Sweett Moves Presents: Bated Breath

Dec 19 2017, 9:39 pm

A vivid blend of dance, theatre, music and visual arts, Bated Breath has surely made Ashley Sweett, Artistic Director and namesake of contemporary dance collective Sweett Moves, extremely proud.

The Vancouver-based group provides encouraging, vibrant and non-competitive experiences for dancers. Sweett, a nationally recognized director, choreographer, performer and dance teacher, aims to empower, mentor and educate youth through dance, and this weekend’s showcase drew sold-out crowds to the Scotiabank Dance Centre to watch her vision unfold.

Shannyn Higgins Photography (web)03

Image: Shannyn Higgins

Presented in three well-paced acts, Bated Breath took inspiration from the three phases of our life-giving respiration: Inhalation, Bated, and Exhalation. Showcasing a range of solo and group choreography, the performance paralleled Sweett’s artistic coming of age and the cyclical draw and release of oxygen required to live.

The show featured strong solo and duo performances, notably with the fantastic Marisa Gold, a local talent and BFA dance grad from Simon Fraser University, and standouts Jade Chong and Kirsten McInnis, dancers with Richmond’s Defy Gravity Dance Company. Dancers made effective use of the stage and pulled off Sweett’s inventive choreography, along with that of fellow choreographers and dancers Krystin Clarke and Jamee Valin.

Shannyn Higgins Photography (web)23

Image: Shannyn Higgins

Woven throughout the contemporary numbers were selections of music, spoken word, and fabulous live accompaniment by vocalists Marlie Collins and Meaghan Hewitt McDonald and guitarist Phil Bell. The dynamic light show gorgeously complemented the simple, colourful costumes and triptych set art, which hung above the dancers to represent the Bated Breath theme.

Overall, Bated Breath was an energetic, well-executed production that allowed up-and-coming dancers a veritable platform to showcase their talent alongside a diverse collective of established artists. Dance enthusiasts would be wise to take note of what Ashley Sweett comes up with next.

 

Feature Image: Shannyn Higgins

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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