DADAO 2025-2026
DADAO 2025-2026
VESSEL
Inspired by the connection of water and womb, emerges the site specific presentation of “VESSEL”. This 15 minute live performance reveals a magnificent teal blue hand knitted river and two dancers in contrasting red. The choreography embodies the movement of an ever changing river. The dancers respond to a rhythmic soundscape composed of sounds gathered along the banks of Wedzinkwa on Wet’suwet’en Territory and spoken word in their mothers’ languages. Exploring themes of the reproductive rights of our bodies and our rivers, this performance invites audience participation through moving observation, introspection, dialogue and gentle interaction with the knitted river.
Katie Wertz
My name is Katie Wertz (she/her) and I am an emerging dance artist and choreographer based on Gidimt’en Clan Territory of the Wet’suwet’en Nation (Smithers, BC).
My foundation is in technical dance and stage performance. I studied classical ballet and contemporary dance modalities with renowned international contemporary dance artists at Arts Umbrella (Vancouver, BC). Overtime, I came up against a pivotal growth edge, feeling my early training no longer supported my long term artistic vision when I returned to the North. My choreographic style evolved toward improvisation and site-responsive work as I embraced and deepened my relationship with the dynamic landscape and waterways of this territory. Core artistic influences include Julie Lebel (Vancouver, BC), Lindsay Katsitsakatste Delaronde (Victoria, BC), Miriam Colvin (Myriad Dance Projects, Smithers, BC) and Natu Bearwolf (Smithers, BC). I integrate Latinx cultural influences into my movement practice, using multidisciplinary tools including spoken word, drawing, meditation, photography, film and land-based explorations.
I am a 2nd generation Colombian-Canadian and a single parent to two young children. My artistic practice focuses on the interplay between land, somatics, and community, shaping lived experiences into expressions of place and belonging. The rural context in which I live informs my work which is deeply connected to nature, community, and collective storytelling.
Contact:
katiewertz@hotmail.com
Photo: James Doyle
Performers: Katie Wertz and Natu Bearwolf
Details:
Year of creation: 2025
Choreographer: Katie Wertz
Key collaborators:
Natu Bearwolf (Collaborator and Performer); Myriad Dance Projects (Producer and Outside Eye); Cerena Wray (Maker of knitted river)
Audience Type: Families
Length of work: 15 minutes
Preparation time required on site: 15 minutes
Technical requirements required on-site: Sound check, sound equipment suitable for outdoor sites and pressing play on music. A brief introduction of the piece.
Space required: “VESSEL” thrives in grass sites with shade availability such as public parks, and accessibilty for a 360 audience experience. Ideally, the performance is presented in relationship to a body of water and away from busy streets to support sound quality and audience engagement. Performance space required is roughly 450 square feet. In the case of rain, the dancers are also prepared to perform on concrete, such as an outdoor stage. As outdoor sites are limited to seasonal access, “VESSEL” can also be presented in community halls, school gyms or art galleries.
Availability: “VESSEL” is created on unceded Wet’suwet’en Territory, in the rural community Smithers, BC. Place is central to the creative process and integrity of this work. Touring objectives are geared towards bringing this work to rural communities in Northern BC including but not limited to: Witset, Hazelton, Kispiox, Kitwanga, Prince George, and Prince Rupert. We are also committed to building dance relationships with other rural communities across BC and the Yukon, working alongside like minded artists and community groups whose practice is informed by remoteness and the land.
As outdoor sites are limited to seasonal access (May-September), “VESSEL” can also be presented in community halls, school gyms or art galleries. Intimate performance opportunities with space to include the community workshop are best suited for the presentation of this piece. Due to the duration of the piece, presenting multiple performances (up to 3) is an option to increase access for diverse audience experiences. I will likely be traveling with my 7 and 9 year old as well, informing touring logistics.
Alongside performance opportunities, we are also looking for residency to support the film creation of “VESSEL” and build on the community engagement aspects of the work including salmon puppet making.
Community Engagement
Creative Movement Workshop for ages 12-99, no prior dance experience required. Moving through introductory explorations to improvisational dance on the land, drawing inspiration from water. We will start in circle, introducing ourselves, our parents and where they come from. Using improvisational phrasing tools we will co-create micro solos, duets and ensemble dances embodying a body of water that is important to each of us. The focus of this workshop is to foster a practice of noticing, deep listening and serious PLAY. We encourage participants to stay for a closing circle, sharing reflections and a snack together at the end of the workshop. Comfortable clothes for moving in and water bottle required.