Mellowing

Presented by The National Arts Centre

“... mesmerising and hypnotic.”
Springback Magazine

Exclusive Canadian Engagement

A moving convergence

In MELLOWING, Greek choreographer Christos Papadopoulos explores how the body’s energy creates a permanent vibration. Known for his intensely observant approach to movement, his works often unfold with a meditative power. Together with 11 dancers, he created a series of pared back repetitive movements that develop into a textured and layered synchronization performed to the electro-minimalist score by Greek composer Coti K. Dancers, costumed in subtle hues, interplay with music, lights, and one another to produce a lively and captivating restlessness. 

Founded in Berlin in 2015, the Dance On Ensemble is an initiative aimed at championing the value of age by showcasing the artistry, embodied knowledge, and emotional depth of dancers over 40. Over the past 10 years the ensemble has restaged lost works—revealing the importance of older dancers as carriers of cultural knowledge—and created, commissioned and toured a range of new works by contemporary choreographers such as Lucinda Childs, Rabih Mroué, Meg Stuart, Mathilde Monnier and Jan Martens. 

Did You Know?
Company dancer Lia Witjes Poole was born in Ontario in 1979 where she began her dance training, and went on to receive her formal education at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver.

Interesting Fact
The Dance On initiative includes the Dance On Participation for non-dancers, and older people in particular. In workshops, rehearsal visits and introductions to pieces, participants are encouraged to make their own dance experiences.

Post-show chat
Following the presentation of "Mellowing" on Wednesday, February 18, we invite the audience to stay in the Theatre for a post-show chat with the artists.