In a media release, Mocean Dance announced it will explore “dance from across the spectrum of age and experience” with its latest edition of Spring Blooms—The Dance of Life, two free showcases that bring together communities of different life stages and expertise.
The mixed programme will feature new dance works from the Communities in Mocean – Older Adults Centre Stage, new dance works from the SURGE – Emerging Artist Program and guest performances from local professional artists.
Led by Mocean co-artistic director Sara Coffin and local dance artists, the Communities in Mocean programme will feature older adults who have worked with professional dance artists to create movement celebrating the “eloquence, beauty and wisdom of the ageing body in motion.”
With SURGE, a creative incubation program to support the development of the next generation of local dance artists, Coffin and guest choreographer Emma Kerson will each present a new short dance work together with early-career artists. The program provides opportunities for dancers to connect and build their skills while offering further training and career mentorship.
In addition, the showcase will feature guest performances by local artists Thushara Premarajan, April Hubbard, Vanessa Furlong, and Sangeeta Raju.
Premarajan, a local Indian classical dancer, will perform a piece that blends Bharatanatyam with contemporary rock, while longtime collaborators April Hubbard and Furlong will present their new short work, And so it goes, a celebration of the cycles of life. Raju rounds out the guest performances with her latest work, Basant (Spring), an exploration of awakening from the slumber of winter and the blossoming of spring.
Spring Blooms—The Dance of Life will take place on March 30 at the Northwood Halifax Activity Centre (2615 Northwood Tce, Halifax) and on April 2 at the Paul O’Regan Hall at the Halifax Central Library (5440 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax). Admission for both shows is free. Visit moceandance.com for more information and to register.Â