Gibney Company, Royal Theatre, November 17+18, 2023, 7:30 pm
Dance Victoria is proud to present the New York-based Gibney Company on November 17 and 18, 2023 at the Royal Theatre for a mixed program blending flawless contemporary performances with empowering activism.
The New York Times praised Gibney Company for its striking physical prowess saying: “The troupe’s superpower is clear: its strong and versatile dancers, artists who appear to be physically capable of anything.”
Gibney Company, led by Artistic Director Gina Gibney and Director Gilbert T Small II, who is also a former Ballet BC dancer, commissions and performs works by renowned and emerging choreographers from New York and around the world who are committed to exploring connections between the rigorous, often superhuman physicality of contemporary dance alongside responsive, humanistic storytelling. Presenting a broad range of aesthetics and techniques, Gibney Company has an unrelenting focus on artistic excellence and social integrity.
Since its expansion, the Company has commissioned eight new works from a wide range of choreographers including Rena Butler, Alan Lucien Øyen, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Sonya Tayeh, Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond (Out Innerspace), and Yue Yin; and performed acclaimed repertory by Sharon Eyal, Johan Inger and Ohad Naharin.
For their Victoria debut, Gibney Company opens the program with Israel’s Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar’s SARA, an intricate piece that plays seamlessly with opposites. Both minimalist and old-fashioned, gentle and hardcore, sensitive and emotional, the choreography is a multi-faceted jewel, a pearl with shimmering hues that never fail to captivate.
With A Measurable Existence, New York City-based choreographer Yue Yin offers an alluring meditation on the interconnectedness of all lives. The piece thoughtfully explores the many ways in which individual journeys mirror, intersect, join, and at times clash with others.
Finally, the free-spirited Bliss, by choreographer Johan Inger, closes the program on a high note by setting jazz pianist Keith Jarrett’s legendary ‘Köln Concert’ in joyful motion. This large-scale ensemble piece translates the free, soaring, and ecstatic essence of Jarrett’s iconic music into a splendidly crafted choreography that will overwhelm and uplift attendees into a pure state of bliss.
As part of Gibney Company’s visit to Victoria, Dance Victoria and Victoria Women’s Transition House will partner to offer Gibney’s evidence-based “Move to Move Beyond” program to local survivors of gender-based violence. “These kinds of partnerships deepen Dance Victoria’s connection to our community and provide access to individuals who face significant barriers,” said Dance Victoria’s Executive Director Gillian Jones. “Our hope is that participants in this program have a positive experience that honours each person’s self-expression, and that supports their healing journey”. Gibney artists will also visit STAGES Dance to provide a free contemporary dance masterclass.
About Dance Victoria
Dance Victoria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from its studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society. DanceVictoria.com
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