Kathia Wittenborn, Jasmyn Fyffe, Kassi Scott, Peter Kelly, Pulga Muchochoma and Mateo Torres in RANKED
April 8th 2023
Exit Strategies: A Performance Series
Join MOCA Toronto for a series of two evening performances featuring a continuing movement response to Kapwani Kiwanga’s exhibition Remediation. POLITICAL MOVEMENT, a contemporary dance theatre company, will embody elements of the exhibition in relation to the vital political, economic and social histories presented.
Exit Strategies seeks to invite audiences to both feel Kapwani Kiwanga’s artworks within their own bodies and from an embodied perspective. Through movement scored by Aria Evans, the dancers will explore themes of exploitation and acts of resistance provided by plant-life — their freedoms, their futures and their rhythms.
Saturday, April 22, 2023| 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Exit Strategies: A Performance Series
Join MOCA Toronto for a series of two evening performances featuring a continuing movement response to Kapwani Kiwanga’s exhibition Remediation. POLITICAL MOVEMENT, a contemporary dance theatre company, will embody elements of the exhibition in relation to the vital political, economic and social histories presented.
Exit Strategies seeks to invite audiences to both feel Kapwani Kiwanga’s artworks within their own bodies and from an embodied perspective. Through movement scored by Aria Evans, the dancers will explore themes of exploitation and acts of resistance provided by plant-life — their freedoms, their futures and their rhythms.
Saturday, April 22, 2023| 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Created with and performed by Aria Evans, Tavia Christina and Nickeshia Garrick.
- The April performance embodies themes of transmigration while engaging with the sisal fibre which is the raw material highlighted in Elliptical Field.
Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Created with and performed by Aria Evans, Rodney Diverlus and Kéïta Fournier-Pelletier.
- The second performance will feature movement interpreters exploring Kiwanga’s Vivarium and The Marias. These performances will explore power and the relationship between historic narratives and contemporary realities as well as body autonomy.
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April 3rd 2023
Aria will be sharing a work in progress version of Midline at the National Arts Centre on April 14th and performing with The Cris Derksen Quartet on April 15th as part of Matriarchs Uprising! |
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March 21st 2023
Today Aria had the pleasure of joining MOCA Toronto's Creative Youth Council to facilitate a workshop on the intersections of Social Justice and art. |
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March 6th 2023
Between now and June 2023 Aria will be working with the cast of Richard II at the Stratford Festival as the Intimacy Director! |
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February 28th 2023
Aria joined TMU's School of Performance to offer some Intimacy consultation for their play Arctic Ocean By Jill Connell and Directed by Ishan Davé and Jill Connell. |
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January 19th 2023
Aria is the proud recipient of Tarragon Theatre's Urjo Kareda Resident Artist Award this year! They will be developing their solo work Midline while also focusing on Artistic Leadership and institutional models. |
January 13th 2023
This month Aria has been working with the Stratford Conservatory as movement director on The Birds Adapted and Directed by Yvette Nolan! The company will share the work in February!
This month Aria has been working with the Stratford Conservatory as movement director on The Birds Adapted and Directed by Yvette Nolan! The company will share the work in February!
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December 8th 2022
SummerWorks just announced the guest curators for the 2023 festival and Aria is honoured to be amongst such an incredible group of artists. |
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December 8th 2022
Aria is honoured to be one of the recipients of TO Live's explorations initiative! They begin their new research for a solo project this month!
Aria is honoured to be one of the recipients of TO Live's explorations initiative! They begin their new research for a solo project this month!
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December 1st 2022
Aria Spent the week in the room as the Intimacy Director workshopping a new play premiering at Factory Theatre in the summer! |
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November 15th 2022
After a successful workshop, Aria will be joining the creative team of The Effect as the Intimacy Director for Coal Mine Theatre's upcoming show happening in summer 2023. |
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November 4th 2022
Next week Aria will be dancing in 31 (TouchX + I am the Child of...) by Kaeja d'Dance at the Harbourfront Centre!
Next week Aria will be dancing in 31 (TouchX + I am the Child of...) by Kaeja d'Dance at the Harbourfront Centre!
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October 20th 2022
For the past month Aria has been working at Tarragon Theatre as the Associate Director and Movement Facilitator for My Sister's Rage by Yolanda Bonnell. Today the show opened! |
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October 8th 2022
Over the weekend Aria had the opportunity to present an excerpt duet of I Will Fall with Kiah Francis and Nickeshia Garrick as well as musical guest Jenn Nucum at the Common Ground Dance Festival by Toes For Dance. Photo: Aidan Tooth |
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September 25th 2022
This week Aria had the pleasure of hosting PRESENCE, a site-specific series by Peggy Baker Dance Projects presented outdoors alongside Beautiful Renegades. |
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September 18th 2022
Supported by Pemmican Collective and Punctuate! Theatre, Aria spent the past week in workshop for I Will Fall, POLITICAL MOVEMENT's newest full length work and first scripted dance theatre piece!
Supported by Pemmican Collective and Punctuate! Theatre, Aria spent the past week in workshop for I Will Fall, POLITICAL MOVEMENT's newest full length work and first scripted dance theatre piece!
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Created with and performed by: Steph Cyr, Kiah Francis, Nickeshia Garrick, Sofí Gudiño, Heath V. Salazar, Rose Tuong
Original Music by: Shanika Maria, Sofia Fly
Dramaturge: Ximena Huizi
Original Music by: Shanika Maria, Sofia Fly
Dramaturge: Ximena Huizi
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September 9th 2022
Today was Aria's official last day as the Metcalf Artistic Director Intern at Soulpepper Theatre! It was an incredible year. |
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September 1st 2022
This week marked the opening of Queen Goneril and King Lear at Soulpepper theatre! |
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August 15th 2022
Over the past month Aria has been working on Queen Goneril and King Lear as the Intimacy Coach. They have also stepped in as the Assistant Director for Queen Goneril! These works are coming to the stage at Soulpepper the end of the month, don't miss out! |
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August 9th 2022
Join Aria today for Building Consent: A Conversation & Workshop, part of the SummerWorks Exchange programming.
Join Aria today for Building Consent: A Conversation & Workshop, part of the SummerWorks Exchange programming.
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August 6th 2022
Aria has been participating in a workshop at Tarragon Theatre the past two weeks facilitating the Movement and Intimacy Direction alongside Director Mike Payette for a new work called CHEW by Yago Mesquita! |
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July 23rd 2022
Join Aria today for Creating Safer Spaces: Intimacy on Screen with Breakthroughs Film Festival, a free conversation talking about the emerging role of intimacy coordination and their experience cultivating safer, trauma-informed, and more equitable environments for performers and production teams on set and on stage.
Join Aria today for Creating Safer Spaces: Intimacy on Screen with Breakthroughs Film Festival, a free conversation talking about the emerging role of intimacy coordination and their experience cultivating safer, trauma-informed, and more equitable environments for performers and production teams on set and on stage.
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July 17th 2022
Aria spent the weekend performing in If I Should Stumble by choreographer Jenn Goodwin as part of the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair! |
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July 9th 2022
Every Little Nookie at the Stratford Festival opened tonight! Aria worked on the production as the Movement Director and Intimacy Choreographer!
Every Little Nookie at the Stratford Festival opened tonight! Aria worked on the production as the Movement Director and Intimacy Choreographer!
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June 30th 2022
KAMLOOPA at Soulpepper Theatre with Native Earth Performing Arts opened tonight! Aria worked on the production as the Movement Director and Choreographer. https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/kamloopa |
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May 27th 2022
Join Aria Evans and Victoria Mata for a workshop with Canadian Stage's Festival of Ideas and Creation "Towards Replenishment" today at 12pm!
Join Aria Evans and Victoria Mata for a workshop with Canadian Stage's Festival of Ideas and Creation "Towards Replenishment" today at 12pm!
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May 19th 2022
Aria Evans is Honoured to be selected as a protégé for the 2021 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes/Les Prix Johanna-Metcalf des Arts de la scène 2021! Winners: Ian Cusson, iskwē, Ravi Jain, Sandra Laronde, Marilo Nuñez Protégés: Beverley McKiver, Zeegwon “Zee” Shilling, Aaron Jan, Aria Evans, Margarita Valderrama. https://metcalffoundation.com/metcalf-story/johannas-2021-winners/ Photo by: Luis Mora |
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May 9th 2022
Today was the first day of rehearsals for KAMLOOPA by Kim Senklip Harvey at Soulpepper Theatre where Aria will be supporting the work with Choreography and Movement Direction! |
May 1st 2022
This week Aria is in rehearsals with Sam Brown, Liz Der, Kiah Francis, Sofi Gudino, Nicole Leveck and Jarrett Siddall for For Sale which runs at Colborne Lodge from May 6th - 8th 2022 as part of the City of Toronto's AWAKENINGS program in partnership with Soulpepper Theatre!
All the shows are SOLD OUT but the performance was recorded and will be available soon!
This week Aria is in rehearsals with Sam Brown, Liz Der, Kiah Francis, Sofi Gudino, Nicole Leveck and Jarrett Siddall for For Sale which runs at Colborne Lodge from May 6th - 8th 2022 as part of the City of Toronto's AWAKENINGS program in partnership with Soulpepper Theatre!
All the shows are SOLD OUT but the performance was recorded and will be available soon!
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April 16th 2022
Join Aria today as they facilitate "Land and Bodies: A Movement Workshop with Aria Evans" Hosted by Theatre Passe Muraille! |
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March 19th 2022
Aria spent the day on set with Kaeja d'Dance for their newest film project "In Case of Emergency". |
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March 13th 2022
This week Aria has been in workshop rehearsals for Every Little Nookie by Sunny Drake that will premiere at the Stratford Festival this summer. Aria will be acting as the Intimacy Choreographer! |
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February 27th 2022
Today we shot the final TRANSFORMATIONS video! Stay connected for release dates on this dance film trilogy with JOBEL ART FOR EARTH! |
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February 12th 2022
Another day on set working as the Intimacy Coordinator for a new Web Series! |
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February 7th 2022
FREE TICKETS STARTING VALENTINE’S DAY! www.heart2heartdocumentary.eventbrite.ca Have you ever wondered how Political Movement makes our work? Peek behind the scenes! Sign up to watch our free documentary following the creative process for heart2heart, a three year in the making dance theatre work that investigates building relationships across difference. heart2heart will be streaming FREE until February 21st at midnight. |
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February 4th 2022
Join Aria for MOMENTUM - Panels on Inclusion, Mental Wellness & Post-Covid Dance Careers with the DTRC / CRTD - Dancer Transition Resource Centre!
The Work Goes On: Fostering Inclusion through Success Stories & Next Steps
Hosted by: Giulia Tripoli
Moderated by: Zahra Badua
Panelists: Aria Evans, Christine Friday, Travis Knights and Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli
The Work Goes On: Fostering Inclusion through Success Stories & Next Steps
Hosted by: Giulia Tripoli
Moderated by: Zahra Badua
Panelists: Aria Evans, Christine Friday, Travis Knights and Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli
January 31st 2022
Aria Evans spent the week in Sauble Beach working on heart2heart with dancers Karen Kaeja and Sebastián Oreamuno and dramaturg Ximena Huizi. Though our performances were cancelled at Tangente due to Omicron, we decided to bubble together and will share our product with you soon!
Aria Evans spent the week in Sauble Beach working on heart2heart with dancers Karen Kaeja and Sebastián Oreamuno and dramaturg Ximena Huizi. Though our performances were cancelled at Tangente due to Omicron, we decided to bubble together and will share our product with you soon!
January 9th 2022
Aria Evans has been commissioned by JOBEL ART FOR EARTH to create three dance films that look at 'Reducing Inequalities'. We filmed the first one today with Pulga Muchochoma and Oma!
Aria Evans has been commissioned by JOBEL ART FOR EARTH to create three dance films that look at 'Reducing Inequalities'. We filmed the first one today with Pulga Muchochoma and Oma!
