Luminato

I know I shouldn't complain about how much there is to do in Toronto during the summer but just this once, I want to take a second to whine about how this is the most difficult time of year to blog about all that I T.O. See & T.O. Do (see what I did there?) in a timely manner, which irks me to no end. That being said, if I'm not blogging about doing stuff then it's probably because I'm out doing stuff, which is awesome.

Okay. Now that THAT's out of the way, let's talk about something infinitely more interesting: Luminato!

The Luminato Festival is one of those Toronto events that, despite its publicity and popularity, is difficult to sum up in a single sentence whenever I'm asked "What's Luminato?" The short answer is that it's a festival that celebrates creativity. The long answer is that it's a festival that celebrates creativity in visual art, music, theatre, dance, food, spoken word, film and literature. Throughout Luminato, a host of established and renowned artists from around the world descend on Toronto to delight and captivate with some of the most original and innovative artistic works/performances that will grace the city that year. Luminato took place this year between June 6-15, and I was fortunate enough to attend many events/performances. In no particular order, here are my personal highlights of the festival:

1. Green Porno, Live on Stage - A perfect example of what I meant by "original and innovative", I'd wager that Green Porno is unlike anything you've ever seen performed on stage. The luminous Isabella Rossellini explores her recent academic pursuits in the field of biology by delivering a lecture concerning some of the more particular and bizarre mating habits within the animal kingdom. This lecture is enhanced by props, costumes and film clips from her Green Porno series of shorts (if you haven't had a chance to see any of these shorts, I suggest you get to YouTube'ing). Fair warning, you will never look at a duck's vagina the same way again.

Isabella Rossellini in 'Green Porno'
Photo Credit: Mario del Curto - Courtesy of Luminato (2014)

2. Cardboard Beach at the Festival Hub - During the press conference announcing this year's Luminato programming, I was very intrigued by the concept of the Cardboard Beach, a large-scale art installation by Los Carpinteros that would occupy a big chunk of the Festival Hub at David Pecaut Square. I feared it was a concept that would work better in theory than in practice (like so many ambitious Nuit Blanche projects) but I was delighted to discover that it was actually executed quite well. Cardboard umbrellas provided shade to the cardboard chaise lounges and allowed for festival attendees to sit back, recline, and take in a show on the Festival Hub's main stage (admittedly it was easier to hear than to see a performance from this angle). I visited the Cardboard Beach between shows so instead I helped myself to some delicious Hub grub, courtesy of Parts & Labour.

Cardboard Beach installation by Los Carpinteros
Photo Credit: David Leyes - Courtesy of Luminato (2014)

MMM... Hub grub!

3. Kid Koala's Nufonia Must Fall Live - I was so impressed with Nufonia Must Fall that it's hard to know where to begin. Let's begin with the concept: "a graphic novel animated in real time with a live soundtrack". (WHAT? HOW?) Taking place in a movie theatre at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, the stage was set with three smaller stages atop platforms. On these stages were the small puppets who would be manipulated from all angles by puppeteers, acting out the story of a robot in love. Cameras moved carefully around the action on stage, projecting everything in real time onto the screen. The "soundtrack" was in actuality a score to this (mostly) silent film and was performed live by DJ Kid Koala and the Afiara String Quartet. Nufonia Must Fall Live was directed by K.K. Barrett (famed Production designer for all of Spike Jonze's films, who has also worked with Sofia Coppola, Michel Gondry and David O. Russell), and it was beautifully executed with exactly the right amount of romance and whimsy. An absolute delight!

Image from Kid Koala's 'Nufonia Must Fall'
Photo Courtesy of Luminato (2014)

4. All the Sex I've Ever Had: The International Edition - If you're someone who is horrified by the idea of your parents, or more accurately, your grandparents having a sex life, sitting through All the Sex I've Ever Had might be a little torturous. However, if you acknowledge that we are all sexual beings for pretty much the entire time we're alive, then you would find this production very informative and quite interesting. A panel of elderly speakers from around the world take the mic one by one and chronologically (from birth) divulge very personal stories of their sexual experiences, exploits and follies. No topic was off-limits and proclivities that might normally be regarded as taboo were discussed without judgement in the safe space of the Isabel Bader Theatre (I would go into more detail here, but we were asked to take a vow of "no gossip"). Though the stories and anecdotes of the participants were quite enjoyable and compelling, certain aspects of the production felt a little laboured. Having the speakers dance to songs representing a particular decade as a linking device lost its quirky appeal very quickly as by the fourth or fifth song the participants seemed as tired of it as the audience.

