• Choreography and direction by Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo

Sky Dancers is a new multidisciplinary dance piece that explores the impact of the Quebec Bridge disaster of 1907, which killed 33 ironworkers from the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. The fallout was felt around the world and the aftermath still echoes across generations.

Choreographer Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo’s great-grandfather, Louis D’Ailleboust, was one of the men who perished in the tragedy. More than a century later, she explores from an Indigenous perspective, not only the impact the loss had on her community, but also shines a light on the strength of the community, the resilience of the women and the contributions the people have made to society.

Through the integration of dance, video projections, theatre, sophisticated set design and a mix of contemporary and traditional music, Sky Dancers puts a human face to a story that represents many of the struggles that Indigenous peoples have had to rise above.

Company

A’nó:wara Dance Theatre is led by Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo. Originally from Kahnawake and now living in Montreal, Barbara is Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) and has been a dancer and choreographer for more than 25 years. She specializes in combining traditional First Nation’s dance and contemporary styles, and her goal is to inspire others, encourage cultural pride, uplift the spirit, and increase education and communication.

Creative team

  • Choreography and direction by Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo
  • Music director Michael Tekaronianeken Diabo 
  • Set, video and lighting design Andy Moro
  • Costume design Jeff Chief 
  • Co-producer Gregg Parks 

National Creation Fund investment

The National Creation Fund’s investment of $120,000 supported a technical residency to fully explore the integration of the set, lighting and projections, as well as additional workshops with the dancers to further refine the choreography.

Credits

Production Partners:  Harbourfront, Y2D Productions and Live Art Dance. 

Developed with support from the NAC's National Creation Fund, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Mohawk Council of Kahnawake. 

Performance dates

Past performances

Presented by Conseil des arts de Montréal Nov 10 2023 Salle Pauline-Julien (Montréal)
Presented by Conseil des arts de Montréal Nov 15 2023 Maison de la culture Mercier (Montréal)
Presented by Conseil des arts de Montréal Nov 22 2023 Maison de la culture Claude-Léveillée (Montréal)
Presented by Conseil des arts de Montréal Nov 29 2023 Maison de la culture Ahuntsic (Montréal)
Presented by Conseil des arts de Montréal Dec 7 2023 Maison de la culture Janine-Sutto (Montréal)
Presented by Danse Théâtre A’nó:wara and La Rotonde Mar 21 - Mar 22, 2024 Le Diamant (Québec)

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