A day of open classes, demonstrations and events, the annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House, September 17, 2022, offers the chance to sample a host of dance styles; from Bollywood, bhangra and Métis jigging to K-pop and tap.
Known as one of Canada’s flagship dance facilities, Scotiabank Dance Centre opened in 2001. “Our annual Open House is an opportunity to celebrate a wonderful building, which has become a home for dance of all kinds, and also to discover the excitement and diversity of Vancouver’s dance scene,” said Mirna Zagar, Executive Director of The Dance Centre, the organization which spearheaded the development of the facility.
Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House Schedule of Events include:
Pre-registration is not required except for the Danny Nielsen performance where pre-booking is strongly recommended. Classes are suitable for all levels, including beginner.
11am-12 noon Class: Shiamak’s Bollywood Jazz with Shiamak Vancouver.
photo Pardeep Singh.
11am-12 noon Class: Alaia Movement & Dance with Jasjit Rai. Expressive dance and conscious motion combine with choreography and play in a dynamic barefoot practice: transform the relationship with your body, energy and movement.
12 noon -1pm Class: Yoga with Jennifer Clarke.
12 noon-1pm Workshop: Dance and the Image with Andi McLeish/Andi McLeish Creative. This session explores some of the reasons for creating images (both stills and video), and how dancers can collaborate and communicate with photographers regarding their creative vision, as well as create their own personal images and videos.
1-2pm Class: Métis Jigging with V’ni Dansi. Starting with a brief history of the Métis and how their music and dances came to be, participants will then learn the Red River Jig (considered the national dance of the Métis) and other traditional dances accompanied by a live fiddle player, and get a taste of the kitchen parties where these dances originated.
1-2pm Demonstration: Dressing Susohiki with TomoeArts. Susohiki is a long kimono often used for Japanese classical dance performances of female characters. This demonstration will share the intricate dressing process and show how the kimono is used in dance. often used for Japanese classical dance performance of female characters.
1-2pm Class: Introduction to the Franklin Method with Noam Gagnon, Director of Beyond Pilates and Artistic Director of Vision Impure. Participants will learn Franklin Method exercises, using imagery to increase the body’s power and efficiency of movement for a complete mind-body exploration experience.
2-3pm Class: Bhangra with South Asian Arts.
2-3pm Class: Ukrainian Folk Dance with Dovbush Dancers from the Association of United Ukrainian Canadians. This class is an introduction to the depth and diversity of Ukraine through dance.
2-3pm Class: Introduction to K-Pop #1 with DAYONE DANCE. A chance to learn today’s most popular K-Pop dances! Featuring Illusion by aespa.
3-4pm Class: Introduction to K-Pop #2 with DAYONE DANCE. Learn the popular K-pop dance to FEARLESS by LE SSERAFIM.
3-4.30pm Dancer Health with Anderson Performance Clinic. A two-part session with physiotherapist and performance coach Stuart Anderson and clinical counsellor Chelsea McGowan:
Session 1 (3-3.45pm) Strategies for Injury Prevention for dancers – a practical session on how to prepare the body and mind for minimizing injury and maximizing performance.
Session 2 (3.45pm-4.30pm) Mental Health for Dancers – this talk will share self-care tips for improved mental health for dancers, and discuss the various benefits of individual and group dance movement. Followed by a Q&A.
photo Dayna Szyndrowski
4-5pm Performance: Tap dance virtuoso Danny Nielsen is renowned for his innovative artistic approach as well as his technical skill and musicality. This informal performance will share excerpts of The New Standard, a new work he is developing in collaboration with jazz pianist and musician Dan Reynolds, which explores the intimate connection between tap dance and live music and their evolving relationship.
For full details and schedule of the Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House, September 17th visit thedancecentre.ca. Pre-register online for the Danny Nielsen sessions.