Shammy Belmore + Deviani Andrea
Islands of Utopia. Island 1 - Forget Me Nots
Photo: Mat Simpson
Shammy is a multi-talented artist from Edmonton Alberta,currently located in Vancouver British Columbia. Training with Toyguns Dance Theatre as well as taking part in the Citadel Young Acting program, they developed a passion for dance-theatre and storytelling. Coming from both Dene First Nations and Somalian heritage they aim to be a part of works that elevate the voices of BIPOC communities and individuals.
Islands of Utopia. Island 1 - Forget Me Nots
Islands of Utopia is a dance performance about options, decisions, scarcity and abundance. This performance will have three 20-min long choreographies to be presented in public spaces (parks, landmarks, etc). This application is to present Island 1 - Forget Me Nots, a dance piece created from "fun without boundaries" idea. It shows two best friends discovering games, having adventures in different worlds, and finding joy in each corner. From a dance perspective, the choreography combines risk (high jumps, lifts) with physical comedy.
Performance History
Premiere: September 14, 2020.
Presenter: The CanDance Network, Mile Zero Dance and Edmonton Arts Council
Venue: Churchill Square
Location: Downtown Edmonton
September 15 and 16, 2022
Presenter: The CanDance Network, Mile Zero Dance
Venue: Paul Kane Park
Location: Edmonton (10220 121 St)
Islands of Utopia (Full performance) will be presented in collaboration with Mile Zero Dance in June 2023
Project Details
Project created by: Created in collaboration by Deviani Andrea + Shammy Belmore
Key Collaborators: Gerry Morita - Outside eye & Aaron Macri - Musician
Audience: Family friendly (kids are encouraged to see the show and interact with artists after)
Length in minutes: 20 minutes
Space required: Flat floor with possibilities to interact with chalk, no grass, close to water (fountain) if possible.
Preparation required: at least 3 days in advance: one to rehearse in a studio and two days to get familiar with the public space that will be used as a "stage"
General technical requirements:
Availability: 2023/24 season & Spring and summer of the 2024/25 season
Number of performers on tour including choreographer: 3
Number of support staff on tour: 0
Community Engagement Activities
We can offer workshops both directed to the general audience or a partner work creative masterclass directed to dance/movement artist. The workshop would be free of charge whereas the masterclass would have to follow CADA West rates.
Contact: Deviani Andrea, devianiandrea@gmail.com
Agent/Manager: Gerry Morita, info@milezerodance.com
Website: IslandsofUtopica
Instagram: deviani.andrea
Photo: Mat Simpson