Arts Umbrella Dance
1400 Johnston Street Granville Island V6H 3R8 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Today BJM - Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal featured AUDC Alumni Eden Solomon! Congratulations Eden! We are wishing you a wonderful season. <3

Dance International recently wrote a lovely piece that features AUDC Alumni Nicole Ward and her journey from Ballet BC to NDT 1 this season. "Working within a company of 25 dancers, some of whom have been there for a decade or two, has been eye-opening for 25-year-old Ward. Having that knowledge and experience in the room affects how we create and how people are with each other, she says." Check out the full article here: https://danceinternational.org/changing-positions-...four-da/ Congratulations, Nicole!

Audition Registration for the 2021-22 Season is open until January 8! Go to https://www.artsumbrella.com/dance-auditions/ to learn more! Have a question? Email [email protected]. Photo credit Michael Slobodian

LIVE AUDITION UPDATE! Please note the live audition (BC residents only) for the 2021/22 Season at Arts Umbrella has been changed to Sunday, February 7. Due to this update, registrations for the live audition will remain open until January 22. For domestic and international dancers who live outside of BC, we will be accepting video auditions until February 26.... Go to www.artsumbrella.com/dance-auditions/ to register and learn more about the 2021 International Audition Tour! Have a question? Email [email protected]. Photo credit Michael Slobodian, featuring AUDC Alumni Nick Daniels.

Start 2021 with a spring in their step! We have a selection of Creative Dance classes for children aged 3-6, beginning in January. Through percussion games and... play, kids will learn to express themselves creatively through movement, while developing focus, concentration, and coordination in those important early years. Classes are available in person or online. Browse our classes and register here: https://bit.ly/3fgyTwZ

Our COVID-19 Safety & Response Protocols remain unchanged following the extension of the current Provincial Health Order. We continue to adhere to all recommend...ed measures. Our Health & Safety Plan includes: Rigorous cleaning measures Physical distance guidelines Mandatory mask policy for ages 6+ Strict health declarations Limited in-person class sizes. Read latest on the steps we're taking to ensure safe program delivery: https://www.artsumbrella.com/covid-19/

It's not too late to register your little one for Creative Dance this session! There is still limited space available in our in-person and online Creative Dance classes for dancers ages 2-6. Through percussion games, improvisation, movement exercises and music, kids will learn to express themselves creatively, while developing focus, concentration, and coordination in those important early years.... Browse our classes and register here: https://bit.ly/3fgyTwZ. Have a question? Email [email protected] or call (604) 681-5268. Photo credit Kevin Clarke

2021/22 Audition Reminder: Video Auditions are open and the deadline to register for live auditions in BC is January 8th, 2021! Work with world-renowned teachers, choreographers, and repetiteurs, helping you reach your performance potential. We are seeking auditions for the 2021/22 season for: International Summer Dance Intensive... Post-Secondary Programs Professional Training Program Afternoon Professional Training Program Live auditions will be open to BC residents, while international and out-of-province applicants must submit video auditions. The deadline to register for a live audition is January 8, 2021; the deadline to register for a video audition is February 26, 2021. Full information: https://www.artsumbrella.com/dance-auditions/ Have a question? Email [email protected]! Photo credit Michael Slobodian

It’s not too late! You can still register to see Mixed Nuts (and assorted candies)! Flip through for some more behind-the-scenes shots of this season’s Mixed Nuts captured by David Cooper. A special thank you to the crew who helped us bring the show to the screen for the very first time! Tickets by donation. Go to www.artsumbrella.com/events/mixed-nuts/ to register to see the show today!... Photo credit @davidcooperphotography

