Lynanne's Producer Picks

Written by Lynanne Sparrow

Dance lover, inspired curator, and Canadian Stage Producer Lynanne Sparrow has put together a list of some exceptional dance content available online today in celebration of International Dance Day.

Previously the curator for dance at Harbourfront Centre’s NextSteps dance series and World Stage dance, Lynanne has curated, produced, managed venues, worked on documentaries, films, and international festivals, and has collaborated closely with artists to help bring their ideas into reality.

Here are her top picks for dance lovers on #InternationalDanceDay!

1. Sadler’s Wells is a UK organization with a dance focus – supporting, creating, and presenting all forms of dance. One of the best dance houses in the world, Sadler’s Wells has a fabulous new initiative called Digital Stage. Every Friday at 7:30 pm (UK time zone) a full-length work is streamed. Digital Stage is a great way to get your weekly dance fix. Watch Sadler's Wells Here »

2. Jacob’s Pillow is a summer dance festival located in The Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. Affectionately called The Pillow, it has a summer camp vibe with indoor venues, an outdoor stage, and an incredible dance archive. The Pillow presents international work and offers residences for dance artists from around the world. Check out Dance Interactive where you will find dance archives, essays, and playlists of short dance clips. The newest playlist is Human Interaction. Watch Jacob's Pillow Here »

3. Pina Bausch Foundation is dedicated to keeping the artistic legacy of the late great dance legend Pina Bausch alive. Pina influenced generations of dancers and choreographers with her innovation and visionary work. Audiences around the world still talk about that Pina show they once saw. Check out a newly digitally restored work from 1989/90: Palermo Palermo. Watch Pina Bausch Foundation Here »

4. International Circus Day was April 18. To celebrate check out the Cirkus Cirkör, a contemporary Swedish Circus company that makes large scale work for international audiences, provides training and educational opportunities, and runs Cirkör LAB (Laboratory for Artistic Brilliance). See the inventiveness of this company that has been creating work since 1995 by streaming one of their full-length shows: Wear It Like a Crown. Watch Cirkus Cirkör Here »

5. The National Film Board of Canada has curated a selection of nine short dance films. Check out the list of Dance and Film at the NFB: Watch The National Film Board of Canada Here »

6. Breakin’ Convention, the festival of hip hop theatre founded and curated by Jonzi D, has their virtual festival this Saturday, May 2, 2020. With an international line-up of hip hop dancers and crews, you will marvel at the unique moves and styles. Staring at 6 pm (UK time). Watch Breakin’ Convention Here »

Brendan Healy’s Bonus Pick: Eskapist by Alexander Ekman (Royal Swedish Ballet) is a stunning, surreal work by one of the most unique voices in contemporary ballet. The choreography is exquisite. I think you'll also appreciate the music, created by Mikael Karlsson. Mikael is also the composer for Guillaume Cote's Crypto which we sadly had to postpone this season. Watch Eskapist Here »

Lynanne Sparrow is a Producer at Canadian Stage.