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December 18th 2021
Political Movement is back in rehearsals for heart2heart with Karen & Sebastián as we prepare for our tour to Montreal. We will be presenting this excerpt with Tangente Danse in January/February 2022! |
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November 22nd 2021
This month Aria has been working with the cast and crew of 'La Ronde' as the Intimacy Coordinator for a web-series that will be released next year by Your Cool Aunt and Peach Emoji Productions! |
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November 7th 2021
Aria had the pleasure of joining Michele Pearson Clarke to assist in choreographing for her latest installation Quantum Choir that will be at the Art Gallery of Hamilton next year. |
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November 3rd 2021
This week Aria is filming with the Canadian Opera Company for Voices of Mountains, a new virtual program that will feature their dancing and choreography alongside Marion Newman, Rebecca Cuddy and Gordon Gerrard. |
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October 25th 2021
Aria spent the weekend with Eirene Cloma filming for Kitchen Dances produced by Kaeja d'Dance for a new mini-series they have in development. |
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October 2nd 2021
Catch Aria performing live alongside blues singer Nicky Lawrence at the Aga Khan Museum as part of WOMEN IN SONG: STRANGE DARLINGS by FabCollab. Aria is also the Movement Director for this production. |
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September 26th 2021 Two years in the making, POLITICAL MOVEMENT started working on their next piece The Ladder Project during a week long residency in Golden Lake, Pikwakanagan, Algonquin Territory with performers Steph Cyr, Kiah Francis, Nickeshia Garrick, Sofí Gudiño, Heath V. Salazar, Rose Tuong and musicians Shanika Maria and Sofia Fly with dramaturgy by Ximena Huizi. The residency was supported by The National Arts Centre and the work has been funded by CAHOOTS, Native Earth Performing Arts and Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. |
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September 12th 2021
Aria spent the week choreographing for Theatre Passe Muraille's buzz development program in collaboration with writer Jenn Forgie on her play Seven Pieces. |
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August 28th 2021
This week Aria Directed and did the Intimacy Coordination for This Place, a film choreographed by Karen Kaeja and performed by Mateo Galindo Torres and Katherine Semchuk.
This week Aria Directed and did the Intimacy Coordination for This Place, a film choreographed by Karen Kaeja and performed by Mateo Galindo Torres and Katherine Semchuk.
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August 18th 2021 Aria spent the week at Dancemakers working with the Stratford Festival workshopping the play Penthesilea that they are choreographing alongside director ted witzel. |
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August 14th 2021
This week, in collaboration with Urbanvessel, Aria is creating four dance films featuring Sierra Chin Sawdy, Raelyn Metcalfe, Francesca Chudnoff and Margarita Soria at Evergreen Brickworks.
This week, in collaboration with Urbanvessel, Aria is creating four dance films featuring Sierra Chin Sawdy, Raelyn Metcalfe, Francesca Chudnoff and Margarita Soria at Evergreen Brickworks.
Photography by: Dahlia Katz
July 20th 2021
Aria has been in rehearsals with Irvin Chow and Sierra Chin Sawdy this month and last re-imagening the duet RElaps for DuskDances 2021 season that will be a part of Dream In High Park. The duet is being turned into a film Directed and Edited by William Yong.
Aria has been in rehearsals with Irvin Chow and Sierra Chin Sawdy this month and last re-imagening the duet RElaps for DuskDances 2021 season that will be a part of Dream In High Park. The duet is being turned into a film Directed and Edited by William Yong.
RElaps reimagines the theme of how many small innocent acts can turn into huge betrayals of trust by exploring how we can heal, forgive and move forward through intimate connection.
June 28th 2021
Since The beginning of the year Aria has been studying to be an Intimacy Coordinator with the Intimacy Professionals Association. Over the weekend they completed the final component of the training and are now officially certified!
Since The beginning of the year Aria has been studying to be an Intimacy Coordinator with the Intimacy Professionals Association. Over the weekend they completed the final component of the training and are now officially certified!
LEARN ABOUT ARIA'S ROLL AS INTIMACY COORDINATOR HERE: www.intimatemovement.ca
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June 25th 2021
Following up on the article "A Calling In" that Aria wrote for the Dance Current last year about the work that the dance industry has to do inside of systemic racism and solidarity ... "Keep On Calling" was just released online, read the full article here. |
Photo by Kevin Jones
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June 24th 2021
Aria has been creating a new dance film for Soulpepper Theatre's Queer Youth Cabaret and it premiers tonight! fluid featuring: Aria Evans filmed by: Francesca Chudnoff edited by: Aria Evans commissioned by: Soulpepper Theatre |
June 21st 2021
Join Aria alongside Jamii for their celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day from 5pm - 7pm at David Crombie Park.
Join Aria alongside Jamii for their celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day from 5pm - 7pm at David Crombie Park.
Photo by Delphy Photography
June 16th 2021
This week Aria has been working to reimagine the duet RElaps (created in 2016) for Dusk Dances with Irvin Chow and Sierra Chin Sawdy (who are bubbled together)! The new work will be a site specific dance film that aims to heal the original duet.
This week Aria has been working to reimagine the duet RElaps (created in 2016) for Dusk Dances with Irvin Chow and Sierra Chin Sawdy (who are bubbled together)! The new work will be a site specific dance film that aims to heal the original duet.
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May 28th 2021
Aria had the pleasure of spending the week in practise with Bee Pallomina. |
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May 19th 2021
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May 1st 2021
Join Aria for Talking Stick Festival's event: Talking Circle: Community Care happening from 1pm - 3pm. "A talking circle for emerging Indigenous artists and those who support them" Inviting all emerging Indigenous artists and those who support them: How can we ensure care and community support to new and emerging Indigenous artists? Other considerations include: How can emerging artists integrate self-care into their practice? What is the broader community's responsibility to young artists so that they can be rooted in a healthy and healing community practice? What teachings and reciprocal actions do emerging artists need in order to ground themselves in these shifting seasons? |
This circle is open to Indigenous artists, mentors, teachers, and learners from all disciplines and practices. This circle will take place on Zoom.
Hosted by Mary Point, with: Kehewin Native Dance Theatre, Aria Evans, Jimmy Blais, Bruce Naokwegijig/ Debajehmujig. Witness: Darylina Powderface. |
April 17th 2021
Throughout the process of the mentorship, participants’ work and exploration will be documented by the City of Toronto, and the footage will be used for a mini documentary series chronicling the program. The first phase of the program will involve workshops along with the Soulpepper Academy, focusing on site-specific and immersive works. Workshop leaders include mentors mentors Weyni Mengesha, Esie Mensah, d’bi young anitafrika, Lucius Dechausay and Rachel Forbes from the team who came together to create the inaugural Awakenings performance piece – “A Revolution of Love”. Participants will also be receiving private workshop sessions with internationally renowned immersive theatre company Punchdrunk.
The artists will all be creating site-specific performance art related works that speak to the anti-colonial, anti-racist, anti-oppressive messaging behind the Awakenings philosophy. The program will include site-visits to Toronto History Museum locations: Spadina House, Colborne Lodge, Mackenzie House, Montgomery’s Inn, Scarborough Museum, Gibson House, Fort York Visitor Centre, Market Gallery, Todmorden Mills, and Zion Schoolhouse. This period of workshops and creation will culminate in a sharing hosted at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts to present the work thus far.
The artists will all be creating site-specific performance art related works that speak to the anti-colonial, anti-racist, anti-oppressive messaging behind the Awakenings philosophy. The program will include site-visits to Toronto History Museum locations: Spadina House, Colborne Lodge, Mackenzie House, Montgomery’s Inn, Scarborough Museum, Gibson House, Fort York Visitor Centre, Market Gallery, Todmorden Mills, and Zion Schoolhouse. This period of workshops and creation will culminate in a sharing hosted at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts to present the work thus far.
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April 16th 2021
Aria contributed to this virtual gallery, check out all the work centred around 'Digital Intimacies'. How do we get intimate with the digital? Can we fall in love with code, or locate new meanings of being through our desktop? As the global pandemic continues to keep us indoors, digital intimacies are at an all time high as we all must navigate what it means to find ourselves, our partners, and our kinks online while combating the isolation of being alone. In the form of an early online dating website (think match.com circa 1998), artists are asked to consider how they themselves use the digital to explore gender, sex and love. With their profiles as the artist’s attempt for connection, we as the audience peruse the site to possibly find our own match in isolation. |
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April 7th 2021
Catch these two interviews featuring Aria Evans!
Catch these two interviews featuring Aria Evans!
Sovereign Bodies, Sovereign Stages
April 7th, 7-9pm EST om Zoom What emerges at the intersection of ceremony and artistic creation; of movement and storytelling; of spirituality and physicality on stage? Panelists: Yolanda Bonnell & Aria Evans Moderator: Merlin Simard |
Curtain Call
April 7th, 12pm EST on Instagram Live Catch an intimate one-on-one chat between Aria Evans and Tamar Ilana. instagram.com/fabcollablive |
March 21st 2021
Over the weekend Aria performed in Giizhig, a performance directed by Michael Caldwell and presented in the back streets of the Esplanade neighbourhood with Jamii.
Over the weekend Aria performed in Giizhig, a performance directed by Michael Caldwell and presented in the back streets of the Esplanade neighbourhood with Jamii.
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This collaboration between Jamii Esplanade, Michael Caldwell and in partnership with Canadian Stage, showcases the relationship between cedar and expression. Photos by Ali Javeed.
March 5th 2021
More thoughts and reflections from Aria's Intimacy Coordinator training:
More thoughts and reflections from Aria's Intimacy Coordinator training:
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February 26th 2021
Aria joined Urban Ink and the creative team and cast of Wolf Cull by Cheyenne Scott to facilitate some movement explorations leading up to their live workshop reading at the Talking Stick Festival! Playwright – Cheyenne Scott Director – Spy Dénommé-Welch Dramaturg – Cole Alvis Choreographer – Aria Evans Workshop Coordinator – Heather Barr Actor – Samantha Brown Actor – Chanin Lee Actor – Joelle Peters Actor – Tara Sky Actor – Chelsea Rose |
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February 18th 2021
Aria joined the Indigenous Curatorial Collective for their roundtable series: Issues in Art, Curation and Community Care, highlighting the often underrepresented voices of four Indigenous communities: Black & Indigenous Perspectives; Francophone Perspectives; Northern Perspectives; and Gender Minority, 2Spirit, Queer Perspectives. 
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February 12th 2021
Artistic Director Aria Evans has started a new training intensive for Intimacy Coordination with Intimacy Professionals Association. They have been sharing their learning on instagram! Here are some of their video's:
Artistic Director Aria Evans has started a new training intensive for Intimacy Coordination with Intimacy Professionals Association. They have been sharing their learning on instagram! Here are some of their video's:
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January 19th 2021
Pre-orders for the 2020 Rhubarb Festival Publication are now on sale! Catch four of Aria's choreographic scores in Canada’s longest-running new works festival; Rhubarb which proposed an alternative this year: the creation of a physical performative publication. The limited edition run of 888 books is available for pre-order now, with distribution beginning shortly before the festival’s opening night on February 10. Look out for “a consent-based choreographic score for two bodies: movements 1 - 4” by Aria Evans |
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December 22nd 2020
Catch Aria speaking with Gina Oades for this podcast by Mixed In The Six! |
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December 15th 2020
Catch Aria's performance in a film by Alexandra Lazarowich "We Were Always Here ― A Portrait in Red" as part of Toronto History Museums AWAKENINGS. "Awakenings is a new programming philosophy within Toronto History Museums that will feature art projects that explore untold stories, awaken a new perspective and invite the public to join the conversation." |
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November 10th 2020
Aria has been working with Ryerson University's second year dance students at the School of Performance as a guest artist to create a new dance film for their virtual Ryerson Dances Showcase! The film CHANGE will premier on December 9th! 
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October 9th 2020
TONIGHT with Public Energy! BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER By Aria Evans. Taking place at Inverlea Park in Peterborough Ontario, with a bridge present in the background, three duets occur. Working with pairs of two artists from different artistic disciplines, different cultural backgrounds and different sexual orientations – who have been living together during the pandemic – each duet uses the metaphor of how a river flows and changes to portray how relationships also shift over time. |
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Created with and performed by Irma Villafuerte and Kevin Jones, Belinda Corpuz and Malcolm Connor, Nikki Shaffeeullah and Sasha Tate-Howarth with accompaniment By Eirene Cloma.
