You are invited to celebrate contemporary Indigenous dance as Matriarchs Uprising takes over ArtSpring for an exciting multi-day series of events that brings together Indigenous female choreographers who are nurturing the art of contemporary dance and weaving stories of transformation. Take part in the artist-led Talking Truths circle conversation and tea social to glean deeper insight into the creative impulses guiding the choreographers. Dive into choreographic workshops for a first-hand experience of movement philosophies and creation methodologies.
Witness evening performances showcasing works by Canadian Indigenous female choreographers and stay for intimate post-show artist talkbacks.
Curated by Olivia C. Davies (Anishinaabe-settler) and produced by O.Dela Arts, the festival shines a spotlight on contemporary Indigenous dance artists who are pushing the form forward into the future while presenting multiple platforms for audiences to engage, learn, and witness Indigenous ways of sharing through movement and story-telling.
EVENING PERFORMANCES
- Fri Apr 12 | 7:30pm | $15 | Indigi-Dance on Screen with Matriarchs Uprising | 50 min + introduction and talkback. A collection of short dance films from Indigenous artists who are activating the land with their movements.
- Sat Apr 13 | 7:30pm | $5-$35 | Matriarchs Rising Dance Performance in the ArtSpring Theatre | 65 min + talkback. Experience an unforgettable evening of three profound works ‘The Awakening,’ ‘Eagle Spirit,’ and ‘Carriers and Keepers of the Ancestral Portals.’
WORKSHOPS
- Wed Apr 10 | 6pm-7pm | $20 | Masterclass: Moving Our Blood Memory – Contemporary Indigenous Dance Creation with Olivia C Davies. Experience an introduction to Contemporary Indigenous dance methodology that is intended to open new ways of experiencing the world with breath, impulse, and shape guided by imagination and our connection to earth and sky. Open to all, yet some day experience is helpful.
MORE INFO & REGISTRATION (max 25)
- Thu Apr 11 | 5:30pm-6:30pm | By donation | Talking Truths Circle Conversation & Tea with w/ Matriarchs Uprising artists Beany John, Sophie Dow, Yvonne Chartrand and hosted by curator, Olivia C. Davies. Join our concentric circles of panelists as we share stories of “Dancing our Ancestral Legacies” and the ways our dances can be the expression of our experiences of joy, peace, grief and honesty.
- Sat Apr 13 | 2:00pm-3:30pm | $20 | Public Workshop: Indigenous Dance Sampler with offerings from Yvonne Chartrand (Métis Jigging) and Beany John (Hoop Dance) in this movement workshop open to everyone. Learn the history, try the steps, hoops are provided!
MORE INFO & REGISTRATION (max 25)
Thank you to to Joan Farlinger for sponsoring these performances.