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Dancing Beyond

solos performed by dance artists who have followed their passion for a lifetime

Dance Beyond is a curated program that presents work from acclaimed dance artists over 50 years of age who continue to push their limits and deepen their artistry. Dance Beyond gives audiences the opportunity to witness the senior dance artist, nurturing and sharing the wealth of experience, wisdom and artistry that they provide both within the professional dance community and for the aging public. The audience experience includes a pre-show audience warm-up and a post-show reception where audience and artists meet to share their observations.

The performers are all accomplished professionals with years of experience as dancers, creators, teachers and advocates for the arts. Other activities with Dance Beyond may include movement workshops (for professional and amateur movers), discussions on dance for health and/or a Community Performance Project which connects senior dance artists together with the public in a process led by Claudia or another senior artist. The community projects have proven to be an inspiring experience for the participants, with benefits to their physical, mental and social well-being through learning movement skills, working together and performing for others.

Dance Beyond includes short solo works performed by senior dance artists including Rosario Ancer (Vancouver) Sean Ling-Allen (Vernon) Claudia Moore (Kelowna), Davida Monk (Calgary), Randi Gardypie (Merritt). The performance can also include local dance lights ie Joe Laughlin or Su Feh (Vancouver), Holly Bright (Nanaimo), Stelio Calagias (Nelson), Sarah Chase (Hornby Island), Shawn Byfield (Kelowna) - depending the artists' desire and availability.

Photo: John Lauener

Project Created by: Mixed program including works by Rosario Ancer (Vancouver) Sean Ling-Allen (Vernon) Claudia Moore (Kelowna), Davida Monk (Calgary), Randi Gardypie (Merritt), Joe Laughlin (Vancouver)

Key Artistic Collaborators:

Rosario Ancer (Vancouver) Sean Ling-Allen (Vernon) Claudia Moore (Kelowna), Davida Monk (Calgary), Randi Gardypie (Merritt), Joe Laughlin (Vancouver)

Performance type: This work is built for the theatre, Adaptable to theatres, outdoor venues and alternative spaces, and mixed program

How do you define this work: DANCE featuring older performing dance artists in short solo works

Length of performance: 70 minutes

Audience type: General Audience

General Technical Requirements: Minimal.

Does this work require tech residency: A technical rehearsal to set lights, sound levels and spacing of about 4-6 hours is appreciated.

Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 6

Number of Support Staff on Tour: Flexible

Availabilities: 2024 Spring Season (March - June)

Claudia Moore, performer and founding Artistic Director of Moonhorse Dance Theatre (MDT), has been a force on the Canadian dance scene since the late 70’s. She trained at the National Ballet School and performed with the National Ballet of Canada, before moving into contemporary dance as a featured performer with the Toronto Dance Theatre and Desrosiers Dance Theatre. Claudia founded Moonhorse Dance Theatre in 1996, as a home for her dance performance projects. One of Canada’s most revered contemporary dancers, Claudia pursues her passion as an interpreter in commissioned works by acclaimed creators. She established Older & Reckless, a performance series renowned for its celebration of mature dance artists, in 2000, as part of MDT. Claudia has received the Jacqueline Lemieux award for excellence in dance. Moore now resides in Kelowna BC and is honoured to live, work and dance on the unceded, ancestral territory of the Syilx people. In 2022/23 Claudia served as the Dance West Network Community Dance Connector for Kelowna, programming movement classes, a performance and a community project for the Rotary Centre for the Arts’ Creative Aging Festival in June 2023.

Performance History & Upcoming Performances

The proposed Dance Beyond program was presented on June 22, 2023 as "Older Reckless" by Rotary Centre for the Arts at their Creative Aging Festival with short solo works performed by Rosario Ancer (Vancouver) Sean Ling-Allen (Vernon) Claudia Moore (Kelowna), Davida Monk (Calgary), Randi Gardypie (Merritt) and Danny Nielsen (Vancouver).

Project Details

Claudia Moore

Community Engagement

  • master classes (all ages and levels), community-level workshops (no experience required), discussions (open to the public of all ages)

    Details of outreach activities specifics:
    community we’d like to engage with - local professionals and general public
    the age group - adults over 30
    scheduling formats - TBD with local presenter
    fees - 100-200 per class, 500-1,000 Community Project, 100-200 per discussion

  • An indoor or outdoor performance where professional dance artists (Claudia Moore and Sean Ling), with local musicians lead 12-20 community dancers in an improvisational performance, 15-30 minutes in length. Requires 1 or 2, 90-minute rehearsals and the performance.
    My Dance for the Earth community performance project was presented as part of Creative Aging Festival with 10-12 amatuer movers, 2 professional dance artist leaders and 1 or 2 local musicians. The simple score is based on "the elements" and participants move according to their own level and desire.

  • less than $2500

Contact information

Claudia Moore, cmoonhorse@gmail.com