Image from 'All The Sex I've Ever Had' (Prague Performance)
Photo Credit: Lucia Eggenhoffer - Courtesy of Luminato (2014)

5. If I Loved You: Gentlemen Prefer Broadway - An Evening of Love Duets - Another winning premise, which felt like it was tailor-made for me. If I Loved You was the first Luminato event I purchased tickets for this year, and if it was the only thing I ended up seeing, I knew I'd be satisfied. Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright (and husband of Luminato's Artistic Director Jorn Weisbrodt) conceived this evening of Broadway love-song standards, performed by an entirely male cast. And what a cast! David Byrne, Boy George, Josh Groban, Brent Carver, Ezra Koenig, Steven Page, Brennan Hall and, of course, Rufus Wainwright himself all turned in wonderful performances. Admittedly, some were more wonderful than others. Brent Carver and Josh Groban inspired the most audience swooning with their impressive vocals, while David Byrne and Ezra Koenig (the rockers of the group) had a bit of a fish out of water feel among the rest of the cast (which I still found quite charming). In spite of a few missteps and fumbles throughout the night, I found it to be a lovely and heartfelt performance (I cried... more than once).

The lobby of the Sony Centre, pre-show.

'If I Loved You' Brochure Image
Photo Courtesy of Luminato (2014)

6. Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Salute to the Americas - Quickly becoming a Luminato tradition, I can't think of a better way to end the festival than with a free outdoor performance by the TSO. The 'Salute to the Americas' was a program inspired by Toronto's hosting of the PanAm Games in 2015 and included works by composers such as John Weinzwieg, fan(boy)-favorite John Williams, Ernesto Lecuona, Villa Lobos and Alberto Ginastera. This event always makes me wish that the TSO played more al fresco concerts. The combination of the open air and the majestic sounds is quite moving (YES I cried... more than once... I really shouldn't be allowed out in public). Congrats to Luminato on another great year!

TSO Performing at 2013 Luminato Festival
Photo Courtesy of Luminato (2014)

Contact Photography Festival

Once the dust from Hot Docs has settled, my May tends to revolve around the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival. Contact is an annual event which takes places throughout the month of May at various galleries and public spaces throughout the city. With over 1500 artists showing at 175 venues, it is the largest photography event in the world. One of (many) great things about Contact is that it has a tremendous reach throughout the GTA, so if you live and/or work in Toronto, odds are that you will have easy access to several exhibits. Another plus is that you will likely have many opportunities to take in some of these exhibits because the majority of what shows at Contact is on display for the entire month of May. AND it’s free. F-R-E-E! 

So how do you navigate such a large festival? The best thing to do to start would be to pick up a free Contact program or check out their website, which has a handy Festival Planner to help you keep track of what you want to see. The theme of this year’s festival showcases the relationship between identity and photography. Exhibits at Contact are classified as either “Primary Exhibitions” (major venues, often more established artists), “Public Installations” (shown in accessible public spaces), “Featured Exhibitions” (smaller established galleries, works selected through a call for submissions) and “Open Exhibitions” (works showcased within communities at alternative venues such as cafés, retail stores, restaurants, community centres, educational institutions, etc.). I would recommend trying to see exhibits from all four categories of the program for a representative sample of what Contact has to offer.

The next step is to get out there and see some photography! It’s as simple as making a note of a venue’s operating hours and showing up. No tickets, no reservations required. I tend to pick an exhibit I’m very excited about and then I check the Contact map to see what else is showing in that area, because spending a few hours wandering around the city looking at free photography is an absolutely lovely way to spend an afternoon! Since we are now deep into May, I have seen a nice little chunk of Contact exhibits already. It’s a bit too easy to say “everything is great, you should see it all!” so even though I am always reluctant to “review” art, I will make mention of some specific exhibits I’ve really enjoyed:
 

Backra Bluid - Stacey Tyrell
CREDIT: Stacey Tyrell - 'Letitia, from Backra Bluid series'
Artist Stacey Tyrell poses as subject of her exploration into the duality of identity. Calling upon her Caribbean and Scottish ancestry ("Backra" is a Caribbean slang term for "white person" and "Bluid" is the Scotch word for "blood"), Tyrell reimagines herself as various white women of privileged upbriging in this thought-provoking exhibit.
Featured Exhibition - General Hardware Contemporary, 1520 Queen Street West

