ARTS UMBRELLA DANCE TOUR SIMPLY DIVINE
- developm038
- Mar 21, 2025
- 2 min read
Wide open arms, that is the only way to express our Vancouver welcome by the irrepressible ‘Arty’ Gordon, her brilliant teachers and the sizzling dancers of AU’s first-year post-secondary program. Their warm spring welcome extended throughout the many beauties of Granville Island, home to the impressive AU and Ballet BC studios, endless shops, restaurants and galleries and, so conveniently, to the idyllic water-fronted Granville Island Hotel. To crown it all, we were greeted, most graciously, by former CCDT member, Kaiya Lee. Kaiya had just graduated from AU and – no surprise – immediately been invited to join one of the world’s finer ensembles, Scapino Ballet.
The first two days were intense, stretching the company between Livona Ellis’ and Arty’s x-ray eyed ballet work and some truly artful improvisation led by Gioconda Barbuto. This was a happy reunion with Gioconda, following her 2020-21 Contours commission for us. The company was honoured to experience these classes alongside an elite group of dancers working at a more senior training level and then, even more so, to be invited to rehearse a section of their Jae Man Joo commission for the Sunday performance.
Saturday’s highlight was Ballet BC’s Zenith, which demonstrated once more why this company is setting the bar for Canadian contemporary dance. No little frisson to see Crystal Pite nearby, visiting with Arty and choreographer, Fernando Hernando Magadan, whose world premiere anchored a spectacular program.
Sunday it was CCDT’s turn to shine, first alongside the Arts Umbrella Dance Grad Company’s Joo commission and then, thanks to our meticulous Rehearsal Director, Dana MacDonald, in an excerpt from Justin Rapaport’s Scintilla (fittingly, Justin is a former Ballet BC member and has rejoined Kid Pivot for a new Pite commission). Enjoying the Scotia Bank Dance Centre stage, our six dancers performed the mature work with confidence and nuance, received warmly by the audience, and brought our far too brief western idyll to a most satisfying close.
We write this with special gratitude to all those who donated to our Canada Helps tour campaign. You have gifted unforgettable memories to these young artists.
Michael deConinck Smith, Managing Director
Reading about the Arts Umbrella tour was inspiring; there was so much energy, dedication, and artistry in every rehearsal and performance. It reminded me of the times I pushed through intense study sessions, striving for precision and confidence in my own work. I even caught myself thinking about asking someone to do my Accounting exam for me, but seeing how these dancers committed fully to their craft reminded me that true growth and mastery come from showing up and doing the work yourself.
Reading your post about the perfection demons really hit home. I often try to make things perfect, especially with school work, and it ends up stressing me out more than helping. Sometimes I feel like having Best Online Lab Help would take some pressure off and let me focus on learning, not just getting every detail perfect. Letting go of perfection can make work feel easier and more enjoyable.
The ARTS Umbrella Dance Tour Simply Divine sounds like such an inspiring event! Watching talented dancers perform live really brings art to life and creates a magical atmosphere. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate how personal style matters too—especially when you want to look your best at cultural events. Midway through the festival, I couldn’t help but notice some attendees rocking Brando London Outfits, which perfectly combined comfort with a chic, modern look. Events like this truly celebrate creativity in every form.
A men's baseball varsity jacket adds a classic, sporty vibe to any outfit while keeping your style effortless.
right