Dance Films

CHOREOGRAPHER 

Katharina Schier is a contemporary artist and choreographer working in Calgary (Mohkinstsis) Alberta, Canada. Her love of dance began at the Lilac Festival when she was 3 years old as she toddled and woddled to the tunes of Calgary’s finest bands! Professional training with Alberta Ballet School took her to bigger stages (Klara in Mikko Nissinen’s ‘The Nutcracker’, 2007/08), and intensive training throughout Canada. Katharina shifted to contemporary dance modalities, receiving her BFA in Contemporary Dance from the Boston Conservatory (2016). Katharina’s career has led to performance opportunities in Boston, New York City and Western Canada. As a creator, her work has received funding from Alberta Foundation for the Arts (2019), Canada Council for the Arts (2020), Calgary Arts Development (2021/22), and Rise Up Calgary (2021).
Katharina’s choreographic work has been self-produced and also commissioned/ presented by notable organizations in the community, most recently, Alberta Ballet Canada.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I have found myself looking into my inner world as a source of inspiration for this work. The “good” and the “bad”. A response to a self-written poem, the film depicts my acknowledgement of the shadows in myself, the parts I have ignored or suppressed in the past, whether that be experiences or feelings. I wanted to bring them into the light to say and express that my journey continues with and through shadows. Alberta Ballet provided an incredible opportunity to create with complete artistic liberty, something I as an artist deeply appreciate. On the other hand, I very quickly felt the weight of this freedom. Where does one begin when anything is possible? For this project, I set the parameters as the centring of the poem that I wrote.

A key objective of the film was to utilize the camera as a key storyteller in such a way that if the movement were to exist without the camera it would not feel complete. Throughout the process, I often considered the absence of the camera as a way to contemplate how I was accomplishing this objective. I also wanted to embrace the unique possibilities and limitations of the space when developing movement. I wanted what we designed to be very dependent on the space we used. Everything in the film is inspired by the structure, the textures and even the shadows I observed in the space.

Image by Mark Tans photo

MOVEMENTS SHADOWED FILMMAKER

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Alyssa Maturino (she/her) is an emerging dance artist and filmmaker. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Calgary where she has trained in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance. Her passion for dance is ignited within the creative community as she seeks to explore interdisciplinary methods of presentation through collaboration and dance on film; as a filmmaker, Maturino desires to capture the essence of choreography and showcase the internalized voice of the moving body. She has completed film projects for local artists such as Jason Owin F. Galeos, Project InTandem, and Davida Monk. In collaboration with director and choreographer, Katharina Schier, Maturino is eager to share her latest work with Alberta Ballet as director of photography and editor in the dance film, Movements Shadowed.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My intention in collaborating on this film for Alberta Ballet was to reveal the discipline, human condition, and artistry of the dancing body through dance on film. From the early stages of the creative process leading up to the post-production of the film, Katharina and I remained in close collaboration for the conceptualization of the work to ensure the integrity of both of our visions. Support provided by Alberta Ballet and Joe Media brought the film to life and was positively fundamental to the work. The choreographic process with the Alberta Ballet company dancers was effortless; their focus and commitment to the process was truly reflected in their performance during filming. I would hope any viewer of this film walks away in reflection and appreciation for the emotions expressed through the dancing body; to empathize what it means to confront, experience, and move forward.

MOVEMENTS SHADOWED DANCERS 

• Kira Anderson
• Kale Lazarick
• Michael Scott-Kahans
• Sayuri Nakanii
• Seira Iwamoto
• Allison Perhach

Image features Alberta Ballet Artist Kira Anderson.

CHOREOGRAPHER 

Audrey Boccara is a French professional dancer, choreographer, circus artist, instructor, and film director. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from the National Superior Conservatory of Paris for Music and Dance, she moved to Canada and worked with Ballet Edmonton, Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montréal, Atlantic Ballet of Canada, and Ukrainian Shumka Dancers to name a few.

Her passion and creativity led her to dive into the circus world. She created and performed various acts that combine circus and dance for companies including Cirque de La Nuit, MileZeroDance, The Little Red Ball Company, Fruit Loop, Cirque de la Lune, and SkirtsAFire.

