Festival of New Dance – New Dance Programs and Notable Figures

Dance festivals and new dance programs have become increasingly relevant in Newfoundland’s arts and culture scene. In this article, we will provide an overview of the dance festivals, new dance workshops, new dance companies, notable figures in the Newfoundland dance community, and dance schools and companies in the region.

Dance Festivals in Newfoundland

Newfoundland hosts several dance festivals throughout the year. These festivals showcase the talents of local dancers and attract international dancers to perform and collaborate.

St. John’s Festival

The St. John’s Festival is the largest and most popular dance festival in Newfoundland. It takes place annually in July and attracts both local and international dancers. The festival includes dance performances, workshops, and social events.

Pros

• Provides a platform for local dancers to showcase their talents
• Offers opportunities for dancers to learn from international artists
• Boosts the local economy by attracting tourists

Cons

• Limited funding can make it difficult to bring in top-tier performers
• The festival only takes place once a year, limiting opportunities for local dancers to perform and collaborate

Other Notable Dance Festivals in Newfoundland

• The Gros Morne Summer Music Festival in Cow Head, which features a mix of music and dance performances.
• The Bonavista Biennale, which showcases contemporary art and dance in the Bonavista Peninsula.
• The Stephenville Theatre Festival, which includes dance performances and workshops.

Interesting Facts about Dance Festivals in Newfoundland

• The St. John’s Festival has been taking place for over 30 years.
• The Gros Morne Summer Music Festival takes place in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jack Byrne Arena

The Jack Byrne Arena is a multi-purpose arena located in Torbay, Newfoundland. In addition to hosting ice hockey games, the arena also hosts dance events throughout the year.

Overview of Dance Events Held at Jack Byrne Arena

The arena hosts a variety of dance events, including competitions, performances, and workshops. It has hosted events for a range of dance styles, including ballet, hip hop, and contemporary dance.

Interesting Facts about Jack Byrne Arena

• The arena is named after businessman and philanthropist Jack Byrne.
• The arena was used as a practice facility for the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

New Dance Workshop

The New Dance Workshop is a program that provides training and performance opportunities for emerging dancers in Newfoundland.

Overview of the New Dance Workshop Program

The New Dance Workshop is an annual program that runs for two weeks in August. It includes intensive training in contemporary dance techniques, as well as workshops in other dance styles. Participants have the opportunity to perform in a showcase at the end of the program.

Description of Corpuscule and its Role in the New Dance Workshop

Corpuscule is a contemporary dance company based in Montreal that collaborates with the New Dance Workshop. Members of Corpuscule lead the training sessions and provide mentorship to participants.

Other Notable New Dance Programs in Newfoundland

• The School of Dance at Memorial University, which offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance.
• The Dance Studio West, which provides training in various dance styles.

Interesting Facts about New Dance in Newfoundland

• The New Dance Workshop has been running for over 25 years.
• Many graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers in dance and choreography.

New Dance Companies in Newfoundland

Newfoundland is home to several new dance companies that are making a name for themselves in the local dance community.

Overview of New Dance Companies in Newfoundland

New dance companies in Newfoundland specialize in contemporary dance and often collaborate with other artists, such as musicians and visual artists.

Description of the Lisa Dance Company and its Impact on the Local Dance Community

The Lisa Dance Company is a contemporary dance company based in St. John’s. It was founded by Lisa Phinney Langley in 2005 and has since produced numerous works that have been showcased in Newfoundland and other parts of Canada. The company also offers dance classes and workshops for the local community.

The Lisa Dance Company has had a significant impact on the local dance community by providing opportunities for local dancers to perform and collaborate with professional dancers. It has also helped to raise the profile of contemporary dance in Newfoundland.

Max Arts Athletics Wellness: A Commercial New Dance Company in Newfoundland

Max Arts Athletics Wellness is a commercial new dance company based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. It offers classes in various dance styles, including contemporary dance, hip hop, and jazz. The company also produces dance performances and events.

While some critics argue that commercial dance companies like Max Arts Athletics Wellness prioritize profit over artistic integrity, they also provide opportunities for local dancers to train and perform.

Interesting Facts about New Dance Companies in Newfoundland

• The Lisa Dance Company has collaborated with musicians and visual artists on several occasions, blurring the boundaries between different art forms.
• Max Arts Athletics Wellness was founded by Maxine Kavanagh, a former dancer with the National Ballet of Canada.

Notable Figures in the Newfoundland Dance Community

Several individuals have played significant roles in the development of the dance community in Newfoundland.

Scott Thomson: A Pioneer in the Newfoundland Dance Community

Scott Thomson is a choreographer and dance educator who has been active in the Newfoundland dance community for over 30 years. He is the founder of the Stephenville Theatre Festival and has also been involved in the St. John’s Festival.

Thomson’s contributions to the dance community in Newfoundland have been instrumental in the growth of the local dance scene.

Lois Brown: A Notable Choreographer and Dance Teacher in Newfoundland

Lois Brown is a choreographer and dance teacher who has worked in the Newfoundland dance community for over 40 years. She has founded several dance companies and has produced numerous works that have been showcased in Newfoundland and other parts of Canada.

Brown’s dedication to dance education has helped to inspire and train generations of local dancers.

Animateur: What It Means to Be an Animateur in the French-Speaking Newfoundland Community

The term “animateur” refers to a community arts animator who works to promote the arts and culture in the French-speaking communities of Newfoundland. Animateurs often work with schools and community organizations to provide arts programming and events.

The work of animateurs has helped to preserve and promote the French language and culture in Newfoundland.

Dance Schools and Companies in Newfoundland

Several dance schools and companies in Newfoundland provide training and performance opportunities for local dancers.

LSPU: A Non-Profit Theatre and Performance Venue That Supports Dance in Newfoundland

LSPU is a non-profit theatre and performance venue located in St. John’s. It has been a supporter of the arts and culture in Newfoundland for over 30 years and has provided a platform for local dancers to showcase their talents.

Dance Inc: A Commercial Dance Company in Newfoundland

Dance Inc is a commercial dance company based in St. John’s. It offers classes in various dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. The company also produces dance performances and events.

Mount Pearl School of Dance: A Dance School in Newfoundland That Offers Classes in Various Dance Styles

The Mount Pearl School of Dance is a dance school located in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland. It offers classes in various dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. The school also provides performance opportunities for its students.

ance festivals, new dance programs, and dance schools and companies have become an integral part of Newfoundland’s arts and culture scene. They provide opportunities for local dancers to showcase their talents, collaborate with other artists, and receive training and mentorship. Notable figures in the Newfoundland dance community, such as Scott Thomson and Lois Brown, have played important roles in the development of the local dance scene. As the dance community in Newfoundland continues to grow, it will be exciting to see what new talents and collaborations emerge.

FAQ Section