Dancing on the Edge

Dates 7- 8 July 2006 Venue Scotia Bank Dance Centre

Reviewer R M Pink

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In the world of classical dance, there is beauty and often predictability. The creativity of talented choreographers such as Andre Gingras to challenge dance convention with fresh approaches to movement can be illuminating, shocking, frustrating, entertaining but never boring.

Sponsored by Dancing on the Edge, Gingras brought his eclectic, futuristic piece, CYP17 to the Scotia Dance Centre in Vancouver for an evening performance on July 8th to a full house. The result was an evening of bold and provocative dance.

CYP17 is dance with a message. Gingras represents a growing breed of creators who wish to use the visual and performing arts to raise questions and suggest themes.The work uses video images, narration, props and effective stage design to raise the themes of information overload, conspiracy, the dangers of cloning and the disconnect between technology and humanity.

The solo dancer, Kenneth Flak, was highly effective as the confused, somewhat frightened young man who lurches from one technology danger to the next. He was dressed only in white shorts, to reflect well the white walls, ceiling and floor. The set design was sterile and emotionless, which often reflects the world of technology.

Flak's emotional range is excellent . He is able to move with expression and convey a complex set of feelings to the audience that support the overall theme of CYP17.

Andre Glingas is considered a rising force in modern choreography. Born in Canada, he now resides in Amsterdam, and in 2000 won the Amsterdam Arts Fund Encouragement Prize. He has also worked in New York and been involved with Robert Wilson's creative team since 1996, performing Wilson's work all over the world.

In a post-performance interview with Gingras, he noted that CYP17 was created in 2000 and inspired by technology, sheep being cloned, and the mapping of the human genome. "There are a lot of relevant questions to be raised about these issues," he said.

"These issues were very present in the media and I wanted to explore them though my dance work. As an artist, I don't tell people what to think. My role is to ask questions," said Gingras. His career now is full with many on-going projects to keep him busy in Europe and North America.

© 2006 R M Pink

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