AUDC 1st Year Grad Introductions: Sophia Makarenko! Over the next few weeks, it is our pleasure to introduce the AUDC 1st Year Grads! These students in the Arts Umbrella/VCC Dance Diploma program are extensively involved in professional training classes, Careers in Dance workshops, repertoire classes and Arts Umbrella Dance Company rehearsals. Fortunately, these dancers took a few moments out of their busy schedules to answer some questions so that we could get to know them...... Next up, from Bowen Island, is Sophia Makarenko! 1) Where are you from and where did you train before coming to Arts Umbrella? Sophia: I am from Bowen Island BC, Canada. Before Arts Umbrella I trained at Goh Ballet, Pro Arte, and The Dance Conservatory. 2) Why did you choose to come to Arts Umbrella to do your professional training? Sophia: I chose to come to Arts Umbrella because I had never seen a program like this one before, and I had never experienced this sort of perspective towards dance education. I came to Arts Umbrella because of the community, perspective, and the overall wealth of knowledge that is made available to us as students. 3) Let us know something about yourself! What do you get up to outside of dance? Sophia: If I wasn’t pursuing a career in dance, I would most likely be pursuing literature and philosophy. Thanks, Sophia! We are so happy you are with us again this year! Photo credit: Michael Slobodian

AUDC 1st Year Grad Introductions: Paige Smith! Let's continue to get to know the Arts Umbrella Dance Post-Secondary Program 1st Year Grads! These students kindly took some time out of their incredibly busy schedules to answer a few of our questions... This year we are very lucky to have Paige Smith with us at Arts Umbrella!... 1) Where are you from and where did you train before AU? Paige: I am from Burlington, Ontario! In my early years I trained at The Dance Station (www.facebook.com/The-Dance-Station-537862866264636) and later at JJ Dance Arts. I was truly inspired to pursue contemporary ballet training through my summer intensive training with Toronto’s ProArteDanza. 2) Why did you choose to come to Arts Umbrella to do your professional training? Paige: I chose to train at Arts Umbrella because I know the program will guide me in further developing my strength, artistry and technique as a dancer while pushing me past my limits. I decided on Arts Umbrella not only due to the fact that I want to pursue a career as a professional dancer, but also because I want to think outside the box and dig deeper in my everyday life. I believe the program will provide me with essential tools that will allow me to take initiative in evolving the art form while being a technically sound dancer. I want to impact others through my love for dance and I believe that Arts Umbrella will help me reach that goal. 3) Let us know something fun about yourself! Paige: I absolutely love to cook! I enjoy making meals that are not only healthy, but taste amazing! My favourite dish to cook is coconut shrimp curry on a bed of rice with a side of sautéed vegetables. :) Thank you, Paige! Photo credit: Michael Slobodian

AUDC 1st Year Grad Introductions: Sydney Tormey! Over the next few weeks, it is our pleasure to introduce the AUDC 1st Year Grads! These students in the Arts Umbrella/VCC Dance Diploma program are extensively involved in professional training classes, Careers in Dance workshops, repertoire classes and Arts Umbrella Dance Company rehearsals. Fortunately, these dancers took a few moments out of their busy schedules to answer some questions so that we could get to know them... F...irst up, from the USA, is Sydney Tormey! 1) Where are you from and where did you train before coming to Arts Umbrella? Sydney: I am from Mapleton, UT United States of America. I trained in the Hubbard Street Professional Program for the previous 2 years before attending Arts Umbrella. 2) Why did you choose to come to Arts Umbrella to do your professional training? Sydney: I chose to continue my training at Arts Umbrella because I love being a student. I want to allow myself the space and dedication of time to the rigor of my body and passion. I want to keep expanding my knowledge in intellectual ways to better understand my mind and body as a whole and I knew Arts Umbrella would provide the perfect balance for me to do so. 3) Let us know something about yourself! What do you get up to outside of dance? Sydney: When I am not dancing, most of my time is spent learning and practicing nutrition and healthy living. I am interested in the way of living an active healthy lifestyle can improve our lifelong overall wellness. Thanks, Sydney! We are delighted to have you with us this year. Photo credit: Michael Slobodian

AUDC 1st Year Grad Introductions: Ruth Lee! Today we are continuing to introduce the Arts Umbrella Dance Post-Secondary Program 1st Year Grads. Lucky for us, these students kindly took some time out of their incredibly busy schedules so that we could get to know them a little better. This fall we were so delighted to have Ruth Lee with us again! ... 1) Where are you from? Ruth: I am from Vancouver BC. I danced at a small studio in Delta up until I became a student at Arts Umbrella from Grade 8 onwards. 2) Why did you choose to come to Arts Umbrella to do your professional training? Ruth: I heard about the amazing dance program that was also collaborated with the SPARTS program which intrigued me to audition for Arts Umbrella. I also wanted to transition into a more classical and professional program from commercial dancing. After attending ISDI I was confident that Arts Umbrella was the school I wanted to be a part of. 3) Let us know something fun about yourself! Ruth: I enjoy dancing to throwback songs in my bedroom. Thank you, Ruth! Photo credit: Michael Slobodian

