Simcoe Contemporary Dancers

Dancing During Pregnancy - by Christie Roberts

2012-01-18T23:15:00.002-05:00

In January 2011 my role as a dancer with SCD began to rapidly evolve when I found out that my husband and I were expecting our first child. My first trimester challenged me in a number of ways, particularly as a dancer, as I was working alongside nausea and exhaustion. The company members were extremely understanding and supportive. Christie's baby boy! SCD's first company baby ... and the

A Very Merry Barrie Christmas with Bravado!

2011-12-16T01:17:00.000-05:00

This December we had the pleasure of performing with Bravado! for their holiday show at Collier Street United Church. Here is a video of one of the dances we performed.

Congratulations Carla!

2011-11-30T00:11:00.001-05:00

I'm pleased to inform you that the 2011 Barrie Arts Award for Contribution to the Community went to fellow dancer - Carla Tucker. Carla is the Founder & Artistic Director of Moving Art. When I first moved to Barrie, Carla was one of the first dance artists I met. I phoned her studio and introduced myself and she took the time to talk to me, answer my questions and invite me to come see her

Artistic Director Nominated for Barrie Arts Award

2011-11-28T01:25:00.001-05:00

The 2011 Barrie Arts Awards are being held this Tuesday Nov. 29th at the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts. On this year’s short list for the Contribution to the Community Award is our Artistic Director – Sarah Lochhead!

In Process: Fall Creation Period (Post 5 - Jessica Ransom)

2011-11-22T18:26:00.001-05:00

This process has been quite different for me. Really, it's been not at all like other works I've choreographed. Usually, I choreograph in a very linear way. I start at the first second of the song and work through until the end. Also, I usually pick the music first before I've made up any steps. I've tried not picking the music first, but then I tended to make up some sort of rhythm in my head

Modern Dance: The Science behind the Art with Guest Instructor - Katie Felix

2011-11-16T00:43:00.000-05:00

This workshop will have a focus on dynamic and expressive movement, but will also explore healthy movement patterns, optimal alignment and awareness of individual ways of moving. We will explore articulation of the shoulder girdle, spine, hip and ankle as well as use imagery to encourage proper biomechanics of these joints. Using aspects of modern dance technique, alignment principles and injury

In Process: Fall Creation Period (Post 4 - Aliyah Gaines)

2011-11-02T21:00:00.000-04:00

This opportunity is just amazing! It’s such a blessing to be able to choreograph for people older than myself. It’s a new challenge and I am so glad I was given the opportunity to be able to do this! Rehearsals have been going awesome, sometimes I have some strange ideas but in the end they seem to work. I love it how if I ask the dancers to do something they can do it. All of the dancers are

In Process: Looking Back and Moving Forward (Carly Manuel)

2011-10-30T23:35:00.000-04:00

Celebrating two years with the company...going on year number 3! I cannot believe it has been that long. In a way it seems like forever ago that this company got started, but sometimes it feels like yesterday. Being a part of it has been so rewarding in so many different way. Not only being able to continue a career in dance after college but also meeting individuals who became my friends and

In Process: Fall Creation Period (Post 3 - Nicola Russell)

2011-10-27T16:00:00.000-04:00

It really feels great to be a part of another choreographic process. I am working with choreographer Aliyah Gaines on her new piece and it is quite exciting how the piece is changing week to week. The dynamic of the piece has taken a real turn in direction due to the piece originally being a duet and is now a trio. During the first rehearsal we were working towards the idea of 2 dancers against

Art ce soir

2011-10-02T08:10:00.001-04:00

Survived!

Art ce soir

2011-10-02T06:12:00.001-04:00

Theme song

Art ce Soir

2011-10-01T20:43:00.001-04:00

Group painting!

Art ce Soir

2011-10-01T19:51:00.001-04:00

All set up.

Cookstown debut

2011-10-01T10:00:00.001-04:00

Catch us over Culture Days!

