John MacLean setting up to record Elizabeth Shepherd for Time Now in the Dancemakers studio, Toronto.
There is a network of artists working underneath the lights and
glamor of the mainstream art world. The ones producing indie shows in the small
theatres off the beaten path. The dancers, choreographers, visual artists, film
makers, musicians, directors, the list goes on, who are passionate about what
they do regardless of popular response. We work tirelessly. I believe
we are the soldiers of the arts, the ones who make sure that the arts and
culture of our country has a thriving pulse. We are always pushing the edges of
reality, raising questions, lighting inspiration by daring to create.
Last week I was listening to Lucy Rupert, artistic director
and visionary for Blue Celling dance, discuss her work at, Dance Made in Canada. Lucy spoke about the validation of art, and how the presentation is the
validation, similar to thoughts from my mentor and choreographer Tedd Robinson of late. As the weeks count down to the opening night of my show Stages and we get closer to full-time rehearsals and in the midst of the tail-chasing frenzied of ever the growing production to-do list, I am reassured by comments like Lucy’s.
I am fortunate to live and produce art in a country where I
have a community of supporters. As more and more people come forward to offer
time, finances and other resources to Stages I am reminded of one of my most passionate
interests and the subject of several of my dance works, the power of the collective,
The Community.
Between writing press releases, editing posters and flyers
and hashing out ideas with my fantastic production assistant Susan Kendal of Pocket Alchemy I
am grateful for my community and for the drive to birth Stages. There is no
mistaking that I hope for, dare I say I deserve, press coverage and many bums in seats. I suppose all
of this proves I am ready to validate years of work, so that I my move onto the
next set of mountains and valleys. The artist’s path is undetermined, it is
fluid if we let it be. For now in all the hectic moments I am enjoying the
thrill of production. - JD
STAGES
September 18-21, 2013 | 8pm nightly
The Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester Street, Toronto
Tickets $15/$20 | Gala performance September 18th, tickets $40
