d:mic/fac 2015 kicks off with vibrant launch party
By: Mairéad Filgate
On a chilly Monday evening a little over two weeks ago, RATIO (co-facilitated by brilliant musician and tiger princess dance projects collaborator Nick Storring) was the cozy host to our dance: made in canada/fait au canada’s 2015 Launch Party. This newly opened, intimate concert and art space at College and Spadina was the perfect spot for artists and friends to get warm and perk up on a cold February evening with some drinks, eats, performances; and more importantly, to be the first to hear the official announcement of the exciting 2015 dance: made in canada program, curated this year by Yvonne Ng, Tedd Robinson and Debashis Sinha.
Tedd Robinson made an appearance via Skype and even managed a photo op with the raffle winner of the Mainstage Festival Pass. A mere $5 suggested entrance fee got everyone a raffle ticket and Board Member /super supporter James Beamish was standing by with necklaces of tickets for sale, which won many lucky recipients free drinks and show tickets. Festival directors Yvonne Ng and Jeff Morris were in attendance, along with many princess productions staff members, past d:mic/fac artists, supporters, and several of this year’s artists – including Kate Hilliard, Zhenya Cerneacov (Throwdown Collective), and even Lina Cruz (Fila 13 Productions) of Montreal who just happened to be in town for a theatre workshop. Andy and Jessica of the gypsy jazz trio Les Petits Nouveaux provided a terrific music concert part way through the evening and were joined by Bill Coleman who performed an improvised tap piece. Peggy Baker’s joyous laughter rang out as Bill entertained with his slapstick antics, getting the unsuspecting crowd involved and finally being pushed back on stage for an encore performance.
The night was rounded out by a surprise duet performance by Chimera’s Company B; the delicious comfort food by the ever creative Michael Tong; and of course the warm company of fellow artists and friends. This year’s festival promises to be an exciting and stimulating mix of artistry from across the country. Check out the full line up online HERE. We can’t wait to see you in August at the Betty Oliphant Theatre!