2011-09-27T02:18:00.001-04:00

We hope to see you out and about over Culture Days! There is so much happening in and around Barrie. You don't need to commute an hour down the 400 to experience amazing, world class arts and culture ... it's right here! Interactive Dance Presentation Saturday, October 1, 2011 11:00am - 12:00pm 20 Church Street in Cookstown,ON We are excited to be Stop #1 on the "Living Culture

In Process: Fall Creation Period (Post 2 - Regan McQuoid)

2011-09-27T02:14:00.000-04:00

For the past few weeks, I have been working on Jessica Ransomʼs piece along with Nancy Pottage and Sarah Lochhead. It has been an interesting and wonderful experience seeing the work go from the original piece from the My Moves - Choreographic Intensive, to what it is today. I have never before been a part of a choreographers process in creating a new piece. It is very different experience to be

In process: Fall Creation Period (Post 1 - Nancy Pottage)

2011-09-27T02:06:00.004-04:00

OK, universe, I get it. At the beginning of September I was paralyzed with fear. I felt old but inexperienced. What was I doing, dancing, teaching dance, teaching how to teach dance?? I was freaking out. And then we started rehearsing and I was reminded that here was nothing to do but play and try things with this amazing community of artists. My brain is sparking and making connections.

... what a difference indeed

2011-09-12T03:38:00.000-04:00

Mayor Lehman summed it up best this weekend when he said '... the artists in our city now have a facility worthy of their talent.' The Mady Centre for the Performing Arts is a beautiful facility and we were honoured to be part of the celebrations this weekend. For those fans out there who were not at the gala, here is a video of our group version of "Betty's Bench" from dress rehearsal. The

Mady Ribbon Cutting

2011-09-12T03:18:00.000-04:00

Mady Ribbon Cutting

Mady Centre for the Performing Arts opens this weekend!

2011-09-09T00:55:00.001-04:00

Saturday is a big day for Barrie! It is the grand opening of the Mady Centre for the Performing Arts right in the heart of our downtown! We will be out and about during the community open house from 12-4pm on Saturday and we are also performing in the gala that evening. For the gala we will be performing a group version of Betty's Bench, one of our signature works, to stunning vocals

Best wishes!

2011-09-07T21:54:00.001-04:00

We are pleased to inform you that Kieren Day is now attending York University working towards a BA in dance. We wish him all the best in his adventures! More about Kieren: Kieren Day / Photo by Fred Day (fdphotographicimagery.com) Kieren Day’s passion for theatre and dance began at five years old. This interest has led Kieren to

My Moves - Choreographic Intensive ... the creative process continues

2011-08-29T23:14:00.001-04:00

This season we are pleased to welcome the following choreographers on board to lead the way through our fall creation period: Aliyah Gaines & Olivia Lyle Aliyah Gaines & Olivia Lyle / Photo by Christie Roberts Jessica Ransom & Kayla Osborne Jessica Ransom & Kayla Osborne / Photo by Christie Roberts Both pairs will work to co-choreograph their pieces.

US Postal Service Highlights Choreographers

2011-08-26T00:09:00.004-04:00

So glad I have family in the USA who can send these to me! It is nice to get snail mail especially if the stamp is graced with an image of an innovative choreographer. I got word of this from the José Limón Dance Foundations' most recent email newsletter. Here is an excerpt form the US Postal Service site: "In 2012, the U.S. Postal Service pays tribute to four influential choreographers

Integrity - a definition in action

2011-08-23T23:17:00.000-04:00

Today in class we did a straight forward battement exercise from the corner. After one crossing I gave the note that the transitions required more attention and integrity. One student bravely asked "What is integrity?" My definition on the spot was not very clear at all. I referred to it in the sense of taking the moral high road - which isn't what I meant at all. To which this student replied

Auditions

2011-08-22T21:08:00.000-04:00

My Moves - Choreographic Intensive (Day 5)

2011-08-19T23:30:00.000-04:00

Today was the final day of our intensive but it truly feels like a beginning - a chance to continue working in a collaborative way and to support one another. We (participants, enthusiasts, teachers, performers, choreographers what have you) are all part of the local dance community and a community that works to build each other up will have no other option but to flourish. Thank you to all of

My Moves - Choreographic Intensive (Day 4)

2011-08-18T23:27:00.000-04:00

Today we explored phrasing and accompaniment. We watched 'with our ears' as each couple performed their duet in silence. Then as a group we discussed what music or sounds might be interesting to try. In this clip, the dancers had not heard or practiced their choreography to the music prior to the moment it was captured on video. Yet, it looks like it was made for this music!

