Dive into the 3rd Season of Dance Festival de Danse–Miramichi

acques Poulin-Denis
Jacques Poulin-Denis

Following the success of the two previous editions that drew nearly a thousand participants, the stage is now set for the Festival de Danse Miramichi Dance Festival Season 3. This event joins French and English communities of Miramichi and elsewhere across the Atlantic provinces.

The Festival will be held from March 12th to the 19th, 2015 and will feature the Grand Pony Company with Target of God and PPS Danse with “Contes pour enfants pas sages”. Scheduled in the program are: two shows with 3 performances, 7 dance workshops by professional dancers for the Miramichi schools and local dancers. In addition Spotlights and Sequins, a local dance troupe led by Nancie Hutt, will be the opening act for the Grand Pony Company dance.

Target of God will be presented at the Gilles Laplante Theatre (TGL) Carrefour Beausoleil on Saturday March 14th at 8 pm. This show will be preceded by the opening of the newly acquisitioned NB art collection at the Galerie ARTcadienne at 7 pm. Wine and cheese will be served.

Cible de Dieu [6 minutes – EN subtitled] from Grand Poney on Vimeo.

Target of God features a solo performance by the multi-disciplinary artist Jacques Poulin-Denis. This contemporary dance show marries music, public dialogue, humour and fascinating lighting effects. Born in Saskatoon and based in Montreal since 2004, Jacques Poulin-Denis is neither in lace nor in tutu. Jacques Poulin-Denis’ artistic approach seeks to characterize the strength in humanity while expressing vulnerability.

“This was one of the first contemporary dances that I had the chance to see. I was not sure what to expect, I also had a feeling I would not understand it. Instead, this show was a revelation for me. Mainly because it wasn’t just a performance, I was swept up in an intense inward journey. I experienced a range of emotions and I especially appreciated the talent of this great being that is Jacques Poulin-Denis,” says Cultural Development Director, Line Thibodeau.

Here are what audience members had to say after seeing Target of God in Halifax:

“Loved it. Genuine risk and surprise. Both are so rare, thank you!”

“Best performance to date over several years – funny, compassionate and well-skilled. The tops!”

“This is the most unexpected show I have ever seen. So many surprises that were amazing. Such artistry.”

“Thank you! A gift! An honour to witness this performance and be present this evening.”

Furthermore, “Contes pour enfants pas sages” will be presented Thursday, March 19th at 10 am also at the TGL for the Carrefour Beausoleil and Harkins Middle School students. The public is welcome and it’s free admission.

People interested in participating in the dance workshops have until March 12th to register. For more information please contact Line Thibodeau at (506) 627-4220. Tickets for Target of God are available at the Carrefour Beausoleil reception and at www.carrefourbeausoleil.ca

Target of God is a project that will run both in Anglophone and Francophone communities across the Atlantic, with the cooperation of the “Réseau Atlantique de diffusion des Arts de la scène (Radarts)”, Atlantic presenters Association (APA) and the Atlantic Moves program.