NAC Dance is extremely proud to present the Canadian Premiere of São Paulo Companhia de Dança (SPCD) on April 26 in Southam Hall. For one night only, the company will perform 3 outstanding works: The Seasons, by Édouard Lock, Mamihlapinatapai by Jomar Mesquita, and Gnawa by Nacho Duato. Founded in 2008, this young company has quickly become one of Brazil’s leading dance troupes.  

“This Canadian premiere of the São Paulo Companhia de Dança is such a glorious way to wind up the NAC 2015-2016 Dance season”, says Cathy Levy, NAC Dance Executive Producer. “A meeting place for a diverse group of dance and related artists, the company is a fascinating backdrop for both Brazilian and international cultures as expressed through the passion of dance.”

The evening opens with The Seasons, a brilliant new work by Canada’s superstar choreographer Édouard Lock (founder of La La La Human Steps), performed to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons reinterpreted by Gavin Bryars. The choreographer submits 12 dancers to the dizzying speed and extreme precisi­­on of his vivacious, angular and undulating movement.

Second on the program is Mamihlapinatapai, meaning “a secret, shared look” in the indigenous language Yaghan. Created in 2012 by Brazilian choreographer Jomar Mesquita, the piece incorporates deconstructed elements of Brazilian ballroom dance and imaginative visual design to electrify the stage.

Finally, Gnawa, by Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato, offers an exploration of the sensuality and spirituality of the Mediterranean Sea. Spanish and North African music accompanies circular, scooping movement of luscious fluidity.

São Paulo Companhia de Dança performs at the National Arts Centre Southam Hall on April 26 at 8 p.m. Limited tickets are available.

ABOUT THE SEASONS

The images created by Édouard Lock in The Seasons revitalize the sense of memory in dance. In the piece, the viewer can observe several layers that interact with each other — dance, music, scenery and light —reorganized according to the viewer’s perception. Each element creates a new image. Each gesture has its counterpart in a movement of light. The choreographer submits 12 dancers to the dizzying speed and extreme precision of his vivacious, angular and undulating movement. Slowness and speed permeate intense scenes, disorienting our perception.

ABOUT MAMIHLAPINATAPAI

Mamihlapinatapai deals with the desire for love between men and women. The word Mamihlapinatapai is a term from the indigenous language spoken by the Yaghan, a tribe of Tiera del Fuego; a look between two people, each one wishing the other to make a move, but neither one acting on their desires. Brazilian choreographer Jomar Mesquita used deconstructed elements of ballroom dancing to create this work.

ABOUT GNAWA

Nacho Duato was inspired by the nature of Valencia, surrounded by sea and sun, and by Mediterranean aromas, colors and flavors, to create Gnawa. It uses the four basic elements — water, earth, fire and air — to explore the relationship between humans and the universe. Duato is interested in gravity and the use of the solo as key elements in constituting his dance. The Gnawas are a mystical Islamic fellowship.

ABOUT SÃO PAULO COMPANHIA DE DANÇA

Created in January 2008 by the Government of the State of São Paulo, São Paulo Companhia de Dança (SPCD) is directed by Inês Bogéa, Ph.D. in Arts, dancer, documentary filmmaker and writer. Since its founding, their works have been viewed by nearly 400,000 people in 60 cities throughout 11 countries totaling more than 400 performances. The Company has a varied repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary. Recognized by specialized critics as one of the main dance companies of Latin America, the Company has produced 36 choreographies so far: 20 creations and 16 restagings.

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCES

São Paulo Companhia de Dança performs at the National Arts Centre Southam Hall on April 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $41, $53, $70 and $85 for adults and $22.50, $28.50, $37 and $44.50 for students (upon presentation of a valid student ID card).

Groups of 10 or more save 15% to 20% off regular ticket prices; to reserve your seats, call 613 947-7000, ext. 634 or e-mail grp@nac-cna.ca.

Tickets are available for purchase:

• In person at the NAC Welcome Centre (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) or at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Friday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
• At all Ticketmaster outlets
• By telephone from Ticketmaster, 1-888-991-2787 (ARTS)
• Online through the Ticketmaster link on the NAC’s website (http://www.nac-cna.ca)
• A service charge applies on all purchases made through Ticketmaster