On Saturday, May 1^st, the collaborative efforts of 4 diverse and dynamic dance companies will culminate in an exciting evening of dance at the Port Theatre in Nanaimo. 

Helix Dance Theatre, Dancestreams, Groundworks Tap Company and the Arts Umbrella Dance Company will join forces for the first time to showcase an incredible line-up of dance works.  The companies will be presenting a variety of work demonstrating a diverse collage of forms and styles including contemporary ballet, tap, jazz theatre and modern dance. 

Established in 1985, Arts Umbrella Dance Company (AUDC) is a Vancouver-based repertory company for select members of the professional program under the Artistic Direction of Artemis Gordon. The company includes senior and apprentice ensembles that train, rehearse and perform new and innovative works by international leading choreographers. The Company has done numerous exchanges, tours and collaborations with such groups as the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble, École supérieure de ballet contemporain de Montréal and the Yokohama Ballet in Japan. Company dancers have performed in several Ballet B.C. productions including The Four Seasons, Peter Pan, Surfacing and, most recently, Re/Naissance. This year they also performed in both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. The Company performs in the Lower Mainland and around the province in public performances including Arts Umbrella’s School Performance Outreach program. Graduates of the AUDC have gone on to such companies as: Ballet BC, Compagnie Marie Chouinard, Les Ballet Jazz, Melbourne Ballet, LALALA Human Steps, SemperOper Dresden, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, Itzik Galili Dance, Sidra Bell Dance NY, Nationaltheater Mannheim.  

For the show, Arts Umbrella will present 4 pieces. “Kinesphere”, choreographed by Shawn Hounsell with music by Gordon Cobb performered by the Arts Umbrella Senior Dance Company. “59”, choreographed by Cherice Barton with music by Jacques Brel, Johnny Horton, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, The Platters, Sandy Nelson, Edith Piaf and sound editing by Clea Owens and Cherice Barton, performed by the Arts Umbrella Senior Dance Company. “Chop”, choreographed by Rob Kitsos with music by Alan Davies, performed by the Arts Umbrella Apprentice Dance Company. And “Chronicles”, choreographed by Beverley Aitchison with music by Michael Nyman, performered by the Arts Umbrella Apprentice Dance Company.

For further information on Arts Umbrella, visit their web site www.artsumbrella.com.

Dancestreams is dedicated to fostering excellence in talented young dancers. By providing unique training and performing opportunities of the highest standards Dancestreams encourages and supports gifted dance students in achieving their full potential. Dancestreams provides a professional working environment with a comprehensive program developed by Dancestreams’ artistic director, staff and board of directors. Through residencies with guest artists the Company also draws on the talents and skills of some of Canada’s top dance professionals. Dancestreams nurtures the development of artistic and personal growth in its dancers by encouraging commitment, discipline, self-esteem and an attitude of responsibility for the individual, the group and the community. Dancestreams maintains a commitment to the Vancouver Island region in the presentation of dance works in a variety of styles, educational programs and school and public performances of superior calibre with broad audience appeal.  

For the show, three pieces will be presented. A duet entitled “The Mood That Passes Through”, choreographed by Serge Bennathan with music by Barra Barra and Rachid Taha. A group piece entitled “Lost Words”, choreographed by Jung-Ah Chung. And “Brilliant Flood”, choreographed by Karissa Barry. 

For further information on Dancestreams, go to  www.dancestreams.ca

Groundworks Tap Co. was created in order to be able to offer dancers passionate about tap dance the opportunity to work intensively in a pre-professional atmosphere. Formed in August 2009, the company currently has 14 dancers between the ages of 12 and 27.  The Groundworks mission is to create a high calibre performance group to bring the energy and innovation of tap dance to the masses. For the show, Groundworks will perform it’s premier piece “Drumline”, with music compose by John Powell. The inspiration for “Drumline” comes from the power and precision of the marching band.  Wearing authentic U.S. band jackets, the company puts a new twist on the traditional by combining the drumline style with intricate rhythms and dance technique.

Helix Dance Theatre is a pre-professional dance company, comprised of 9 young dancers from Central Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, under the artistic direction and choreography of Sarah Panichelli-DeVito and Kortney Hunchuk.  Helix Dance Theatre operates as a non-profit society in the province of British Columbia. Artistically, the company’s goal is to create and showcase work that takes dance to another level above competitive-based performances. For this purpose, the gifted young dancers work in an environment where the development and refinement of technical ability is the foundation for further exploration and artistic achievement.  Helix’s mission is to create a deep sense of community in the dancers and to promote leadership, education and social awareness through dance. The choreography is crafted on contemporary themes that the dancers’ relate to and seek to understand more deeply. Helix offers diverse audiences the opportunity to enjoy inspiring performances by young, committed and locally trained talent. Helix’s intention is to inspire and motivate our dancers towards their further training and their possible professional aspirations.  

For the show, Helix will be presenting 2 pieces, both Choreographed by:  Sarah Panichelli- DeVito & Kortney Hunchuk. “All This Jazz”, with music by Miles Davis, Duke Ellington & John Coltraine, and James Hunter, is a journey of music and movement, a reaction of body to sound. “Cell”, with music by Murcof, is a look into our relationship with technology, exploring issues of privacy, trend, conformity and individuality.

For further information contact them at - helixdancetheatre@gmail.com

The show begins at 7:00 and tickets are now on sale at the Port Theatre (250-754-8550) or www.porttheatre.com.