My Moves - Choreographic Intensive (Day 3)

2011-08-17T22:30:00.002-04:00

Today we had the pleasure of learning more about partnering and a chance to explore lifts. Trish Armstrong lead the workshop illustrating a variety of partnering methods and offering insight into how to puzzle through making a challenging lift possible. The company dancers were on hand to jump in and learn parts of the various choreographies. This gave the participants an opportunity to step

My Moves - Choreographic Intensive (Day 2)

2011-08-16T21:32:00.000-04:00

Today we explored a variety of techniques to establish relationships. The participants took their solos and found ways to integrate them as duets. Here is an example of some of the exciting works-in-progress!

My Moves - Choreographic Intensive (Day 1)

2011-08-15T23:18:00.003-04:00

Wow! What and amazing first day of our intensive. It's so refreshing to see the wealth of young talent our region holds. Today we focused on tools to help kick start a choreographic process - with tips for dealing with choreographic "writer's" block and started to build individual movement phrases. Looking forward to Day 2 as we embark on Contact Improvisation with Nikki Russell!

Exploring the Arc

2011-08-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

I've been reading one of my favourite books again this summer - "The Dance Technique of Doris Humphrey and its creative potential" by Ernestine Stodelle. The book was published in 1978. I was lucky enough to stumble upon it in a used book store in 2003. It was only $14 and includes that wonderful musty 'old book smell' that no e-reader could ever replicate. Doris Humphrey (1895-1958) was part

Now we are two!

2011-07-03T19:27:00.000-04:00

It is hard to believe that two years have gone by. In some ways it seems shorter but when I look over the list of events, projects and activities we have participated in or initiated it seems like more than two years! June has been a fun month - we had the opportunity to perform at both Orillia Dance Academy's recital and Art of Dance's recital. It is great to be surrounded by such inspiring

Sun News interview elicited record complaints, says watchdog

2011-07-03T18:10:00.000-04:00

Way to speak out! Over 4,000 complaints received! TheStar Sun News interview elicited record complaints, says watchdog

The Dance Current news: Margie Gillis object of on-air bullying

2011-06-16T13:24:00.000-04:00

More coverage on the recent Margie Gillis interview. The Dance Current news: Margie Gillis object of on-air bullying

Thank you Margie Gillis - Love Sarah

2011-06-14T00:48:00.000-04:00

On June 1st, Canadian dance icon - Margie Gillis - was "interviewed" by Sun TV. The interview attacked her concerning the amount of public funding she has received over the course of her career. Margie Gillis is an national treasure and an inspiration. A few years back I had the pleasure of taking a workshop with her and the experience is beyond words and is certainly and experience I consider

Photos from Woven

2011-06-01T23:37:00.001-04:00

Here are some wonderful pictures taken by Peter Thompson of our show Woven.

More media coverage of Woven

2011-06-01T13:57:00.000-04:00

In case you hadn't seen this online coverage! Barrie Advance Snap Barrie

SCD on Evi-Dance

2011-05-17T18:01:00.000-04:00

Here is a link to the podcast of Sarah's interview on Evi-Dance from May 8, 2011.

In process: Woven (Post 12 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-05-07T17:57:00.000-04:00

Dress rehearsal went really well today! Really looking forward to the shows! Don't forget to bring your own mug for your complimentary cup of tea. We'll have a kettle and lots of different kinds of tea to choose from and a few sweeties too!

