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Emergency Minutes

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program from the first 19 Emergency Festivals in Peterborough, Ontario. They were created to mark the 20th Emergency.

Emergency #1
The first Emergency festival ever held (Feb. 3-5, 1993) was called “Emergence-y”, emphasizing its commitment to showcasing work by emerging artists. It was produced by Peterborough’s artist-run centre, Artspace, in the Market Hall, its home at the time.

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This first Emergency featured three works, seen here in this order:

“Released” by Footfall Dance Theatre.
Choreography by Anne Woolley (aka Anne Ryan) and Kris Keating. Performed by Anne, Kris, Stephanie Corrin and Leslie Jewell. Live music was composed and played by Jeni Janz, Parijata and Curtis Driedger.

“A Cup of Spain” conceived, written and spoken/sung by Louis Fagan.
With dance choreographed and performed by Dy Gallagher and Anne Woolley and live music composed by Tom Reader and performed by Tom, Jarl Medd, Ron Rooth, Tim O’Dacre and Andrew Fogarassi.

“Protuberant Metal Test” conceived by Philip Kummel, who shared dancing and choreography credits with the entire cast: Dy Gallagher, Anne Woolley, Stephanie MacMillan, Tom Reader and Scooter (aka Wes Ryan). Philip also designed the music, drawing on many sources.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th anniversary of Public Energy’s Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the festival in May, 2013. Each minute consists of 20-second clips taken from three works seen at that year’s festival.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #2
The second Emergency festival (March 3-5, 1994) was produced by Peterborough’s artist-run centre, Artspace, in the Market Hall, its home at the time.

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It featured four works. Three are seen here, in this order:

“The Clothes Make The Man” by Anne Ryan.
Performed by Anne and scooter (aka Wes Ryan)

“The Blatant Mode of Being”, a tribute to Eric Loder.
Conceived by Caron Garside and developed with Beth Core, Evan Jennings and Joy Levin. Eric Loder was a much-loved Peterborough artist and art teacher who passed away in 1993 and Caron Garside was one of the models Eric employed in creating his provocative, raw paintings of female nudes.

“Full Circle Shatter Cycle” by Footfall Dance Theatre.
Choreographed by Kristine Keating and Anne Ryan. Performed by Kristine, Anne, Craig Anderson, Ryan Kerr, scooter and Patrick Walsh, with music by Patrick Walsh and Primus.

The fourth work in Emergency #2 was “Ed” by scooter, performed by scooter, Peter Ens, Dy Gallagher, Anna Gibson, Ryan Kerr, Tom Reader, Anne Ryan and Esther Vincent.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features 20-second clips from three works seen at that year’s festival.

Each Emergency Minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #3
The third Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (February 8-11, 1995) was the first produced by Peterborough New Dance, which had been founded a few months earlier.

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The popularity of Emergency with local artists was apparent by the increase in applications that necessitated for the first time two separate programs to accommodate everyone. One program was held at the Union Theatre, the other at the Market Hall. Unfortunately, only the Market Hall program was videotaped. That program is excerpted here, in the following order:

“Double-O-Bondage” by Kristine Keating
Performed by Kristine, Peter Ens, John Quinn, Carloyn Trengrove, Kathi Baumhour and Jim Free.

“Kitten on a String with Fish Hooks” by scooter (aka Wes Ryan)
Performed by scooter, Anne Ryan and Nathan Govier

“I Kant” created and performed by Steacy Harper and Stephanie Corrin
With live music by Aaron Cavan and Randy Innis.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features 20-second clips from three works seen in every program at that year’s festival.

Each Emergency Minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #4
The fourth Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 7-10, 1996) saw ten new works performed over two programs at The Market Hall Theatre.

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Among them was what was boldly called “the first dance film made entirely in Peterborough”, David Hoyle’s Grid, as well as a performance in the lobby featuring Stephanie Corrin, reprising her trapeze act from the previous year. Six other works from Emergency 4’s two programs are seen here in this order:

“Mrs.” created by Marsh Cobden
Performed by Marsh and Kristing Keating. Live music performed by Kate Asch and Charly Istok.

