-
Raven Mother: Honouring our mothers and celebrating their legacy
November 20, 2024With Raven Mother, choreographer Margaret Grenier wants to honour the precious artistic legacy inherited from her mother, the late elder Margaret Harris. Through dance and song, Dancers of Damelahamid, founded by Elder Harris and her husband, the late Chief Kenneth Harris in 1967, presents…
-
Who is Catherine Gaudet?
October 28, 2024A Montreal-based choreographer with a strong, singular signature, Catherine Gaudet signed her first choreography 20 years ago, in 2004. She went on to receive the Grand Prix de la danse de Montréal in 2022. Over the years, she has collaborated with various artists and companies,…
-
Navigating Tides: A show that sails between dance and music
September 4, 2024A host of family activities will be offered on September 14 and 15 as part of the SPHERE Festival, including Navigating Tides, an interactive performance that uses music and movement to explore our relationship with water and our connection to the Earth’s ecosystem. This 30-minute “choose…
-
Kimiko’s Pearl: A ballet forged across generations
May 29, 2024A tribute to the strength and resilience of the Japanese Canadian community The internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II is the inspiration behind Kimiko’s Pearl, premiering at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines on June 22. Supported by the National…
-
Sustaining artistic risk
March 18, 2024The Creation Fund’s tag line is We fund risk. Artistic creation is inherently risky, conjuring creative and logistical ingredients together in entirely new ways, all driven by the question “What if...?” One of the beautiful/infuriating truths about artistic creation is that there is no…
-
The body speaks: Naishi Wang and Jean Abreu’s Deciphers
February 19, 2024The seeds of Deciphers were sown during the pandemic. At a time when many sought new ways to connect amid isolation, contemporary dance artists Naishi Wang and Jean Abreu explored these same emotions through their experiences as immigrants. As Anya Wassenberg from Ludwig Van Toronto,…
-
Investing in creativity and new beginnings
February 8, 2024Is there such a thing as a true beginning? Whether we’re talking about the start of a year, a new creation, or – in my case – a job, the word beginning can feel not quite right. For example, does creation begin with the spark of an idea, the first time you describe a concept to someone…
-
Ottawa’s artistic haven: The Studio experience
February 1, 2024Imagine 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…
-
Victor Quijada, Artistic Director and Choreographer of RUBBERBAND
January 22, 2024Meet RUBBERBAND’s Artistic Director and Choreographer Victor Quijada! From street dance to classical ballet, Victor Quijada’s journey as a dancer is quite unique. He grew up in Los Angeles where he danced in the b-boying circles and hip-hop clubs, moved to New York City to join Twyla…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
