Island Of Utopia
Excitement, boredom, risk, and even disagreement colour the shared memories of best friends. In Islands of Utopia”, two companions embark on adventures, searching in childhood memories and games to reveal the experience of “universal joy” as a point of connection. The dance duet takes place in a game field and draws on principles from clown and physical theatre. Choreographed by Deviani Andrea (from Mexico, now Edmonton) and performed by Andrea and Janita Frantsi (from Finland, now Edmonton), the work celebrates the similarities and shared experiences that people from different backgrounds can find when remembering – together.
Deviani Andrea & Janita Frantsi
DEVIANI ANDREA: Deviani Andrea (she/her) is a dance artist based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan / Edmonton. Originally from Mexico City, she holds a BA in Literature from the University of Mexico and studied at the Mexico City’s Dance School and Ema Pulido’s Dance Studio. Since landing in Canada, Deviani has worked as performer, instructor, and choreographer with many local dance and theatre companies such as the Citadel Theatre, Azimuth Theatre, Skirts Afire, Mile Zero Dance, Fringe Festival, Found Festival, Alberta Musical Theatre Company, among others. She has been a Good Woman since 2022.
She is certified in Trauma Informed Care and as a Kaeja Elevations teacher; has trained at La Infinita Compañia (Mexico City), Decidedly Jazz Dance (Calgary), and her independent work has been kindly supported by the Edmonton Arts Council, the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and The CanDance Network.
She likes biking in the summer and skiing in the winter, brewing kombucha, and consuming content in different languages.
JANITA FRANTSI: Janita Frantsi is a contemporary dance artist originally from Finland and now based on Treaty 6 territory in Amiskwacîwâskahikan. During her time in Edmonton, Janita has worked as a dancer and choreographer with several companies, such as KO Dance Projects, Mile Zero Dance, and Edmonton Opera. She has created works for the SkirtsAFire Festival, Nextfest Arts Festival, Orchesis Dance, Madrigal Singers, and Choir Alberta and has also performed at the Play the Fool and Walterdale From Cradle to Stage festivals. Some of Janita’s latest work has been with dance and film, and she is excited to explore the digital medium. Janita has a Master of Arts in Dance from the University of Alberta that continues to inspire her to explore new spaces and ways for dance to be practiced, presented, and seen.
Photo: Mat Simpson
Contact Information
Instagram: @deviani.andrea; @janitafr
Email: devianiandrea@gmail.com
Details of the work:
Choreographer: Deviani Andrea
Performers: Deviani Andrea and Janita Frantsi
Year of creation: 2022
Lenght of work: 25 min
Preparation time required on site: 2 hours
Technical requirements required on-site, briefly: Basic sound system with speaker (sound will be on different tracks). Props brought by artists (chalk, bubbles, tape)
Space required (specify size of area and floor type ): Minimum of 8m X 12m. Type of floor: concrete, wood, or marley.
Community Engagement, Island Of Utopia
Islands of Utopia is a dance piece with tremendous potential due to its adaptability: it can be presented in a theatre, in a school gym, in a park, etc. The only requirement is a flat floor. We are happy to create mini-tours within cities, going from one park to the another. For example, in Edmonton, we performed on Churchill Square, Paul Kane Park, and we are preparing a new tour around parks in the West of the city. Deviani can also teach the "Art in Public Spaces" workshop, which goal is to share knowledge about the politics behind art in-situ/ Performance; offer creative tools; and finalize with a public sharing (in studio or in a nearby park). In addition, Janita and Devi can teach partner work workshops as well as contemporary dance fundamentals for beginners and youth (10-18 yo).