In process: Woven (Post 11 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-05-07T03:09:00.000-04:00

Today I finished making the pre-show playlist. I like to select songs that fit thematically with what the audience will see to get them in a related frame of mind. One of the songs I chose was "The Crane Wife 3" by The Decemberists (my favourite band). According to good ol' Wikipedia: "The Crane Wife is an old Japanese folktale. While there are many variations of the tale, a common version is

In process: Woven (Post 10 - Sneak Peek)

2011-05-04T08:00:00.003-04:00

In process: Woven (Post 9 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-05-03T02:21:00.000-04:00

Several years ago I saw an exhibit at the Textile Museum of Canada in Toronto of called "Battleground: War Rugs from Afghanistan." The images woven into the rugs spoke volumes of the time and climate in which they were created. Some of the rugs had images of bombs, guns and helicopters - others depicted historical moments of political figures. One that stands out in my mind was a woven image

In process: Woven (Post 8 - Andrea Marcucci)

2011-05-02T19:19:00.000-04:00

So There are a few things I’ve been thinking about during the development of this performance……The first is how I can’t really remember a time in my life where I wasn’t with a needle and thread in my hand. I’ve tried everything from rug hooking to bead weaving to bear making and most of it I still do in my adult life. I LOVE making something 3 dimensional out of a 2 dimensional pattern. I think

In process: Woven (Post 7 - Christie Roberts)

2011-05-01T13:43:00.001-04:00

The interwoven experiences women share is one of the themes of the Simcoe Contemporary Dancers upcoming show Woven. While working through the creation and learning process we were asked to use imagery that linked people in our lives to seasons and experiences. While exploring the season of winter, I pictured myself and my sister going on an adventure knit café in Toronto. A knit café is a special

Happy International Dance Day

2011-04-29T08:00:00.008-04:00

Every year, the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute circulates a message around the world as part of International Dance Day celebrations. This year's message was written by Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. Anne is a prominent contemporary dance choreographer based in Brussels and has received numerous awards for her work. Her message is as follows: I

In process: Woven (Post 6 - Regan McQuoid)

2011-04-27T20:01:00.000-04:00

Working on SCD’s upcoming show Woven has been such an amazing experience. But I have come across something unexpected that I have never done before. Lines. First off, I am not an actor. It’s something that I have never been good at. When I get in front of people and I have to talk I get all red and splotchy, I start to stutter, and I completely forget what it was that I was supposed to be

In process: Woven (Post 5 - Nicola Russell)

2011-04-25T11:00:00.001-04:00

Nicola Russell in Trish Armstrongs' work Tainted Love / Photo by Sarah Lochhead Our new piece Woven has suddenly blossomed out of group rehearsals and things seem to be just falling in to place without us even trying to make them work, its awesome when a piece does this! The piece formed from 6 solos has become a whole entity of art, which seamlessly links with every aspect explored in Trish

In process: Woven (Post 4 - Christie Roberts)

2011-04-20T17:30:00.001-04:00

Christie Roberts in Trish Armstrongs' work Aneurysm / Photo by Sarah Lochhead In preparation for the upcoming show Woven, the Simcoe Contemporary Dancers have been learning created works created by both Trish Armstrong and Sarah Lochhead. Each of the dancers in the show has a solo work to perform that encompasses the overarching theme which is about the threads of life experience that weave

Silk-screening SCD swag

2011-04-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

On Thursday I took a workshop with Alana Sproule of Awkward Stage (a fantastic shop and gallery here in Barrie on Lakeshore Mews). The workshop was called “Savvy Silk-screening." In the workshop I learned how to create my own silk screen design, make the screen and all and all make some magic! The best part is that the process Alana shared is really cost effective by using alternative products

In process: Woven (Post 3 - Nancy Pottage)

2011-04-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

When we started to look at how to introduce text and story into this piece, Sarah sent me an email from her mom about what drew her to weaving. “What do I actually like about this whole process? I like the math and calculating of the requirements of pattern repeats and balances. I like the rhythm of the actual physical movements. I like the interaction of colours as they cross each other in the

Arts Vote

2011-04-12T23:58:00.000-04:00

The following is from the Canadian Arts Coalition website. HERE’S A STORY WE ALL SHARE… The date was February 12, 2010 and Canadians were settling in for a live broadcast from Vancouver, British Columbia. That night, through the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada told its story to 67.5 million people around the world - and we did so through the arts. For that

In process: Woven (Post 2 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-04-12T14:00:00.003-04:00

