillore and Juliette Valerio at Arts Umbrella and Hofesh Shechter Company – Community Workshop Saturday October 22 | 11am-12:30pm Taught by Yeji Kim and Charles Heinrich at Lamondance

On Thursday October 27, DanceHouse presents, in partnership with Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre, Bailando! What is the Latin American dance scene in Vancouver? Enjoy a series of short demonstrations, featuring local dancers, performing in various styles, followed by a conversation led by Francesca Piscopo and Danais Yera with dancers Luis Garcia (Nahualli Folklore), Davi Rodrigues (Lamondance), Sonia Medel and Salome Nieto on the richness and diversity of the Latin American dance scene here in Vancouver, and a discussion of what it is like to practice their art. After the panel discussion, stay for a while for the opportunity to mingle with the artists and speakers over refreshing drinks. This event is part of Latin Expressions, VLACC’s celebration of Latin American Heritage month. UBC–Robson Square Theatre- C300 (800 Robson Street) 7-8:30 pm. FREE!

Friday-Saturday October 14-15, a special offering of Matriarchs Uprising includes works by the Dancers of Damelahamid (an excerpt from Spirit and Tradition, choreographed by Margaret Grenier) and Raven Spirit Dance (Spine of the Mother, choreographed by Starr Muranko). Spirit and Tradition layers projected imagery, soundscape, and Coastal Indigenous masked dance, immersing us into the rich and diverse ecosystem of the mountains, rivers, and ocean of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Spirit and Tradition’s key themes are reciprocity and ecological sustainability, conveying important teachings on balance, interconnectedness, and community. Spine of the Mother began as an innovative collaboration with Indigenous artists in Canada and Peru. Tracing the inner terrain of our bodies as women through breath, impulse and memory unlocks kinetic energy creating ritual, which spans the spine of the mountain range we have shared for millennia. The evening of works takes place in conjunction with the Dance Studies Association conference being held in Vancouver. SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 8 pm. Tix

Thursday-Saturday October 20-22, the Dance Centre Global Dance Connections series presents Compagnie d’Autres Cordes – Franck Vigroux in Forêt. An internationally acclaimed director, composer and multidisciplinary artist, Franck Vigroux’s work defies categorization, creating a dazzling universe where music, sound, dance, and video intersect. Forêt evokes a crossing, a dreamlike passage from one place or state of being to another: in psychology, the forest represents the subconscious. Dancer Nina Berclaz undertakes a mesmerizing inner and physical journey, as the forest shifts and transforms around her. Hypnotic butoh-inflected movement, stunning projections and an electroacoustic score, performed live by Vigroux, immerse us in a world of beauty where time seems suspended, creating an extraordinary sensory experience. Check out a trailer of the work. At the Scotiabank Dance Centre, 8 pm, post-show artist talkback October 21. Tix

Also Thursday-Saturday October 20-22, check out Ecdysis by Emmalena Fredriksson. In a not so distant future, one of the cyborgs awakens at Progress Lab 1422. Moving through fragments of memories, old programming and rediscovering her own identity as a free agent, she questions if she is human, animal or machine? Sometimes rage runs through her and it feels like shedding skin.
Ecdysis at Progress Lab 1422 is a site specific installation and immersive performance experience. Incorporating a sound installation, video projection, live performance, set and lighting design in the courtyard outside Progress Lab. All performance will take place outside. Following each performance, audiences are invited socialize at the on-site bar and to join artists for a Q&A. Presented in Partnership with Tara Cheyenne Performance and New Works. At Progress Lab, 1422 William St, Vancouver. 8 pm Tix

October 26, 28, 29 November 4, and 5 EDAM presents its Fall Choreographic Series with an evening of three works. IN:TO:IT, choreographed by Nayana Fielkov, is a contemplation on instinct and intuition in the modern landscape. How do we access our innate knowing and traverse the interruptions that arise? From Worms and other invertebrates to fine dining and formalities.   “We do nothing, and nothing is left undone.” -Ram Dass. Midori, created by Lisa Mariko Gelley in collaboration with Sophia Mai Wolfe and Shana Ai Wolfe is new research about the ways in which we meet, connect, and love, from distant places. Midori is a relative of Furusato, a duet between Lisa and her grandmother, Lily Tamoto. This collection of research is rooted in a practice of instinct, how our bodies are exquisite containers of knowledge, and what might not be fully understood, can still be accessed and embodied. Midori creates a space for the complexities and depth of familial and sibling love, sweet memories, and impossible distances. In this place, we offer, we connect, we receive, we play, and are held, in rhythmic ritual.And finally, EDAM’s Artistic Director Peter Bingham brings to the stage a directed dance improvisation,  which gives space for the strange, peripheral, vulnerable, and playful to unfold. Building on the ensemble’s research into associative vocal interjections and supported by EDAM’s creative grounds in Contact Improvisation, seven dancers navigate spatial and sensorial parameters. Above all, the work underscores the intrinsic care, trust, and commitment between the eight adept performers At the EDAM studio, 8 pm and a 2 pm matinee November 5. Tix

On Thursday October 27, the Dance Centre DISCOVER DANCE! Series presents VanVogueJam. Ballroom culture emerged in the 1960s, birthed from Black, Latinx, Trans and Queer communities, and has exploded into a countercultural phenomenon. Ballroom’s many categories include Vogue – a highly stylized competitive form which demands symmetry, precision and grace – and its spirit of joyful extravagance is rooted in defiant resistance to oppression. Curated by VVJ founder Ralph Escamillan, the program will feature local performers bringing their own work from the runway to the stage, while honouring the history of Ballroom Culture: Posh Gvasalia Basquiat (Ralph Escamillan), Mother Ivy Andromeda (Ivy Wilson) and Phoenix 007 (Juan Alcuitas Imperial). At the Scotiabank Dance Centre, 12 noon. Tix