A group of dancers in midst of rehearsal are wearing casual clothing. Several dancers are watching their cohorts in movement. In pairs, two pairs are bowed down with the other catching their head. On right, another pair are upright with their hands molding together and their arms outstretched towards the ceiling. Dancers are rehearsing in a studio space with large windows enveloped by huge trees.

Between Us and Them

Between Us and Them is a new community piece in development set to premiere in December 2024. Researched and created by an intergenerational cast of dancers from ABDP’s community, the piece explores all the ways we divide ourselves into teams and the many societal forces that push us to take sides. Between Us and Them is being directed by Naomi Brand with music created by Trang Trinh.

Dancers and Collaborators:

Laurel Radley
Ruth Stewart
Janice Laurence
Brittany Dickson
Elli Tamarin
Aviva Martin
Onni Niemi
Kadi Purru
Marilyn Blandford
Hilary Maxwell
Rylan Mallari
Susie Gray
Nico Gruzling
Regan Flowers
Peggy Leung

Where:

Djavad Mowafaghian World Arts Centre

SFU Woodwards

149 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC

Created:

Spring 2024

Video by Luciana F. D'Anunciação

An edited video comprised of footage from studio rehearsals for the creation of a new contemporary dance piece called Between Us and Them. It is a montage of short clips features a diverse group of 14 dancers ranging in ages from young adults to seniors. There are two manual wheelchair users in the group, a dancer using a cane and "standing dancers". The dancers are all wearing casual comfortable clothing in various colours and have range of expressions on their faces throughout the video including smiles, concentration, and joy. Their movements are swift and precise, bodies are rolling and swirling in the air. Their limbs curl inwards and expand in pairs, groups and singular forms.