Our upcoming show Woven is almost ready for the stage! It has been an absolute joy to collaborate with Nancy Pottage and share ideas and talk about art over sushi dinners, tea and emails. On one such epic in-depth discussion I mentioned to Nancy that this show seems to embody both of my parents' artistic passions. My mother is a textile arts goddess! I spent many a Saturday stomping wool to

In process: Woven (Post 1 - Carly Manuel)

2011-04-11T23:37:00.000-04:00

Carly Manuel / Photo by Omer K. Yukseker Prepping for our first 'big show' has been an absolute blast! It is so exciting to finally be able to put together something that just seems to be falling into place! Each solo, which were all very different to begin with, all have these subtle similarities which were not fully realized until we had the opportunity to present them to one another. With

Dance Collection Danse Lunchtime Liaison with History

2011-04-01T11:00:00.001-04:00

Dance Collection Danse is conducting Lunchtime Liaison with History - a tour of their exhibit Dancing Through Time: Toronto's Dance History 1900-1980 with curator Amy Bowring. Ad design: Believe It Design Works

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 11 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-03-28T23:21:00.003-04:00

It has been a week since returning from the big apple and I have to admit it has been hard to adjust. In the average day, how much time do you have to devote to your passion? How much time do you have to reflect and draw connections between the various things you have experienced? I'm realizing the answers to these questions for me is - not enough. Today I felt particularly run down from the '

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 10)

2011-03-19T21:41:00.001-04:00

So long NYC xox!

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 9)

2011-03-17T23:43:00.002-04:00

Amazing show!

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 8)

2011-03-17T23:35:00.002-04:00

in Capezio store

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 7 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-03-17T18:50:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I took an intermediate Limon class with Jim May. He taught us phrases from Limon's work Unsung - a tribute to American Indian chiefs. The phrases were strong, percussive and rhythmically complex. I don't remember learning very much Limon based work that carries on these elements and dynamic qualities. Jim is a treasure and I can hardly wait to take his class tomorrow! He asked me

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 6 - Andrea Marcucci)

2011-03-17T18:41:00.001-04:00

Today we went to the MOMA and I was drawn into the works of Monet. I was amazed at how fluid a solid object could be and how etheral the waterlilies seemed on the canvas. It was like they were hovering above the the canvas itself. It reminded me to not be such a slave to gravity. Overall it gave me a feeling of not worrying about technique but appreciating the artistry itself. Everything

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 5 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-03-17T17:34:00.000-04:00

Things are going well in NYC. Despite some internet issues at first and getting turned around on the subway more than once, it has been a trip of full of inspiring insights. The city has culture pumping through its veins. Teenage hip hop artists belting out original poetry on the A train - break dancers at Bleaker St. - thumb piano and flute at 42nd St. - fashion, theatres and art galleries

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 4)

2011-03-17T12:58:00.003-04:00

at Max Brenner

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 3)

2011-03-17T08:49:00.002-04:00

Peridance

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 2 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-03-12T14:00:00.001-05:00

Laundry and packing ... packing and laundry. Still sorting out many outfit options but I know I will rock my new jacket from Awkward Stage! Itinerary update: We have scored tickets to see Martha Graham Dance Company! The show we are seeing celebrates the collaboration between Graham and sculptor Isamu Noguchi and will include a performance of Appalachian Spring.

Media Release: Barrie Arts Network

2011-03-11T23:03:00.000-05:00

For Immediate release … Thursday March 10, 2011, Barrie ON … Barrie Arts and Culture Council prepares launch of online arts directory Attention artists and arts organizations: The Barrie Arts and Culture Council (BACC) is beta testing the Barrie Arts Network – a new online database that will act as a directory for arts and culture in Barrie. We’d like your feedback to help us refine the site.

Pro D in NYC: Sarah & Andrea's epic adventure (Post 1 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-03-11T15:10:00.001-05:00

Imagine mosaic - Central Park NYC / Photo by Chad Webster March break is upon us and for the first time in a long time. I'm packing my bags and heading on a holiday. I have been to NYC before for a school trip and for auditions but this will be my longest stay in the city and one focused on professional development. Having just turned twenty-nine in January, I made a list of things I wanted to

Celebrating International Women's Day with an invitation ...

