A KOOL APPROACH TO DANCE

Dance is an ancient form of storytelling, dating back at least 9,000 years. Bridging cultures and language barriers, it communicates interrelationships in a way that words are unable to.

Contemporary dance has been around for at least a half century, with its roots in the irrepressible conviction of early twentieth century dancers who wanted to move away from the conventions of ballet.

Connection Dance Works, a new, Saint John-based professional contemporary dance company, believes that dance is a powerful way to tap into people's sense of self. They also know that it's a bit of a mystery to those who haven't seen it, and they have plans to change that.

"I want dance to be accessible," declares Marcia Dysart, co-founder of CDW, "I want people to take their own story from the pieces they see."

To that end, this newly founded group of five dancers with extensive backgrounds in multiple dance forms, and supported by notable academic and professional credentials, is poised to present its new work, 'Under Sail' in an August 25, 7PM performance, just weeks after their world premiere.

Having heard the story of Alma's Molly Kool, North America's first female sea captain, Dysart was moved by Kool's tenacity, endurance and courage, and, as a woman and artist, Dysart felt compelled to capture the spirit and intent of Kool's life through dance. ?

With Connection Dance Works co-founder Sarah Johnson, and performing partners Joanna Bryson, Jennifer O'Reilly and Emily MacNeil, CDW will interpret the stages of Kool's life through five cleverly choreographed pieces, all accompanied by hauntingly beautiful music ranging from Chopin to Philip Glass. A narrator's periodic spoken words will guide as the audience effortlessly relocates to each of five different areas of the museum, allowing the dancers to incorporate actual gallery pieces into their dancing.

What is sure to be a memorable evening of contemporary dance from Saint John's newest professional artists will also be an intimate and exclusive one. Only fifty tickets are being sold in advance, at $25 (plus tax) each, through the NB Museum at Market Square.

Connection Dance Works has a group on Facebook. To contact the group directly, email connectiondanceworks@gmail.com

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