Audrey is also a passionate choreographer and dance instructor who has been coaching both competitive and recreational children and adults for almost a decade. She has created multiple choreographic works, including “Holiday in Red’’ for Ballet Edmonton, “A Zakarpattian Cypher'' as a choreographer and film director for Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, and presented her latest film “The Acrylic Dancer” with Mile Zero Dance.

ARTIST STATEMENT

The intent of my dance film choreography was to explore and convey the concept of pushing through moments of darkness that could arise in our personal lives. I aimed to showcase the resilience and strength of individuals as they faced these challenging periods. Through the expressive medium of dance, I emphasized the importance of relying on others for support and solidarity during difficult times. I also recognized the reality that ultimately, each person had to face their challenges individually.

In my choreography, Alberta Ballet’s dancers demonstrated how they came together, providing emotional support and encouragement to one another as they navigated through their personal struggles. The dancers symbolized this realization as they gradually separated and danced their own paths, representing the inevitable moment when one had to confront their darkness alone.

Overall, my choreography aimed to inspire and uplift the audience by showcasing the resilience, interconnectedness, and individual strength that could be found in pushing through moments of darkness in our lives. I wanted to invite viewers to reflect on their own journeys and find hope and courage in the face of adversity.

FILMMAKER 

Tamarra is a Cinematographer living in Edmonton, AB and working from locations all around the world. She was 2021’s Winner, of Best Cinematographer in Alberta for her work in documentary and is proudly an Associate Member of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers. Most recently, Tamarra was the Director of Photography for CBC Network TV’s latest launch titled Push. An 8-episode reality/documentary series soon to air in early 2023.

In addition to her own filmmaking, Tamarra instructs cinematography at Girls in Film and Television, an initiative created in 2019 to address gender disparity in the film industry. She prides herself on creating opportunities within her filmmaking, whether that be job opportunities for emerging artists or ensuring her work be accessible and enjoyed by people of all abilities.

ARTIST STATEMENT

More and more the lens that I point my camera towards tells the story of my own personal journey- a journey of thick, sticky, proud queerness, shame reimagined as power, and of ecofeminism made invincible by a community of all identities holding it steady.

Our film's journey seemed to reflect that of my own- growth, never-ending adversity and adaptation. Audrey and I worked together to create a world that resonated with both of us by connecting strings in our lives we originally never thought to connect. We had to reshape what this film would mean to us, abandon ideas we loved that would never work within the scopes of this project, and somehow manage to have two completely separate and unique artists with entirely different skillsets- find common ground to collaborate on. The incredible members of the Alberta Ballet persistently showed up for us in the most unimaginably soft and caring ways. They granted us allowances; listened to our ideas and gave this piece everything they had. It is truly a collaboration I won't soon forget.

The results are an experimental short film that showcases an act of self-liberation from the limitations society embedded into us long before we knew ourselves. It's a catastrophically imagined nightmare of the inner workings inside someone's mind as they come to terms with what self-actualization really means. Shedding pieces of ourselves that no longer fit. We are scared at the same time that we feel immense joy, we are exhausted at the exact moment our bodies require the most energy. Our connection with those around us has evolved to be more intimate and authentic, the more we celebrate our growth the more that growth spreads to those around us. It's a portrayal of the duality that comes with the body and mind as they push together toward the healing of our inner trauma. In its final moments, we sit in a moment of calm, exhaustion and acceptance. Recognizing that we still have so far to go- that we are living in a storm, but we have never felt more prepared for it.

PAPILLIONS DANCERS

• Aaron Anker
• Alexandra Hughes
• Kurtis Grimaldi
• Brittany Broussard
• Mariko Kondo
• Yoshiya Sakurai

CHOREOGRAPHY + MUSIC

Ahmed F. Hodelin, known as “El Bailarín”, arrived from Cuba to enrich Canadians with his Cuban culture. He graduated from the National School of Art in Havana where he specialized in dance (both contemporary and folkloric styles). Following this, he spent nine years dancing with the National Ballet Folkloric Company of Cuba, where he learned and later taught several styles of Afro-Cuban rhythms; such as Contradanza, Danza, Danzon, Rumba, Santería, Mambo, Cha cha cha, Son, Mozambique, Pilón, Dengue, Congo, Abakua, Comparsa, Arara, Salsa Casino, Salsa Casino Rueda and more.

