TORONTO, April 3, 2002 -- The York Dance Ensemble (YDE), York University's inspired repertory touring company, presents its adrenaline-charged showcase of fresh works at the Betty Oliphant Theatre April 13 & 14.
Under the artistic direction of visionary choreographer and York dance professor Holly Small, the YDE premieres two innovative commissioned pieces.
Dance scene 'it-boy' Matjash Mrozewski (formerly of Canada's National Ballet) has created a super-kinetic sextet especially for the Ensemble titled Girl Power, which explores teen angst and gender roles, fusing cheek and gravitas.
At the other end of the spectrum, celebrated local dance artist and former YDE member Stephanie Thompson has choreographed matchboxmodel, a beguilingly dark solo work that haunts.
Restagings of challenging repertory by Small and guest choreographers flesh out the program. Small contributes her comical miniature Reginald Godden's Dream, danced by Stephanie Thompson, and Weeping Sky, excerpted from her full-length work Souls, nominated as one of Toronto's "10 BEST of 2001" by both the Globe & Mail and NOW Magazine.
Also featured is Helicon, set on the Ensemble by renowned Toronto dance artist Michael Sean Marye, who is currently completing graduate dance studies at York. And veteran choreographer and York dance professor Darcey Callison offers his 1995 work Terpsneakery, an exuberant, basketball-inspired piece danced to the first movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.
Now in its 13th season, the York Dance Ensemble is a dynamic young company featuring outstanding performers and choreographers from York University's Dance Department. The YDE's repertory ranges from modern dance classics to groundbreaking commissioned works.
The 2002 YDE Showcase runs at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St. for two performances only: Sat. April 13 at 8 p.m. and Sun. April 14 at 2 p.m. Admission is $14 and $10 for students and seniors. Info: 416-650-8030. Box Office: 416-973-4000.
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For further information, please contact:
Nathalie-Roze Fischer
Faculty of Fine Arts
York University
416-736-2100, ext. 20421
nfischer@yorku.ca
