Our DanceWeekend’24 Artist Feature is Madeleine Twyman as a part of our Creative Partnership Program!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27th 1pm – 6pm – IN – PERSON AND VIRTUAL
2:45pm Creative Partnerships Commissions: Madeleine Twyman (Contemporary) & BaKari I. Lindsay (African – Contemporary)
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28th 1pm – 6pm – IN – PERSON AND VIRTUAL
3:35 Creative Partnerships Commissions: Madeleine Twyman (Contemporary) & BaKari I. Lindsay (African – Contemporary)
🔗https://danceontario.ca/programs/creative-partnerships-program/
About Madeleine Twyman:
Madeleine Twyman is a Canadian Choreographer, Educator and is the Artistic Director of The Blue Institute and co-founder of DSBCD. Investigating life’s nuances through the multiplex lens of the feminine narrative, Madeleine is curious about creating multi-dimensional work that floats effortlessly between social commentary and the metaphysical alike. Madeleine studied at The Ailey School and The Martha Graham School and has worked with Dance Companies including The Martha Graham Ensemble, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre of Harlem and Creative Outlet Dance Theatre of Brooklyn. Performance highlights include Open Doors North America presented by Peter Chu and Alexandra Wells, Stars of the 21st Century Gala, Lincoln Center, The American Black Film Festival, The Montreal Fringe Festival, NewBlue Festival, Guelph Dance Festival and COC Free Concert Series. Twyman presented over 60 shows in Manhattan fusing Dance, music and fashion garnering her a nomination for The NYC Underground Music Awards.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself/your company?
My artistic practice is deeply rooted in the feminine and manifests work that is socially, politically and culturally informed. Exploring the dynamic between personal and cultural myths, I examine themes like the grief, the beauty and the mystery of womanhood through the medium of contemporary dance.
I am interested in how collective culture influences our private narratives and enjoy making work that allows me to deepen my understanding of the rich feminine mysteries through the study of history and ancient folklore.
What will you be sharing at DanceWeekend’24?
“She of then thousand names” (SOTTN) is a meditation on the feminine experience that is socially, politically and culturally informed. It points to the silent messaging that permeates our collective cultural psyche in 2024. SOTTN is presented in three stages (descent, search, ascent) based on Nietzsche’s parable of the lion, the camel and the child exploring the possibility of transformation through feminine and masculine aspects of humanity.
How has the pandemic shifted your work as a professional dance artist?
It has made me more aware of the great privilege it is to be an artist and pursue what you love.
Please share what you are most looking forward to at DanceWeekend?
I am most looking forward to connecting and sharing with all of the other talented choreographers and dancers! I can’t wait to see all the pieces and am excited to take part in this celebration of DanceOntario’s 30th Anniversary.
In 1 or 2 sentences, what does dance mean to you?
Choreography is the manifestation of an idea seeking to be seen, the dancers become the messengers while the music paints a sonic landscape that transports the audience into an internal dialogue. The collaborative process of rehearsal is a united focus of great discovery. While the euphoria of live performance can never be replaced, the journey to it is an equally transformative state.
Stay Up to Date with Madeleine Twyman at their social media links below:
📸 Photography by Colin Burwell, Emptycup Media