Tag Archives: performing arts

that’s me…dancing in an IDD flashmob!

07 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by in dance, inspiration, music

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That’s right! That’s me on International Dance Day (IDD) 2011, dancing in a flashmob as part of the National Ballet School‘s celebrations in Toronto’s David Pecaut Square, in front of Roy Thomson Hall! Hard to spot, I know. I’m behind the ladies in red: look for purple hair, pink scarf, blue jacket.

I’m sooo not a dancer, yet for that very brief moment last spring – thanks to the National Ballet School (NBS) and International Dance Day – I considered myself one. Best. Experience. Ever. The NBS IDD flashmob was the coolest and waaay-out-of-my-comfort-zone awesomest (I know that’s not a word, but it rhymes and I’m going to plead artistic license here). Go on, check out my moves below! I come in on the second verse of Joel Plaskett’s “Penny for Your Thoughts,” but don’t worry if you can’t find me. Even I have a hard time spotting myself till about 3 minutes and 35 seconds in.

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What: A flashmob, silly! Specifically, the National Ballet School of Canada‘s second annual flashmob on International Dance Day, April 29, 2011. I rehearsed for two months with the school’s teachers-in-training to perfect my smooth moves!
Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In David Pecaut Square, beside Roy Thomson Hall, in the heart of the entertainment district. This year’s flashmob could be anywhere in Toronto! Psst…in 2012 we’re doing it Bollywood style!
When: International Dance Day takes place every April 29, with dance flashmobs occuring worldwide! There might even be one in your city.
Why: Flashmobs are a spirited way to celebrate a love of dance.

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Want to learn the lowdown
on how I got flashmobbing?
You’ll find out soon…
oh so soon!

finding the funny with the national theatre of the world

29 Tuesday Nov 2011

Posted by in theatre

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Gosh, that hurt. Really. I mean, it still hurts. I recently rallied for the mantra to travel is to live, no? ‘Cause as my sides are splitting and currently causing great pain, I must say that laughing is giving travelling a run for its money!

I just saw the brilliant National Theatre of the World’s Impromptu Splendor – on opening and closing night, as they say. Naomi Snieckus, Ron Pederson and Matt Baram, the troupe of improv geniuses (and co-artistic directors) behind NTOW, a not-for-profit Toronto theatre company, masterfully perform a full-length play on the spot, using ideas culled from the audience just minutes before the play starts. The trio (who are sometimes joined by a fourth improviser) are writing it as they’re performing, yet they’re still able to create a cohesive story with depth. And funny. Lots and lots of funny. But because the funny is based in truth (universal truths, but also the truths of whatever’s happening in the lives of the audience members), the comedy is richer than the improv you might be used to. This is theatre…in a hilarious new form.

And if you like what you see and hear so much you feel like getting into the act, the troupe sometimes offers improv workshops. No joke.

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What: Impromptu Splendor
Who: The National Theatre of the World
Where: Theatre Passe Muraille, 16 Ryerson Ave.; 416-504-7529
When: the last Sunday of the month
Cost: $10 (includes a preshow cabaret)
More: The National Theatre of the World (more improvisers join the trio!) also performs The Soaps at Comedy Bar (945 Bloor St. W.; 416-551-6540) Thursdays at 8 p.m. Cost: PWYC. An improvised soap opera? Bring. It. On.