Halifax professional dance company Votive Dance brings its newest work, Whodunit?, to local audiences with a mix of mystery, music, and dance told through a jazz-centred lens.
I have been wanting to make a large-scale jazz dance show for a while, and this idea of a murder mystery seemed to go hand in hand in my mind. – Kathleen Doherty
This latest work is from Votive’s artistic director Kathleen Doherty, who has been working to develop and grow a professional jazz dance community in Halifax over the past ten years.
“I have been wanting to make a large-scale jazz dance show for a while, and this idea of a murder mystery seemed to go hand in hand in my mind,” says Doherty. “I’ve been working in the studio with the dancers since January to develop choreography which is grounded, rooted, rhythmic, and musical in itself.”
Whodunit? features live music under the direction of composer and band leader Andrew Jackson, with Katelyn McCulloch acting as storyline and character development collaborator for the show.
“The live music brings such a high energy to the performance, and the music composed by Andrew is absolutely incredible,” says Doherty. “Having all of the elements for this show come together, through dance, music and storytelling, has been a blast to build and create.”
Whodunit? features local professional dance artists Isaac Abriel, Marrin Jessome, Michele King, Stephanie Mitro and Liliona Quarmyne. Guest performer and tap dancer MacKenzie Greenwell joins the company for this production. Alongside Jackson in the jazz quartet are musicians Keith Doiron, Caito MacDonald and Sam Wilson.
Established in 2012 by Doherty and Stephanie Mitro, Votive Dance’s continuing mission is to support and develop professional dance artists from the Atlantic region and create performance and choreographic opportunities for local artists.
Votive Dance presents Whodunit? at the Alderney Landing Theatre (2 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth) from November 3-5. Visit alderneylanding.com for tickets and information.