In addition to being a professional dancer, he studied at the Conservatory of Music ‘Felix Varela’ where he became a professional musician as a percussionist and drummer. He was invited to teach in Canada for Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD), an internationally recognized Jazz company in Calgary, Alberta. He was then offered a full-time contract as a dancer, performer, instructor, and choreographer for DJD where he spent 7 years of consecutive training in Jazz, Tap and Swing.

Currently, he is the Director of his own Cuban Dance Project called “Locos for Havana Dance Studio” (formerly known as El Bailarin), where he is developing a fusion of both music and dance between Afro- Cuban, Jazz, Swing, Hip Hop, and various Latin rhythms. He has performed and shared the stage with several local musicians and performing artists in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, and with great Latin international artists such as ‘Oscar de Leon’ from Venezuela, ‘Fulanito’ from N.Y., and “Grupo Niche” from Colombia.

Currently, Ahmed F. Hodelin – “El bailarín” – is composing his own original music and arrangements. His inspiration as a professional musician and composer originated from his experience as a professional dancer. Ahmed is the only professionally trained Cuban dancer, choreographer, musician and performer in Calgary, Alberta, providing him with the ability to mix dance and music together on stage, creating a unique performance and concert atmosphere.

He is enthusiastic to work with individuals, couples, and groups of all levels to develop their ability to dance socially or professionally. In addition to his work as a performer, instructor, and choreographer, Ahmed is working towards composing and producing music in order to contribute to Canada’s Arts and Culture scene. 

ARTIST STATEMENT

Through my choreography in this film, I was looking to share a Cuban style of dance and music that existed long ago - the Mambo. Very few know that this dance originated in Cuba as it took the United States and Mexico by a storm. I choose Mambo as it is upbeat and energetic and I wanted to take this opportunity to share this Cuban heritage.

Mambo music is so rich and is mixed with many other African rhythms which provides lots of inspiration for creative movement. As it was traditionally danced side by side with various step patterns both on stage and socially, I depicted this throughout the piece and combining traditional footwork with some jazz and salsa steps.

For me it was a great opportunity to work with the Alberta Ballet team and their dancers. It was a great experience to work with such a professional and supportive group. It was a new and fun experience to work directly with a video production team.

I believe collaborative programs like this need to continue to be supported and kept alive. It is a great opportunity for the many professional, talented dancers and choreographers in Calgary and throughout the province of Alberta, to come together and share ideas.

I want to say thank you to everyone for making this initiative possible, the Canada Council and the Alberta ballet team. I would welcome the opportunity to work together again in the future.

COURTSHIP DIRECTOR

Ingrid Vargas is a writer, director, and producer with a strong handle on the nuances that make everyday life extraordinary. Her work thoughtfully reflects her experience as a Colombian-Canadian and as a woman forging a career as an artist in Canada. She has developed a unique, authorial voice that confidently combines naturalism with sublime moments of visual poetry. As a storyteller, she is curious, playful, and her work reflects an insightful appreciation for subtlety, humour, and the unexpected.

ARTIST STATEMENT

COURTSHIP is a playful and surprising rendition of Mambo that reframes Latinx culture's diasporic nature. It is a minimalist work that is vibrant in its expression. I wanted the dance to colour and move the frame rather than have colour overpower it. I collaborated with Ahmed (the choreographer) while giving him creative freedom in creating the movement and music for this piece, letting it be personalized in front and behind the camera for us both. My hope is that viewers walk away feeling energized, sensual and with a deep desire to move and a more profound curiosity for the diversity of Hispanic culture and arts.

PRODUCER 

Madeleine Younghusband is a writer, producer and strong advocate for arts involvement and community outreach in the Province of Alberta. As a former student of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division and Alberta Ballet School Edmonton, she graduated from MET Film School London, UK, with a strong passion for film, movement, and capturing the artist vision of the director.

When she isn’t working behind the camera (or laptop), she's behind the scenes for non-profit organizations, or is back in the studio teaching - hoping to encourage and inspire the next generation of artists.

COURTSHIP DANCERS 

• Kira Anderson
• Kale Lazarick
• Yaroslav Khudych
• Mya Kresnyak
• Alyssa Churchill
• Scotto Hamed-Ramos