Arts Umbrella Dance is now accepting video auditions for the 2021-22 season! Programs offer students a dance experience crafted and curated by world-renowned t...eachers, choreographers, and répétiteurs. Auditions are open for the Summer Dance Intensive, Post-Secondary and Professional Training Programs. This year’s International Audition Tour will largely take place online; however, with Health and Safety protocols in place, we will have in-person auditions in January, February and April for BC residents. Learn more: https://www.artsumbrella.com/dance-auditions/

Audition Registration is now open! Go to https://www.artsumbrella.com/dance-auditions/ to learn more! Have a question? Email [email protected]. Photo credit Michael Slobodian

Registration for our Winter Session Creative Dance classes for 3-6 year-olds is now open! Click the link to learn more: https://www.artsumbrella.com/programs/ages2-6/dance/ We are pleased to offer both in-person and online learning options, so families can get involved in whichever way they are most comfortable. ... Photo credit Michael Slobodian

AUDC 1st Year Grad Introductions: Elle Derkitt! Today we are continuing to introduce the Arts Umbrella Dance Post-Secondary Program 1st Year Grads. Lucky for us, these students kindly took some time out of their incredibly busy schedules so that we could get to know them a little better. This fall we are pleased to introduce Elle Derkitt! ... 1) Where are you from? Elle: I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan. I began my dance training at a local studio before moving to Calgary, Alberta. Prior to Arts Umbrella, I trained professionally with the Alberta Ballet School in both their Professional Division and Post- Graduate Program for three years. 2) Why did you choose to come to Arts Umbrella to do your professional training? Elle: I have been interested in the Arts Umbrella Grad Program for a long time. The environment is very positive with a sense of community and the outlook presented on dance really resonates with me. I knew that by attending Arts Umbrella and working hard in the program, I would grow as a dancer and person; I knew that this was where I wanted to be. 3) Let us know something about yourself! What do you get up to outside of dance? Elle: Apart from dance, I am really passionate about other art forms, particularly painting, music, and writing. I also actively participate in a socialist group here in Vancouver! Thank you, Elle! Photo credit: Michael Slobodian

GUEST ARTIST UPDATE: Eric Beauchesne Being in the studio with Eric Beauchesne (even though the studio is a Zoom meeting right now) is a thrill any day. Given the circumstances of the present COVID-19 shutdown, it feels like a miracle that we get to have time with Eric who has kindly been working with the AUDC dancers over the last two weeks. Thank you Crystal Pite for your time and the incredible gift of your repertoire. ... Photo credit goes to Michael Slobodian for capturing this photo of Eric in 2017 at Arts Umbrella’s International Summer Dance Intensive. Thank you Eric!

Year-long registrations are open for ONE MORE WEEK! It’s not too late! There is still time to register for year-long dance classes at Arts Umbrella. This fall we introduced new health and sanitation measures to ensure the safety of all participants including: a new mask policy, physical distancing markers within the studios, health declarations from staff and students and rigorous cleaning measures. We know that it may have taken families a little longer to work out their ne...w routines, so we are proud to keep our registrations open until Nov 2nd. To learn more about classes for dancers of all ages, email Natalie Kardum at [email protected]. Photo credit Michael Slobodian

AUDC 1st Year Grad Introductions: Nathaniel Belnavis-Wright! Today we are continuing to introduce the Arts Umbrella Dance Post-Secondary Program 1st Year Grads. Lucky for us, these students kindly took some time out of their incredibly busy schedules so that we could get to know them a little better. This fall we were so delighted to have Nathaniel Belnavis-Wright join us again! ... 1) Where are you from? Nathaniel: I was born in Newmarket, Ontario. I grew up training at C.B. Dance Academy, in Richmond hill. Later I moved to Miami Florida where I continued my training with Stars Dance Company. Soon after I was accepted into the Arts Umbrella Dance Pre-Grad Program. 2) Why did you choose to come to Arts Umbrella to do your professional training? Nathaniel: I chose Arts Umbrella because of their well known professional work ethic and outstanding reputation worldwide. I believe it is a special environment like none other. 3) Let us know something about yourself! What do you get up to outside of dance? Nathaniel: I am interested in all paths of art and creative freedom. It’s more than just the form of movement. I try to see the art in everything I’m surrounded by. Thank you, Nathaniel! Photo credit: Michael Slobodian