2011-03-08T00:00:00.004-05:00

Dear Simcoe Contemporary Dancers' fans, Today (March 8th) is International Women's Day! I can't help but pause and think of how fortunate I am to be sitting here writing this to you - recognized as a person, with the right to vote, able to own property and make my own life choices.I'm sure we all have at least one woman (if not many more) in our personal lives who have helped shape who we are.

In process: renewed solo work (Sarah Lochhead)

2011-03-03T23:38:00.000-05:00

I heard this yesterday on my drive home. Serendipitous timing as today was the day Carly and I worked on integrating our feedback from Series 8:08. Writing a great sentence and creating choreography have a lot in common. About two minute in, Stanley Fish share's what it is he likes about a good sentence, which hit home for me as what I'd like to accomplish as a choreographer. CBC.ca | The

In process: renewed solo work (Sarah Lochhead)

2011-01-27T01:17:00.000-05:00

On Saturday SCD will be showing a reworking of the piece formerly known as Pourquoi Choisir? or Why Choose?. We started working on the initial solo over a year ago and it has been performed a couple of times (see snippets here) to a wide selection of music. I knew the piece was not done - it just wasn't what I wanted it to be or in some respects what it wanted to become. So, this summer I

For the Artists of Barrie - A poem by Bruce Meyer, the City of Barrie's Poet Laureate

2011-01-26T22:33:00.000-05:00

The Artists For the Artists of Barrie Let us craft a city – give it all our gifts, stuff of dreams and legends and faces of our people. Let us imagine moorings of light in Venice, boulevards of a reborn Paris, or a harborscape like Stockholm. Does its raw clay sing to you and fill you with ideas, avenues where stars are born, and summer afternoons a sculpture? Would it be as real in

In process: Remounting work by Trish Armstrong (Post 1 - Sarah Lochhead)

2011-01-20T23:43:00.000-05:00

Today was a what Oprah would call a "full circle moment" - learning Trish Armstrong infamous solo Crazy. I feel like this solo has been part of my life for over a decade. When I was in my second year of high school, one of my friends, who learned Crazy from Trish while at York, taught me parts of this solo for fun one afternoon. I remember enjoying the music so much that I went the library (

Be moved by Ballet Creole

2011-01-18T22:53:00.000-05:00

Ballet Creole is coming to Orillia this Friday - January 21st. Not only will they be performing but they are also offering two FREE movement workshops! The Orillia Opera House in partnership with The Ontario Arts Council is pleased to bring you Ballet Creole. Celebrating 20 years of forging new territories and new pathways for Blacks in dance in Canada, Ballet Creole is committed to presenting

The Art of Dance’s first annual X-mas Recital

2011-01-18T22:17:00.000-05:00

In December we had the pleasure of performing at The Art of Dance’s first annual X-mas Recital. The event raised $1,000 for Sick Kids Hospital! Congratulations to Nancy Proctor, and The Art of Dance staff and students, for a job well done. Sarah Lochhead in her own work The Littlest Sugar Plum / Photo by Regan McQuoid

Give the gift of dance!

2010-12-22T20:11:00.008-05:00

FYI - A fantastic upcoming show taking place in Orillia in January. If you're looking for a last minute gift idea for the dancers in your life or if you want to print this and leaving lying around as a hint, this show is simply not to be missed! Make a new years resolution to head to the theatre! Spread the word about this event. The Orillia Opera House Brings You Ballet CreoleIt’s a magical

The Snow Queen

2010-11-29T21:16:00.000-05:00

The School of Dance and Musicianship is putting on a holiday production of The Snow Queen - a magical story ballet based on the fairytale by Hans Christian Anderson. A lovely kick off to the holiday season!

Help SCD win $2500

2010-11-23T09:17:00.001-05:00

We decided to have a go at Aldo's "Let's Dance" contest and created the following video to the selected song. Please view, share and tweet as much as you can! Each action gives us points. The video with the highest score wins and there is also a judges choice prize for creativity.

Santa has arrived!