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October 5th 2020
Did you miss the film and poem created by Aria Evans for Project Nishin? Here it is: |
A Body of Water from Project Nishin on Vimeo. |
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September 29th 2020
Here is the live stream of Aria Evans and Eirene Cloma exploring movement, poetry and live music from their living room part of ANDPVA's COVID-19 programming! |
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September 25th 2020
Fall For Dance North is live with new episodes of Bathtub Bran. Check out the playful interview with Artistic Director Aria Evans! |
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September 18th 2020
This week was Aria's first time back in studio since the Pandemic was declared in March 2020. They spent their time working with ProArteDanza dancers: Jake Poloz, Evan Webb, Eleanor Van Veen dreaming up something new with morning warmups lead by Bee Palomina. |
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August 13th 2020
Aria Participated as a panelist alongside Jesse Wente, Clayton Windatt, Emma Steen, Wanda Nanibush, Ashley Bomberry and Keith Barker in this conversation as a part of the The Gathering put on by CPAMO: "Shifting perceptions on Indigeneity and re-focusing conversations on diverse aspects of Indigeneity, the panel aims to give voice to the experiences of Indigenous artists and arts administrators in this moment, at this time. Ideas presented will animate concerns, hopes, and what panelists think needs to be done to further support Indigenous arts practices in the creative industries sector." |
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July 8th 2020
Join Artistic Director Aria Evans tomorrow! They will be speaking on a panel organized by Andrew Tay & Sasha Kleinplatz addressing Wants&Needs In Uncertain Times. http://tolovein.com/wants-and-needs-in-uncertain-times/ |
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July 1st 2020
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June 27th 2020
Happy Pride! Coming up this weekend with Pride Toronto:
Sunday June 21st = IndigiQUEER
Friday June 26th = BLOOM
Saturday June 27th = Catalyst
Happy Pride! Coming up this weekend with Pride Toronto:
Sunday June 21st = IndigiQUEER
Friday June 26th = BLOOM
Saturday June 27th = Catalyst
June 24th 2020
Today Aria was on set with Debbie Deer Productions at Bickford Park for a new web dance film series "What We Leave Behind" shot by Jon Elliott.
Today Aria was on set with Debbie Deer Productions at Bickford Park for a new web dance film series "What We Leave Behind" shot by Jon Elliott.
June 20th 2020
Here is the live stream video where Aria Evans joined Cris Derksen for an improvised, socially distanced, solstice performance with Canada Performs and the National Arts Centre!
Here is the live stream video where Aria Evans joined Cris Derksen for an improvised, socially distanced, solstice performance with Canada Performs and the National Arts Centre!
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June 14th 2020 Aria Evans joins Eva Barrie as co-facilitator for "MIXTAPE”, a gathering for mixed-race people to share their very specific stories and life experiences with each other, lead by CAHOOTS. |
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June 5th 2020
In this article Aria Evans writes some thoughts and reflections for The Dance Current collecting some of the feelings and conversations she has been having about anti-racism and the Dance Community. https://www.thedancecurrent.com/column/calling?fbclid=IwAR0t29a0vUiRseJCbv6Ncdo0BnFp5n9KETPg5WCl4ERZ8G1n8IrEQ25zX34 |
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May 20th 2020
Aria sat down with Dedra McDermott to talk about the values and ethics behind heart2heart and her creative process.
Aria sat down with Dedra McDermott to talk about the values and ethics behind heart2heart and her creative process.
May 19th 2020
May 11th 2020
Last summer Aria Evans joined the Stratford Festival to work with the Lab Ensemble for an exploration led by Keith Barker! This video was just released of that time together.
March 31st 2020
This month we moved our heart2heart rehearsals online. We were supposed to be sharing this work with Why Not Theatre's RISER PROJECT from April 30th - May 9th, 2020 at The Theatre Centre, but instead we are using this time to deepen the work and continue developing the six duets that centre around "conversations about the state of the world" from home on zoom!
This month we moved our heart2heart rehearsals online. We were supposed to be sharing this work with Why Not Theatre's RISER PROJECT from April 30th - May 9th, 2020 at The Theatre Centre, but instead we are using this time to deepen the work and continue developing the six duets that centre around "conversations about the state of the world" from home on zoom!
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Creative Team Choreographer: Aria Evans Created with and performed by: Michael Caldwell and Liisa Smith Karen Kaeja and Sebastian Oreamuno Tanveer Alam and Angela Sun Olivia Croft and Irma Villafuerte Shay Erlich and Kari Pederson Corynne Bisson and Jordan Laffrenier Dramaturge: Ximena Huizi |
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February 21st 2020
This week Aria is in Vancouver for Matriarchs Uprising as part of the 2020 Talking Stick Festival! She will be sharing a reworked in progress version of her solo link from 2018! Join Aria for her Creation Lab at The Dance Centre on February 21st and catch her performance of link at The Cultch on February 22nd! |
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February 17th 2020
Here are some moments from our Performative Protest at the Family Day March for Wet’suwet’en! A huge Wela'lioq/Thank You to RAW; Raging Asian Women Taiko Drummers for jumping in and accompanying us! Co-Conspirators: Ximena Huizi, Angela Sun, Juliet Palmer, Heath V. Salazar, Olivia Shortt, Sonja Rainey, Alison Wong, Robin Luckwaldt and Ross Sphynx Photo's from: Martin Julien, Heather Nicol, Jon Elliott https://www.thedancecurrent.com/news-article/performing-protest?fbclid=IwAR0t29a0vUiRseJCbv6Ncdo0BnFp5n9KETPg5WCl4ERZ8G1n8IrEQ25zX34 |
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February 14th 2020
January 26th 2020
Aria was one of 30 dance artists at the Fleck Dance Theatre to perform a one minute re-imagining of 30 of Kaeja d'Dance's past works to celebrate their anniversary and Dance Ontario Lifetime Achievement Award.
Aria was one of 30 dance artists at the Fleck Dance Theatre to perform a one minute re-imagining of 30 of Kaeja d'Dance's past works to celebrate their anniversary and Dance Ontario Lifetime Achievement Award.
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January 20th 2020
Aria has been spending the past two weeks at The Banff Centre for the Arts with the Stratford Festival learning about Cree cosmology for Pawâkan Macbeth by Reneltta Arluk, direction by Michael Greyeyes and movement by Santee Smith. Elders Darlene Auger and Jhaik Windy Hair have also been sharing their teachings. |
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December 8th 2019
Shanawdithit 360: Day 1 and 2 with Sarah Choi Films!
Shanawdithit 360: Day 1 and 2 with Sarah Choi Films!
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November 21st 2019
Aria Evans spent the last few days with Samaqani Cocahq and Monique Mojica working on « MAW: The Time That Maw Was Born From Tall Tree Woman » to emerge for Native Earth Performing Arts Weesageechak Begins to Dance Festival! |
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November 2nd 2019
Tonight we close In the Abyss. What an incredible journey! Thank you to Laurence Lemieux for believing in this work and inviting Political Movement to be a part of Bright Nights. We are so proud of this work and the woven intersections between collaborators. Cherishing this as we embark on our last performance.
Tonight we close In the Abyss. What an incredible journey! Thank you to Laurence Lemieux for believing in this work and inviting Political Movement to be a part of Bright Nights. We are so proud of this work and the woven intersections between collaborators. Cherishing this as we embark on our last performance.
Thank You/Wela'lin/Meegwetch to everyone who came out to be a part of our first full length work!
"... this show feels like it was created by humanity, for humanity."
"On the whole, In The Abyss is a deeply original reflection on the universal human experience of being alive. It is a moving, timely, connecting piece of work, that asks: at our core, how are we alike? In a time when our political world seems increasingly divided and divisive, this is a question that begs more asking."
https://www.mooneyontheatre.com/2019/11/03/review-in-the-abyss-citadel-compagnie/
"... this show feels like it was created by humanity, for humanity."
"On the whole, In The Abyss is a deeply original reflection on the universal human experience of being alive. It is a moving, timely, connecting piece of work, that asks: at our core, how are we alike? In a time when our political world seems increasingly divided and divisive, this is a question that begs more asking."
https://www.mooneyontheatre.com/2019/11/03/review-in-the-abyss-citadel-compagnie/
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October 30th 2019
In The Abyss PREMIERS tonight! Presented by Citadel + Compagnie as part of Bright Nights! Choreographer: Aria Evans Created with and performed by: Irvin Chow Ana Claudette Groppler Syreeta Hector David Norsworthy Composer: Babak Taghinia Costume Designer: Kinoo Arcentales Lighting Designer: Sarah Mansikka Outside Eye: Julia Sasso Production Manager: Candice Irwin Set Designer: Rachel Forbes Stage Manager: Tamara Protic Text and Body Dramaturge: Ximena Huizi Writer: Liam Zarrillo |
Photo's by: Francesca Chudnoff
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September 21st 2019
Tonight is the opening of Finding Wolastoq Voice at the National Arts Centre as part of Mòshkamo (moosh-ka-moh), their very first season celebrating Indigenous arts. Review: https://artsfile.ca/review-finding-wolastoq-voice/?fbclid=IwAR1Msd6YaRPl6vA07BXNxxfxSDMBJ47h_n_LqFDWEigLdiVnYmmGEid1Vu0 |
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September 13th 2019
OUR TRAILER IS HERE! The world Premiere of In The Abyss runs October 30 - November 2, 2019 Presented by Citadel + Compagnie through Bright Nights. choreographer: Aria Evans / Political Movement created with and performed by: Irvin Chow Ana Claudette Groppler Syreeta Hector David Norsworthy composer: Babak Taghinia costume designer: Kinoo Arcentales lighting designer: Sarah Mansikka set designer: Rachel Forbes writer: Liam Zarrillo stage manager: Tamara Danger Protic |
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September 8th 2019
Aria Evans is heading out on another Finding Wolastoq Voice tour! Ship's Company Theatre Sep. 12 - 14, 2019 Theatre New Brunswick Sep. 17 - 18, 2019 National Arts Centre / Centre national des Arts Sep. 21 - 23, 2019 SET & LIGHTING DESIGN : ANDY MORO COSTUMES : SHERRY KINNEAR ARTISTIC TREATMENT: AURA (MONIQUEAURA.COM) © ANDRE REINDERS Creative Team: Written by Natalie Sappier Director: Thomas Morgan Jones Set and Lighting Designer: Andy Moro Sound Designer: Michael Doherty Costume Designer: Sherry Kinnear Stage Manager: Tammy Faulkner |
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September 7th 2019
This week, back in rehearsals for In the Abyss, we filmed our trailer! We premier this full length work (that has been two years in the making) October 30th - November 2nd!
This week, back in rehearsals for In the Abyss, we filmed our trailer! We premier this full length work (that has been two years in the making) October 30th - November 2nd!
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August 16th 2019
This month Aria is heading to Edinburgh, United Kingdom to participate in Miijin Ki (Eating Land) by Lara Kramer, being presented by the Indigenous Contemporary Scene during the Edinburgh Fringe. https://festival19.summerhall.co.uk/event/miijin-ki/ |
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August 14th 2019
The SummerWorks Performance Festival invited us to their Open Studio Pitch Session!
The SummerWorks Performance Festival invited us to their Open Studio Pitch Session!
We will be pitching 'In The Abyss', our company's first full length work during an open studio session to local and International Presenters.
We premiered our first work 'Desiccated' at the Festival in 2015 and it's such a huge honour to be invited back in this new way. Mayumi Lashbrook and Pulga Cesar Muchochoma are filling in for David Norsworthy and Irvin Chow alongside Syreeta Hector and Ana Claudette Groppler. We are so grateful for these artists and these opportunities.
We premiered our first work 'Desiccated' at the Festival in 2015 and it's such a huge honour to be invited back in this new way. Mayumi Lashbrook and Pulga Cesar Muchochoma are filling in for David Norsworthy and Irvin Chow alongside Syreeta Hector and Ana Claudette Groppler. We are so grateful for these artists and these opportunities.
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August 4th 2019
So much Gratitude! We spent this past week at Native Earth Performing Arts in a Technical Residency working on In The Abyss! Supported by: Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council and Native Earth Performing Arts. Choreographer: Aria Evans Created with and performed by: Irvin Chow, Ana Groppler, Syreeta Hector, David Norsworthy Composer: Babak Taghinia Set designer: Rachel Forbes Writer: Liam Zarrillo |
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July 26th 2019
Have you seen this music video?! Aria worked as choreographer for iskwē's new single Breaking Down!