Today it is our pleasure to present one body - a moment. The Arts Umbrella Dance Company alumni community collaborates for the making of a short film during the pandemic lockdown in 2020. Created and edited by Jonathan Reimann. Credits... - Dancers Anna Bekirova, Brynne Harper, Emily Chessa, Eva Solnick, Georgia Boddez, Julie Pecard, Kiana Jung, Kiera Hill, Martha Hart, Mika Manning, Oksana Wengryniuk, Rachel McNamee, Rena Narumi, Ria Girard, Sabine Raskin, Samantha Sutherland, Sophia Shaw, Zander Constant - Music Prophet's Song - Queen One body - Jonathan Reimann Waltz of the flowers - Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky - Concept & Production Jonathan Reimann See more

AUDC 1st Year Grad Introductions: Kiersten Rist! Today we are continuing to introduce the Arts Umbrella Dance Post-Secondary Program 1st Year Grads. These students kindly took some time out of their incredibly busy schedules so that we could get to know them a little better. It is our pleasure to introduce Kiersten Rist! ... 1) Where are you from? Kiersten: I am from Greenville, South Carolina. 2) Why did you choose to come to Arts Umbrella to do your professional training? Kiersten: I decided I wanted to come to Arts Umbrella after I did the International Summer Dance Intensive back in 2018. I left feeling incredibly inspired by the work all of the AU students were doing and ever since I have wanted to be a part of it. 3) Let us know something about yourself! What do you get up to outside of dance? Kiersten: I LOVE peanut butter! Thank you, Kierstin! Photo credit: Michael Slobodian

We are excited to announce the Arts Umbrella Dance Post Secondary students who received the BC Arts Council Scholarship this season: Congratulations to 2nd Year Grad, Ruth Lee! Today we are very pleased to celebrate this talented artist! Photo credit Michael Slobodian

Today we are pleased to announce the Arts Umbrella Dance Post Secondary students who received the BC Arts Council Scholarship this season: Congratulations to 2nd Year Grad Devon McLean! We are happy to celebrate Devon and all of her hard work. Toi! Toi! Toi! Photo credit Michael Slobodian

ALUMNI UPDATE: Samantha Sutherland! We are delighted to see Sammy Sutherland interviewed in FEO Magazine's feature about this year's Fall for Dance North Festival. In the article Sammy talks about what she is working on as a performer with Red Sky Performance, what it means to dance with an Indigenous company as a member of the Ktunaxa Nation, and what inspired her to pursue dance! ... "I can’t imagine myself pursuing a career that isn’t physical. I experience so much joy and fulfillment when dancing. It’s so exciting to see what the human body is capable of executing. The possibilities are endless! And when this wide range of physical movements is paired with the goal of expressing human feeling, it is magic." Check out the article to learn more about what Sammy has gotten up to recently and for information about how to get tickets to livestream the upcoming festival! https://feomagazine.com/20//13/fall-for-dance-north-2020/ Toi! Toi! Toi!

Arts Umbrella Dance is accepting new year-long registrations until Nov 2nd! We still have limited spots in the following dance program packages. Levels correspond with the student's academic grade: Level 1 Ballet and Musical Theatre... Level 2 Ballet and Musical Theatre Level 3IP Ballet, Contemporary, Modern and Jazz Level 4 Ballet and Musical Theatre Level 5 Ballet, Modern and Musical Theatre Teen Ballet for Grade 8s and up Boys Only Ballet Classes for Grades 1-4+ (Scholarship included for Boys Only dancers) And Hip Hop with Nasiv (ages 8-15) With new cleaning procedures, physical distancing markers within studios, health declarations and an up-to-date mask policy, we are proud to provide in-person classes for our students this season in a safe and sanitary environment. New and experienced dancers are invited. To learn about the right program for your dancer, email Dance Admissions Specialist, Natalie Kardum, at [email protected] or check out our website: www.artsumbrella.com/programs/dance/general-program/ Photo credit Michael Slobodian

Arts Umbrella Dance Reminder: Classes are running tomorrow (Saturday!) Arts Umbrella is closed on Sunday and Monday. ... Have a great weekend!