 

Contacting Toronto - 2014: Drowning World - Gideon Mendel
CREDIT: Gideon Mendel - 'Sakorn Ponsiri, Chumchon Ruamjai Community, Bangkok'
TTC Riders take note, this (surprisingly large) exhibit can be found inside of Queen's Park subway station. Photographer Gideon Mendel captures images of people around the world whose lives have been devastated by flooding, in a quietly poweful statement on climate change.
Public Installation - Queen's Park Subway Station, College Street & University Avenue

KWE - Rebecca Belmore
CREDIT: Rebecca Belmore - 'Sister'
Artist Rebecca Belmore uses photography, video and sculpture to explore the relationship between her art and her Aboriginal identity ("Kwe" is the Anishinaabe word for "woman"). I was particularly impressed with this exhibit's curation/execution. Very effective for the viewer, if not slightly terrifying (no further explanations, go see for yourself).
Primary Exhibition - Justina M. Barnicke Gallery, 7 Hart House Circle

Material Self: Performing the Other Within - David Favrod, Charles Fréger, Hendrik Kerstens, Namsa Leuba, Meryl McMaster, Dominique Rey, Tomoko Sawada, Mary Sibande
CREDIT: Mary Sibande - 'I Have Not, I Have'
Collected works from 8 different artists which examine how clothing, costume, uniforms and props can be used to assist in communicating ideas of identity. Though they all related to a common theme, each artist represented a unique voice and lent a distinct perspective to the exhibit.
Primary Exhibition - Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art (MOCCA), 952 Queen Street West

Portaits - Gordon Perks
CREDIT: Gordon Perks - 'American Gothic, Washington, D.C.'
A collection of portraits focusing on traditionally marginalized subjects by acclaimed photographer Gordon Perks, spanning a 30-year period. All are quite compelling but Perks' photo of a thoughtful Duke Ellington, reflected in his piano while listening to a playback in the recording studio was so beautiful it moved me to tears (no shame).
Primary Exhibition - Black Artists' Networks in Dialogue (BAND), 1 Lansdowne Avenue, 2nd Floor

Through the Body: Lens-Based Works by Contemporary Chinese Women Artists - Lei Benben, Chun Hua Catherine Dong, Ye Funa, Jin Hua, Ladybird Theatre, Fang Lu, Ma Qiusha, Fan Xi, Li Xinmo, Chen Zhe
CREDIT: Chen Zhe - 'The Bearable: Birthday'
Works from multiple Chinese female artists, centred around the Chinese concept of "Ti Shi", which translates to learning through bodily experience. Very raw and visceral imagery. Beautiful and powerful. Not for the faint of heart.
Primary Exhibition - University of Toronto Art Centre (UTAC), 15 King's College Circle

The Unfinished Revolution - Samer Muscati
CREDIT: Samer Muscati - 'Female protesters'
Human Rights Watch researcher Samer Muscati documents some of the world's harshest conditions for women's rights in this photographic series. Displayed geographically, it was slightly jarring to discover Canada among those being profiled, but after having seen the exhibit it felt heartbreakingly appropriate. A must-see.
Featured Exhibition - OCADU Student Gallery, 52 McCaul Street

Hot Docs

Those who know me well know that the most wonderful time of the year for me isn't Christmas, it's Hot Docs. Now in its 21st year, Hot Docs is North America's largest documentary film festival and this year it will screen 197 docs from 43 countries over 11 days. After a bit of mental math, I realized that this year will be my 10th year attending Hot Docs, going from seeing a single film in my first year to buying a Premium Pass annually. So why have I become such an avid Hot Doc'er?

Hot Docs is my favorite Toronto-based film festival for a number of reasons. The first is that I am a huge fan of documentary films. I love that even if you see a lousy doc, you're still guaranteed to come away from it having learned something. More often than not, however, lousy docs aren't something you need to worry about at Hot Docs. These docs are hand-picked by skilled programmers and represent the best in documentary filmmaking around the world. Many docs that screen at Hot Docs go on to receive Oscar nominations and, in some cases, Oscar wins.