“A Careful Red” by Penelope Thomas
Performed by Penelope, Anne Ryan, Janette Froncz, Phoebe Miles, Carolyn Trengrove.

“Perpendicular to the Road” by Kristine Keating
Performed by Kristine, Ralph Eisenbeiss (seen here), Jim Henry, Michael Hermiston, Phoebe Miles.

“Portraits” choregraphed by Anne Ryan and Esther Vincent
Performed by Anne with photography by Esther. With music by Patrick Walsh and Anna Gartshore.

“Tabbybitch” by Emma Jack
Performed by Emma and Brigid Johnston. With music by Matthew Dawydchak.

“Elvis Serenity” by Davis Mirza
Featuring the Flashdance Ensemble: Davis, Darren Bonin, Stephanie Booth, Rebecca Ostwald, Monique Romellco, Paula Ryff. With text written and performed by David Bateman.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features 20-second clips from three works seen in every program at that year’s festival.

Each Emergency Minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #5
The fifth Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 27-29, 1997) saw six new works performed at The Market Hall in Peterborough, Ontario.

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Six was fewer than the previous year, but perhaps that was because a bunch of regular Emergency veterans were doing events in other places, such as the Union Theatre and the soon-to-be-Gordon Best Theatre. (To see what was happening at the GBT check out the video for Pent in Public Energy’s Video Vault at http://vimeo.com/user5610779) Emergency #5 was presented by Peterborough New Dance, now known as Public Energy.

With a self-imposed limit of three works in each Emergency minute, there are three works from Emergency #5 not seen here. They are Think by Terri Rowan and Deb Price, Pass the Boy by Emma Jack and Lindsay Wilson, and Looselinks by the Looselinks collective. The three works seen here are, in this order:

“Thy Very Stones Prate.” by michael hermiston
Choreographed and performed by michael and Lief Strong, Molly Bennett, Tamara Best, Emily Davidson, Laurie Humphreys, Kris Keating, Dan Levia, Jessica Mauro, Katie Sangster -Poole, Meghan Rebecca, Angela Roberts, Christy Stoeten. With drumming by Venus Ferrari and music by michael, Mike Kosir and Jsin Craig, mixed by Stuart Chamberlain.

“In the Attic” by Catherine Hume
Performed by Catherine, Miranda Hume and Ryan Cartwright.

“S.Y.D.” by scooter (aka Wes Ryan)
Performed by scooter, with sounds by SOWFI, mixed by Teresa Morrow.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features 20-second clips from three works seen in every program at that year’s festival.

Each Emergency Minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #6
The sixth Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (April 1-4, 1998) saw seven works on two programs presented entirely at the Gordon Best Theatre.

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Using the Gordon Best was a departure from previous years; up until then the festival had been held at the Market Hall, with its larger stage, and it would return there the following year. The artists in Emerg #6 made the most out of the space and produced a memorable event, highlighted by a unique piece created and performed by both adults and children.

Program One consisted of five works. The two not seen here (remember we limit Emergency Minutes to three 20-second clips per program) were by Ramya Rajagopalan and Greg Magwood. The three seen here are, in this order:

“To Have and Have Not”
Created and performed by Scarlett Ackhurst, Jimmy Edmondson, Joleen Edmondson, Georgie Fisher, Tamara Triggs, Laurel Paluck, Michael Hermiston, Michael Crary and John Tievans as the Busker. Directed by Caron Garside.

“Harvey Wallbanger”
Performed by Kristina Kyle, soundscape by Ian Osborn, text and lighting by Cathy Petch

“Interstices”
Choreographed and performed by Penelope Thomas.

Program Two consisted of one work, “Swallowed”, written and performed by Kate Story, with music by Patrick Walsh and choreography by Dy Gallagher.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features 20-second clips from three works seen in every program at that year’s festival.

