Free Flow Dance Company

2012

postcards from the last summer: 11 minutes
Commmisioned for the Free Flow Dance company, this hauntingly beautiful work choreographed by Graham McKelvie brings back memories from childhood summers past and stirs an emaotional response in the viewer.

Crave: 28 minutes
Created by Jackie Latendresse and the dance company members, Crave discovers and discusses the physical, mental and emotional states we experience when “craving”. This dark yet uplifting trio premiered at La Troupe Du Jour Theatre in Free Flow's full show Cryptogram in October 2012.

2011

A Tender and Violent Duet: 10 minutes
A collaborative work between Free Flow and composer Lia Pas this piece plays with the use of breath in relationship to body movement and manipulations. Premiered at Blue Notes at the MacKenzie Art Gallery in Regina produced by New Dance Horizons/MAG Dances.

The Great Mystery: 90 minutes
This multidisciplinary participatory “event” based work is Saskatchewan meets the Milky Way meets Burning Man. Done entirely in the dark under black lights The Great Mystery literally transports you to another time and place! Created in collaboration with visual and performance artist Adrian Stimson, this work includes dance, live musicians, live DJ, kinetic prop manipulation, performance art, storytelling and film. It has been noted as one of the top 3 events of 2012 in Saskatoon due to its party like atmosphere and audience participation.

2010

Nerve: 18 minutes
Nerve began as an exploration of physiological methods of communication both from within the body and from external stimulus. It has since grown into an entity all of its own. This piece is a non-narrative work discovering the relationships between art, understanding, communication and the body and the never ending flow of information that connect the two.

2009

Scent: 11 minutes
Scent is a trio inspired by the favorite flowers of our mothers and grandmothers and includes violet, lavender and lily of the valley. A collaborative effort between the artistic director and company members, Scent attempts to deliver and visual and kinesthetic description of the elusive traits of invisible scents.

What comes before. And after.: 13 minutes
Choreography by Kyle Syverson - guest choreographer.

2008

A Dark Faerie Tale: 19 minutes
Maia, an ancient, decrepit compost like being has lived in the paper forest for so long that no one can recall her ever not being there. Skitta is an unusually shaped creature that is insectlike, badgerlike, apelike and devilishly charming and repulsive all at the same time. Anna is a paper doll cut out of what was once a human child, the kind of child who does bad things but doesn't really know why. All three create an aura of magic as they take us all away to the land of Once Upon a Time…
Not recommended for viewers under age 8.

Missed Me: 5 minutes
A piece drawn from the Vaudeville Fusion Project, Missed Me is a darkly humorous look at a kiss gone horribly wrong. Featuring the characters Melody Offkilder and Mr. Stichy.

The Swirling Universe: 11 minutes
Inspired by dancer/artiste La Loie Fuller's “Skirt Dances” This Vaudeville themed work combines the beauty of long draped fabric with the kitsch of Black Lights. Featuring the character Ms Venus Orion, the work is set to an original composition by Regina electronic music artist Orion Paradis.

Fallen: 5 minutes
Designed as a sister piece to an earlier work by Latendresse titled “Navras”, this short yet kinetic work follows its dynamic dance oriented tradition. Powerful and striking movements are combined with more earthbound moments creating an exciting piece of choreography. You won't need your whole seat - just the edge of it.

2007

Witch Hunt: 20 minutes
Witch Hunt is a dark, riveting work which delves into the unacknowledged dark parts of everyone's personalities. Explorations of the eternal silent scream, vicious inner critics and the line between sanity and insanity are combined to create an original and authentic movement vocabulary that creeps up on you and knocks you flat. A highly emotional and kinetic new work.

2006

Modern Dance 101: 40 minutes
Modern Dance 101 is an entertaining and educational romp through the land of contemporary dance. Designed to be fun and to promote dance literacy this new work is presented as a Theatrical faux lecture led by Professor “Ruby/Rudy Von Laban”,with live dance demonstrations by the eccentric TA's. Working through the three main elements used in dance composition, Space, Time and Force, this dance/play encorporates many aspects found in the current school dance curriculum and presents them in an easy to understand and enjoyable manner.

3-2-1: 6 minutes
Each segment runs approximately the length of the corresponding numbers 3 min, 2 min, 1 min. This quirky contemporary solo piece features a different focus in each section such as hand motifs or floor patterns. It is set to original music by Ian Ring.