I also have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Hot Docs as a film festival. Unlike other high-profile Toronto film festivals (who shall remain nameless) Hot Docs attempts to be as accessible to the general public as possible. Ticket prices are affordable and daytime screenings are free for students and seniors. Also, if you're a little nutty about seeing as many docs as possible (like me!) Hot Docs has a limited number of all-access Premium Passes available for purchase, which entitles the bearer to see as many docs as they can physically stand to see. This pass allows for a level of flexibility and value that doesn't exist at other high-profile Toronto film festivals (you know who you are guys).

This year, I intend to see 38 docs. I know. I have a sickness. My personal record is 32 so we'll see how this goes. It's not easy to see so many films in a (relatively) short amount of time, but it is absolutely possible. Of course, this will become my full-time job beginning Friday evening. I am fortunate enough to have the ability to take the week off from work and just go balls out crazy. And what am I most excited about seeing? Well I just so happened to make a list!

TOP 10 HOT DOCS PICKS

Advanced Style
A look at New York's most fashionable ladies in the 60+ crowd.

Beyond Clueless
Exploring the teen movie genre from John Hughes* to "fetch".

Everything Will Be
Vancouver's Chinatown is changing rapidly, what effect will this have on its long-time merchants?

Harmontowm
Follow ex-(now current) Community showrunner Dan Harmon on his self-destructive comedy tour.

Hotline
A look behind who is on the other end of the phone at various hotlines across the world.

Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story
Filmmakers stop buying groceries for six months and live off of discarded food to highlight the issue of waste.

The Possibilities Are Endless
Scottish singer Edwyn Collins attempts to rebuild his life and career while recovering from a devastating stroke.

Songs For Alexis
Popular local musician and transgendered teen Ryan must deal with disapproval from his girlfriend Alexis' family.

Vessel
Activist group Women on Waves provides safe abortions to women while sailing international waters using maritime legal loopholes.

Watchers of the Sky
A history of the word "genocide" and the fight to have it globally recognized and condemned.

This could have just as easily been a list of 15, 20 or all 38 of my picks. It pains me to exclude titles because really I'm excited about seeing all of them. So, goodbye for now world. If you need me in the next 10 days I'll be sitting in a theatre, watching all the docs, learning many things and feeling all the feelings. It's going to be great!

*Correction: Beyond Clueless does not cover John Hughes movies as part of its look at the teen movie genre. It focuses on mid-90s films to present day. 

Toronto Vintage Clothing Show

I'll admit it. As winter refuses to give up its grip on the city, it's become increasingly difficult to motivate myself to get out of the apartment. What better way to spend a cold Sunday than indoors cuddled up on my couch with Netflix? A quick glance at the calendar reminded me that this was no Sunday to stay indoors, winter or no winter. Today was the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, so off I went!

The Toronto Vintage Clothing Show (TVCS), held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, was a personal shopping highlight last year so I was eager to return to see if lightning could indeed strike twice. TVCS brings independent vintage vendors from Ontario (including some of my local favs) and Québec together for a one-day one-stop sales event, running 10am to 5pm. Admission to the event is $10, but if you subscribe to the TVCS mailing list, they will e-mail you a $2 off admission coupon before the event.

If you're a fan of vintage items, you are no doubt well-aware that one of the challenges when shopping is that it's such a crapshoot. You never know what you're going to find so you often have to spend more time looking. The beauty of TVCS is that a large chunk of the hunt has been eliminated. These are quality vendors who are all showing the crème de la crème of their collections. Of course you still have to come prepared to spend some time riffling through piles of items in search of those spectacular finds, partly because there are so many vendors to choose from and partly because that's the kind of the point (and part of the fun!) of vintage shopping.

So what was on display at TVCS? The short answer is everything. The long answer is coats, shoes, bags, jewellery, hats, furs, dresses, tops, gloves, purses, scarves, etc. etc. etc. Most of the vendors in attendance were vintage retailers, but there were a few other exhibitors on hand. Representatives of the Costume Society of Ontario were among the best-dressed of the event (no small feat), sporting items from their collection and promoting their upcoming event 'Fascinating Fascinators'. Also in attendance (and impossibly well-coiffed) was the Toronto Vintage Society, who promote various vintage/retro events taking place in Toronto.

So where to begin your shopping? Admittedly, it can be a little overwhelming going in because there really is an amazing amount of product in the room. There appear to be two basic approaches to shopping at this kind of event. The first, hit everything and shop as you go. The second, hit everything and make mental (or literal) notes of what you saw and then go back for your favorites later. The first approach is probably the safest and the most dangerous approach. Safe because these are almost exclusively one of a kind items and if you turn your back on something and it gets snatched up, it's gone. Dangerous because if you spend as you go then you might not make it to the end before you empty your wallet!

