Jean Francois

Vancouver’s dauntless dance series returns this fall for its 29th installment, featuring three evenings of exquisite and gutsy performances on yet another small stage in East Vancouver. Dances for a Small Stage 29 will make its debut installation at the Ukrainian Centre from September 12 to 14.

In addition to presenting some of Vancouver’s hottest young artists on its landmark 10 x 13 foot stage, Small Stage 29 marks the beginning of a sister series in Québec City. Inspired by Small Stage’s innovative presentation model, La Rotonde – Québec’s renowned centre for contemporary dance – will send up-and-coming choreographer Jean-François Duke to not only perform but to return home with a Small Stage template for Québec audiences.

“Because of the relaxed nature of Dances for a Small Stage, it’s been hugely successful at developing new audiences for contemporary dance,” says MovEnt Artistic Producer Julie-anne Saroyan. “By going to casual venues like bars, legions and now a Ukrainian Centre, Small Stage makes it easy and incredibly fun for people to try contemporary dance on for size. I’m thrilled that La Rotonde sees the value of bringing it to Québec and can’t wait to see what they do.”

Julianne Chapple
[Julianne Chapple]

In addition to a premiere performance by Duke, this September’s three-show run will feature some of Vancouver’s most electric dancers and choreographers, including both fan favourites and Small Stage first-timers. With dance backgrounds in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and tap, performances include premieres by Kirsten Wicklund, Karissa Barry, Julianne Chapple, Daelik/MACHiNENOiSY, Farley Johansson/Science Friction, Dayna Szyndrowski, and the plastic orchid factory’s remount of _post.

The evening performances, co-curated by Saroyan and Barry, will be emceed with poetic grace by Vancouver’s own James Fagan Tait. Tait will provide lyrical segues between performances with some of the world’s greatest poems about dance, including the works of Oscar Wilde.

This upcoming installation introduces two exciting initiatives, which will undoubtedly please devout Small Stage fans:

Attendees can now avoid long pre-show lineups by purchasing advance tickets online;
– In celebration of the new venue, Dances for a Small Stage 29 has partnered with the Ukrainian Centre (famous for its Friday Night Suppers) to sell their artisanal perogies and sausages.

Dances For a Small Stage 29

Dates: September 12 to 14; doors at 7 pm; show at 8
Venue: Ukrainian Centre, 154 East 10th Avenue at Main Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Online in advance or cash only on performance nights
Note: This is a 19+ event

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