March 28 + 29, 7:00 pm, DV Studios, 2750 Quadra St.
On March 28 + 29, Dance Victoria and Impulse Theatre will partner on a first-time co-presentation of recent Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects winner and local dance artist Amber Downie-Back. The piece, on the nature of…, features Downie-Back and dancer and creator Emilie van der Waals (Netherlands) in an interdisciplinary performance and installation premiering at Dance Victoria (DV) Studios.
on the nature of… is the result of a long-term collaboration between Downie-Back, van der Waals, and sound and video designer Angus Gaffney. The work explores the intricate relationship between memory, nostalgia, past selves, and the act of letting go of once-imagined futures. Intertwining movement, projection, and sound, the artists create an immersive experience that invites audiences to reflect on their own journeys through time.
Supporting Local Dance Creation
Dance Victoria and Impulse Theatre are committed to supporting local dance and interdisciplinary performing arts creation. Dance Victoria invests in an Artist Residency program for B.C.-based artists that provides financial support, rehearsal space and opportunities for informal studio showings at its Quadra Village Studios. Dance Victoria also awards the annual Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects, which supports Western Canadian artists collaborating with international choreographers or interpreters. Each year, over $50,000 is distributed through the prestigious award.
Amber Downie-Back’s on the nature of… received the Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects in 2022. For two consecutive seasons (2023-2025), Downie-Back continued developing the work while in-residence at DV Studios. A work-in-progress (Rough Cut) of on the nature of… was shared with the community in May 2024, providing the artists with valuable experience and feedback for further development.
Dance Victoria’s Executive Director Gillian Jones shares: “We are thrilled to have supported Amber Downie-Back and on the nature of… through its early creation phases to today, when the piece enters its final stage: performance! This co-presentation, made possible in collaboration with Impulse Theatre, represents a full-circle moment for everyone involved. It’s also a reminder of the “village” of supporters, organizations, and funding needed for dance artists to undertake the creation of new work.”
From Impulse Theatre’s Artistic Producer Andrew Barrett: “We are thrilled to present the first production of on the nature of… by Amber Downie-Back in partnership with Dance Victoria. Amber is a cherished member of the Impulse community and a participant in our 2022 Dance Incubator program, and we are proud to see this project come to life. This performance marks a milestone as Impulse’s first presentation of a work by a participant from one of our residency programs. I join Gillian in expressing gratitude—this co-presentation shows what can be achieved when we say yes and trust artists and organizations in our community.”
About Amber Downie-Back
Amber Downie-Back (she/they) is an interdisciplinary movement artist who lives and creates on the unceded territories of the lək̓wəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. Interested in integrating dance in collaborative contexts with other media, such as sound and video art, Downie-Back’s practice views the reflection of physical spaces in the digital world. Creatively, Downie-Back focuses on Murphy’s Law and the contrasting adage Yphrum, exploring the many combinations of what can and will be, investigating perceived boundaries between process/product, and performer/audience. Amber has a BFA Contemporary Dance from Concordia University and has performed professionally in programs such as Festival Trans Ameriques and has exhibited creations at Toronto Harbourfront Centre, with Impulse Theatre, and more.
Dance Victoria’s studio programs, are generously supported by Victoria Foundation’s Community Grants Program, RBC Foundation – Emerging Artists, and Canada Council for the Arts; with individual underwriting support from Helen McDonald, and two anonymous donors.
on the nature of…
March 28 + 29, 7:00 pm
DV Studios, 2750 Quadra St.
How to Buy Tickets
Online: Tickets can be purchased here.
Champion: $50.00
Regular: $25.00
Reduced: $10.00
Pricing Note: Please select the tier that is most appropriate for your financial situation. The “Champion” tier ensures Dance Victoria can continue to offer impactful artist programs as well as supports us in offering reduced tier tickets for your fellow community members who are experiencing financial hardship.
About Impulse Theatre
Impulse Theatre Society creates and presents contemporary interdisciplinary theatre and dance performances; cultivates a community of artists; and empowers artists, emerging creative producers, and arts workers as leaders. Its vision is a collaborative and inclusive community of artists who are thriving, inquisitive, and capable regionally, nationally, and beyond. Its mission is to create new work; present work at all stages of development; showcase artists who are taking risks and prioritizing contemporary practices; host workshops and residencies; and establish strategic partnerships with arts and other organizations that share its values. ImpulseTheatre.com
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 our studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society with the mission to cultivate a connection to dance by presenting and supporting diverse local, national, and international artists, and inspiring all communities through the magic of dance. Our vision is that everyone in Greater Victoria can experience the transformative power of world-class dance. DanceVictoria.com
For high-res photos, please contact:
Anne-Sophie Cournoyer
Marketing Manager, Dance Victoria
[email protected]
250-595-1829