Have you seen this music video?! Aria worked as choreographer for iskwē's new single Breaking Down!
Featuring: Sze-Yang Ade-Lam, Micha Baltman, Kennedy Bomberry, Serwaa Daley, Geoffrey Michaël Dollar, Kristy Janvier, Aisha Nicholson, Karyin Qiu and Heath V. Salazar!
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July 21st 2019
Porch View Dances begins! PORCH 1 Choreographed by Aria Evans For the third year in a row Jim and Owen Adams, an Indigenous father and son have embarked on a PVD series of what it means to be an Indigenous family in the city. This year they will be creating a piece for Jim to perform about dreams, memory, and loss. |
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June 21st 2019
Shanawdithit heads to St. John's with Opera On The Avalon! 
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June 10th 2019
Starting tomorrow, Four Sisters written and directed by Susanna Fournier with choreography by Amanda Acorn premiers at the Luminato Festival!
Join us for 7 SHOWS, the culminating chapter of the critically acclaimed EMPIRE trilogy by PARADIGM productions.
Starting tomorrow, Four Sisters written and directed by Susanna Fournier with choreography by Amanda Acorn premiers at the Luminato Festival!
Join us for 7 SHOWS, the culminating chapter of the critically acclaimed EMPIRE trilogy by PARADIGM productions.
Starring Krystina Bojanowski, Yolanda Bonnell, Jennifer Dahl, Aria Evans, Ximena Huizi, Chala Hunter, Claudia Moore and Bea Pizano
Design by Kaitlin Hickey Sound Design by Christopher Ross-Ewart Video Design by Steph Raposo
Design by Kaitlin Hickey Sound Design by Christopher Ross-Ewart Video Design by Steph Raposo
May 15th 2019
Shanawdithit opens tomorrow!
Imperial Oil Opera Theatre | 227 Front Street East
May 16-25
Shanawdithit opens tomorrow!
Imperial Oil Opera Theatre | 227 Front Street East
May 16-25
Music: Dean Burry, Libretto: Yvette Nolan, Co-Director: Michael Hideoshi Mori Set Design: Camellia Koo, Lighting Design: Michelle Ramsay, Costume Design: Kinoo Arcentales, Projection Design: Cam Davis, Music Director: Rosemary Thomson, Production Manager: Charissa Wilcox, Stage Manager: Kristin McCollum, Assistant Stage Manager: Lesley Albarquez Bradley, Assistant Music Director: Jennifer Tung, Props: David Hoekstra Video art: Jerry Evans, mamateek sourced and built: Meagan Musseau, Choreography: Michelle Olson, banner photo portrait: Lori Blondeau, banners: Jordan Bennett Marion Newman: Shanawdithit, Clarence Frazer: William Cormack, Aria Evans: Demasduit/Dancer, Rebecca Cuddy: Kwe/Spirit Chorus, Asitha Tennekoon: Peyton/Man1/Spirit Chorus, Evan Korbut: Simms/Man 2/Spirit Chorus, Deantha Edmunds: Mother/Spirit Chorus
May 1st 2019
We just spent the last two weeks continuing to develop In The Abyss which gets presented this fall in Toronto!
We just spent the last two weeks continuing to develop In The Abyss which gets presented this fall in Toronto!
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April 16th 2019
Last night our Artistic Director Aria Evans won the My Entertainment World Critic's Pick award for Outstanding Dance Performance for her work in Finding Wolastoq Voice with Theatre New Brunswick, Native Earth Performing Arts and Prairie Theatre Exchange. In case you couldn't be at The Great Hall Toronto ... Here is most of her acceptance speech. Created by: Natalie Sappier Director: Thom Morgan Jones Set & Lighting Design: Andy Moro Sound Design: Michael Doherty Costume Design: Sherry Kinnear Stage Managers: Tammy Faulkner and Chris Pearce |
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March 26th 2019
Find out what the press in Winnipeg is saying about Finding Wolastoq Voice!
CBC:
"... Evans is a remarkable dancer — sometimes thrashing around like a fish in the river, sometimes swaying gracefully like a tree, often reaching out, as though grasping for vital connections."
"... she's consistently mesmerizing to watch."
Winnipeg Free Press:
"... it's a dance piece, but it's one with the power to move you to tears ..."
"... It's a lovely performance ..."
Find out what the press in Winnipeg is saying about Finding Wolastoq Voice!
CBC:
"... Evans is a remarkable dancer — sometimes thrashing around like a fish in the river, sometimes swaying gracefully like a tree, often reaching out, as though grasping for vital connections."
"... she's consistently mesmerizing to watch."
Winnipeg Free Press:
"... it's a dance piece, but it's one with the power to move you to tears ..."
"... It's a lovely performance ..."
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March 26th 2019
Thank you to everyone who made it out to the Creative Process workshop Aria lead this evening with Young Lungs Dance Exchange in Winnipeg, Manitoba! |
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March 20th 2019
Finding Wolastoq Voice opened at Prairie Theatre Exchange today in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The show runs until March 31st!
Finding Wolastoq Voice opened at Prairie Theatre Exchange today in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The show runs until March 31st!
Finding Wolastoq Voice by Natalie Sappier
Director: Thom Morgan Jones
Set & Lighting Design: Andy Moro
Sound Design: Michael Doherty
Costume Design: Sherry Kinnear
Stage Manager: Chris Pearce
Director: Thom Morgan Jones
Set & Lighting Design: Andy Moro
Sound Design: Michael Doherty
Costume Design: Sherry Kinnear
Stage Manager: Chris Pearce
March 11th 2019
Tonight from 7pm-9pm at the Gladstone Hotel in the North Ballroom, a new dance film by Aria Evans and River Shepherd (Storm Glass Collective) premiers as part of Past/Present/Future with Myseum Intersections 2019.
Tonight from 7pm-9pm at the Gladstone Hotel in the North Ballroom, a new dance film by Aria Evans and River Shepherd (Storm Glass Collective) premiers as part of Past/Present/Future with Myseum Intersections 2019.
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February 28th 2019
Thanks to the support from the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council (Volcano Theatre and Nightswimming Theatre), this month has been spent in research for a new project; heart2heart. Artistic Director Aria Evans has been working with Tanveer Alam and Angela Sun, Corynne Bisson and Jordan Laffrenier, Michael Caldwell and Liisa Smith, Olivia Croft and Rodney Diverlus, Shay Erlich and Kari Pederson, Karen Kaeja and Sebastian Oreamuno and Joie Ann Merana and Irma Villafuerte researching and conversing about the state of the world. Keep checking in to see where this project goes in the future!
Thanks to the support from the Toronto Arts Council and Ontario Arts Council (Volcano Theatre and Nightswimming Theatre), this month has been spent in research for a new project; heart2heart. Artistic Director Aria Evans has been working with Tanveer Alam and Angela Sun, Corynne Bisson and Jordan Laffrenier, Michael Caldwell and Liisa Smith, Olivia Croft and Rodney Diverlus, Shay Erlich and Kari Pederson, Karen Kaeja and Sebastian Oreamuno and Joie Ann Merana and Irma Villafuerte researching and conversing about the state of the world. Keep checking in to see where this project goes in the future!
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February 19th 2019
Tonight Aria will be engaging with the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists to talk on a panel about the Intersections in Dance and Theatre. Join the conversation! |
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January 11th 2019
Catch Artistic Director Aria Evans in this new music video: The Skin I'm In by Amanda Rheaume!
Catch Artistic Director Aria Evans in this new music video: The Skin I'm In by Amanda Rheaume!
Director: Rich Misener
Producer: Cut Cartel
Cinematographer: Benji Irwin
Wardrobe Stylist: Renee Kaylor
Makeup: Rasha Kaskas
Producer: Cut Cartel
Cinematographer: Benji Irwin
Wardrobe Stylist: Renee Kaylor
Makeup: Rasha Kaskas
January 2nd 2019
Artistic Director Aria Evans has been nominated by My Entertainment World for “Outstanding Dance Performance” in Finding Wolastoq Voice!
Artistic Director Aria Evans has been nominated by My Entertainment World for “Outstanding Dance Performance” in Finding Wolastoq Voice!
December 1st 2018
On December 3rd at 7pm a new dance film by Aria Evans will be screened at Dancemakers Centre for Creation with RT Collective's Screen:Moves. This commission looks at solitude and how we can be alone together.
Featuring:
MAYUMI LASHBROOK
SHANNON LITZENBERGER
RAELYN METCALFE
DAVID NORSWORTHY
IRMA VILLAFUERTE
KATHIA WITTENBORN
On December 3rd at 7pm a new dance film by Aria Evans will be screened at Dancemakers Centre for Creation with RT Collective's Screen:Moves. This commission looks at solitude and how we can be alone together.
Featuring:
MAYUMI LASHBROOK
SHANNON LITZENBERGER
RAELYN METCALFE
DAVID NORSWORTHY
IRMA VILLAFUERTE
KATHIA WITTENBORN
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November 12th 2018 We are back in rehearsals for a work-in-progress showing of In The Abyss with Native Earth Performing Arts and their Weesageechak Begins To Dance Festival 31 happening on November 15th. Photo by Kaytee Dalton of Aria Evans, filling in for Irvin Chow and Syreeta Hector |
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October 22nd 2018
This past week and for the week to come Aria is collaborating with dancer Nimikii Couchie on a co-created duet, Adopting In.
This past week and for the week to come Aria is collaborating with dancer Nimikii Couchie on a co-created duet, Adopting In.
October 14th 2018
Over the weekend Aria joined the CanDance and the Alliance of Canadian Dance Networks (ACDN) at their National Meeting at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa to talk to presenters about In The Abyss, the company's first full length work.
Over the weekend Aria joined the CanDance and the Alliance of Canadian Dance Networks (ACDN) at their National Meeting at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa to talk to presenters about In The Abyss, the company's first full length work.
October 9th 2018
The past two weeks have been spent back in rehearsals for In The Abyss gearing up for our production this time next year with Irvin Chow, Ana Groppler, Syreeta Hector and David Norsworthy!
The past two weeks have been spent back in rehearsals for In The Abyss gearing up for our production this time next year with Irvin Chow, Ana Groppler, Syreeta Hector and David Norsworthy!
September 9th 2018
This month Aria is in residence at The Banff Centre with co-creator Shannon Litzenberger developing a new piece called In Translation.
This month Aria is in residence at The Banff Centre with co-creator Shannon Litzenberger developing a new piece called In Translation.
July 20th 2018
This week Aria has been working on a commission from Half Second Echo playing with themes around expectation.
This week Aria has been working on a commission from Half Second Echo playing with themes around expectation.
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May 16th 2018
Artistic Director Aria Evans was invited to attend this years Mayor's Arts Lunch put on by the Toronto Arts Foundation. The Mayor's Arts Lunch is a high-profile event that brings together a carefully curated room representing Toronto’s creative community, including artists, key business and civic leaders, politicians from all levels of government, as well as special guests and celebrities. Artists and cultural leaders are also invited each year to attend the event. |
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May 6th 2018
Rehearsals for our remount and remix of Desiccated have been going great. We will be premiering a new music track by DJ Classic Roots on May 11th for the Pulse Ontario Dance Conference!
Rehearsals for our remount and remix of Desiccated have been going great. We will be premiering a new music track by DJ Classic Roots on May 11th for the Pulse Ontario Dance Conference!
April 27th 2018
Over the next year and a half we will be developing our fist full length piece In The Abyss. Here are some photo's from week two of our research with David Norsworthy, Ana Groppler and Syreeta Hector!
Over the next year and a half we will be developing our fist full length piece In The Abyss. Here are some photo's from week two of our research with David Norsworthy, Ana Groppler and Syreeta Hector!
April 24th 2018
We had a blast rehearsing for our remount/remix of Desiccated at Union Station with Fall For Dance North this afternoon!
We had a blast rehearsing for our remount/remix of Desiccated at Union Station with Fall For Dance North this afternoon!
