Jacqueline Ethier & Sarah Hopkins performing since then | Photo by Bill Juillette
In the autumn of 2022, I experienced two very different, though no less compelling, dance projects from acclaimed artists. In September, there was Beautiful Renegades, Peggy Baker’s ode to the experimental Toronto dance scene of the 1970s, with a script by Michael Ross Albert. A funny, insightful and informative glimpse at that fragment of our artistic history. Only a month later, as part of Fall for Dance North Festival, I was completely mesmerized by Jera Wolfe’s astonishing piece, Arise, an experience both grand and intimate, brought to life by 145 students from Canada’s National Ballet School.
It is such a treat to behold work from both of these artists—together, in a stirring double bill. With MIGHTY DANCES IN A small SPACE, VideoCabaret hosts pieces from Baker and Wolfe, both duets, in their intimate, versatile venue (which is quickly becoming one of my favourites in the city). Continue Reading