The Venice Biennale tide lifts all cultural boats, including dance. This six-month-long culturefest attracts international crowds, generates debate, and connects many disciplines and nationalities. Starting her four-year term as the Biennale’s dance director, Montreal choreographer Marie Chouinard programmed 13 troupes, half from Montreal, in 30 shows, films and discussions over nine days at the end of June. The extremes
by Kathleen Smith Montreal’s ninth Festival TransAmériques (FTA) ran May 21 to June 4 and was the first under new artistic director Martin Faucher. The lineup, presented in spaces across the city, was as eclectic and polished as ever. Some of the works were more provocative than others, but I was happy that many displayed
by Kaija Pepper Louise Lecavalier is a true diva of dance, a small powerhouse who blazes across the stage and brings audiences to their feet. She performs in such a frank manner it looks tossed off, though the richly textured array of force and momentum she embodies is the result of a lifetime of dedication.