Dance@Noon

Dec. 4-6, 2023
University Theatre, University of Calgary
FREE ADMISSION

Dance@Noon 2023, University of Calgary School of Creative and Performing Arts, Dance Division

Tim Nguyen

We open our doors to you!

Welcome to the inaugural UCalgary Movement Research Festival, intentionally named so that we could use the acronym, MoRF. It’s clever with serious underpinning. MoRF, as in research that leads to transformation, or an evolution that leads to a positive change in the lives of dancers and/or the discipline itself. The festival is curated by, and in conversation with, the Division of Dance and myself. We are delighted to host a festival that connects the university to the wider dance community.

The 12-day festival welcomes choreographers from Calgary, as well as researchers involved in groundbreaking projects around the globe. It also presents dance filmmakers from across the country. MoRF launches on Friday, November 24 with our evening program TransFoRM, and then continues with the 10th iteration of the Dance Research Conference, followed by a brand new evening of dance film (MoRFlix). The festival concludes with choreographies from the 3rd year BFA Dance students in Dance@Noon. We invite your enjoyment and your focused gaze.

Dance is a live and performing art form and we need you to support these events. So, my biggest thanks is to you, the audience. Thank you for coming. I hope you will reach out and ask questions and connect with the choreographers, the dancers, the creative and production teams. Let’s have the conversation that celebrates the depth and breadth of movement research on campus and throughout the globe. We would love to talk to you.

With warmth and creative tingles,

Allara Gooliaff, Artistic Director, University of Calgary Movement Research Festival (MoRF)


We are excited to see Dance@Noon become part of the Movement Research Festival this year! Each year, Dance@Noon provides an opportunity for Dance major students in their third semester of composition to formally present their work in a stage setting. It is also the first time students have the opportunity to work with their peers in a directing capacity. This involves risk and dedication and what you will see today is the students' efforts to create a group work in a mere month’s time, a daunting task for any creator. I hope you will enjoy witnessing their creative endeavors!

Melanie Kloetzel, Artistic Director, Dance@Noon

  • Threat by Maia Stothert
  • Serenity Now by Anna-Karina Opdahl
  • The Aftermath of Something Lethal by Olivia Carmelo
  • The Garden by Jenna Wadden
  • its not u, its me. by Elexie Tracy
  • Time Takes by Madison Stuwe
  • Integration by Emilie Field
  • Hive by Morgan Lawrence

 

  • The Aftermath of Something Lethal by Olivia Carmelo
  • /inˈtər/ by Nadia Marchan
  • Fascination of Female by Gabriella Rybar
  • Integration by Emilie Field
  • Book of Thoughts by Sophia Frenette
  • Time Takes by Madison Stuwe
  • Found by Kiki Roberts
  • Threat by Maia Stothert
  • /inˈtər/ by Nadia Marchan
  • The Garden by Jenna Wadden
  • Book of Thoughts by Sophia Frenette
  • its not u, its me. by Elexie Tracy
  • Found by Kiki Roberts
  • Fascination of Female by Gabriella Rybar
  • Serenity Now by Anna-Karina Opdahl
  • Hive by Morgan Lawrence

The Aftermath of Something Lethal revolves around the fallout of a lethal event. The piece explores the profound and complex repercussions of taking a life. While four members who committed the act sense a collective feeling of remorse, one feels a sense of contentment in the ruthless violence. Will she repent and face the consequences? Or will she abide by her familiar ways?

Credits
Performers: Gabriella Rybar, Ella Doney, Ava Ferris, Janelle Liang, Gracie Mills
Music: Dialogue by Akin Sevgör

Thanks
A special thanks to the art of dance, I will love you forever.
Thank you to my dancers, who made my vision come to life.
Thank you to Melanie Kloetzel for the guidance and knowledge brought forth to my creative process.
Thank you to everyone in the theatre, enjoy our show.
Thank you to my parents, for the unconditional love and support for my passion for dance.

Integration invites the audience to reflect on the vulnerabilities within the human psyche that make individuals susceptible to manipulation and assimilation from those with ulterior motives. 

Credits
Performers: Anastaciya Knoll, Hazel Lewis, Maia Stothert
Music: Dealing with Destruction, Vichnaya Pamyat, Bridge of Death from Chernobyl 

Thanks
I would like to thank my dancers for their hard work and willingness to explore throughout the creation of this piece.

between : among : in the midst of each other. 

Credits
Performers: Allison Vliet, Anna-Karina Opdahl, Madison Stuwe, Sophia Frenette
Music: Distance traveled by Tarek Sabbar, Legba by Imaabs & Lechuga Zafiro
Text: Baseline test - Blade Runner 2049

Thanks
Special thanks to the dancers, fellow classmates, & Dr. Melanie Kloetzel for supporting and challenging my vision throughout this process. Along with friends & family for their endless support.

Embark on a captivating journey through the chapters of core memories, where the delicate dance between passion, touch, and loyalty unravels the narrative of overcoming invisible obstacles in life. Book of Thoughts invites you to reflect on the transformative power of positive thinking and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life's unseen challenges.

Credits
Performers: Liz Bibby, Riley Holroyd, Gabi Rybar
Music: Human Touch by Brian Tyler & Breton Vivian, Torn (Redux)  by Nathan Lanier, Can I Have This Dance cover by Arthur Miguel

Thanks
Expressing sincere gratitude to the dedicated dancers for their unwavering commitment and patience throughout this creative process. A special acknowledgment extends to my fellow choreographers and Melanie Kloetzel for their invaluable feedback. With the collective support of this talented team, I am delighted to share a piece I am extremely proud of.

Hive is a captivating exploration into the profound impacts of conformity on the mind and body. It delves into the transformative journey and inherent growth required to discover serenity within one's individuality.

