2022 was the launch of the Ground UP Dance Festival…
The in augural year of the Ground UP Dance Festival got the local attention of YGK, and the professional dance milieu across Canada and our team couldn’t have been happier. With support granted through the City of Kingston Arts Fund and the Ontario Arts Council The Ground UP Dance Festival was able to…
Offer each involved artist between a 12-24 hour paid creation residency to develop their new work
Premier 5 new works by 6 power house femme choreographers and 15 performers
support the creation and development of a new dance film: ‘Sapling” that was premiered at the festivals opening night party
build community connection within YGK and beyond
incorporate original music
feature local youth dancers looking to pursue a career in dance
host an outdoor dance workshop for all ages with 40 + participants
“Naranja; too shiny to be elegant”
Choreographed by Sasha Jimenez French
Performers: Amanda Pye and Sasha Jimenez French
Warning signs and black boxes on aircraft.
Obaa Mujer
Choreographed by Zahra Badua and Melissa Noventa
Performers: Zahra Badua, Melissa Noventa, Sanyu Bishop, Rhea Howley
A journey of being in community as we collectively learn to embrace the joys and complexities of being multifaceted women.
“Her/Cycle”
Choreographed by Kay Kenney
Performers: Sasha French, Kay Kenney, Camille Spencer, Savanna Shea
She was a reflection of who she was prior to entering motherhood. A new stage of her life. She recognizes her superpowers, feels whole, while presently daydreaming.
“The unidentifiable”
Choreographed by Rhea Howley
Dancers - Halie Persaud, Anna Di Paolo, Rowen Edward
We all search for acceptance in one form or another, whether by friends, at work or at home. This piece is titled the unidentifiable to represent the growing community of young people who feel like they don’t belong in any racial community.
“Sapling” - Dance Film
Choreographed and Performed by Camille Spencer
Directed/Filmed/Produced by Josh Lyon
“Sapling” is a resemblance of growing up and looking to early ancestors for guidance while finding one’s own path towards living. This dance film was located in a local rural area of KFLA and what use to be a thriving Christmas tree farm. Now with a new owner, they look to the past as they try to preserve and plan for the future while remembering how it all began.