Check out these rehearsal moments as the AUDC dancers prepare for this years Splash event! Thanks for sharing Paul!

From the Arts Umbrella page: Today we wanted to take a moment to look back at our 2019/2020 dance season to celebrate our five McCall MacBain Cultural Leadership Award Program recipients. Jazzmin James, Clémentine Dumas, Jacob Williams, Stefanie Noll, and Austin Lichty are exceptional dancers and members of the cultural community who clearly demonstrate the qualities sought by this program. ... Through the support of the McCall MacBain Foundation, our students experienced unprecedented opportunities to expand their educational pursuits, explore their potential through a mentorship program, and uncover what it means to lead and inspire change in their community. Among the 2019/2020 mentors were choreographer and Artistic Director of Kidd Pivot, Crystal Pite; choreographer and Juilliard Dance faculty member, Francisco Martinez; Vancouver Pilates Centre founder and trainer, Dianne Miller; BC Alliance for Arts + Culture Executive Director, Brenda Leadley; and Regional Manager, Arts and Heritage at the Department of Canadian Heritage, Deborah Meyers. Congratulations! Photo credit David Cooper

Arts Umbrella Dance still has space for teen dancers! Now that everyone has had a chance to settle into their fall schedules, we wanted to send out a quick reminder that we are still accepting registrations for our year-long teen programs! We keep the teen programs super flexible so that dancers can include as many classes as they like to their dance packages. ... Classes include: Tuesdays - Hip Hop with Nasiv from 6:30-8:00PM Wednesdays - Tap from 7:15-8:30PM *at least 1 year of experience required Thursdays - Ballet from 6:45-8:15PM Saturdays - Ballet from 1:45-2:45PM Saturdays - Modern from 2:45-3:45PM These classes are open to any level of experience. Spots are limited to allow space for physical distancing. Other COVID-19 procedures include: -A new mask policy -Health declarations from faculty and students -Updated cleaning measures -And physical distancing markers in all studios To register email Dance Admissions Specialist, Natalie Kardum, at [email protected]. Photo by Michael Slobodian

Don’t worry, there is still time for teen dancers to sign up for Nasiv’s Hip Hop class! There is limited space on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm for dancers ages 12 and up. This season we are keeping registrations open for all year-long dance programs until Nov 2nd, but we recommend you sign up for hip hop soon-there are just a few spots left! Contact Dance Admissions Specialist, Natalie Kardum, at [email protected] to register! Thank you to @Nasiv for sharing this video ...with us and credit goes to @czaresplana for the choreography!

ARTS UMBRELLA DANCE UPDATE: Jacob Williams is teaching Boys Only Ballet! Arts Umbrella Dance is proud to have a growing number of young men graduating from our professional training programs each year. Ensuring that every boy who wants to dance is provided with the opportunity to learn in a supportive, creative and fun environment is important to us. We are proud to offer scholarships to all Boys Only dance participants so that they feel inspired and confident in the studio. ... This year, we are pleased to welcome Jacob Williams (featured in the attached video) to the dance faculty! Jacob is a recent Arts Umbrella/VCC Dance Diploma Graduate and just joined Ballet BC for the 2020-21 season as an Emerging Artist. We are very grateful to Jacob for carving out some time on Saturdays to mentor our younger Boys Only dancers. You can learn more about Jacob here: https://balletbc.com/bio/jacob-williams/ Registration is open until Nov 2. The following Boys Only Ballet classes have limited availability: -Saturdays 4:30-5:30PM with Jacob Williams Grades 1-2. -Mondays 4:15-5:15PM with Brynne Harper - Grade 3. -Fridays 7:15-8:15PM with Maddy Gilbert - Grade 4 and up. Thank you to Khare Communications for this beautiful video.