I recommend trying as much as possible to plan ahead. Obviously you won't know what you're going to see once you arrive, but you can at least attempt to narrow your search to a particular item or items. For instance, this year I planned to focus my efforts into finding accessories. Limiting my search to just jewellery, bags and shoes made it much easier to walk past racks of clothing without feeling the urge to stop. I was on a mission. I also recommend setting a spending-cap before you arrive at the event. Most of the vendors are cash only (items range from $ to $$$$ depending on a variety of factors), which makes it easier* to stick to exactly what you brought in your wallet. If you do plan on shopping for clothing, be prepared for quick-changes in communal fitting rooms. *not a guarantee

And how did I do this year? QUITE nicely, if I say so myself. Once I got the photos I needed for this post, I went into full-on shopping mode and combed the aisles for unique finds to perk up my wardrobe. I came home with a lovely pile of vintage items, a little more than I had anticipated buying, but I was so pleased with my purchases that I forgave myself immediately for over-spending! Below is my haul of accessories. Highlights include a pair of tuxedo shoes (which make me laugh every time I put them on) from Hello! Good buys, handbags (La Marquise and Etienne Aigner) from My Stuff Inspired By You and a Ten Commandments charm bracelet (SERIOUSLY) from Vintage Soul Geek. Mission accomplished.

7 Delicious Reasons to Venture Out in February

Don't believe what you've heard. February is in fact the cruelest month. It's short but somehow feels like it lasts forever, especially in Toronto. I'll admit I haven't checked my Farmer's Almanac but traditionally February is cold and awful, and is often served up without the aesthetically pleasing qualities of snow. I'm sure many of you will be tempted to go deep into hibernation-mode next month but I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be like that! Actually, you should feel psyched about what's on the menu next month, because what better reason is there to leave your cozy couches than the promise of DELICIOUS TIMES? Here is a preview of the food/drink events I'm especially looking forward to in February:

Winterlicious 2014, Prix Fixe Restaurant | Ortomisto Pizza | Piola Famosi per la pizza
(photo courtesy of Winterlicious)

 1. Winterlicious - January 31 to February 13

You know it, you love it. Now in its 12th year, Winterlicious has over 200 restaurants participating across the city, offering 3-course prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. Prices range from terrifyingly cheap $15 lunches (the word "bargain" doesn't do it justice) and not at all terrifying (see what I did there?) $45 dinners. This is a great excuse to check out restaurants on your "To Do" list that you might not normally have occasion to try. Remember to call ahead to ensure you get a table, restaurants have been taking reservations since mid-January and popular spots (*cough, cough* Canoe) will get snapped up quickly.

2. Toronto Tea Festival - February 1 & 2

Nothing sounds better on a cold winter's day than a warm cup of tea, amirite? If that idea sounds like your cup of tea (I COULDN'T RESIST!) then you should head to the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon of the Toronto Reference Library for the second annual Toronto Tea Festival. This event will feature guest speakers, tea ceremonies, exhibitors and, most importantly, tea tastings. Last year's festival was so well attended that this year an extra day was added so that everyone can get their tea bagged (so to speak). Tickets are $15 for a single day or $25 for a two-day pass.

3. La Poutine Week - February 1 to 7

Taking place in multiple cities that have embraced the curd (Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City & Ottawa), La Poutine Week Toronto will see 23 popular restaurants around the city add a special poutine dish to their menus, ranging from $8-$10. Think over the top ingredients. Think poutine PLUS brisket or ribs or pulled pork, or, if you're feeling even more exotic, try your poutine topped with lobster. Believe it or not, there are even some veggie options. Check out the full listing on the La Poutine Week website and don't forget to vote for your favorites. A winning poutine will be crowned for each participating city.

4. Latkepalooza - February 9

Speaking of food competitions, do you have an amazing latke recipe? Do you think your latkes would beat out all other latkes in a no holds barred latke competition? Are you willing to make 5 dozen of your latkes to prove this point? Then get in touch with staff at Caplansky's Delicatessen and show us whatchu got. They'll provide the apple sauce & sour cream, spectators will provide the appetites. Also? Free event! Woo!

