Review: UNBOWED: Signature Programme 2 (Fall for Dance North in partnership with TO Live)

And we are back with Fall for Dance North's (in partnership with TO Live) UNBOWED: Signature Programme 2, featuring a mixed contemporary dance bill bringing more fantastic dance works to the Meridian Hall stage. This absolutely perfect programme brought tears to my eyes and brilliantly highlights what the amazing world of dance has to offer.

Opening the show was Oh Courage!, choreographed by Sonya Tayeh, showcasing exactly why she is a Tony Award-winning dancemaker. This piece was performed by the beautiful Gibney Company and delves into themes of struggle and introspection. In terms of relatability, it hit like a punch to the gut, especially as dancers appear locked in a tussle with invisible adversaries or, perhaps, their own demons, manifesting in a painful, contracted defensive state.

As the piece progresses, it transitions to exude a more courageous sentiment, beautifully illustrating the resilience of the human spirit through its layered unison work. Dancers utilize their entire body, with each movement being deeply felt, whether suspended, held, or extended. The harmonious use of breath by the dancers, combined with the music, was absolutely captivating. I have immense admiration for Sonya's capacity to seamlessly navigate both the concert and commercial dance worlds with such success.

Some additional notes on this piece: Although the ensemble planned to present live music from The Bengsons, they were unable to perform due to illness. However, the recorded music was of superb quality. Also, attendees should note that the performance includes strobe lighting effects.

Next up, Light-Print, choreographed by Jesse Obremski, a Gibney Company artist, brings a cinematic work where the lighting design isn't just illuminative; it's performative. Transforming the stage to look like an underground bunker, the dancers, clad in lab coats, converse fluidly through movement. The auditory touch of a pen scribbling on paper added a layer of tangible reality to the performance. Continuing their partnership and support of emerging dance artists, this piece is performed by fourteen recent graduates of TMU School of Performance - who danced the work beautifully.

The work I was most excited to see this year was My Mother's Son, choreographed and danced by Mthuthuzeli November alongside his brother Siphesihle November. The brothers live an ocean apart, and both work in the dance world: Mthuthuzeli with Ballet Black in London, UK, and Siphesihle, a principal dancer at the National Ballet of Canada. This piece shows their love and admiration for one another, focuses on their interconnectedness, and is their first time dancing together since childhood.

Featuring video, audio clips and pictures of them from their childhood, you can feel the love between them throughout the work, which brought tears to mine and many of the audience's eyes. The performance was wholesomely crafted, showcasing how dance transforms their lives and continues to connect them in adulthood from so far apart. Both are incredible movers, and their mix of contemporary techniques and their South African heritage was absolutely captivating.

Lastly, NINA: By Whatever Means, choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November and brought to life by Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black, serves as a heartfelt homage to Nina Simone—the renowned jazz icon celebrated for her activism. The performance, reminiscent of a dance documentary, gracefully blends jazz and ballet movements to narrate various phases of Simone's life—from her early piano lessons to her intricate relationship with Andrew Stroud, her manager and husband. This poignant portrayal beckons audiences to delve deeper into Nina Simone's music and recognize her profound legacy.

Another incredible season of Fall for Dance North! Bravo for putting together this magnificent programme. I am excited to see what they bring for their tenth season next year!

UNBOWED: Signature Programme 2, presented as part of the Fall for Dance North in partnership with TO Live, is played at Meridian Hall (1 Front St. East) on October 6th and 7th, 2023 at 7:30pm.

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Photo 1: Photo of My Mother’s Son, choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November. Dancers: Mthuthuzeli and Siphe November. Photo by Bruce Zinger.

Photo 2: Photo of dancers Helga Paris Morales and Taraja Hudson in NINA: By Whatever Means. Choreographed by Mthuthuzeli November. Photo by Nick Guttridge.

Written by Deanne Kearney
DeanneKearney.com @deannekearney