Since its inception a quarter-century ago, Dancing on the Edge has delivered highly charged programming to lovers of contemporary dance, and this year's fest is as full-throttle as ever.
With 28 local, national and international dance artists dancing their hearts out in venues all over the city (Portside Park, Chinatown, Gastown, the Scotiabank Dance Centre, and the flagship Firehall Arts Centre), the 25th edition of the self-described little festival that could provides a compelling snapshot into the ever-shifting world of modern dance.
Vancouver artists will be well-represented in this years Dancing on the Edge, with work by critically acclaimed companies and artists such as 605 Collective, Karen Jamieson, MACHiNENOiSY, Amber Funk Barton, Vanessa Goodman, and Eury Chang on the tightly packed schedule.
Other highlights include Carmen Romero's May I Join You?, an enticing conversation between a flamenco dancer and a jazz pianist; an excerpt from a new collaboration by Gao Yanjinzi, Qiu Xia He and Wen Wei Wang; and the aptly named 25 Gestures for Dancing on the Edge, in which Alvin Erasga Tolentino and Alison Denham perform 25 gestures within 25 minutes in honour of the festivals 25th birthday.
Dancing on the Edge runs until July 14. For tickets and the full anniversary schedule, visit dancingontheedge.org.
Sandra Botnen is the choreographer behind (under?) Wobble Tops, where the daredevil dancers are atop flexing 15 high poles. There are free performances at the SFU Woodwards Atrium on July 9, 10 and 11. Vince Hemmingson photo
