Prepare to experience an evening of dance unlike any other. The All Bodies Dance Project (ABDP) is set to debut Constellations, a powerful production celebrating the beauty of diversity, human connection, and the boundless potential of inclusive dance. This unique event will take place at Vancouver’s Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, where five original pieces will come to life on stage, each exploring themes of unity, transformation, and resilience.
From captivating choreography to an intergenerational cast, Constellations promises a night that will challenge assumptions, expand perceptions, and celebrate the possibilities of dance across all abilities, ages, and experiences.
A Dance for Every Body
Since its founding in 2014 by Naomi Brand, Mirae Rosner, and Sarah Bourne, the All Bodies Dance Project has championed inclusivity in dance, offering a space for individuals of all abilities, sizes, genders, and backgrounds to express themselves through movement. By breaking down the traditional boundaries of contemporary dance, ABDP creates performances that are as varied and dynamic as the people within them. The company’s mission is not only to make dance accessible to everyone but to highlight the creative power that diversity brings to the art form.
In Constellations, ABDP will present five new ensemble pieces that blur the line between community engagement and professional dance. The show’s collaborative approach highlights the values of inclusivity and accessibility, demonstrating the rich textures of movement and narrative that can emerge when people from diverse backgrounds come together to create.
Meet the Choreographers
The choreography for Constellations features an impressive roster of artists, each bringing a unique perspective to the stage. In their previous works, Naomi Brand’s Between Us & Them explores themes of societal division, using dance to express the often invisible boundaries that separate and connect us. In Cassiopeia, choreographer Cheyenne Seary reflects on motherhood and transformation, weaving imagery of care and connection into a powerful narrative that resonates universally.
Lance Lim and Kevin Li add a dynamic touch to the performance with a piece crafted alongside dancers from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Through energetic shifts and fluid movement, Lim and Li explore the physical power and emotional resilience of each body, showing how each individual’s story contributes to the larger tapestry of the community. This diverse choreographic lineup ensures that Constellations will be as thought-provoking as it is visually compelling, giving audiences a glimpse into the shared human experience through the language of dance.
An Accessible, Inclusive Experience for All Audiences
Accessibility is a central focus of the All Bodies Dance Project, and Constellations reflects this commitment through every aspect of the event. The Roundhouse Community Arts Centre is fully accessible, with physical accommodations such as gender-neutral, single-stall washrooms and a family-friendly atmosphere. To ensure everyone feels welcome and supported, ABDP also offers American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, noise-cancelling headphones, and earplugs for audience members who may benefit from them.
The event’s organizers are dedicated to creating a scent-reduced environment for the safety and comfort of performers and guests with sensitivities. Additionally, the venue is conveniently located just five minutes from the Yaletown-Roundhouse SkyTrain station, making it easy for guests to attend and feel connected to the community through this accessible, inclusive setting.
Themes of Transformation and Connection
Each piece in Constellations explores the themes of transformation, connection, and self-discovery, resonating with the experiences of people from diverse walks of life. The works presented in Constellations delve into the ways we organize ourselves into groups, the invisible threads that connect us, and how our shared and individual experiences shape who we are. This focus on community and connection is particularly impactful in an era when many feel isolated or divided.
The intergenerational cast, comprising dancers with varied abilities and life experiences, reflects the inclusive spirit of ABDP. By assembling a unique array of bodies, perspectives, and narratives, Constellations offers a profound statement about the value of diversity—not only in dance but in life. This dynamic performance invites audiences to reconsider preconceived notions about what dance “should” look like and encourages them to see dance as a celebration of each person’s unique story.
Dismantling Traditional Perceptions of Dance
The All Bodies Dance Project’s approach is both innovative and challenging. By valuing the lived experiences of movers with and without disabilities, ABDP disrupts traditional ideas of what dance and performance can be. In the world of contemporary dance, which has often been associated with technical prowess and physical perfection, ABDP’s commitment to diverse abilities redefines the art form as a space where all bodies are welcome, valued, and celebrated.
ABDP also incorporates principles from Disability Justice, a movement focused on addressing the unique challenges disabled individuals face and advocating for their full inclusion in society. This approach infuses Constellations with an intentional, supportive atmosphere, where accessibility tools are not only accommodations but integral parts of the creative process. In this way, Constellations offers more than a night of dance; it’s a celebration of what dance can achieve when it is reimagined to be truly inclusive.
Supported by a Community of Arts Advocates
Bringing Constellations to the stage has been a collaborative effort supported by the Roundhouse Community Arts Centre, the City of Vancouver, the BC Arts Council, and the Canada Council for the Arts. These organizations recognize the importance of accessible and inclusive art in fostering community and cultural connection. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring that Constellations reaches a wide audience and continues to expand the impact of the All Bodies Dance Project.
In providing a platform for ABDP’s work, these institutions demonstrate their commitment to an arts community where everyone can find belonging. Their combined support allows Vancouver audiences to experience a performance that champions the value of inclusivity in the arts, a message that resonates far beyond the dance floor.
An Invitation to Experience Constellations
The All Bodies Dance Project invites Vancouverites and visitors alike to experience the power of Constellations—a performance that transcends traditional dance. This event promises to be an emotional journey through movement and connection, offering viewers an opportunity to reflect on the power of community, diversity and shared humanity. For those who have ever questioned what dance can look like, Constellations is an invitation to witness the beauty of difference on stage.
Constellations is a statement of inclusivity, creativity, and resilience. For those ready to see dance redefined, this production is not to be missed. To reserve your tickets and become a part of this unique experience, visit the All Bodies Dance Project’s website. Join us at the Roundhouse to celebrate a community that values every body, every story, and every connection.
Join the All Bodies Dance Project for an evening celebrating diversity and creative expression with Constellations. Here’s all you need to know to attend:
- Location: Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre, Vancouver (181 Roundhouse Mews (Pacific & Davie St)
- Dates: Friday, December 6, 2024, at 7pm
- Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 4pm*
- *followed by reception and dance party celebration
Don’t miss this powerful event that redefines dance through inclusivity and community connection. Tickets are available on the All Bodies Dance Project website.
Teresa is a dedicated storyteller rooted in the Downtown Eastside, reporting on local art, cultural events, and community initiatives. Her work highlights the creativity and resilience of the neighbourhood, amplifying voices that often go unheard. Believing in the power of art to connect and inspire, Teresa focuses on the people and projects that shape the vibrant DTES community.
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