The Vancouver International Dance Festival’s Barbara Bourget describes her and coproducer Jay Hirabayashi’s role as being like conduits to what is happening in the dance scene. With that in mind, the fest has a strong contingent of Indigenous work on its roster. You’ll find some of those names below, as well as other highlights of the event that runs until March 30.

Bang Bang

March 13 to 16 at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre

”Kamikaze” and “no-holds-barred” are just some of the descriptives thrown at Montreal talent Manuel Roque’s physically pummelling ode to resistance. His solo travels wildly from pleasure to pain.

Eloise

March 20 to 23 at the Roundhouse

Rising choreographic voice Jeanette Kotowich explores protocol, ancestral territory, and the inner terrain of the body in a wryly funny solo that ventures boldly between contemporary dance, traditional Indigenous styles, and Broadway-style shtick.

Pathways

March 20 to 23 at the Roundhouse

Vision Impure, the new project of Holy Body Tattoo alumnus Noam Gagnon, takes a body-crashing look at relationships in the urban jungle. Kneepads required.

Trust

March 27 to 30 at the Roundhouse

Canadian dance icon Ted Robinson’s 10 Gates Dancing integrates wood, stone, and clay in a piece that feels a bit like a strange and primal ritual.

Varhung—Heart to Heart

March 29 and 30 at the Vancouver Playhouse

Taiwan’s Tjimur Dance Theatre draws on the ancient songs and dances of the Indigenous Paiwan people for a very contemporary work.