This week in the Future of Ottawa series, we’re taking a deep dive into Ottawa’s dance scene—what it’s like now and where it’s headed. Read on for a guest post from Cathy Levy on the future of dance creators at the National Arts Centre.
Lola Ryan is one of Canada’s foremost practitioners of dance and movement improvisation. A former champion athlete, she began a career in dance in her twenties, founding and co-founding several dance/theatre companies and touring nationally. Her work with children and adults is an abiding interest, and encourages links between youthful play and the world of dance.
Fana Soro hails from the Senoufo tribe in northern Cote d’Ivoire and spent nine years as a member of the prestigious Ballet National de Cote d’Ivoire. He also toured with the celebrated West African group Super Djembé Kan. Fana later moved to Canada and formed Masabo, a performance group specializing in traditional West African music, dance, and story.
Andrea Peña & Artists’s UNTITLED I comes to the National Arts Centre on Thursday, November 5th at 7pm. As part of NAC Dance’s #DanceForth programming, the performance will be live-streamed from the National Arts Centre.
Surraya Dawn Aziz is a gem. A beautiful mover who is simultaneously warm, engaging, and down to earth, Surraya has been contributing to the Ottawa dance scene as a dancer and educator for several years. We spoke virtually about her past, present, and hopes for the future within the realm of dance here in the capital.
Indigenous Experiences offers a rare opportunity to experience the traditional culture, teachings, and history of Canada’s Indigenous Peoples from a First Nations perspective. Their program brings this rich history to life through authentic, fun, and interactive learning experiences.
Moov Ottawa Dance was founded by Alea de Castro and Arnaldo Betancourt Silva in 2018 with the intention of providing more opportunities for street dance to flourish in the city.
Mariah Miigwans Smith Chabot is a multitalented dance artist and creator based in the Ottawa-Gatineau area and is a member of the Algonquin First Nation from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.
Saveeta Sharma is a powerful force in the Ottawa dance community.
Yvon Soglo has been dancing for over 10 years, during which time he has become known as one of Canada’s top street dancers.
This year marks Ottawa burlesque troupe Capital Tease’s 10th anniversary. Measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have affected Capital Tease’s regular performances, but they quickly moved their performances online through Zoom.
Anyone can jump right into this 30-minute dance lesson “without stressing over fancy footwork.”
Up to 15 dancers will perform in the live stream event put on by Compagnie ODD (Ottawa Dance Directive).
Brad Lafortune hails from the Métis community in Sudbury, Ontario. He works as a physiotherapist in Ottawa and offers Métis jigging workshops and performances through MASC. Here, he talks about the unique identity created through a blending of rich cultures, as well as the opportunity to bring the joy of dance into people’s homes during COVID-19.
Founded in 2007, Propeller Dance is recognized as a leader in Canada for their innovative, inclusive creations and teaching practices, and for demonstrating that dreams can be achieved for people of all abilities. Artistic associate and company dancer Liz Winkelaar speaks about Propeller Dance as a role model for students and the community.