April 5th 2018
Tonight is the final performance of Finding Wolastoq Voice for 2018. Here is a fantastic review from our Toronto tour stop at Native Earth Performing Arts by My Entertainment World.
"... Evans’ movements are both expansive and grounded. ... Evans’ grounded movements complement Sappier’s storytelling with a soul-breaking evocativeness that lingers after the show had ended." Read the full review here.
Tonight is the final performance of Finding Wolastoq Voice for 2018. Here is a fantastic review from our Toronto tour stop at Native Earth Performing Arts by My Entertainment World.
"... Evans’ movements are both expansive and grounded. ... Evans’ grounded movements complement Sappier’s storytelling with a soul-breaking evocativeness that lingers after the show had ended." Read the full review here.
March 23rd 2018
We are officially on tour for Theatre New Brunswick's production of Finding Wolastoq Voice. Here is another fantastic review of the work!
"Evans articulates the emotion in Sappier’s writing through movement, in a manner that can be described as no less than stunning and powerful. Throughout the performance, Evans also interacts with the water and sand on stage, highlighting the importance of the Wolastoq to this piece." Read the full review here.
We are officially on tour for Theatre New Brunswick's production of Finding Wolastoq Voice. Here is another fantastic review of the work!
"Evans articulates the emotion in Sappier’s writing through movement, in a manner that can be described as no less than stunning and powerful. Throughout the performance, Evans also interacts with the water and sand on stage, highlighting the importance of the Wolastoq to this piece." Read the full review here.
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On Tour March 21, 2018: St. Andrews March 22, 2018: Saint John March 23, 2018: Moncton March 24, 2018: Bathurst March 25, 2018: Elsipogtog First Nation March 26, 2018: Sackville March 29-31, 2018: Toronto - Native Earth Performing Arts April 4, 2018, Burnt Church First Nation April 5, 2018: Tobique First Nation April 6, 2018: Florenceville-Bristol |
March 15th 2018
As we head into week two of Finding Wolastoq Voice at Theatre New Brunswick, here is a glowing reflection of the work by Joyful Magpies.
" ... What’s interesting about Evans’ choreography is the vulnerability and unease that comes through in the movement, but also the resilience that pushes the character forward. Of course, that resilience is challenged at certain points, but nonetheless it remains. Evans’ movement captures the anxiety of being displaced, of not feeling a sense of belonging. The sand plays an important part in this personal investigation as Evans pushes it, spreads it, and eventually comes to make peace with it. Rough waters calm with time, but, as Sappier warns, it’s easy to lose one’s footing and be swept away. Evans’ choreography is exciting and articulate ..." Read the full review here.
As we head into week two of Finding Wolastoq Voice at Theatre New Brunswick, here is a glowing reflection of the work by Joyful Magpies.
" ... What’s interesting about Evans’ choreography is the vulnerability and unease that comes through in the movement, but also the resilience that pushes the character forward. Of course, that resilience is challenged at certain points, but nonetheless it remains. Evans’ movement captures the anxiety of being displaced, of not feeling a sense of belonging. The sand plays an important part in this personal investigation as Evans pushes it, spreads it, and eventually comes to make peace with it. Rough waters calm with time, but, as Sappier warns, it’s easy to lose one’s footing and be swept away. Evans’ choreography is exciting and articulate ..." Read the full review here.
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Playwright & Composer: Samaqani Cocahq
Director: Thom Morgan Jones Dancer & Choreographer: Aria Evans Set & Lighting Designer: Andy Moro Sound Designer: Michael Doherty Costume Designer: Sherry Kinnear Stage Manager: Tammy Faulkner Photo by: Andre Reinders |
February 23rd 2018
Check out this beautiful, thoughtful and insightful review for Prevailing Voices by My Entertainment World!
"On a dreary Thursday night in February, I went to see two wonderful women bare their souls through dance at the Pia Bouman School’s Scotiabank Theatre, and I’m so glad that I did. I am often apprehensive of the immersive quality of dance in solo shows – not to say many dancers aren’t wonderful and exquisite, I only sometimes find solo performances less impactful. However, this was not the case at Prevailing Voices. Aria Evans and Lilia Leon, the dancers, both filled the space with their energy and movement, having created pieces that felt as if a chorus of dancers were standing with them. Before the show began, the dancers drew the audience in to the theatre’s entryway, and personally introduced themselves. What a wonderful way to ensure the audience is on the same page as you – these women were honest about their feelings, processes, and didn’t shy away from addressing some of the darker or more painful themes they were exploring. I enjoyed the sage cleanse of the space, and felt wholly introduced to the two narratives of ancestry, history, indigenous past, and colonialism that were the main players of the evening.
Aria and her team created a fascinating world with set design, managing to add incredibly to her performance, “link”. The sepia tones of her environment evoked the idea of losing one’s voice through history, or the various and violent ways that the indigenous past in Canada has been stomped into existing only in historical photos. Aria moves with a burning internal power, full of passion and defiance. She creates an interesting blend of strength and destruction, flushing out the idea of the continuation of trials and struggles throughout a person’s past. Aria continues to develop her dynamic energy throughout the piece, and shows intense emotional depth as well. She had the audience on the edge of our seats through the final, powerful, moments of her piece."
... Read more here:
Check out this beautiful, thoughtful and insightful review for Prevailing Voices by My Entertainment World!
"On a dreary Thursday night in February, I went to see two wonderful women bare their souls through dance at the Pia Bouman School’s Scotiabank Theatre, and I’m so glad that I did. I am often apprehensive of the immersive quality of dance in solo shows – not to say many dancers aren’t wonderful and exquisite, I only sometimes find solo performances less impactful. However, this was not the case at Prevailing Voices. Aria Evans and Lilia Leon, the dancers, both filled the space with their energy and movement, having created pieces that felt as if a chorus of dancers were standing with them. Before the show began, the dancers drew the audience in to the theatre’s entryway, and personally introduced themselves. What a wonderful way to ensure the audience is on the same page as you – these women were honest about their feelings, processes, and didn’t shy away from addressing some of the darker or more painful themes they were exploring. I enjoyed the sage cleanse of the space, and felt wholly introduced to the two narratives of ancestry, history, indigenous past, and colonialism that were the main players of the evening.
Aria and her team created a fascinating world with set design, managing to add incredibly to her performance, “link”. The sepia tones of her environment evoked the idea of losing one’s voice through history, or the various and violent ways that the indigenous past in Canada has been stomped into existing only in historical photos. Aria moves with a burning internal power, full of passion and defiance. She creates an interesting blend of strength and destruction, flushing out the idea of the continuation of trials and struggles throughout a person’s past. Aria continues to develop her dynamic energy throughout the piece, and shows intense emotional depth as well. She had the audience on the edge of our seats through the final, powerful, moments of her piece."
... Read more here:
February 14th 2018
Prevailing Voices opens tomorrow to a sold out show! Here are some fantastic shots of link from our Dress Rehearsal taken by Francesca Chudnoff!
Prevailing Voices opens tomorrow to a sold out show! Here are some fantastic shots of link from our Dress Rehearsal taken by Francesca Chudnoff!
February 2nd 2018
Aria was invited to speak at the DTRC's On The Move conference as the Keynote Speaker. Curious about what she had to say to the next generation of emerging dance artists? Have a listen!
Aria was invited to speak at the DTRC's On The Move conference as the Keynote Speaker. Curious about what she had to say to the next generation of emerging dance artists? Have a listen!
January 25th 2018
Prevailing Voices opens in just 3 weeks! Check out this Artist Interview and Trailer for link!
Prevailing Voices opens in just 3 weeks! Check out this Artist Interview and Trailer for link!
January 19th 2018
Catch Aria Evans and Deanna H. Choi for Kaeja d'Dance's inaugural Wind Down Dance 2018! This is a new work in development from their collective Keep Watch. Stay updated to learn more about WAKE!
Catch Aria Evans and Deanna H. Choi for Kaeja d'Dance's inaugural Wind Down Dance 2018! This is a new work in development from their collective Keep Watch. Stay updated to learn more about WAKE!
December 4th 2017
This evening, "They _____" a new dance film made in collaboration with Aria Evans and Joey Eddy premieres at Screen'Moves (Presented by the RT Collective) at DanceMakers!
This evening, "They _____" a new dance film made in collaboration with Aria Evans and Joey Eddy premieres at Screen'Moves (Presented by the RT Collective) at DanceMakers!
November 21st 2017
This morning Aria spoke with The New Classical 96.3 FM about Voice Of a Nation's final performance in Toronto on November 23rd at Toronto Grace Church! For more info visit: www.torontoconcertorchestra.com/tickets
This morning Aria spoke with The New Classical 96.3 FM about Voice Of a Nation's final performance in Toronto on November 23rd at Toronto Grace Church! For more info visit: www.torontoconcertorchestra.com/tickets
November 12th 2017
Aria talks about her creative process and the upcoming performances of link; her newest solo work being workshopped on November 23rd at Native Earth Performing Arts' Weesageechak Begins to Dance 30 Festival and presented in February with DanceWorks CoWorks alongside Lilia Leon.
www.danceworks.ca/coworks_event/aria-evans-lilia-leon
Aria talks about her creative process and the upcoming performances of link; her newest solo work being workshopped on November 23rd at Native Earth Performing Arts' Weesageechak Begins to Dance 30 Festival and presented in February with DanceWorks CoWorks alongside Lilia Leon.
www.danceworks.ca/coworks_event/aria-evans-lilia-leon
November 6th 2017
Last night Aria performed a solo at the Wenona - Craft Beer Lodge alongside David Newberry for an event that brought Toronto based singer/songwriters and live performance together.
Last night Aria performed a solo at the Wenona - Craft Beer Lodge alongside David Newberry for an event that brought Toronto based singer/songwriters and live performance together.
October 18th 2017
Aria has been invited to contribute to Soulpepper's Guswenta Gathering. Programmed by Falen Johnson and Cole Alvis, the Guswenta Gathering brings Indigenous artists to Soulpepper with presentations of theatre, dance, music and art. Programming will highlight art that speaks to the lands and waterways where The Young Centre for the Performing Arts sits.
Aria will be talking on the SPEAKER SERIES: WAMPUM AND WORLDVIEW (October 18th) and performing on the FIRST STORY BUS TOUR (October 20th and 21st).
Aria has been invited to contribute to Soulpepper's Guswenta Gathering. Programmed by Falen Johnson and Cole Alvis, the Guswenta Gathering brings Indigenous artists to Soulpepper with presentations of theatre, dance, music and art. Programming will highlight art that speaks to the lands and waterways where The Young Centre for the Performing Arts sits.
Aria will be talking on the SPEAKER SERIES: WAMPUM AND WORLDVIEW (October 18th) and performing on the FIRST STORY BUS TOUR (October 20th and 21st).
October 2nd 2017
Here is the opening section for Two Row, presented in partnership with Ontario Culture Days.
Original music by: Lacey Hill
Performances by: Julia Sasso, Irma Villafuerte, Bee Pallomina, Shannon Litzenberger, Syreeta Hector and Kiley May
Here is the opening section for Two Row, presented in partnership with Ontario Culture Days.
Original music by: Lacey Hill
Performances by: Julia Sasso, Irma Villafuerte, Bee Pallomina, Shannon Litzenberger, Syreeta Hector and Kiley May
September 24th 2017
Two Row is just one week away! Get to know the artists who are involved in activating our installation, stay connected with us on facebook!
Two Row is just one week away! Get to know the artists who are involved in activating our installation, stay connected with us on facebook!
September 7th 2017
Ontario Culture Days has officially launched this year’s Youth Arts Ambassadors Program on their website! Learn about two row by Aria Evans, one of four diverse community-engaged art projects happening at this years celebrations.
Ontario Culture Days has officially launched this year’s Youth Arts Ambassadors Program on their website! Learn about two row by Aria Evans, one of four diverse community-engaged art projects happening at this years celebrations.
August 31st 2017
This week we are on-site developing a new site specific piece for Arts In The Parks Toronto with Tia Kushniruk, Pulga Muchochoma and Kathia Wittenborn!
Produced by Urbanvessel, On The Brink premiers September 15th and 16th 2017 at Amos Waites Park and fuses dance with sound and light at the water’s edge.
