Live Art Dance Productions presents Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD), the second show of the 2009/10 season, October 8 –10 at the Sir James Dunn Theatre in the Dalhousie Arts Centre.

This early, pre-festival event is the first co-presentation between Live Art Dance Productions and the Halifax Pop Explosion. Both organizations have committed to producing dance during the Halifax Pop Explosion festival starting in the next season, 2010.

DJD thrilled Halifax audiences in 2007 with Magnetic Consequences, featuring the incomparable Jackie Richardson on stage with her band. Celebrating its 25th anniversary season, DJD returns with wowandflutter, a work that illustrates the decidedly different flavours of this illustrious company. Choreographed by Kimberley Cooper, whose eclectic Afro-funk rhythms thrive within a video landscape by David Hoffos and the driving breakbeats of an original sound score by Ninja Tune recording artist, Amon Tobin.

Live Art’s Artistic Director Paul Caskey states: “Cooper’s imagination creates compelling characters and worlds whose evolution are fascinating to witness.”

Inspired by past and present, the show incorporates the modern digital age of video games and sci-fi as well as the rich history and early roots of Jazz dance. This sonically charged work has choreography perfectly matched to the intense polyrhythmic music and stunning visuals. It will take audiences’ senses on a rollercoaster ride and be sure to leave them breathless.

“Jazz dance is alive, well and kicking it old ’skool’ in Calgary…Decidedly Jazz Danceworks keeps the groove alive in …wowandflutter.” -Schema Magazine

The Company
DJD was founded to re-ignite the traditional values of jazz dance. Despite firm roots and a rich history, by the 80’s jazz dance had lost its connections to jazz music and to the vital spirit of the form. In 1984, Vicki Adams Willis, Michèle Moss, and Hannah Stilwell joined forces to offer a concert dance opportunity to dancers seeking to steward a new era of jazz dance for the world.

DJD was born to reclaim the spirit of the jazz dance form and evolve the art forward. The Company has created over 40 full-length works since 1983 choreographed by Vicki Adams Willis, DJD’s founding and current Artistic Director, and the Company’s co-founders as well as resident and guest choreographers.

The core aesthetic of DJD’s work is African-rooted, and swing-based with Jazz music at its heart.  Working with live music every season since 1988, DJD explores and re-mixes the defining aspects of traditional jazz forms, European and Western influences. The Company also gains inspiration from rare, like-minded international guest choreographers, and carefully nurtures choreographic talent within the Company to ensure its future.

About Live Art Dance Productions

Live Art Dance Productions has been committed to presenting contemporary dance and performance art projects that push the boundaries of current creative practice, introducing audiences to the work, concerns and aesthetics of Canadian and international contemporary dance. Live Art has initiated dance outreach, audience development and professional training within the local arts community, and is a key player in the national dance scene.

The presentation of wowandflutter represents a first collaboration between Live Art Dance Productions and the Halifax POP Explosion, two organizations firmly committed to providing local audiences with world-class cultural activities.

Live Art gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the following supporters: the Canada Council for the Arts; The Department of Canadian Heritage; Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage; Halifax Regional Municipality; The Coast; The Citadel Halifax Hotel; Etc. Press and Halifax Dance.

For further details, please contact Live Art Dance Productions at (902) 420-0003 or liveart@eastlink.ca or visit www.liveartproductions.ca

For ticket info, click here.