New Works boasts three world premieres in its 30-year anniversary programming

Since setting up shop in Vancouver a cool 30 years ago, New Works has been shaping the local contemporary dance scene. From workshops and mentorships to projects and performances, the non-profit supports and shapes motion arts in a plethora of ways. 

The org has just announced its 30th anniversary season, which includes three world premieres. The Biting School will debut Zahak, the Serpent King in a work inspired by Persian myth; interdisciplinary artist Nancy Lee will unveil OSMOSi: 422 Unprocessable Entity in April; and The Falling Company will introduce Family Room to audiences in April.

"We are so proud to be able to share this 30th Anniversary Season program of both presentations and dance community development initiatives. The beautiful diversity of what we are able to do now is the result of 30 years of efforts from volunteers, community partners, cultural works, and funders," executive director Jason Dubois says. "This is not a single season program, but the culmination of an organization with a deep history in the Vancouver dance community."

New Works is currently offering 30 per cent off tickets to presentations with a season ticket pack. Tickets to single shows go on sale on October 1.

As part of the festivities, a month-long visual exhibit, Ripple Effects: 30 Years of New Works, is set to open in October at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. It profiles 30 New Works alum who’ve left a lasting impression; a parallel digital exhibition will run in tandem.

Plus, there are site-specific shows, workshops, residencies, and ongoing free dance classes for underserved youth. Here’s to another 30 years of dance. 

We’ve rounded up the main events below, and you can find more info on New Works’ website.

Pop Up Dances 

As part of BC Culture Days, catch performers putting on site-specific dance at locations across Granville Island. Thirty creatives will showcase everything from modern hoop dance to contemporary tap over two days.

When: September 23 and 24, 12pm to 4pm

Where: Granville Island, Vancouver

Admission: Free

Ripple Effects: 30 Years of New Works

The Scotiabank Dance Centre’s lobby will be filled with print, slides, VHS tapes, polaroids, and other archival materials, following 30 New Works alumni and chartering their impact over the last three decades. Also to be hosted as a digital exhibit through the Dance Collection Danse website.

When: October 21 to November 18

Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie, Vancouver

Admission: Free

Zahak, the Serpent King

Vancouver-based company The Biting School will present a world premiere of Zahak, the Serpent King, directed by brothers Aryo Khakpour and Arash Khakpour. The work invites audiences into a serpentine world that blends physical theatre, dance, surrealism, and transformation.

When: November 30 to December 2, 8pm

Where: The Annex, 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Admission: On sale October 1

Deciphers

As part of PuSh, Canadian Naishi Wang and Brit Jean Abreu are showing their powerful duet, Deciphers. The show uses the body as a tool to ask questions around malleable human identity, investigating post-colonial histories and migrant experiences through embodied action.

When: January 26 and 27, 8pm; January 28, 2pm

Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie, Vancouver

Admission: On sale October 1

OSMOSi: 422 Unprocessable Entity

Presented in association with Vancouver New Music, a delivery app subroutine slowly develops consciousness in the world premiere of a work that examines gig economy labour, precarity, and sentiency.

When: April 4 and 5, 8pm

Where: The Annex, 823 Seymour Street, Vancouver

Admission: On sale October 1

Family Room

The Falling Company’s world premiere recreates a studio apartment, and tells the stories of how the objects within represent complex dynamics between family members.

When: April 19 and 20, 8pm

Where: Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie, Vancouver

Admission: On sale October 1