2010-11-14T15:12:00.001-05:00

On Friday we had the pleasure of entertaining a very excited crowd of children and adults! The show was part of Bayfield Mall's annual celebration to mark the official arrival of Santa. We peroformed J9 Dance Projects piece Wound About with guest artist Glenn Coulson as Professor Winklebottom and premiered a new work by Sarah Lochhead entitled The Littlest Sugar Plum. Both pieces were a hit and

Meet the Navy

2010-11-11T20:27:00.001-05:00

Interesting online exhibit from Dance Collection Danse. Meet the Navy

Simcoe Contemporary Dancers in the community!

2010-11-08T22:11:00.000-05:00

SCD joins the BAC Simcoe Contemporary Dancers are pleased to announce that Artistic Director Sarah Lochhead has been invited to join the Barrie Arts Council. “I’m truly excited to be involved as an advocate for our local arts community and give a voice to dance on the council,” said Lochhead. Her first meeting as part of the Barrie Arts Council is scheduled for this Thursday. To learn more about

Corpus DanceProjects in Orillia

2010-10-26T19:24:00.000-04:00

Corpus is back in town! If you didn't get a chance to catch their performance at Orillia Mall this spring, or even if you did, here is chance to catch them at the Opera House!

Most Ontarians Believe Arts are Important to Quality of Life

2010-10-20T23:01:00.001-04:00

Today the Ontario Arts Council released an interesting report titled "The Arts And The Quality of Life: The Attitudes of Ontarians" - a very interesting read!

Art Vote Counts

2010-10-03T09:37:00.004-04:00

From the Barrie Arts Council: Every vote counts in the upcoming municipal elections on 25 October 2010. Art Vote Counts too. Barrie Arts is working to survey all the candidates regarding arts and culture, with the intent of posting an Arts Report Card to aid voters in finding arts-friendly candidates. We call on artists, arts workers and supporters to act as advocates for Art Vote Counts in the

Culture abounds

2010-09-27T02:24:00.001-04:00

Our Culture Days performances were a great way to start our fall season. Our 2pm show had an industrial backdrop of the Flying Monkeys Brewery and our 3pm show was right outside Awkward Stage. Between shows we were entertained by the musical stylings of Orillia's own of Eric McCauley - a talented singer songwriter who's modern folk stylings were completely engaging. Thanks to our audience

Ben Cameron: The true power of the performing arts

2010-09-14T00:20:00.000-04:00

Simcoe Contemporary Dancers Fall Events

2010-09-09T23:01:00.001-04:00

Christie Roberts & Carly Manuel of Simcoe Contemporary Dancers, movement from Meaghan Giusti's work "Plaid" / Photo by Fred Day (fdphotographicimagery.com) The leaves are already changing colour – an indication of time passing as familiar landscapes evolve. The landscape of SCD is also transforming! This summer saw the introduction of new repertoire and new dancers in our company. We are

Science in your steps

2010-09-08T23:00:00.005-04:00

The BBC posted an interesting article yesterday on the connection between male health and good dancing. The article notes that it is the "... first rigorous analysis of dance moves that make men attractive to women." It may be the first "rigorous analysis" but is not the first time dance has taken centre stage in the lab. In 2006, CBC's radio show Quirks and Quarks interviewed Dr. William

Be part of our art

2010-09-01T17:37:00.004-04:00

Dear Arts Lover,    On behalf of Simcoe Contemporary Dancers, I’d like to invite you to be part of our art! Simcoe Contemporary Dancers / Photo by Fred Day (fdphotographicimagery.com) As Simcoe County’s only professional contemporary dance ensemble, our goal is to raise visibility and participation in our art form by: providing intermediate to advanced classes/workshops; creating and

Oh, the places we go!

