Dancing for romance

Starting a dance company in the capital region requires a bold leap of faith and plenty of marketing savvy.

The region is entrenched in the hockey way of life and dance often gets relegated to the sidelines. However, in the last decade there’s been an increase in choreographers and dancers building a rich, diverse dance environment on the pillars of strong traditions.

Feeding the flow of ideas is Viva Dance Company, a newbie on the block of the contemporary dance movement. Since its inception in 2012, it has produced cutting edge choreography primarily by its founder Stephanie Lilley.

Through its 50-odd shows including performances at the Edmonton Fringe, Western Canada Fashion Week and NextFest, it is gaining a reputation for its modern, highly athletic approach to movement, showmanship and diverse styles.

On this Valentine’s Day, the Edmonton-based company is igniting the flames of romance with Sweet Nothings at the Ledcor Theatre in the Art Gallery of Alberta.

“We wanted to create a date night and offer a unique experience rather than just dinner and a movie. Besides dancing is so passionate and full of love,” said Lilley.

There will be two shows where eight dancers – seven females and one male – will perform to some of the most seductive pop tunes and ballads in the American catalogue. Songs such as At Last, Stand By Me, Unchained Melody and Can’t Help Falling Love.

Two dancers performing in this sweetheart program have strong connections to St. Albert. Marla Albiston, a former student at DanceCo, was heavily involved in St. Albert Children’s Theatre and taught summer drama camps for the city. And Kyle White, 28, lived in St. Albert for most of his life.

Although the professional dance troupe is newly incorporated, its dancers are seasoned veterans at the top of their game. Blending avant-garde with TV dance show moves, they adhere to a highly disciplined regime that also includes yoga and acrobatics.

“We are very athletic. But what makes us different is our access. We’re not abstract. We’re very approachable. It’s not just physical dance. We put a heavy emphasis on communication. Even if you have no background in dance, you would still appreciate what we do.”

The one-hour show will literally dance around the many ideas and themes of love.

The opening sequence, Through the Night, brings into play six female dancers telling the story of an exquisite new romance.

“It’s how you can hardly bear to be away from the person you love, but no matter how exhausted you are, you cherish every moment with them,” Lilley explains.

Stand By Me is a whimsical, highly stylized jazz solo and A Fiery Thing examines how love can empower people or hold them back.

Albiston and White partner in a duet to Unchained Melody, a more mature, passionate and heavier representation of love’s pain.

“Marla cried when I asked her to dance in this one. She and her dad used to sing it together and it’s very special to her.”

Lilley closes, dancing to Can’t Help Falling In Love, a solo dedication to her husband.

“It’s light. It’s playful and flirty. I debuted it in my Dreamscape show – something that was inspired by lost love and heartbreak and then I remember I’m married to the most wonderful man in the world.”

Music can make or break a dance and Lilley has invited four live musicians – as well as selections from U2, Etta James and Peter Gabriel.

“This is going to be a very personal, intimate show and I think people will be inspired by the romantic and intimate music and dance. It’s entirely family friendly and it’s not just for couples. We have singles coming as well.”