Credits
Performers: Jaidyn Bloemraad, Lane Sayer, Caitlin Towers, Elexie Tracy
Music: Two on the Breakwater by Angus MacRae, Wait for Light by Angus MacRae

Thanks
Thank you to my extraordinary dancers who have contributed greatly to the shaping of this piece, each of your individual brilliance played an integral role in the creation of Hive. Thank you to Melanie Kloetzel and my fellow choreographers for your intelligent feedback that helped bring this piece to life.

The piece delves into the intricacies of daily challenges and hardships associated with the pursuit of liberation from pervasive thoughts. It explores the journey toward attaining a state of tranquillity and mental serenity.

Credits
Performers: Rachel Merchant, Mayra Hileman, Jenna Yakiuchuk, Madison Stuwe
Music: The Second Waltz, Op.99 by Dmitri Shostakovich, Here comes the King (Budweiser) by Steve Karmen, The Moon is a Silver Dollar by Lawrence Welk 

Thanks
I extend my thanks to Melanie Kloetzel and fellow 3rd-year dance students for their unwavering support, guidance and mentorship during the development of the piece.

found invites the audience on a contemplative journey through the intricate maze of solitude, exploring the struggle found within moments of seclusion. How can one find their way through the labyrinth of solitude, and use support around them for salvation?

Credits
Performers: Jenna Wadden, Liz Bibby, Nadia Marchan, Paige McKelvie
Music: Poortgebouw by Hiro Kone, Crystal by Kangding Ray

Thanks
I want to say a big thank you to my dancers for being so patient, helpful, and hard working this semester! I also want to thank my family for supporting me my whole life and my peers for lifting me up and inspiring me to strive for improvement each and every day.

Fascination of Female is a piece created to highlight the strength and allure of a powerful woman at the center of attention. It shows the fascination behind a woman who embodies a powerful sense of self and how others observe her every move with admiration and intent. This choreography not only celebrates the multifaceted strength of women but also explores the complex dynamics of aspiration within a group.

Credits
Performers: Sarah-Rose Voyer, Emily Sadler, Olivia Carmelo, Hana Reichel
Music: Angel by Massive Attack

Thanks
A special thanks to my dancers, for this piece would not exist without their commitment and dedication to the work. I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me throughout this process and enjoyed our collaboration to make this piece come to life. Thank you to Melanie Kloetzel for her support and oversight in this process, as well as my peers for their feedback in helping me develop my piece.

Based on a novice perspective of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the natural complexity of the give and take present in combat sports. Watch for the interplay between the unique superpowers of each individual dancer in this arena.

Credits
Performers/Collaborators: Kyrie Catolico, Emilie Field, Chiarra Garet
Music: Memoria by Murcof

Thanks
Thank you to the amazing dancers for their willingness, the coaches and members of YYC Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for inspiration, my peers for their thoughtful notes, and Rachel Anderson for the ideas that came from our collaborative creative time.

Time is not something we cannot get back, and time can either give us something or take something away.

Credits
Performers: Addi Campbell, Faith Friesen, Rachel McKinnon, Lavender Wong, Maddie Yarema
Music: Timetakesthetimetimetakes by Peder and Clockwork by Aviv Yeyni

This piece dives into the tapestry of human relationships, exploring the dynamics of platonic, intimate, familial, and group connections.

Credits
Performers/Collaborators: Jolie Che, Avery Graham-Wiseman, Morgan Lawrence and Sierra Oszust 
Music: SPOKE 2 ALIENS FINALLY 1.3 by Flume, Dream 1.2.2 by Flume, Grab Her! by Disclosure and El Tango De Roxanne by José Feliciano and others

Thanks
Thanks to my dedicated dancers for bringing this piece to life with all their contributions, and special appreciation to Melanie and fellow choreographers for their invaluable feedback. A final shoutout to the tech and stage crew—your behind-the-scenes magic makes this performance possible. Join us as we unravel the threads that bind us in a journey through the intricate web of human connections on stage. 

The Garden is a mesmerizing place that weaves together the gentle beauty and immense power of nature.

Credits
Performers: Shaïna Jean-Baptiste, Caitlin Towers, Kiki Roberts, Kyrie Catolico
Music: Escape Artist by Zoë Keating

Thanks
Thank you to the dancers for their commitment to the process.


Credits

ALLARA GOOLIAFF: Artistic Director
MELANIE KLOETZEL: Dance Division Lead
ALÈN MARTEL: Venue - Facilities, Equipment and Production Coordinator
CALUM MAUNIER - Light Designer

  1. Staff

    Director BRUCE BARTON
    Associate Director ALLAN BELL
    Dance Division Lead MELANIE KLOETZEL
    Drama Division Lead CHRISTINE BRUBAKER
    Music Division Lead JEREMY BROWN
    Production Manager ANDREW NORTH
    Performance and Artist Coordinator ALIDA LOWE
    Communications and Marketing Advisor SATOKO (TOKIE) ONODA
    Department Operations Manager MARY LOU MENDYK
    Administrative Assistant ALEXANDRA LYONS
    Academic Program Specialist ROSABEL CHOI
    Academic Program Specialist CONSTANTINA CALDIS ROBERTS
    Graduate Program Advisor ALISON SCHMAL

  2. Theatre Services

    Venue & Client Relations Manager DAVID FRASER
    Venue Business Administrator ABIR BACHIR
    Booking Administrator CATHERINE ROULEAU
    Front of House Manager KRISTINE ASTOP
    Audio Technician ALEX BOHN
    Lighting Technician JASON SCHWARZ
    Scenic Carpenter SCOTT FREEMAN
    Stage Technician IAN WILSON