2010-08-31T22:27:00.001-04:00

by Sarah Lochhead This past weekend we had the pleasure of participating in a film shoot with choreographer Meaghan Giusti on location at the Delawana Inn. The shoot was to create a film version of Giusti's work "Plaid", which she set on SCD this summer. Members from the original Toronto cast of "Plaid" joined us too - giving us a tartan army of nine. I got to thinking about all the places we

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 9 - Trish Armstrong)

2010-07-25T00:51:00.001-04:00

With Meaghan's piece Plaid it was the same composer [Philip Glass]. Thirty-one years after joining Danny Grossman Dance Company I joined SCD and the same music is playing. Déjà vu! One and half years after a total knee replacement, I'm testing the waters ... will I or will I not be able? Well ... SURPRISE! - Muscle memory is a strong summoning. Simcoe Contemporary Dancers in rehearsal for

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 8 - Trish Armstrong)

2010-07-25T00:43:00.000-04:00

This is my first ever blog post. I mean I am not even on Facebook. Somehow I got talked into dancing again, which was not my intention. Teaching? Yes. Choreographing? Yes. - but this is difficult imagining myself doing the actual steps let alone remembering them. The first set of movements material went into my body and was promptly forgotten when we came back to it the following week. Trish

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 7 - Christie Roberts)

2010-07-24T12:00:00.005-04:00

I discovered Simcoe Contemporary Dancers at a local dance show this past Spring, Celebration of Dance in Barrie. When I saw them dance, I immediately felt connected to their work. After the show, I researched SCD, and I discovered the drop in classes offered on Sundays. I attended class and decided to come back in two weeks for the company audition. I was very nervous, but everyone involved was

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 6 - Christie Roberts)

2010-07-24T09:04:00.003-04:00

As an artist and an educator, the process of creating choreography is something that I have been exploring. I have been researching ideas that range from sources of inspiration, choreographic tools, support resources, current trends and the process of putting it all together. It was these questions and ideas that piqued my interest when beginning the Summer Creation Period with the Simcoe

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 5 - Carly Manuel)

2010-07-24T08:57:00.002-04:00

Year two of the Simcoe Contemporary Dancers has already given us some challenges to overcome. We are working very hard but unfortunately have had to suffer a few injuries along the way. Injuries are always apart of the dance industry but never get any easier to handle physically or mentally. For myself, this somewhat recent injury is my second major one, and the same injury at that. Back when I

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 4 - Nicole Russell)

2010-07-20T18:19:00.002-04:00

Last week we finished Penumbra, Susan Kendal’s new choreography. It was really interesting to see how we all fell completely into the movement again after having a two-week break from our first rehearsal with Susan. The movement obviously had sunken into our minds and bodies within that 3 hour rehearsal and we could all tell how well it suited each individual company member. Within Meaghan

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 3 - Sarah Lochhead)

2010-07-19T22:16:00.002-04:00

My horoscope in Thursday's Barrie Examiner seemed quite a fitting read after coming home from rehearsal. It said: "You Might feel an urge to travel to a distant land that involves your ancestors, or to some place more intimate, that deals with you early childhood. You may learn more than you think possible." The first portions relates to Meaghan's piece Plaid - as it is inspired by her

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 2 - Nicola Russell)

2010-07-19T22:03:00.002-04:00

The first rehearsal process as a new company was working on Plaid with the amazingly talented Meghan Giusti. Plaid is based around a soloist and includes a series of combinations performed in specific variations. I found Plaid to be the perfect piece to work on first with our new company members as the material was connected between each performer. We all learned the same movement material

In process: Summer Creation Period 2010 (post 1 - Sneak Peek)

2010-07-13T01:14:00.004-04:00

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SCD Birthday Bash

2010-07-10T12:25:00.005-04:00

June 21st, 2010 marked one year since our first rehearsal as a company! To celebrate we had a party at Awkward Stage in Barrie, ON.The party was to welcome our new company members, Christie Roberts and Trish Armstrong and apprentices Kate Thomsom and Kieren Day.It was also an evening of goodbyes as company member Kasha Pinel gets ready to move out west to teach at The Pirouette School of Dance in

Audition Notice

2010-05-17T03:25:00.004-04:00

AUDITIONSSunday May 30 10:30 am-1:30pmMoving Art, 125 Anne St. S, Barrie ONWe are auditioning for company members (completed highschool as of fall 2010) and apprentices (high school seniors) for our summer creation period and fall performance season. Sign in at 10:30am. Audition begins at 11:00am.To register email: SimcoeContemporaryDancers@gmail.comFind out More...What do I need to bring to the

Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company in Angus

2010-05-17T02:52:00.003-04:00

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