This evening’s performance features students of the Dance Performance Preparation and Dance Performance programs. The George Brown Dance facul-ty is comprised of an outstanding team of instructors, working artists, choreographers and directors, who instill discipline and teach skills necessary to interpret the vision of others.

A Unnamed Piece About a Birthday

This new work is a creation for the George Brown Dance Ensemble, a program providing
opportunities for students seeking extra performance experience and for Alumni seeking
choreographic opportunities.

Choreography: Alandra McKirdy
Music: Life On Mars (Instrumental) by Jherek Bischoff & Amanda Palmer, Silhouettes by Linda Leimane -Trio Art – I- Shock, Cello Suite No.1 in G Major BWW 1007: 1 Prelude by Johann Sebastian Back – Yo Yo Ma, The Cellist of Sarajevo – A lament in Rondo form for the cello op. 12 by David Wilde – Yo Yo Ma, Thais Meditation by Jules Massenet –Yo Yo Ma

Dancers: Abby Rowe, Tess Stauffer, Melissa MacTavish, Steph Campbell, Jade Chaplin,
Breanna Ianiero, Kieva Strawbridge, Alexandra Woodley, Marnie Zeller

This piece was created in collaboration with the cast, and explores the idea of a never ending birthday celebration. I played with the concept of hitting pause on the fun “birthday party” in order to avoid reality, and the anxieties associated with it. At first it would seem like a wonderful thing, until the endless loop inevitably becomes unenjoyable and lifeless. As humans we are bound to experience a full range of emotions, however we are in a constant flux. Live presently in the sadness, enjoy the dull moments in between, and take pleasure in celebrating the “birthdays”!