Today marks the beginning of two weeks filled with tantalizing dance, workshops, and conversations. Springboard Performance presents Fluid Movement Arts Festival, an annual event bringing all walks of life together to enjoy national and international dance. 

As a local dancer and choreographer, I have been fortunate again to be apart of this year’s festival, but on a larger capacity in a mix bill along side Montreal based Tentacle Tribe and Calgary’s own Tara Wilson.  

Honoured to have this opportunity, I knew I had no time to waste and must start the creation process.  As an audience member, one will only see the final product on stage. Lights, sound, and dance that all comes together onto the stage. But what one will not see, is the work leading up to the final product, or what one may call the creative process. 

Making dance come alive requires inspiration, determination and refined craft. A choreographer may have vivid ideas for a new work. For myself, my creative process during this project may not be of common practice, but stems first about what music am I currently keen on, and what is bringing me much joy and satisfaction today. 

The question of identity is one that interests me a great deal during this process. It was something that I thought about a lot before starting this new work.  So during this process, I did not inform my dancers much about my inspirations and themes that were driving my work, but more so was focus on how their bodies interpret the music and gave minimal direction during my creative process. Which sometimes can be unheard of, but played in favor and I feel contributed to the feel and ideas that I was striving for. 

In addition to the countless hours spent in the rehearsal studio, other efforts such as music, lights, and details such as costuming and make-up are items that all contribute to the final product on stage. As much time is given to the creation of dance, so are these particular items that will add and enhance a choreographer’s creation. 

As an audience member, I encourage you to take advantage of all the talkbacks offered during the Festival. For myself, I enjoy having the opportunity to learn a little bit more about what triumphs and challenges that were faced, their inspirations and ideas that help shape their work, and/or and opportunity to even challenge or question the choreographer. 

For myself, I will not divulge any more details but encourage you to come, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. And please stay after as us choreographers and dancers love to receive feedback and tell you more about what actually happened leading up to the work on stage. 

www.tonytran.ca