May 2010
The GCDF is drawing closer and patrons and dance artists alike are growing excited in anticipation.
Top StoriesFestival Sneak Peak!
This year the GCDF showcases a lineup of stellar diversity, a high level of excellence and profound use of the human body.
 For example in the On the Stage: Stage A performance, foremost indian soloist dancer, Natasha Bakht creates a beautiful work of form, rhythm and mystique by merging contemporary & Bharatanatyam dance on the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company.
 As part of Stage B, Vancouver’s Animals of Distinction express themselves in a funky, urban manner, integrating both a raw physicality and clever film animation to create a highly charged physical spectacle.
 Calgary’s Helen Husak will charm you with her Scarlet O’Hara-inspired character who attempts to hum “twinkle, twinkle little star” whilst delving into a vulnerable physicality.
In the Park performances for the whole family, holds some brilliant treasures. In Floating Seed 's aerial butoh work, dance is literally elevated into the trees where we witness the emergence of the Chrysalis. Toronto’s Lady Janitor & Company Blonde give this series humour, and clever interpretations of human behaviour.
For full descriptions of festival events please visit our website at www.guelphcontemporarydancefestival.com or see our brochure. If you would like to receive a brochure in the mail please contact us at gcdf@bellnet.ca.
Photo credits (from top): 1. Menaka Thakkar Dance Company by David Hou; 2. Animals of Distinction by Austin Young; 3. Helen Husak by Kristian Jones.
Notes from Janet Johnson, GCDF Co-Artistic Director
Here are some ideas that may help to enrich and personalize your experience at the GCDF.
It doesn’t matter what it “means” as long as you are having some kind of response to the work…
Am I moved, astonished, surprised, enlightened, repulsed or intrigued by what I see?
I too have a human body so, no matter how obscure or distant the theme, I can relate to the medium.
Human expression is what binds us, describes us, so viewing a contemporary dance work may truly enable us to share a description of humanity, a moment in time
Summer Arts Explosion Camp
Tickets are now on sale and moving fast. This summer our weeklong camp will feature Circus Arts amongst its many activities at the River Run Centre. The camp a is open to all children between the ages of 4-14 years. GCDF Summer Arts Explosion Camp will feature hula hooping, hip hop, contemporary dance as well as clowning, mime and visual arts. The camp will be lead taught by professional artists from the Guelph area.
* New * Half-Day Arts Experience for Adults
Come immerse yourself in a morning of spectacular arts; moving, discovering, exploring! Featuring: yoga, contemporary dance, voice and movement and modern jazz.
Full week and single day registration is available. Registration is available through the River Run Box office 519-763-3000. Please visit our website for more details or call us (519-780-2220) for information about the Adult camp.
In the Gallery Recap
The GCDF’s preview show, In the Gallery at Ed Video May 1 & 2, was a wonderful opportunity to see dance up close and to gain an intimate sense of the creative process and performance artistry of solo dancer Danielle Baskerville. Danielle performed three works by Canadian powerhouse choreographers, Allison Cummings, Sasha Ivanochko & Susie Burpee. The GCDF
had full and engaged audiences immersed in Danielle’s diverse and brilliantly executed performance. Talkback sessions followed after each performance allowing for inspired and thoughtful discussion between Danielle and the audience.
We appreciated the use of space provided by Ed Video and look forward to continuing to find interesting locations for GCDF preview events. Thanks also to our wonderful patrons for their support and generous donations, without which this series would not be possible.
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