VESSEL
Inspired by the connection of water and womb as vessels, emerges the site specific presentation of VESSEL. Originally created as a short dance film, VESSEL will be remounted as a 15-18 minute live performance featuring a 12ft teal blue knitted river and two dancers. The work considers embodied movement in response to a rhythmic soundscape composed of sounds gathered along the banks of Wedzinkwa (also known as the Bulkley River). The choreographic score will be created in collaboration with the knitted river, offering visual interpretations around themes of nurture, womb, and personal experiences in relationship to Wedzinkwa.
Katie Wertz
Katie Wertz (she/her) is an emerging dance artist and choreographer based on Gidimt’en Clan Territory of the Wet’suwet’en Nation (Smithers, BC). Katie has had a multi-faceted relationship to dance since a young child. Her professional aspirations lead to her acceptance into the Arts Umbrella Professional Dance Program in Vancouver, BC (2012) where she studied classical ballet, Limon modern dance, and various contemporary dance modalities including Contact Improvisation and Gaga. Her love of the North brought her pursuits back to Smithers, where she has been working in performance, community engagement and raising her two children. Katie’s work is greatly informed by remoteness and she is dedicated to advocating for equity and inclusivity in the arts/greater community in Smithers. As a mixed heritage settler, Katie’s artistic lens deepens around an exploration of embodied movement, land/body relationship and (re)connecting to her Latinx Colombian roots. Her practice is committed to creating accessible community dance spaces that are sensitive to culture, place and identity.
Photo Credit: Elijah Quinn, Soniquinn Studios
Details of VESSEL:
Year of creation: 2024/25
Choreographer: Katie Wertz
Key collaborators:
Soundscore: Robin Lough, Wet’suwet’en consultant, collaborator and performer: Natu Bearwolf, outside eye: Myriad Dance Projects
Audience Type: Families
Length of work: 15-18 minutes
Preparation time required on site: 1 hour
Technical requirements required on-site: Portable/bluetooth surround sound system, two helpers to start/stop audio, manage performance space and ensure the audience remains in safe proximity
Space required: 450 square feet, hardwood or vinyl/nonslide exercise mat
Availability: 1-2 performances within Northern BC; touring is the next appropriate step in my professional development and necessary to build broader relationships, networks and audience feedback. I am very interested in bringing my work to music and/or children's festivals, outdoor venues, art galleries, and opening for mainstage performances. My limitations around touring include resource access for support of my two young children while away. As well, flight costs are often steep when flying from Smithers, which is why I prefer to begin touring in areas that are accesible for me to drive.
Community Engagement
Open level creative movement for ages 12-99, no previous experience required