On stage: fall dance preview

When fall hits, the summer dance drought thankfully becomes a distant memory as dance spaces fling open their doors from summer hibernation. Here are some of the pickins coming up in the next few weeks to get you back into the dance scene.

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Pamela Schneider and Sifiso Seleme. Photo by Sifiso Seleme.

When fall hits, the summer dance drought thankfully becomes a distant memory as dance spaces fling open their doors from summer hibernation. Here are some of the pickins coming up in the next few weeks to get you back into the dance scene.

Over at the Théâtre LaChapelle (3700 St-Dominique), check out Deux, a dance made by two creators of very different backgrounds. Iranian artist Mani Soleymanlou and Montrealer Emmanuel Schwartz pair up and question identity. Sept. 24–Oct. 5, 8 p.m., $28.50–$32.50

"Salves," by Compagnie Maguy Marin. Photo by Jean-Pierre Maurin.
“Salves,” by Compagnie Maguy Marin. Photo by Jean-Pierre Maurin.

Danse Danse opens their season with an ensemble piece by French choreographer Maguy Marin, who’s known for works that touch on social issues. Her explosive choreography Salves, created in 2010, captures the chaos of our modern world in crisis. Théâtre Maisonneuve, 175 Ste-Catherine W., Sept. 26–28, 8 p.m., $34; meet the artists post-show Sept. 27

Don’t forget about the Journées de la culture (Sept. 27–29), where the city’s creative spaces open up to the public. During this cultural free-for-all, you can learn moves to a flash mob orchestrated by Corps Anonymes, pop in on free belly dancing classes at Gésu (1201 Bleury), dancing for mothers and babies by Mama Dances, or swing dance classes at Studio 88… The list goes on and on.

Zimmerman & de Perrot company in Hans Was Heiri. Photo by Mario Del Curto.
Zimmerman & de Perrot company in Hans Was Heiri. Photo by Mario Del Curto.

If you like a little bit of circus mixed in with your dance, head over to the TOHU (2345 Jarry) for a show that literally turns everything upside down. Swiss company Zimmermann & de Perrot make a pit stop during their world tour with Hans was Heiri. In this topsy-turvy show, a DJ, acrobats and magicians team up to confuse and confound the audience with their organized chaos. Oct. 1–13, 8 p.m., $25–$45

Multidisciplinary artists Pamela Schneider and Sifiso Seleme kickstart Tangente’s season with TikvahThemba, a work that challenges borders and stereotypes, co-presented by Pop Montreal. The duo question ideas like violence, power and fear. Monument-National, Sept. 26–28, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 29 4 p.m., $22

Then, the following weekend, choreographer-performer duos strut their stuff in an evening of choreographies built for two in 3 x 2 = Les duos. Monument-National, Oct. 3–6, 7:30 p.m., $22

Check out Austrian artist Chris Haring and his company, Liquid Loft. Haring’s duet, Running Sushi, takes inspiration from Japanese conveyor belt sushi restaurants, where resto-goers haphazardly chose plates of food that whizz by. Playing with the vibe of randomness, it’s the public that decides the order of the show for the two dancer-actors. Usine C, 1345 Lalonde, Oct. 8–10, 8 p.m., $35–$40

Lastly, if you’re in the mood for something more balletic, Swedish choreographer Mats Ek brings his dark version of Sleeping Beauty to les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Ek’s version — which, incidentally, is not recommended for those aged 12 and under — features a princess who turns to rebellion and stumbles upon heroin and drug dealers along the way. Théâtre Maisonneuve, Oct. 10–26, 8 p.m.

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