Existence and the breath of life
Marie Chouinard manifests the body’s inspiration in les solos
DANCE PREVIEW
les solos 1978 - 1998
Compagnie Marie Chouinard
January 12 and 13
Max Bell Theatre (PAC)
High Performance Rodeo
A rare opportunity to witness the evolution of one woman’s career, les solos spans 20 years in the work of choreographer Marie Chouinard. Four female dancers represent the Montreal-based Compagnie Marie Chouinard on this tour of 11 pieces created between 1978 and 1998 – solos that are ripe with sharp images, dynamic lighting and bizarre sounds.
Chouinard’s company is known for larger group pieces, such as Rite of Spring, and until recently the solos were not a part of their repertoire.
"I thought we should bring them in because that is the only way to make them alive," Chouinard says emphatically. "The only way for that kind of art to exist is by having someone perform it. I didn’t want these pieces to just disappear in my memory...."
Chouinard created nine of the 11 pieces for herself prior to the existence of her company, which was formed in 1990, but not much about the choreography has changed over the years apart from her involvement.
"I think (the solos) are very close, actually, to the original – except that the originals were missing something – they were missing my own external eye because I was performing them," says Chouinard. "There have been little differences and... new understandings that could happen because I was finally able to see the work."
Despite the number of pieces Chouinard has conceived and created over the years, her approach is a constant.
"It is always the same for me – if it is a group piece or a solo piece, an earlier solo piece or a later solo piece – it seems that I am always interested by only the body, the soul, the mind, the spirit, the celebration of life itself."
And these ideas are consistently expressed through the contrasting movements performed by various dancers.
"That is the main thing, you know, that I am always speaking about the same thing, but it seems I am speaking about it in different ways as years go by."
For this group of work, what stands out is the contrast of extremely strong female forms with technology. The flesh is often juxtaposed with a metallic esthetic that emanates in various soundscapes and costume pieces, and this emphasizes the organic movement of these women.
Just as the body has a constant place in Chouinard’s work, so does the breath. The process of breathing is exaggerated and pushed beyond what many might expect, and it offers another rhythm to the existing soundscape.
"I guess the breath is first," explains Chouinard. "The breath is really the most immediate manifestation of life and soul, so the breath is the first movement in the body, let’s say, after the heart."
This movement becomes yet another exchange with the audience, and immediately connects the performing body to the surrounding population.
"When you dance, I feel that (the breath) is the very first movement you can feel and also the very first place you can feel rhythm... the very first place where sensations and emotions and intelligence are being articulated."
This feature of her choreography distinguishes Marie Chouinard and her company from other troupes in North America.
"It is all a way of being sure that you do really contact what is essential and what is deep inside you by making it part of your dance, by making it manifest also."
Even though Compagnie Marie Chouinard has enjoyed success through touring their work internationally, Chouinard remains grounded in her opinions of this art form.
"I just think it’s great that dance does exist ... It could disappear because it’s so fragile."
Balancing out the described vulnerability is Marie Chouinard’s busy schedule. She is currently working on a few pieces including another solo (for a male dancer) as well as a group piece.
"Now I’m having the fun of creating. That’s really what I like ... the part of the work that is creation. Doing the work in the studio, creating the work, this is my passion. This is what I love." |
