Dance//Novella
When The Walls Come Down
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Vancouver based Dance//Novella was established in January 2019 by Brandon Lee Alley and Racheal Prince. The collective was brought to life with the intention to research and develop new dance works that incorporate powerful concepts that challenge the performer and viewer. Novella translates to "A long short story" and was paired with "Dance" to reflect our passion for the theatrical side of our collective. A large part of what inspires Dance//Novella is collaboration, not only with other dance artists but cross-disciplinary partnerships including ASL, Animation, and immersive Sound Design.
When The Walls Come Down
Inspired by Caroline Hebert's life story, the performance sheds light on stereotypes and difficulties that many Deaf Canadians may face. With stunning lighting design by James Proudfoot, the stage is transformed to reveal glimpses of memories that have impacted Caroline’s life. The performance will also include an animation created by a team of five talented artists from the Vancouver Film School. Brandon Lee Alley and Racheal Prince, both former artists with Ballet BC, are the creators and perform along side Caroline Hébert.
This work is performed in ASL with English voice-overs. The work is fully accessible to a Deaf and hearing audience.
Performance History
"New Work" - Polygon Gallery, 02/2023, North Vancouver, BC
"When The Walls Come Down" The Dance Centre, 04/2023, Vancouver, BC. + Sound OFF festival 03/2023.
"When The Walls Come Down" Vancouver International Dance Festival, 2/2022, Vancouver, BC. (Digital Live-stream)
"When The Walls Come Down" SOUND OFF Festival, 3/2022, Edmonton, AB, (Digital Performance)
"This and That" - Ballet BC's Take Form. 02/2021, Vancouver, BC + Men in Dance Seattle, 11/2021
"Buzzing in Peach Trees" - Lamondance, 03/2021, - Virtual Gala
“Just One”- School of Alberta Ballet - 06/2020 Calgary, AB.
“Together” - Christmas with Chor Leoni Arts Umbrella PREP in collaboration with Chor Leoni. 11/2019 – 12/2019 Vancouver, BC. Presented at The Orpheum Theatre.
“Syn”- LamonDance Company 03/2020 – 06/2020 North Vancouver, BC.
“Imprinted”- 12 minute max Vancouver 09/2019 – Present Vancouver, BC.
"Klowwn" - Men in Dance Seattle. 11/2019
Project Details
Project created by: Dance//Novella (Racheal Prince & Brandon Lee Alley)
Key Collaborators:
*Choreographers: Racheal prince, Brandon Lee Alley
Storyline creation and development: Racheal Prince, Caroline Hébert, Anna-Belle Hébert, Brandon Alley.
Performers: Caroline Hébert, Racheal Prince, Brandon Lee Alley, Anna Belle Hébert, 3 x Extra Dance Artists.
Lighting designer: James Proudfoot
Music: Brandon Lee Alley
Mentor + Coach: Chris Dodd, Landon Krentz.
Costume + Set design: Racheal Prince
Audience: General
Length in minutes: 55 Min with no intermission - Full length
Space required: This work requires a theatre equipped with a dance floor, lighting and at least two sets of wings.
Preparation required: One 8/hr Technical rehearsal day + 1 dress rehearsal before performance.
General technical requirements: 2 Projectors - Dance//Novella has one. Marley dance floor (we have the possibility of arranging a rental if required) The piece includes the use of 2 wall props, 1 door prop, a desk & chair and 1 rocking chair.
Availability: 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons
Number of performers on tour including choreographer: 7
Number of support staff on tour: 2
Community Engagement Activities
As a dance company we can easily connect with local dance organizations to offer workshops and classes to build interest in the work.
We can also have Dance//Novella alongside Caroline (Deaf Performer) and Anna Belle (Interpreter) offer a workshop that would be an introduction to ASL + movement.
Contact: Dance//Novella, dancenovella@gmail.com
Agent/Manager: Racheal Prince, Racheal.l.prince@gmail.com
Website: dancenovella.com
Instagram: dance_novella
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