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Producers, the “Alchemists” of the Performing Arts
December 7, 2023For the second consecutive year, the National Arts Centre (NAC) hosted the National Producer Gathering. Held from November 20 to 25, this gathering was an opportunity for the dozen participants to share their knowledge and find solutions to the issues they face. Despite the crucial role…
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Orienting ourselves in the dark
November 30, 2023And suddenly, it is the end of November. For those of us in the Northern hemisphere, this means a time of shorter days and expanding nights. Here in Ottawa, brief sunrises accompany rumours of snow and the kind of cold that clears your mind. As we ease into darkness, I simultaneously…
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The inspiration behind Akram Khan’s Jungle Book
October 18, 2023Choreographer Akram Khan discusses his recent epic projet, Jungle Book reimagined. He shares how this deeply personal project represents his inaugural venture into creating a family and intergenerational show. This dance-theatre production not only draws inspiration from his childhood…
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Ottawa’s artistic haven: The Azrieli Studio experience
October 17, 2023Imagine a space where creativity knows no bounds, where artistic expression flows freely, and innovation thrives. Welcome to the intimate Azrieli Studio at the National Arts Centre, where unforgettable moments in theatre, music, and dance happen, drawing you closer to the action. Step…
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A timeless love story on pointe!
October 13, 2023Caroline Ohrt, Executive Producer of Dance at the NAC in a conversation with Western Australian Ballet choreographer Jayne Smeulders who created the enchanting Cinderella ballet performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and coming to the National Arts Centre this November. Originally…
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Wild visions for a new season
October 11, 2023New season, new Sarah! In truth, I am not so new… I started as Artistic Associate the day the NCF was born, arriving during a time of big dreams and big questions. The process of bringing the Fund to life was itself pure creation – feeling our way through the unknown, experiencing moments…
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Setting the digital stage for Akram Khan’s Jungle Book reimagined
October 6, 2023Akram Khan’s Jungle Book reimagined comes alive on the NAC’s Digital Stage The Kipnes Lantern will light up with stunning animations created for the show by YeastCulture. Producing the visual story to support Akram Khan’s Jungle Book reimagined — coming to Southam Hall from October 19…
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Deepening Our Inclusive Artistic Work: The Pan-Canadian Disability, Dance, Digital project
May 29, 2023On a freezing winter day in 2020, Shara Weaver, Propeller Dance’s Co-Founder, Co- Artistic Director, was struggling to deal with the organization’s reality during the pandemic. Shara is a neurodiverse, queer artist, choreographer and dance educator with lived experience in mental health…
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RBC continues to shine a light on emerging artists with new award
May 25, 2023As Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, RBC is once again showing its commitment to Canada’s emerging artists through the establishment of a new award. The inaugural RBC Emerging Artist Award will recognize Ralph Escamillan, a queer, Canadian-Filipinx…
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Margie Gillis to share expertise with Anne Plamondon
May 24, 20232011 GGPAA laureate has chosen her Mentorship Program protégée This year, as part of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) Mentorship Program, internationally acclaimed choreographer and dancer Margie Gillis has chosen to mentor choreographer and dancer Anne Plamondon.…
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One last dance for Cathy Levy. Looking back at 23 years at...
March 31, 2023Cathy Levy joined the NAC Dance team in 2000 with great enthusiasm. She set out to accomplish several things, including how to make Ottawa a prime destination for dance. Cathy, who had long been regarded as a visionary in the dance world, rose to the challenge with flying colours. In her…
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A fond farewell to Heather Moore
May 18, 2022Heather Moore has always felt like she had the best job in the world. As Executive Producer of the National Creation Fund, and before that of the NAC’s biennial Scenes festivals, she got to learn about Canada through its artists. “It has been a privilege to work with so many Canadian…
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In My Body: Dancing with time!
March 22, 2022Dancer and choreographer Crazy Smooth knows a thing or two about the demands imposed by street dance, a discipline he has been practising for over 20 years, and the numerous styles that flow from it. Spins, jumps, contortions: the physical feats are numerous and sometimes defy the laws of…
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2022 Annual Public Meeting
March 7, 2022During the National Arts Centre’s 2020–2021 season, which included challenging circumstances related to COVID-19, the NAC collaborated with brilliant Canadian artists and arts organizations nationwide to lead and support the recovery of the performing arts sector. A version of this video…
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They meet at last: Naishi Wang and Jean Abreu
January 25, 2022When Naishi Wang and Jean Abreu met in person for first time in November 2021, they had already been collaborating virtually on their new piece, Deciphers, for nearly two years. Just before the beginning of the global pandemic, the two contemporary dance artists were selected for NAC…
