MAINSTAGE 2026-27
DANCESTORS
Dancestors is a ritual of celebration, grief, of acknowledgement, and hope. Nicole Rose Bond, a mid-career modern dance artist, reflects upon four friendships with four prolific Canadian choreographers: Susan Cash, Danny Grossman, Patricia Beatty, and Peggy Baker. Reciting a letter of remembrance and gratitude, then performing a solo from each, Nicole pays respect to the guidance, generosity, and wisdom of those who came before her, and on whose shoulders she graciously stands. The final work is performed with live piano by Youngsin Choi, supporting Nicole in remembering what was, and joining her in looking forward to what is to come.
Nicole Rose Bond
photo Craig Chambers
TRAILER
ARTIST BIO
Nicole has felt privileged to perform cross Canada multiple times and internationally works by esteemed choreographers including Peggy Baker, Patricia Beatty, Susan Cash, Bill Coleman, David Earle, Danny Grossman, Ryan Graham Hinds, Christopher House, James Kudelka, Andrea Nann, Yvonne Ng, John Oswald, Peter Quanz, Peter Randazzo and Andrea Spaziani.
Since moving to Vancouver, Nicole has been teaching and rehearsal directing at Arts Umbrella, Modus Operandi and Simon Fraser University and has served as resident choreographer for several plays and musicals, and choreographing several dance works. She was recently nominated for her first Jessie Richardson Award for her work on the production 'Lia and Dor'.
Nicole is beyond grateful that her vocation encompasses doing what she loves and is humbled by the unique and beautiful arts community that she calls home.
Following her academic studies in science in the US, Youngsin Choi moved back to Seoul and got her Master’s degree in Music for Dance at Kookmin University where she learned to provide music for dance as well as recording and producing music for stage performances.
Youngsin worked at Korea National University of Arts, Ewha Woman’s University, Seoul Tanz Station, and Universal Ballet Company. She was a music director at Vienna International Ballet Experience Korea, and a music producer at Seoul International Improvisational Dance Festival.
Since moving to Vancouver in 2022, Youngsin has been playing for dance at Arts Umbrella and Ballet BC, recording with local musicians and collaborating with local dancers in workshops and creations.
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
DANCESTORS will premiere at Artspring on Salt Spring Island April 17th, 2027, and is available for further performances after that time.
Project Created by: Nicole Rose Bond with choreography by: Peggy Baker, Patricia Beatty, Susan Cash and Danny Grossman.
Key Artistic Collaborators: Performers: Nicole Rose Bond (dancer) Youngsin Choi (musician)
Music: Johann Sebastian Bach, Ann Southam, Arvo Part, John Cage
Costume Designer: TBD
Rehearsal Director: Andrea Nann
Producer: Meredith Potter
Performance type: THIS WORK IS BUILT FOR THEATRE
How do you define this work: Dance/Theatre with live music.
Length of performance: Approximately 55 minutes.
Audience type: General Audience
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): Two performers, Dancer (Nicole Rose Bond), and Pianist (Youngsin Choi)
Number of Support Staff on Tour: Local community engagement support would be preferable.
Availabilities: 2027/28 Season,2027 Spring Season (Mar - June),2028/29 Season
Project Details
Community Engagement
General Technical Requirements: Ideal set up is a stage with at least one upstage left and one downstage right wing (or exit doors), a projector, sound system and lighting grid. Dance floor is necessary for full-length, sprung is preferred.
Required amount of time for tech set up: A short tech time of a few hours is all that is necessary.
Alternative Venues: Sprung dance floor is preferred, though excerpts could be performed outside.
Outreach Activities
Site Specific performance of original work by Nicole Rose Bond with live music played by Youngsin Choi – This is a short solo entitled “Listen” that can be performed in a relatively small lobby or outdoor space, with a piano or keyboard for Youngsin. Minimal set up time, under 1 hour.
Movement and Improvisation Workshop with Nicole – an all level, inclusive improvisational dance workshop with live music improvised by Youngsin Choi. PWYC.
Film Screening and discussion – some of Nicole’s favourite excerpts of dance films from her Dancestors, followed by a discussion and Q&A. PWYC or free.
Tea Time – A chance to sit and chat at a local coffee shop with Nicole and Youngsin and ask questions in a more casual manner about dance, music, and life. PWYC or Free.
Intermediate or advanced Graham/Contemporary/Improv class for young dancers/pre-professional students. PWYC or free.
*all of these activities would be included in the fee. PWYC revenues can go directly to the theatre or performance venue.