Each Emergency Minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #7
The seventh Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (April 8-11, 1999) saw nine new works spread out over two programs presented by Peterborough New Dance (now known as Public Energy) at The Market Hall in Peterborough, Ontario.

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Keeping to the structure for Emergency Minutes of excerpting 3 works per program, six of the nine works are seen here. (Not seen are works by Nathan Govier, Emily Glasspool, and Libby Dalrymple & Jessica Tudos.) They are, in order:

“Beneath the Innocence”, created and performed by Rhianne Bell, Ashleigh Clay, Erin Hynes, Shawna Le Court.

“Voda”, created by Jenn Gaudette, Joanne Sipos, Karen Tweedle. Performed by Jenn, Joanne, Karen, Inna Gutnick, Megan Joslin, and Melinda Ivey. With special effects by Inder Marwah.

“The Lovers”, created and performed by Thom Schroeter and Judy Dixon.

“Split Focus Affettuoso”, movement and music created and performed by Michael Hermiston and Ellen Waterman.

“Crazy – Crazy Like a Fish”, choreographed and performed by Kate Story.

“Fallen”, choreographed by Anne Ryan. Performed by Anne, Janette Froncz and Penelope Thomas.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features short clips from three works seen in every program at that year’s festival.

Each Emergency Minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the 20th anniversary festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #8
The eighth Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (April 7-9, 2000) saw nine new works spread out over two programs presented by Peterborough New Dance (now known as Public Energy) at The Market Hall in Peterborough, Ontario.

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The highlight of Emergency #8 was probably the debut of Robert Edmondson as a creator of ingenious set devices, seen here in “Atlas…outside over there”. In these clips we see a shot looking up from the stage at the machine Robert installed in the rafters of the Market Hall. The device was composed of a rotating drum with numerous lines coming off it that controlled about a dozen lights hanging over the stage at different heights and at different locations. As the drum was rotated it caused the lights to move about the space seemingly on their own and independent of each other, eventually gathering together in one spot, rising up – pulling dancer George Barron along with them – and disappearing into the vast empty space above the Market Hall stage. Because Robert’s machine was silent, it seemed to the audience that the little lights scattered about the stage were alive, moving together like a school of fish with a single purpose in mind.

Seven of the nine works from Emerg #8 are seen here. (Not seen are works by Caroline O’Reilly and Penelope Thomas.) They are, in order:

“Nor” by Tiffany Unsworth

“Devolution” created and performed by Jen Gaudette, Katie Pula, Leslie Fox and Jessica Tudos.

“Wonder ‘n Alice” choreographed by Tiffany Unsworth, directed by Arianne Robinson. Performed by Tiffany, Arianne, Miriam Stucky and Miki Peer.

“Atlas…outside over there” choreographed by Michael Hermiston and George Barron. Performed by George with music by Michael. The set concept was Michael’s, with rigging and mechanics by Robert Edmondson.

“Compulsion” choreographed and performed by Libby Dalrymple and Jessica Tudos.

“Saints and Madmen” choreographed and performed by Anne Ryan./

“Irish Versus” choreographed by Dy Gallagher with scooter (aka Wes Ryan) and Kate Story. Performed by Dy and Kate. With music by Patrick Walsh and Scott Mucklow.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features short clips from three works seen in every program at that year’s festival.

Each Emergency Minute is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks leading up to the 20th anniversary festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #9
The ninth Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 22-24, 2001) saw eleven new works spread out over three programs presented by Peterborough New Dance (now known as Public Energy) at The Market Hall in Peterborough, Ontario.

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With one minute available per program, we’ve squeezed nine pieces into this reel. (Not seen are works by michael hermiston and Leigh McDonald).

