Hy:phen:ated features the WM2 Dance Company in a series of works by Wojciech Mochniej and Melissa Monteros.  This unusual evening offers two duets, one solo,  and a large group work, “Hyphenated”.  Each work has a special story.  Each evening presents a new cast in the smaller form works. 

“Borders”, was the very first duet work created by Monteros and Mochniej, premiering in 1993. It toured throughout Europe over the next 8 years.   It has never before been remounted on other dancers.  “Borders” will be performed by Ashley Mae Johnston with Jared Tobias Herring, and by Emily Fonda with Reese Wilson.  

Captured only in rehearsal footage in Gdansk in 1996, the UNNAMED duet was never performed.  Created by Monteros and originally danced by Mochniej with Aurora Lubos, this short duet has been reworked for the WM2 performers Sierra Oszust with Claire Winther, and Alèn Martel with Sarah Vander Ploeg.  This will be its premiere.

Included in this evening is the solo created by Monteros in 2004, performed by Polish artist Anna Krysiak, and reworked 20 years later as a solo (performed by Nicole Charlton Goodbrand) within the company’s recent presentation of Displaced.  This time it is performed by WM2 artist  Kelsie Vanstone, and on the second night by Taylor Macleod. 

Hy:phen:ated, the final work of the evening,  opens with Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” (1967)  in a psychedelic journey of disjointed parts struggling to become whole.  It features the full WM2 Dance Company.  The original piece was designed for U of Calgary dance majors in 2021, who prepared to open, only to be closed in the first Co-Vid 19 outbreak.  Finally, we look forward to sharing it with audiences!