9 days to go! Shavar Blackwood/BlackliquidInk will be presenting a new work at DanceWeekend’19 on Saturday, January 26 at 6:10 pm. We are thrilled to be partnering with dance Immersion for this presentation.
Instagram @shavarblackwood
Can you tell us little bit about your company/collective/school My dance style is rooted in urban disciplines such as Hip-Hop, House, Popping, B-Boying, and Krump, I have also been deeply influenced by the control, discipline, and originality of Ballet and Contemporary. I believe both technique and performance are essential in enhancing my craft, and the mixture of these disciplines has allowed me to develop my own brand of movement, creation process, and performance style which I feel confident about and reflects my artistic voice.
What are showing at DanceWeekend’19?
I will be taking this opportunity to explore a modern day speakeasy bar where locals from various walks of life come to share their love for poetry music and movement. As the piece progresses, the audience will explore key characters that have intimate stories to share based on love and lust. I will be using a mixture of R&B music featuring artist such as Maxwell, D’Angelo, Childish Gambino & Jill Scott, Floety just to name a few.
Who are the performers/collaborators in this piece(s)?
Performers are local artist in urban Toronto dance community. These artist specialize in urban dance, but actively cross train in various genres of dance in order further enhance their skills and develop a unique and interesting blend of movement.
Can you talk about your creative process? What inspires you?
I’m inspired by water, adaptable, shape-shifting, refreshing and nurturing. It goes deep… unapologetically reactive and aggressively compelling just like my artistic voice’. I take great pride in his ability to physicalize an intimate energy in a communal way, successfully impacting a cross-platform, diverse audience. (More info about my creative process in included in my artistic statement)
Please share your experience performing in a previous DanceWeekend and/or tell us what you are looking forward to at DanceWeekend’19?
I have participated at DanceWeekend on multiple occasions my first performance was with City Dance Corps. I will never forget stepping onto the stage for the first time at The Fleck Theatre and thinking to myself “this is the most beautiful stage in the city”. I later returned on numerous occasions to perform with Cadence Progressive Contemporary Ballet under the artistic direction of Courtnae Bowman and my last performance at DanceWeekend was with Allen Kaeja. All of my experiences with Danceweekend have provided me with very special memories and I am happy to return as a choreographer later on in my artistic career.
What is one surprising or interesting fact about your company/collective/school?
I am also the artistic director of an event called Hot Seat Sunday. The event is an interactive celebration and sensual exploration, which was inspired by a combination of the popular 70’s, hit, ‘The Dating Game’, and the Las Vegas production Magic Mike. This immersive dance showcase aims to offers a safe place for women to feel sexy and appreciated while enjoying a classy and sophisticated social environment.
Do you have any up-coming performances/events you would like to share?
I am currently the head choreographer for the official Raptors team called North Side Crew. We perform at every home game throughout the basketball season and sometimes get the opportunity to travel with the team across Canada.