Vertical/Horizontal: 9 minutes
Choreographed to exist as a separate entity from the music this trio can be performed in silence or with the corresponding composition of the same name by Saskatoon Composer Allan Parson. This work is inspired by the processes used by famous collaborators Merce Cunningham and John Cage.

Waiting: 4 ½ minutes
Created as a solo work for a fundraiser involving tables, this dance is performed on and around a coffee table. It was created collaboratively by the artistic director and company members.

Table a go go: 4 minutes
Also created for a table oriented fundraiser, this duet is performed on end tables. It is a comedic piece that is inspired by lampshades, go go girls and competitiveness!

2005

Conjoined: 6 minutes
Inspired by the famous Siamese twins Daisy and Violet Hilton and dances from the Vaudeville period, this acrobatic duet has an exotic Middle Eastern flavor.

Fear: 6½ minutes
This blindfolded work can stand alone or be used as a follow up for repertoire work “a small piece of sky”. It is inspired by Nightmares and the inability to see. Be afraid of what lurks in the dark.

Navras: 9 minutes
Navras - (a Hindu word which when, broken down, means nine emotional states that are exhibited during music, dance, drama, and the visual arts, the experience of which brings about a state of transcendental bliss). It is a blend of high energy athletic dance and controlled slowness which will take the viewer on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

to dream…: 14 minutes
This dance theatre piece is a hauntingly beautiful work that remains on the periphery of your thoughts like the notes of a music box long after it has wound down. The work was developed collaboratively with the company members and looks at the many ways that one person deals with loss, greif and recovery.

2004

System Override: 15 minutes
In a society where technology is becoming increasingly more important how do we define the differences between man and machine? This Matrix inspired dance peice fuses athletic and acrobatic movement and fight choreography together in a unique look at our struggle for individuality.

Harridan Plexus: 16 minutes
A post nuclear representation of the female identity.
A remounted production as part of Triptych (a co-production with Tina Bertoncini) at the Saskatoon Fringe Festival.
See also Photos from Triptych

I Won't Dance: 4 minutes
This short fun duet to the Frank Sinatra song of the same name, is reminiscent of the dance styles of old black and white films. It is a humorous look at the relationship of a very unique couple. It was made possible with the help and inspiration of the original dancers Lori Rebalkin and Frank Engel.
See also Photos from I Won't Dance

2003

home?: 16 minutes
home? home is a trio which is mostly performed inside of and by manipulating suitcases. This quirky little dance investigates the security that a suitcase can hold for the traveler. Periscope hands investigate the outside world and tentatively test the waters from the safety of the suitcase shaped lifeboat.
See also Photos from home?

2002

There once was a Ball...: 15 minutes
Imagine a Grand Ball... but alas you were not invited! You put on your best bibs and bobs and decide to attend any way you can, even if it means dancing in the Grand Foyer while all the other guests are inside. There is a royal side to the riff raff after all! This unique piece of choreography combines elements of contemporary modern and ballet technique with a medieval flare. It is divided into three sections "Glee", "Contentment" and "Ecstasy".
See also Photos from There Once Was a Ball

La Chaise Fatales: 10 minutes
There comes a time when a lady just needs a place to sit! This comedic love affair with a chair, set to 1940's female jazz singers, is inspired by the need for furniture in my life after spending three years living out of a suitcase.
See also Photos from La Chaise Fatales

2001

“3”: 38 min.
Youth is stolen, Love grieves and Wisdom unites them. A modern analogy of a quest for self-knowledge, inspired by the triple goddess myth of Persephone, Demeter and Hecate, “3” combines mask work, physical theatre and dance.
See also: “3” Fringe Tour 2001and “3” Photo Gallery

2000

Show and Tell: 53 min.
Dance, music and storytelling, form the basis of this collaborative work. Jackie Latendresse and Holly Treddenick joined forces to create this autobiographical work. Stories from their lives mixed with movement form connections between the two women when the finally meet..
Premiere: Ottawa Fringe Festival, Ottawa Ontario, June 2000.
Photos from Show and Tell
Show and Tell on the Road
Puppets: 38 min.
Designed for a women's performing arts festival, this work was inspired by historical figures and their individual struggles as active females in their times.
Premiere: Her-icane Caroline Festival, Saskatoon Saskatchewan, March 2000.
See also Dancers from Puppets