This week we are on-site developing a new site specific piece for Arts In The Parks Toronto with Tia Kushniruk, Pulga Muchochoma and Kathia Wittenborn!
Produced by Urbanvessel, On The Brink premiers September 15th and 16th 2017 at Amos Waites Park and fuses dance with sound and light at the water’s edge.
August 13th 2017
The SummerWorks Performance Festival has come to a close! Here are some fantastic photo's captured by Dahlia Katz Photography from our performances of PATHS spearheaded by Eldritch Designs Collective.
The SummerWorks Performance Festival has come to a close! Here are some fantastic photo's captured by Dahlia Katz Photography from our performances of PATHS spearheaded by Eldritch Designs Collective.
August 4th 2017
PATHS by Eldritch Designs opens tonight! check out our latest trailer:
PATHS by Eldritch Designs opens tonight! check out our latest trailer:
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Paths has been named one of five "...most intriguing shows at SummerWorks this year..." by Toronto Life! Come spend the evening with us August 4/5/6 at Artscape Youngplacein room 109!
Read the full article here: https://torontolife.com/…/summerworks-immersive-plays-2017…
Read the full article here: https://torontolife.com/…/summerworks-immersive-plays-2017…
August 2nd 2017
Paths has been included in this list of 10 things to catch at the SummerWorks Performance Festival this year by the Toronto Star!
We run August 4/5/6 at Artscape Youngplace in room 109!
"Artistic director Laura Nanni has continued in the SummerWorks tradition of assembling a lineup of works that are eclectic, often interactive and most certainly memorable. Here are 10 we’re hoping to catch over the next 10 days ...
... Paths This interactive dance performance encourages you to get lost — literally. Travel in a group of four through a maze and encounter dancers inspired by the four elements — earth, wind, water and fire — and track the environmental footprint of your own path."
Read more here: https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2017/08/02/summerworks-returns-with-its-usual-blend-of-dance-music-theatre-and-more.html
Paths has been included in this list of 10 things to catch at the SummerWorks Performance Festival this year by the Toronto Star!
We run August 4/5/6 at Artscape Youngplace in room 109!
"Artistic director Laura Nanni has continued in the SummerWorks tradition of assembling a lineup of works that are eclectic, often interactive and most certainly memorable. Here are 10 we’re hoping to catch over the next 10 days ...
... Paths This interactive dance performance encourages you to get lost — literally. Travel in a group of four through a maze and encounter dancers inspired by the four elements — earth, wind, water and fire — and track the environmental footprint of your own path."
Read more here: https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2017/08/02/summerworks-returns-with-its-usual-blend-of-dance-music-theatre-and-more.html
July 1st 2017
Aria is in creation for a new trio with Syreeta Hector and Raelyn Metcalfe that has been commissioned by the Toronto Concert Orchestra. The piece is to Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite and she is drawing inspiration from the trickster.
Aria is in creation for a new trio with Syreeta Hector and Raelyn Metcalfe that has been commissioned by the Toronto Concert Orchestra. The piece is to Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite and she is drawing inspiration from the trickster.
June 14th 2017
Some quotes from last nights conversation with Dark Nights at The Gladstone Hotel, Room #214
Dark Nights is a salon-style conversation series where local creators are invited to share their philosophies on life in the arts. Each month, Dark Nights invites a young creative voice to stimulate a conversation with everyone in attendance. With an emphasis on demystifying the creative life, this series challenges our success driven culture head on by establishing space for real conversations.
Some quotes from last nights conversation with Dark Nights at The Gladstone Hotel, Room #214
Dark Nights is a salon-style conversation series where local creators are invited to share their philosophies on life in the arts. Each month, Dark Nights invites a young creative voice to stimulate a conversation with everyone in attendance. With an emphasis on demystifying the creative life, this series challenges our success driven culture head on by establishing space for real conversations.
May 14th 2017
Over the weekend Aria attended the 20th Annual Canadian Arts Summit, CultureNEXT at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, PEI as an Invited Guest Contributor.
"CultureNEXT brought together 150 extraordinary arts leaders from across the country to imagine the future of Canada’s creative life. As Canada looks forward to the next 50 years, issues around cultural diversity and inclusion, evolving digital technologies, cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary intersections, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples are emerging as major drivers of cultural transformation.
Over the weekend Aria attended the 20th Annual Canadian Arts Summit, CultureNEXT at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, PEI as an Invited Guest Contributor.
"CultureNEXT brought together 150 extraordinary arts leaders from across the country to imagine the future of Canada’s creative life. As Canada looks forward to the next 50 years, issues around cultural diversity and inclusion, evolving digital technologies, cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary intersections, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples are emerging as major drivers of cultural transformation.
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April 8th 2017
Aria Evans joined Aisha Bentham and Deanna Choi alongside Moderator Claire Burns to talk on TAPA's Indie X pannel "Interdisciplinary: Get FANCY!" - A practical panel on interdisciplinary engagement models and making ART ... answering the questions: How can you and your company work to collaborate and engage multi disciplinary artists? |
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April 2nd 2017
This past week we have been back in the studio exploring the elements to develop PATHS with Ana Groppler, Jasmyn Fyffe, Jolyane Langlois and Mateo Torres. Stay tuned for programming announcements coming in May! PATHS will be an immersive, site-specific maze that audiences get to explore while encountering movement vignettes along the way.
This past week we have been back in the studio exploring the elements to develop PATHS with Ana Groppler, Jasmyn Fyffe, Jolyane Langlois and Mateo Torres. Stay tuned for programming announcements coming in May! PATHS will be an immersive, site-specific maze that audiences get to explore while encountering movement vignettes along the way.
March 13th 2017
This past month Aria has been continuing to develop link, a now solo work that will premiere at Native Earths Performing Arts Weesageechak Begins To Dance Festival in November. She has been working with Jesse Dell as an artistic collaborator and Peggy Baker as an outside eye.
This past month Aria has been continuing to develop link, a now solo work that will premiere at Native Earths Performing Arts Weesageechak Begins To Dance Festival in November. She has been working with Jesse Dell as an artistic collaborator and Peggy Baker as an outside eye.
March 8th 2017
Aria performed In The Abyss for Nightwood Theatre's Fempocalypse: A Cabaret for International Women's Day.
Aria performed In The Abyss for Nightwood Theatre's Fempocalypse: A Cabaret for International Women's Day.
"A movement exploration based on the
scientific fact that our bodies are made of remnants of stars and
massive explosions in the galaxies."
Photo's by: Naomi Peter
Photo's by: Naomi Peter
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January 26th 2017
On Thursday February 2nd Aria will be sharing a short new work In The Abyss for the New Music Festival. In The Abyss will be performed by Jesse Dell and has been created in collaboration with composer Babak Taghinia. Walter Hall - University of Toronto 7:30pm Admission is free Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1382615271769659/ |
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January 13th 2017
Over the next week and a half Aria will be workshopping a new play by Samaqani Cocahq called Finding Wolastoq Voice. As dancer/choreographer she will be collaborating with writer Natalie Sappier, designer Andy Moro and Director Thom Morgan Jones of Theatre New Brunswick. Stay connected for show updates!
Over the next week and a half Aria will be workshopping a new play by Samaqani Cocahq called Finding Wolastoq Voice. As dancer/choreographer she will be collaborating with writer Natalie Sappier, designer Andy Moro and Director Thom Morgan Jones of Theatre New Brunswick. Stay connected for show updates!
December 3rd 2016
We shot a dance film with Jesse Dell and Mateo Galindo Torres today! It will be premiering on December 7th at Ryerson University.
"our bodies are made of remnants of stars and massive explosions in the galaxies"
We shot a dance film with Jesse Dell and Mateo Galindo Torres today! It will be premiering on December 7th at Ryerson University.
"our bodies are made of remnants of stars and massive explosions in the galaxies"
November 17th 2016
Thank you to everyone who made it out to Native Earth Performing Arts festival: Weesageechak Begins To Dance! We were so thrilled to be able to present two works; RElaps and an excerpt of link, a solo currently in development.
Thank you to everyone who made it out to Native Earth Performing Arts festival: Weesageechak Begins To Dance! We were so thrilled to be able to present two works; RElaps and an excerpt of link, a solo currently in development.
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November 8th 2016
Rehearsals have started for our remount of RElaps with collaborators: Jesse Dell and Naishi Wang! Weesageechak Begins to Dance 29 Nov. 17th 2016 Aki Studio 730pm |
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November 1st 2016
Solo rehearsals for our work in progress showing of link are underway! Come see an excerpt of the work on November 5th at 730pm for Weesageechak Begins to Dance 29 in the Aki Studio for the ANIMIKIIG TRAINING PROGRAM evening.
Solo rehearsals for our work in progress showing of link are underway! Come see an excerpt of the work on November 5th at 730pm for Weesageechak Begins to Dance 29 in the Aki Studio for the ANIMIKIIG TRAINING PROGRAM evening.
September 8th 2016
This past week Aria has been working with ARTICLE 11 facilitating Humber College's Community Week - a performance installation creation project with 1st, 2nd and 3rd year performance and production students. Artists involved in irising included Tara Beagan, Audrey Dwyer, Aria Evans, Donna Michelle St Bernard, Andy Moro and Laird McDonald.
This past week Aria has been working with ARTICLE 11 facilitating Humber College's Community Week - a performance installation creation project with 1st, 2nd and 3rd year performance and production students. Artists involved in irising included Tara Beagan, Audrey Dwyer, Aria Evans, Donna Michelle St Bernard, Andy Moro and Laird McDonald.
September 1st 2016
The Go To Company is back in the studio working on a new piece called link. We are in deep research mode with a group of amazing collaborators; Naishi Wang, Joshua DePerry and Pulga Muchochoma!
The Go To Company is back in the studio working on a new piece called link. We are in deep research mode with a group of amazing collaborators; Naishi Wang, Joshua DePerry and Pulga Muchochoma!
August 20th 2016
Aria has been working in North Bay this week on Nipising First Nation developing a new duet project 'Adopting In'. This work is a commission of choreographer and KM Hunter award recipient Penny Couchie. Penny is leading a creative process with both Aria and Nimikii Couchie thanks to the support of the Ontario Arts Council's Theatre Creators' Reserve Grants from Native Earth Performing Arts and Jumblies Theatre.
Aria has been working in North Bay this week on Nipising First Nation developing a new duet project 'Adopting In'. This work is a commission of choreographer and KM Hunter award recipient Penny Couchie. Penny is leading a creative process with both Aria and Nimikii Couchie thanks to the support of the Ontario Arts Council's Theatre Creators' Reserve Grants from Native Earth Performing Arts and Jumblies Theatre.
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August 15th 2016
DANCE FORE LIFE! NEW DOCUMENTARY DANCE FILM SERIES SHINES THE SPOTLIGHT ON TORONTO! DANCE FOR LIFE is a new dynamic five episode documentary dance film series, featuring some of the city’s talented contemporary dancers who share their stories of immigration, identity, sexuality, self acceptance and struggle as they moved to Toronto to pursue their dreams to ‘dance for life.’ Featuring acclaimed Canadian contemporary dancers: Aria Evans, Pulga Cesar Muchochoma, Ofilio Sinbadinho, Apolonia Velasquez, Sze-Yang Ade-Lam & Yvonne NG Peck Wan Directed & Filmed by Ella Cooper The series can now be viewed On Demand on Bell Fibe TV1. Filmed in the streets, alleyways, green spaces, suburbs, landmarks and concrete jungle of the Greater Toronto Area, ‘Dance for Life’, features a unique story set against Toronto’s sprawling creative city landscape. Photo by: Jalani Morgan |
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July 10th 2016
A sincere thank you to everyone who made it out to RATED R and to those that made it possible for this show to happen! The drop-dead amazing cast who went to those dark places in our world with me with dignity, thoughtfulness and passion. Jesse Dell Irvin Chow Mateo Galindo Torres Pulga Cesar Muchochoma Peter Kelly Kassi Scott Kathia Wittenborn and Jasmyn Fyffe. To Andy Moro and Michael Murray who’s design work elevated the original vision. To A.J. Morra for taking on an insane amount of work to get us ready for the stage! To sue balint who has a way with words that I am so grateful for! To Julia Sasso for continuing to challenge me while believing in me and the work. To Francesca Chudnoff for designing the most beautiful program cover (If you came, you can unfold the program into a poster!) To Joshua Classic Roots DePerry for going above and beyond with the music for RANKED. This was the first time I produced a show with only my artistic work on the program. It was terrifying and exhausting but I genuinely couldn’t feel more supported! Thank you to The Chimera Project for giving me the first space to create RANKED as a duet for FRESHBLOOD. Thank you Dai Kai Norman for being a part of RANKED in its early stages and Charles C Smith for programming it! Thank you to the countless volunteers and staff at The Toronto Fringe who believe in art and work so hard! Thank you to the Indigenous Arts Councils at the Toronto Arts Council Ontario Arts Council - Conseil des arts de l'Ontario and Canada Council for the Arts | Conseil des Arts du Canada for the funding to put together a team I dreamed of working with. I can’t wait to bring these works to life again! |
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July 7th 2016
Check out what people have been saying about RATED R
Check out what people have been saying about RATED R
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July 2nd 2016
Our second review for RATED R is in from Ted Fox of evidance!
