Review: 2020 Signature Programme - Fall for Dance North - October 3, 2020

As theatre goers continue to embrace digital programming, knowing well enough that it is less than ideal, we are blessed to have producers, creators, and performers rise to the occasion and offer their visions, talent and hard work through alternative media.  Such is the case with ‘Fall for Dance North’ Toronto’s premier international dance festival.  They have spun together six world premiere pieces under the title ‘2020 Signature Program.’

A colourful blend of jazz, gumboot, hip hop, tap, ballet and contemporary dance helped to push the boundaries of whatever device is available to audiences.  The six productions were introduced by various producers and stitched together with promotions for upcoming work.  Promotion is important for artists, especially these days, and we are happy to see it.  Some promotions offered poor quality sound and some pixilating problems, but the technical quality of the performances themselves was first rate. 

The first work, ‘Flow,’ is produced by Toronto’s Red Sky Performance, recently celebrated for its production of ‘af’ last March at Canadian Stage.  In a dark, stylized, pastoral setting, five performers move in various rhythms as they flow about each other often constantly in contact with one another.  They worked seamlessly from a group of five to a duet and then a return to the full group with an impressive moment of all arms.  Dark foreboding images on both walls and floors were interspersed with images of the musicians who relied mainly on various forms of xylophones and drumming which created an astounding chimerical effect.  Choreography by Jera Wolfe.

Next was a balletic piece entitled ‘Proximity’ filmed in the Netherlands.  A lone dancer on a dark stage is accompanied this time by a less musical soundscape.  It becomes a duet as the pair reacts to each other, but never come in contact – a nod to the title.  A puppet-like motif suggested a theme of disconnected control.  Most intriguing was the spinning multiple camera angles, both close and wide, which offered an extra depth of movement.  Choreography and performance by Joshua Beamish.

One of the main highlights, from this point of view, was the gumboot performance ‘Dialogue with DNA’ from Toronto.  A sole dancer (but on stage with a drummer) begins in an eerie storm with spectacular projections of furious lightning.  An earthy Caliban-like figure is dressed in various tones of brown, ragged and outfitted with black rubber boots. Brilliant percussion emanates from the dancer himself with hand slapping, boot kicking and a fulsome attack on his own thighs (a bucket of ice backstage would be helpful.)  His interaction with the drummer was precise, but fun as they enjoy some encouraging banter.  Whistling, chanting and even his own quiet breathing were part of the cornucopia.  Choreography and performance b y Mafa Makhubalo.

The next two pieces were from Calgary – a tap number called ‘Fool’s Gold’ and ‘Terra’ – a jazz performance.  The tap number was performed with original music and set in a lonely corner of a rehearsal space.  The performers were reliable and creative, but some slide moves appeared awkward and unstable.  The jazz performance offered four outstanding dancers.  A highlight was their inventive interactions with the drummer.  These pieces were connected with some strange banter and chase scenes through the theatre building that seemed incongruous.  Choreography by Lisa La Touche and Kimberley Cooper.

A great surprise performance, introduced by the iconic Karen Kain herself, came from Sonia Rodriguez – one of the great stars of the National Ballet of Canada.  Along with two colleagues, she performed ‘Poema Iberica’ with her usual elegance and force.  Clearly the focus in a rich elegant costume, Ms. Rodriguez demonstrates the grace and fluidity Canadian audiences have come to respect.  Choreography by Vanesa Garcia-Ribala Montoya.

Much like professional athletes, performers must miss the warm encouragement and embrace of a live audience.  The participants of this lively international festival have overcome these challenges.  The audience, even with iPads or computer screens, are the beneficiaries.

2020 Signature Program – Fall for Dance North – October 3, 2020.

Photo of Red Sky Performers by Bruce Zinger

Creators:  Jera Wolfe, Joshua Beamish, Mafa Makhubalo, Kimberley Cooper, Lisa La Touche, Vanesa Garcia-Ribala Montoya

Performers:  Kristin DeAmorim, Miyeko Ferguson, Samantha Sutherland, Carleen Zouboules, Joshua Beamish, Rena Narumi, Mafa Makhubalo, Sabrina Comanescu, Kaja Irwin, Catherine Hayward, Natasha Kornev, Lisa La Touche, Danny Nielson, Laura Donaldson, Sonia Rodriguez, Piotr Stanaczyk, Spencer Hack

Further information for upcoming performances:  ffdnorth.com