1999

Old Trees: 15 min.
Poetry and Dance combined in a series of three solo pieces. Original poetry by J. Latendresse and original Music By Scott Kennedy.
Premiere: The Launch Pad, Toronto, June 1999.
The Adventures of Izzy Scorpio: 38 min.
Dance Theatre based on an original comic book text written by Moses Moore. Sound effects, voiceovers and music arranged by Scott Kennedy. This action packed theatrical work features a cast of strange charachters including our heroine Izzy, The Shadow Creature, Chris Cross (the bar tender) Ella and Emma Inverse, and Mr. Stophelis (the sleazy slum lord). The show follows true to the comic book genre, using freeze frames and rapid changes of locations!
Premiere: The Launch Pad, Toronto, June 1999.
Photos from Izzy Scorpio
Bridesmaids: 5 min.
Three women?? try to one up each other in a last ditch effort to get the bouquet.
Premiere: Residance, Toronto, June 1999.

1998

Carving Mother: 50 min.
Original Score by Hartley Wynberg. Carving Mother is a full length work which is based on Goddess images and mother/daughter relationships. It is a highly symbolic look at how the creator's relationship with the creation.
Premiere: Ottawa Fringe Festival, Ottawa, June 1998.
Photos from Carving Mother
Music from Carving Mother
Angels: 6 min.
An exploration in movement. A look at the dark and light sides of unearthly spirits.
Premiere: Series 8:08 Toronto Ontario May 1998

1997

Mythological Requiem: 15 min.
Based on Myths and fantasy characters.
Premiere: Ottawa Fringe Festival, Ottawa, June 1997.
Laughing: 5 min.
A look at the frailty of the mind and tribute to Yvonne Rainer
Premiere: Ottawa Fringe Festival, Ottawa, June 1997
Photo from Laughing
Lotus: 25 min.
Suite of dances based on Zen principles and their relationship to water.
Premiere: Inside Dance, Debbie Wilson Studios, Toronto, April 1997.

1996

The Harridan Plexus: 18 min.
A post nuclear representation of the female identity.
Premiere: Water Street Theatre, Celebration of Modern Dance, Kitchener, October 1996.
Photos from The Harridan Plexus
Super Fugue: 5 min.
A movement Fugue to Bach’s Little Fugue in G minor.
Premiere: Manotick Fringe Festival, Manotick, 1996.
Can't Miss my walk with George: 8 min.
Discovery of the fear and stigma surrounding the ageing process.
Premiere: Side Show, Kitchener, April 1996.
Options: 8 min.
A narrative work that is dedicated to survivors of breast cancer.
Premiere: Side Show, Kitchener, April 1996.
Photo from Options
Orfa: 28 min.
A series of six dances presenting each of the company members and two group dances.
Premiere: Side Show, Kitchener, April 1996.

1995

A small piece of sky: 7 min.
Dedicated to women unjustly incarcerated in insane asylums.
Premiere: Quit Staring, Kitchener, December 1995.
The Spree: 8 min.
What happens when somebody spikes the punch.
Premiere: Quit Staring, Kitchener December 1995.
Remnants of a Circus in my Mind: 20 min.
A surreal work in a traditional campy style.
Premiere: Quit Staring, Kitchener, December 1995
Idiosyncrasies of the Extremities: 4 min.
The development from young girl to woman and the transition period.
Premiere: Quit Staring, Kitchener, December 1995.
Same Time: 8 min.
An interpretation of a Laurie Anderson Tale.
Premiere: Split Second, Kitchener, September 1995.
Fool: 16 min.
A ballet and modern hybrid put together using the chance methods of Merce Cunningham and John Cage.
Premiere: Half Naked, Kitchener, June 1995.
Half Naked: 6 min.
An autobiographical solo with a sleeping bag, done theatrically.
Premiere: Half Naked, Kitchener, June 1995.

1993 - 1994

Smoking: 6 min.
A highly erotic look into a private fantasy land.
Turning: 6 min.
A minimalist work done in the dark with candles, which reflects women and their natural ageing processes.
Ritual Rocks: 5 min.
A modern ritual involving the arrangement of large rocks in patterns.
The Hunter, The Hunted: A solo work dealing with the issues of being stalked by an unknown person.