Ballet Edmonton Premieres SOFT CURRENTS
Ballet Edmonton will present 'SOFT CURRENTS' at the Art Gallery of Alberta, offering audiences a new work that explores movement and musicality in a contemporary setting. The production underscores the ongoing vibrancy of Canada's modern dance scene and its integration with visual art venues.
"SOFT CURRENTS" is choreographed by the award-winning Vanessa Goodman, known for her collaborative and experiential work. The piece is a task-based composition where dancers respond to a co-authored score of spoken text and cues, heard through headphones, creating a performance that shifts between individual expression and collective unison. This improvisational structure is inspired by the synchronized, shape-shifting flight patterns of starling murmurations. The production is a key part of Ballet Edmonton's new artistic director Kirsten Wicklund's vision for the company. Wicklund, who took the helm in 2024, is focusing on a creation-based approach, inviting a range of choreographers to innovate within contemporary ballet. Her first choreographic work for the company, "My instinct is that this is nearly the end," premiered in February 2024. The choice of the Art Gallery of Alberta as the venue for "SOFT CURRENTS" aligns with a growing trend of presenting dance in non-traditional spaces to create immersive experiences. The gallery has previously hosted performance art as part of its "Refinery" art parties, transforming its spaces with dance floors and performances. This production will see audiences move with the dancers through the gallery's architectural environment, experiencing the choreography at close range. The Canadian contemporary dance scene is increasingly characterized by such cross-disciplinary collaborations and a focus on innovative, often technology-integrated, performances. Ballet Edmonton's recent programming, including works by international choreographers, reflects this national trend of pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet. Wicklund has emphasized the importance of fostering connections between dance groups and artistic disciplines.
