Those who attend Vancouver’s Out Innerspace Dance Theatre’s performance of Bygones at the McPherson Playhouse on Friday will see plenty of dance.
But they’ll also see a teacup that appears to move of its own accord across a table and performers who seem to move in and through walls.
“The performance is really magical, almost like cinematography,” said Bernard Sauvé, general manager of Dance Victoria.
“The dance company has created an original production, using every trick under the sun — with lighting and on stage rigging — to create an original in movement. During the production you will see dance movement, but you will also see an umbrella walking on stage.”
This is the first presentation in Victoria of Bygones, which was co-commissioned by Dance Victoria through its Chrystal Dance Fund. The dance theatre piece premièred in Bulgaria and has toured Europe and Canada.
Victoria is the company’s only Canadian stop before members embark on their third European tour.
The performance will serve as the kickoff for Dance Victoria’s 13th annual Dance Days, in partnership with 16 independent local dance studios.
During the event, wannabe dancers can try an array of free adult dance classes in all kinds of styles — including modern dance, ballet, flamenco, ballroom, and even dance roller skating.
“Our goal is to help people get moving and start the new year off with a bang — to hit the ground running,” said Sauvé. “No experience needed to sign up for the various classes. You can just get out your dancing shoes and try them for free.”
One of the highlights of the month-long event is the opportunity to see new works in progress by some dance artists and choreographers at Rough Cuts on Jan. 22.
Performances are followed by informal discussions with the artists.
Tickets for Bygones start at $43. The production begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square. For more information or tickets, go to the Royal and McPherson website.
Dance Days dance classes are free. For locations, dates and times, go to the Days Days web page.
Rough Cuts performances are free, with a suggested donation of $10. Performances run at 2, 3:30 and 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Victoria Dance Studio, 2750 Quadra St. For more information and to register for the different events, go to the Rough Cuts web page.
parrais@timescolonist.com
