2012
605 Collective with Audible
See the printed matter: Show program / Show poster / Workshop flyer
In 2012 605 Collective was the hottest thing out of Vancouver and they did not disappoint with the Peterborough performance of their full-length work Audible. Reminiscent of their fellow west-coasters, Holy Body Tattoo, 605 performed a highly physical body-slamming style, but blended (softened?) with the break dancing and hip hop techniques that dancers of their generation were bringing to contemporary dance. The core Collective was Josh Martin, Shay Kuebler, and Lisa Gelley but it was the magnetic Kuebler who captivated the audience’s attention with his gravity-defying leaps and barrel rolls. It would not be long before he moved on to create work on his own company but luckily in 2012 he was still touring with 605.
Luckily too for students in the dance program at Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School. Kuebler went to PCVS to teach a dance class and learned that the popular downtown school was being closed due to falling enrollment. The dance students were some of the most vocal supporters of keeping the school open; in response the 605 gang leant their support in the form of social media posts with a group photo and the message ‘605 Supports PCVS’. As we now know this did more to boost spirits than to prevent the school closing, but it was a much appreciated gesture from artists the students looked up to.
It exemplified the generous spirit of the 605 Collective, who also took the time to give a dance class for the public, attended by a (very) wide sampling of the downtown dance community representing all ages and experiences. If you don’t believe me just look at the photo. That’s 605-ers Josh and Lisa on the far right.
- Bill Kimball