5. Valentine's Day Sweets & Chocolate Tour - February 9 and February 14

I must admit I am not a hearts and flowers kind of gal. I don't like going out for Valentine's Day dinner because it feels like you're involved in everyone else's foreplay and that really creeps me out. What I do enjoy is finding a fun and different way to mark the occasion and if you're the same, I suggest booking a Tasty Tour for you and your love. For $30/person you get a guided tour of sweet spots (ha!) in Kensington Market, complete with samples along the way. Très romantique but not at all cliché.

6. Mad for Marmalade, Crazy for Citrus! - February 22

Of COURSE Toronto has a marmalade festival! And of COURSE it's been around for 7 years! I absolutely love that every kind of food gets its turn in the spotlight in this city. No sarcasm, it's the best. If marmalade is your thing, then head over to historic Fort York for the 7th annual Mad for Marmalade, Crazy for Citrus! festival. Early bird tickets are available for $45 before February 7th and are $50 after that. Tickets get you access to workshops, speakers, vendors, refreshments (including a "Citrus Lunch") and a spot at the main event: the marmalade competition. This city rules.

7. Grilled Cheese Fest - February 28

Last but certainly not least is a brand new food event, Joylister's Grilled Cheese Fest at Roy Thomson Hall. Read that again. There is a GRILLED CHEESE festival happening at ROY THOMSON HALL. Allow me once again to state for the record that Toronto is my favorite and this bizarre marriage is case in point. It's a pretty safe bet to guess this first-time event is going to be a huge hit. Tickets are $39.99/person and will get you all-you-can-eat grilled cheese sandwiches from "Toronto's Top Grilled Cheese Masters", gourmet soup pairings and 3 drink tickets to sample local beers (or non-alcoholic beverages). The vendor list is solid and the menu looks incredible so all I have left to ask is... why haven't you grabbed your ticket yet? I will see you there!

(image courtesy of Joylister)

Next Stage Theatre Festival - Jack Your Body

The Next Stage Theatre Festival (NSTF) is an annual winter theatre event/showcase, produced by the Toronto Fringe, wherein previous Fringe works are able to take their productions "to the next level". Though there isn't an exact definition of what that expression means in this instance, for me it acts as an implicit guarantee that what you are going to see will not disappoint. I've mentioned before that one of the things to keep in mind when Fringe-ing is that it can be a mixed bag with regards to quality, but the NSTF offerings are solid.

Case in point is Jack Your Body, a dance piece by Mix Mix Dance Collective, which was originally performed at the 2013 Fringe Festival to rave reviews. I was unable to catch it during its original run, so I made sure to snap up tickets so I could see if it lived up to the hype. Annnnnnnnd (pause for dramatic effect) it absolutely did. When it comes to dance productions, I will fully admit that if the dancing is good I don't mind if there isn't much of a plot or story. Fortunately, I did not have to make such a concession for Jack Your Body.

Cast - Jack Your Body
Photo credit: Jesse Catibog

Although the story isn't told with much dialogue, it does manage to tell a cohesive and dynamic story, showcasing the evolution of street/underground dance trends, focusing (in reverse chronological order) on the 1970s-1990s. There is funk, there is hip-hop, there is vogue-ing and much more. Through dance and movement it addresses issues of gender, race and class without resorting to heavy-handed preaching or overly literal representations. The cast displays an incredibly impressive amount of skill and athleticism and it would be very difficult for me to single any one performer out as being better than the rest because just when I thought I had made that call, another dancer would get their spotlight moment and absolutely blow me away.

Emily Law ("Emme Fatale") & Ashley Perez ("Colours")
Choreographers/Performers - Jack Your Body
Photo credit: Tanja Tiziana.

The music used for the production was perfectly picked and the original choreography by dancers Emily Law and Ashley Perez was... well let's just put it this way: I never use the word "fierce" but if I did, Jack Your Body would be a perfect occasion. Instead, I'll rely on a much more "Katharine" expression: they tore shit up. The audience was enthralled and I could tell that many of us were barely able to sit still in our seats because watching the cast really makes you want to DANCE. The trick to good dancing is they make it look so smooth and effortless that you convince yourself "I can totally do that!" and then you go home and try and fail miserably and realize just how talented these guys really are.

Amazing. See it.

The Next Stage Theatre Festival runs between January 8-19, with all productions staged at the Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst Street, at Adelaide). Ticket prices range from $10-$15.