"This double bill features two new works from Choreographer Aria Evans.
RElaps, the first piece, explores an abusive relationship. Takes place in an apartment. The set design consists of semi-abstract white blocks representing the furniture. Gives a feeling of glacial emptiness, of not being lived in. Reflects the couple's state of mind.
The dancers flirt with each other, waltz together and fall backwards trusting the other to catch them. Moments of tenderness and closeness like these are jarringly broken. Suddenly they are brutally shoving, hitting, throttling or torturing each other mentally and physically. Hand-held lights become torture instruments. We can feel the heat of a light on a face.
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This cyclic behaviour of tenderness relapsing into violence continues throughout. Dancers Jesse Dell and Irvin Chow eloquently express their pain and suffering in both body language and facial expressions. A few times one supports the other in a way suggestive of a soldier wounded in combat.
This couple is a product of the society they live in. This multicultural society is vividly depicted in Ranked, the second piece. Here, lonely outsiders clash for dominance, control and human connections. There is speed prevalent in this piece for six dancers. Dancers rush madly in and out, oblivious to each other; and when they connect, it is brief and violent.
Ranked convincingly and metaphorically depicts race and gender interactions in today's multicultural melting pot society. As in RElaps, all seem unable to get out of behavioural patterns ingrained in their bodies and minds.
A powerful show."
Our second review for RATED R is in from Ted Fox of evidance!
"This double bill features two new works from Choreographer Aria Evans.
RElaps, the first piece, explores an abusive relationship. Takes place in an apartment. The set design consists of semi-abstract white blocks representing the furniture. Gives a feeling of glacial emptiness, of not being lived in. Reflects the couple's state of mind.
The dancers flirt with each other, waltz together and fall backwards trusting the other to catch them. Moments of tenderness and closeness like these are jarringly broken. Suddenly they are brutally shoving, hitting, throttling or torturing each other mentally and physically. Hand-held lights become torture instruments. We can feel the heat of a light on a face.
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This cyclic behaviour of tenderness relapsing into violence continues throughout. Dancers Jesse Dell and Irvin Chow eloquently express their pain and suffering in both body language and facial expressions. A few times one supports the other in a way suggestive of a soldier wounded in combat.
This couple is a product of the society they live in. This multicultural society is vividly depicted in Ranked, the second piece. Here, lonely outsiders clash for dominance, control and human connections. There is speed prevalent in this piece for six dancers. Dancers rush madly in and out, oblivious to each other; and when they connect, it is brief and violent.
Ranked convincingly and metaphorically depicts race and gender interactions in today's multicultural melting pot society. As in RElaps, all seem unable to get out of behavioural patterns ingrained in their bodies and minds.
A powerful show."
July 1st 2016
Our first rave-review for RATED R is in from Mooney On Theatre!
"Aria Evans, the founder and Artistic Director of the Go To Company presents a visceral performance of Rated R to the 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival at the Randolph Theatre.
The first half of the one hour performance had various lightbulbs strewn across the stage to form a large circle. From the first second the single light bulb lit up I knew I was in for a immersive theatre experience.
RElapse, the first show, showcased the talents of Irvin Chow and Jesse Dell, a couple trapped in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. At one moment Chow and Dell would be tenderly embracing, and in the next violently throwing each other to the floor. Evans brilliantly captured the equal partnership in their dynamic–both were vulnerable and powerful.
At times it was difficult to watch the violence each person was inflicting, but the movement portrayed the couple’s relationship realistically, making me feel deeply sympathetic for the inescapable, cyclical nature of this hurtful partnership. There were only 3 instances of dialogue, which I thought were unnecessary. Evans did all the vital character work with the movement, which was enough to fully portray the meaning she was searching for in this relationship. The dialogue slowed down the fluidity of the piece.
The second show, RANKED, featured six dancers, exploring the daily struggles that those disenfranchised by race and gender experience on a day-to-day basis. The piece delved into power dynamics, asking the question; who has power and privilege in society?
Evan’s demanded a high level of commitment and strength from her dancers and they delivered a powerful, gripping, suspenseful performance. The performers pushed the physicality of dance to its limits, showcasing the athleticism and full potential of the human body.
At various moments the dancers were climbing, pushing, supporting and lifting each other, constantly challenging one another to reach the top of the social hierarchy. At one moment, the dancers faced the audience in a straight line, and Jasmyne Fyffe slowly began to climb and walk across each of their backs. This was just one instance where I held my breath waiting to see if the dancers could push their bodies’ boundaries even further.
Evans is an emerging interdisciplinary artist focusing on important and relevant cultural issues. If this is the work she is producing at the beginning of her artistic journey then it will be exciting to witness what Evans will produce throughout the rest of her career.
Evans created an engaging performance through movement, which is a testament to her vision and the talent of the performers. I would highly recommend this piece of theatre which is excitedly exploring new terrain."
Our first rave-review for RATED R is in from Mooney On Theatre!
"Aria Evans, the founder and Artistic Director of the Go To Company presents a visceral performance of Rated R to the 2016 Toronto Fringe Festival at the Randolph Theatre.
The first half of the one hour performance had various lightbulbs strewn across the stage to form a large circle. From the first second the single light bulb lit up I knew I was in for a immersive theatre experience.
RElapse, the first show, showcased the talents of Irvin Chow and Jesse Dell, a couple trapped in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship. At one moment Chow and Dell would be tenderly embracing, and in the next violently throwing each other to the floor. Evans brilliantly captured the equal partnership in their dynamic–both were vulnerable and powerful.
At times it was difficult to watch the violence each person was inflicting, but the movement portrayed the couple’s relationship realistically, making me feel deeply sympathetic for the inescapable, cyclical nature of this hurtful partnership. There were only 3 instances of dialogue, which I thought were unnecessary. Evans did all the vital character work with the movement, which was enough to fully portray the meaning she was searching for in this relationship. The dialogue slowed down the fluidity of the piece.
The second show, RANKED, featured six dancers, exploring the daily struggles that those disenfranchised by race and gender experience on a day-to-day basis. The piece delved into power dynamics, asking the question; who has power and privilege in society?
Evan’s demanded a high level of commitment and strength from her dancers and they delivered a powerful, gripping, suspenseful performance. The performers pushed the physicality of dance to its limits, showcasing the athleticism and full potential of the human body.
At various moments the dancers were climbing, pushing, supporting and lifting each other, constantly challenging one another to reach the top of the social hierarchy. At one moment, the dancers faced the audience in a straight line, and Jasmyne Fyffe slowly began to climb and walk across each of their backs. This was just one instance where I held my breath waiting to see if the dancers could push their bodies’ boundaries even further.
Evans is an emerging interdisciplinary artist focusing on important and relevant cultural issues. If this is the work she is producing at the beginning of her artistic journey then it will be exciting to witness what Evans will produce throughout the rest of her career.
Evans created an engaging performance through movement, which is a testament to her vision and the talent of the performers. I would highly recommend this piece of theatre which is excitedly exploring new terrain."
June 27th 2016
RATED R has made two must-see Toronto Fringe lists!
The Toronto Star's Here’s everything you need to see at Fringe - For the socially conscious Fringe-goer
https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2016/06/27/heres-everything-you-need-to-see-at-fringe.html
Narcity's 10 Toronto Fringe Festival Shows You Must See
http://www.narcity.com/toronto/10-toronto-fringe-festival-shows-you-must-see/#
RATED R has made two must-see Toronto Fringe lists!
The Toronto Star's Here’s everything you need to see at Fringe - For the socially conscious Fringe-goer
https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2016/06/27/heres-everything-you-need-to-see-at-fringe.html
Narcity's 10 Toronto Fringe Festival Shows You Must See
http://www.narcity.com/toronto/10-toronto-fringe-festival-shows-you-must-see/#
http://blog.barreworks.ca/2016/06/21/toronto-fringe-festival-top-6-picks/
June 1st 2016
Our postcards for RATED R at The Toronto Fringe have been printed and we took the card thing seriously this year! A big shout out to the multitalented Jesse Dell for the brainstorming and design!
Our postcards for RATED R at The Toronto Fringe have been printed and we took the card thing seriously this year! A big shout out to the multitalented Jesse Dell for the brainstorming and design!
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May 26th 2016
A moment captured in time by Kevin A. Ormsby while Artistic Director, Aria Evans, danced through intersections at Dundas Square for a mini documentary by Ella Cooper! Stay tuned for Fibe TV 1 programming announcements! |
May 20th 2016
We are mid-way through our week-long intensive revisiting RElaps ... part of double bill RATED R at the Toronto Fringe Festival! The piece is taking form and I can't wait for June to continue developing the piece!
We are mid-way through our week-long intensive revisiting RElaps ... part of double bill RATED R at the Toronto Fringe Festival! The piece is taking form and I can't wait for June to continue developing the piece!
May 6th 2016
Working with these human beings is everything. Rehearsals are underway for RANKED ... part of double bill RATED R at the Toronto Fringe Festival! We have 7 shows happening between July 1st-10th at the Randolph Theatre!
Working with these human beings is everything. Rehearsals are underway for RANKED ... part of double bill RATED R at the Toronto Fringe Festival! We have 7 shows happening between July 1st-10th at the Randolph Theatre!
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April 20th 2016
Music video "Sisters" ft Northern Voice by A Tribe Called Red where Aria Evans is one of three featured dancers has just hit over 1,000,000 views on Youtube! |
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April 12th 2016
The Go To Company is back in rehearsals for RElaps with Irvin Chow and Jesse Dell gearing up to our Toronto Fringe show RATED R. The festival runs from June 29th - July 10th and we will be sharing two new works with local audiences! ISOLATION · DESIRE · POWER · CAPTIVITY · PRIVILEGE. RATED R presents two new works investigating our cyclical behaviours and social perceptions. Take a voyeuristic look into a couple’s intimate relationship and confront the assumptions we make about privilege and power. Where are you RANKED and have you ever RElaps-ed? 8 Dancers · 2 Works · 1 Show. Choreographer: Aria Evans Cast: RElaps: Irvin Chow, Jesse Dell. RANKED: Jasmyn Fyffe, Peter Kelly, Pulga Muchochoma, Kassi Scott, Mateo Galindo Torres, Kathia Wittenborn. Running Time: 60min. Genres: Dance, Physical Theatre, Contemporary |
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April 1st 2016
Aria Evans is featured in this music video by Amanda Rheaume, featuring Chantal Kreviazuk. It is the first song off Amanda's new album, Red Dress. This song is meant to honour the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada #MMIWG. Proceeds from the song will be donated to the Native Women's Association of Canada. The song and video were inspired by Jaime Black's The REDress Project. BUY THE SONG: https://itunes.apple.com/…/red-dress-feat.-cha…/id1092210002 |
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March 17th 2016
Artistic Director; Aria Evans has been invited to show a workshopped version of her new dance work RANKED at the University Of Toronto Scarborough during their Snider Lecture Series on March 22nd. The performance is co-sponsored by the Equity and Diversity office at the University. The event is open to faculty, students and the public as part of the University's commemoration of the Sharpeville Massacre's and the United Nations declared International Day for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination. The performance will be held in HW 305 with a duration of approximately 15 minutes and dancer/collaborators; Aria Evans, Damian Norman, Kassi Scott and Mateo Torres.
