Photo: carla alcantara

Silent Howl

Silent howl is a multimedia contemporary dance performance that stems from Sarah Hin Ching U (choreographer/dancer) living experience with a seizure disorder. This performance recreates sensations of uncontainability by constructing a highly energetic world that showcases movement, real-time animation,  and electronic music corresponding to the theme of lines. 


Silent Howl is aperformance that features a visual representation of imagined brain activities through Sarah’s practice of refocus therapy, a tool she uses to conquer overstimulation.In a world where Sarah finds self-advocacy is a constant necessity, Sarah discovers a unique "gift" within her condition – the ability to perceive life's subtleties, to feel every experience with unmatched depth, and to live with unbridled passion.This project serves as a testament to the profound strength found in embracing one's differences.

Sarah Hin Ching U 余衍晴

Photo: carla alcantara

Project Created by: Sarah Hin Ching U

Key Artistic Collaborators:

Video + Lighting design:
Alexandra Caprara (she/her) is a queer multidisciplinary artist from Tkaranto, Ontario, whose practice focuses primarily on performance making and devised processes, projection and lighting design, and installation work. As a theatre maker her work has been staged internationally at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2018), and has worked across Canada alongside companies such as Canadian Stage, Workman Arts, Theatre Replacement, and Electric Company Theatre. She is currently pursuing her MFA in interdisciplinary arts at Simon Fraser University, with a research focus on interactivity between performers and design technology.

Composer:
Jack Adrian is a musician and sound artist living in Vancouver. Inspired by genres like Jazz, Jungle, and Noise music, Jack's music can range from light and ethereal to frenetic and dissonant, scoring and sound designing live performance, dance, and film. Jack Adrin is currently pursing her BFA in music at Simon Fraser University.

Performance type: This work is built for a theatre, Mixed-Program. This work is a Hybrid Presentation (online & live).

How do you define this work: Multi-media dance performance with real-time animation, disability arts, built for theatre but can be adapted for live stream.

Length of performance: 25 minutes

Audience type: General Audience

General Technical Requirements: Staging requirements: One white cyc, or white surface of any kind (wall, curtain/ fabric, etc) should be at the back of the stage, for video projection

Projection requirement:
The show requires a projector with a minimum of 4000 lumens, ideally with HDMI output
Projector cyc is ideal as a projector surface.
Projection will be run by member Alexandra Caprara as part of the performance, using a MAC laptop and Isadora software


Does the work require tech residency:
4 hours minimum to map projections etc.

Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 1

Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1

Availabilities: 2024 Spring Season (March - June)2024/25 season, & 2025/26 season

Sarah Hin Ching U 余衍晴 (she/her) is a Chinese-Canadian dance artist/choreographer, trained and influenced by a multitude of styles including Latin Ballroom, contemporary, ballet and hiphop. I create and collaborate with new media tools including AI editing, machine learning processes, real-time animation,mixed-reality application, and I gravitate towards stories in human desire, identity, relationship.My main intentions in my practice are 1. Explore and promote the cross-pollination between contemporary dance and street dance. 2. Investigate the integration of new media tools in performance-making, pushing the boundaries of choreography beyond physical movement.


My work has been presented by Dancing on the Edge (Vancouver), National Arts Centre, Capsule: Video series (Ottawa), The Dance Centre (Vancouver), NewWorks (Vancouver), DanceWorks (Toronto), Skampede (Victoria, BC), Free Flow Dance Theatre (Saskatoon), SpringWorks (Ontario) among others. In 2022, I received the Professional Performing Artist Award from British Columbia Arts Council and have been awarded residencies at Dance Arts Institute (Toronto), City of Port Coquitlam, ArtStarts (Vancouver), and Plastic Orchid Factory. Other notable performing credits include Dancing on the Edge 2019 with Danse Carpe Diem/Emmanuel Jouthe (Montreal) and Nuit Blanche 2021 with Jackie Latendresse (Saskatoon). I graduated Simon Fraser University in 2021 with a BFA in dance and kinesiology.

Performance History & Upcoming Performances

2022 May, 12 min max The Dance Centre, Vancouver. (work-in-progress showing)
2022 Nov, Co.erasga studio salon series, WhatLab, Vancouver. (work-in-progress showing)
2023 April, International Dance Day The Dance Centre, Vancouver. (work-in-progress showing)
2023 July 7 + 9, Dancing on the Edge, Firehall Arts Centre, Vancouver. (world premiere)
2023 Nov 16-18, Good Women Dance Collective, Westbury Theatre, Edmonton (Edmonton premiere)

Project Details

Community Engagement

Interactive Exhibitions: Interactive exhibitions with video content that we have created for Silent Howl, that combine art, neuroscience, and sensory experiences. These exhibits would feature my research/experience related to brain activities + seizure disorder. Open to public, any age group, ideally on the same day after the performance.
Lecture-Demonstration Events: Host lecture-demonstration events where Sarah and my team can present the process and concepts behind "Silent Howl." This format allows the audience to understand the concept of neurodiversity and to gain insight to its pivotal role in shaping this performance. Open to public, any age group, one-time event.


I am excited about the possibility of community engagement and collaboration with local neurodivergent artist collectives and support groups, such as Alternative Creations Studio and Neurodivergent Artist Collective. My vision is to create a meaningful gatherings and workshops where we can share our experiences with neurodiversity, what are art’s role in our lives, how to use art to amplify our voices, and even just daily tips on navigagting life with our different sensory/ processing needs.
Advanced Preparation and Online Resources: In preparation for the gatherings and workshops, I will provide online resources and information on neurodiversity, seizure disorders, sensory processing differences, and related topics. These resources will serve as educational tools to create a foundational understanding for all participants and will contribute to fostering a supportive and respectful atmosphere during the events.
Additional Collaborators: I am eager to collaborate with experienced facilitators and mentors who have expertise in neurodiversity, art therapy, and inclusive community building. that share a similar vision
Facilitator Mentoring and Guidance: As I acknowledge my current position in my own journey of seeking treatment and support for my seizure disorder, I eagerly welcome mentorship and guidance from experienced facilitators. I am open to learning and growing in my facilitation skills to create enriching and inclusive spaces for the community. Partnering with individuals or organizations who have expertise in neurodiversity, art therapy, and inclusive community building will greatly enhance the quality and impact of our community engagement efforts.

Contact information

Sarah Hin Ching U, sarahu1025@gmail.com

Website: https://www.sarah-u.com/
Instagram: sarahuu__