Artistic Director; Aria Evans has been invited to show a workshopped version of her new dance work RANKED at the University Of Toronto Scarborough during their Snider Lecture Series on March 22nd. The performance is co-sponsored by the Equity and Diversity office at the University. The event is open to faculty, students and the public as part of the University's commemoration of the Sharpeville Massacre's and the United Nations declared International Day for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination. The performance will be held in HW 305 with a duration of approximately 15 minutes and dancer/collaborators; Aria Evans, Damian Norman, Kassi Scott and Mateo Torres.
January 9th 2016
Here are some photo's from the opening reception of Gaia and a video from one of the performance of Desiccated at the Galerie Amarrage in Paris, France.
Here are some photo's from the opening reception of Gaia and a video from one of the performance of Desiccated at the Galerie Amarrage in Paris, France.
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December 28th 2015 The second exhibition for Gaïa; jette l'encre à La Basse Cour begins January 7th and runs until February 13th at the Galerie Amarrage in Paris, France. On January 9th and 10th Aria has been invited to perform an excerpt of Desiccated for gallery guests |
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November 20th 2015
The Go To Company is a lottery winner for the 2016 Toronto Fringe! The festival runs July 29th - June 10th this summer and we can't wait to present two new works that are in development! Updates to come!
The Go To Company is a lottery winner for the 2016 Toronto Fringe! The festival runs July 29th - June 10th this summer and we can't wait to present two new works that are in development! Updates to come!
November 1st 2015
Artistic Director; Aria Evans has been commissioned to create a short dance work on herself around the topic of Indigenous language for this years Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance's 2015 Intertribal Gathering. The showcase is curated by Rhéanne Chartrand and directed by Alejandro Ronceria and explores how Indigenous artists across the Americas are reclaiming, re-engaging and revitalizing Indigenous languages in performance in unique and provocative ways that resonate with and reflect Pan-American Indigenous worldviews. The Intertribal Gathering closes Aluna Theatre's Caminos 2015 and kicks off Native Earth Performing Arts' Weesageechak Begins To Dance. The showcase will feature: Rosary Spence, Aqua~Nibii Waawaaskone, Rene Meshake, Lena Recollet, Rene Meshake, Joel Chief Moon, Ziibiwan, Adriana Alarcon, Jeremy Dutcher, Lido Pimienta and Aria Evans.
Artistic Director; Aria Evans has been commissioned to create a short dance work on herself around the topic of Indigenous language for this years Indigenous Performing Arts Alliance's 2015 Intertribal Gathering. The showcase is curated by Rhéanne Chartrand and directed by Alejandro Ronceria and explores how Indigenous artists across the Americas are reclaiming, re-engaging and revitalizing Indigenous languages in performance in unique and provocative ways that resonate with and reflect Pan-American Indigenous worldviews. The Intertribal Gathering closes Aluna Theatre's Caminos 2015 and kicks off Native Earth Performing Arts' Weesageechak Begins To Dance. The showcase will feature: Rosary Spence, Aqua~Nibii Waawaaskone, Rene Meshake, Lena Recollet, Rene Meshake, Joel Chief Moon, Ziibiwan, Adriana Alarcon, Jeremy Dutcher, Lido Pimienta and Aria Evans.
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The 2015 Intertribal Gathering showcase
Sunday, November 8th at 3pm Aki Studio Theatre 585 Dundas Street East Tkaronto, ON |
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October 24th 2015
We are proud to announce that Desiccated has been curated to be a part of « Gaïa », an international exhibition during the Cop21 in Paris. Here is a note from the curator www.juliartcurating.com: " « Gaïa » explores the link between women and the 1 environment’s protection. « Gaïa » is an eco-exhibition, multicultural and interactive. The selection is international, gathering 24 artists from 11 countries. We are also exploring more sustainable ways of curating, by minimizing our ecological impact throughout the all organization process. Finally, we are keen on mixing different kinds of medium together, and showing traditional art medium next to more modern ones like interdisciplinary forms. In this context, we have been deeply interested by Aria Evans’ artistic approach. By exploring the crucial ecological question of water and it’s link to our identity, this deeply esthetic work will indeed bring its deep meaning to our selection. Thus, we have programmed a short film version of Desiccated to be showed during all the length of the exhibition. Cop21: UN International conference on climate change that will be held from November 30th to 1 December 11th 2015." « Gaïa » November 18th to Dec 10th: La maison bleue - Porte de Montmartre January 7th to 21st: Galerie Amarrage |
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October 15th 2015
Here is a short trailer from the work in progress showing of ranked at FRESH BLOOD during the Harbourfront Centre's Next Steps series.
Here is a short trailer from the work in progress showing of ranked at FRESH BLOOD during the Harbourfront Centre's Next Steps series.
October 8th 2015
Some thoughts from the audience on RANKED for closing night ...
Some thoughts from the audience on RANKED for closing night ...
October 7th 2015
Opening night for FRESH BLOOD was fantastic! We have one more performance tonight among 11 other talented emerging choreographers! Here are some photo's from the performance.
Opening night for FRESH BLOOD was fantastic! We have one more performance tonight among 11 other talented emerging choreographers! Here are some photo's from the performance.
September 19th 2015
Here are some photo's from rehearsals for RANKED ... Our performances with FRESH BLOOD are just around the corner. Join us October 6th and 7th at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre! We are performing among 14 other emerging artists, it will be a great show.
Here are some photo's from rehearsals for RANKED ... Our performances with FRESH BLOOD are just around the corner. Join us October 6th and 7th at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre! We are performing among 14 other emerging artists, it will be a great show.
September 10th 2015
Exciting news! Aria Evans and The Go To Company have been curated to be a part of The Chimera Project's FRESH BLOOD in association with Harbourfront Centre. We will be showing a short 5 minute excerpt of a Work In Progress on October 6th and 7th 2015 at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre. The work is titled ranked, it explores the differing amounts of effort two people have to put in to get to the same place. The dancers are Kassi Scott and Damian Norman.
Exciting news! Aria Evans and The Go To Company have been curated to be a part of The Chimera Project's FRESH BLOOD in association with Harbourfront Centre. We will be showing a short 5 minute excerpt of a Work In Progress on October 6th and 7th 2015 at the Harbourfront Centre Theatre. The work is titled ranked, it explores the differing amounts of effort two people have to put in to get to the same place. The dancers are Kassi Scott and Damian Norman.
August 26th 2015
The Official Trailer for Desiccated has been released! Enjoy.
The Official Trailer for Desiccated has been released! Enjoy.
Desiccated (Official Trailer) from aria evans on Vimeo.
August 9th 2015
Our first review is in for Desiccated by Mooney On Theatre!
"Desiccated is a thoughtful and provocative multi-disciplinary work that examines the misuse and mistreatment of the world’s oceans.
The name of the play is also quite an appropriate choice, literally meaning ‘to dry up’. This theme is supported by the imagery and the movement choices that drew strong parallels to how fluid yet fragile our oceans really are.
The talented trio of Jesse Dell, Ana Groppler and Mateo Torres weave a mesmerizing narrative with each and every movement, brought to life by the eerily beautiful vocal accompaniment of Amir Brandon. The choreography is so fluid that it almost seems like they were legitimately moving underwater. Crisp lines and seamless interpersonal interaction perfectly set the scene for an emotional tale of tragedy and loss.
The set itself is almost entirely comprised of plastic water bottles, which not only create a stunning semi-transparent lighting effect, but also play an important part of the narrative structure. In one moment, the dancers become entangled in a chain of the plastic bottles. It is during this time that they give a compelling pantomime of struggling to their demise, much like the same way that many aquatic life forms are unnecessarily being harmed by ocean-wide pollution.
I really loved Desiccated for its powerful message and flawless execution, and have no hesitation placing it amongst my all-time favorite SummerWorks dance productions."
Our first review is in for Desiccated by Mooney On Theatre!
"Desiccated is a thoughtful and provocative multi-disciplinary work that examines the misuse and mistreatment of the world’s oceans.
The name of the play is also quite an appropriate choice, literally meaning ‘to dry up’. This theme is supported by the imagery and the movement choices that drew strong parallels to how fluid yet fragile our oceans really are.
The talented trio of Jesse Dell, Ana Groppler and Mateo Torres weave a mesmerizing narrative with each and every movement, brought to life by the eerily beautiful vocal accompaniment of Amir Brandon. The choreography is so fluid that it almost seems like they were legitimately moving underwater. Crisp lines and seamless interpersonal interaction perfectly set the scene for an emotional tale of tragedy and loss.
The set itself is almost entirely comprised of plastic water bottles, which not only create a stunning semi-transparent lighting effect, but also play an important part of the narrative structure. In one moment, the dancers become entangled in a chain of the plastic bottles. It is during this time that they give a compelling pantomime of struggling to their demise, much like the same way that many aquatic life forms are unnecessarily being harmed by ocean-wide pollution.
I really loved Desiccated for its powerful message and flawless execution, and have no hesitation placing it amongst my all-time favorite SummerWorks dance productions."
August 8th 2015
Desiccated opened at The Theatre Centre tonight! We close tomorrow at 645pm, here are some more photo's from the show.
Desiccated opened at The Theatre Centre tonight! We close tomorrow at 645pm, here are some more photo's from the show.
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August 7th 2015
Photo's from our tech rehearsal at The Theatre Centre for Desiccated! We open Saturday August 8th at 430pm and close Sunday August 9th at 645pm.
Photo's from our tech rehearsal at The Theatre Centre for Desiccated! We open Saturday August 8th at 430pm and close Sunday August 9th at 645pm.
Photography by: Craig Chambers
July 27th 2015
On Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting CIUT for their radio show Evi-Dance hosted by Ted Fox, we talked about Desiccated, SummerWorks and the double bill with LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL 2.0 ... here is an excerpt from the interview
On Saturday I had the pleasure of visiting CIUT for their radio show Evi-Dance hosted by Ted Fox, we talked about Desiccated, SummerWorks and the double bill with LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL 2.0 ... here is an excerpt from the interview
July 23rd 2015
The SummerWorks Program Guides are here! Desiccated is listed under the Dance Series on page: 77
The SummerWorks Program Guides are here! Desiccated is listed under the Dance Series on page: 77
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July 17th 2015
Here are some photo's from an abstracted excerpt of Desiccated presented for the SummerWorks Launch party at the Gardiner Museum as part of DOORS AT 6PM!
Here are some photo's from an abstracted excerpt of Desiccated presented for the SummerWorks Launch party at the Gardiner Museum as part of DOORS AT 6PM!
above photography by: Jae Yang - www.jaeyangphotography.com
bellow photography by: Dahlia Katz - www.dahliakatz.com
bellow photography by: Dahlia Katz - www.dahliakatz.com
July 10th 2015
Our Double Bill post-cards are ready for print!
Our Double Bill post-cards are ready for print!
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June 27th 2015
On the road to Wasaga Beach to take some outdoor photo's for our show with SummerWorks August 8th and 9th at the Theatre Centre Mainspace!
On the road to Wasaga Beach to take some outdoor photo's for our show with SummerWorks August 8th and 9th at the Theatre Centre Mainspace!
June 6th 2015
We are loving being back in rehearsals this month gearing up for SummerWorks! New ideas and old ideas are merging together and the piece is starting to take form!
We are loving being back in rehearsals this month gearing up for SummerWorks! New ideas and old ideas are merging together and the piece is starting to take form!
May 12th 2015
Exciting news! Yesterday was the official launch of the SummerWorks line up for their 25th Anniversary Season. Desiccated has been commissioned to be a part the festival which runs in Toronto from August 6th-16th. Desiccated will have two performances, one on August 8th and one on August 9th as part of a double bill in the festivals very first Dance Series. Stay connected for updates as the dates drawn nearer!
Exciting news! Yesterday was the official launch of the SummerWorks line up for their 25th Anniversary Season. Desiccated has been commissioned to be a part the festival which runs in Toronto from August 6th-16th. Desiccated will have two performances, one on August 8th and one on August 9th as part of a double bill in the festivals very first Dance Series. Stay connected for updates as the dates drawn nearer!
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© Aria Evans | POLITICAL MOVEMENT 2022