In addition to the all new dance and performance works in Emerg #9 were two extra offerings: martial artist Greg Magwood performed Four Forms from China, comprised of four different Kung Fu styles; and Alison Hearn provided, for a late-night audience under the pseudonym Prof Mimi delaRouche, a Bonus Dance Talk accompanied by various Emergency performers. (See it separately on the Emergency Minutes web site, and look for surprise dance performances by Curtis Driedger and Bill Kimball http://www.youtube.com/user/Emergency….)

The eight Emergency #9 works seen here are, in order:

“Three Steps Forward Two Steps Back” by Calla Lachance

“Strolling…A Verbal Choreography” by Darinka Blagaj

“Transcendance” by Barbara Dametto. Performed by Barbara, Jen Cattell, Joy Elder, Emmy Dell, Rosie Dell.

“Open Season on Blood Organs” by Kate Story. With music by Curtis Driedger.

“Evolution” by Rya Shankman. Performed by Rya, Brittany McFarlene, Morgan Gibbens, Haley Sedgwick’pin, Amanda Cohen, Savanna Eikens, Kaleigh Watts, Jena MacDonell, Erik Burns, John Eikens.

“Here With Me” by Christy Stoeten

“Chop” by Kris Keating. Performed by Kris, Peter Ens, Teresa Van Neste and the Invisible Man. Music by Jim Gleason, Curtis Driedger, michael hermiston.

“Spill” by Penelope Thomas.

“Bloom” by Ryan Kerr and Anna Gartshore. Soundscape by Tom Reader.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program that has been seen in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features short clips from a selection of works seen on a single program. Most festivals have been comprised of two (or three) programs, so the result is a two-minute (or three-minute) collection of excerpted works.

Each Emergency Minutes release is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks in chronological order, leading up to the 20th anniversary festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #10 – Repeat Offenders
The tenth Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance was a 10th anniversary extravaganza split into two parts.  First came Week One:  All New Stuff (March 20-23, 2002), then Week Two:  Repeat Offenders (April 17-20, 2002).

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As the names imply, Week One featured newer artists to Emergency presenting new work (not necessarily younger; this was the debut of Old Men Dancing), while Week Two featured veteran artists, a few dating back to Emergency #1.

Emergency #10: Repeat Offenders featured six works and broke tradition with the usual manner in which Emergency festivals were organized. It was not the result of an open call – the artists were chosen to recognize their frequent appearances in past festivals and were permitted to re-mount past work; one artist – Kate Story – was given her own program, dedicated to the full-length version of a work presented at Emergency #7; one artist – Anne Ryan – showed two pieces; and finally, the festival invited two artists to re-mount a hit piece from the very first Emergency, “Protruberant Metal Test”, as a way of introducing a new generation of dancers.

The Repeat Offenders are seen here in this order:

“Protruberant Metal Test” (1993) by Philip Kummel, re-mounted by Dy Gallagher. Performed by Dy, Ryan Kerr, Lindsay Barr, Jade Keatings, Josh Mayall-Primeau, Heather Rule. Original choreography by Dy, Philip, Stephanie MacMillan, Anne Ryan, Tom Reader.

“kitten on a string…” (1994) by scooter (aka Wes Ryan). Performed by scooter, anya gwynne, Cameron Conquer.

“anabiosis” (2002) by michael hermiston. Music by Brent Wood, Kirsten Addis, Greg Roy.

“When a Happy Thing Falls” (1996) by Anne Ryan. Performed by Janette Froncz, music by michael hermiston.

“Stones in the River” (2002) by Anne Ryan

“Scratching the Surface” (2002) by Penelope Thomas

“Crazy…Crazy Like a Fish” written and performed by Kate Story. Directed by Susan Spicer, music by Curtis Driedger, set and costume design by Martha Cockshutt.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program that has been seen in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features short clips from a selection of works seen on a single program. Most festivals have been comprised of two (or three) programs, so the result is a two-minute (or three-minute) collection of excerpted works.

Each Emergency Minutes release is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks in chronological order, leading up to the 20th anniversary festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency #10 – All New Stuff
The tenth Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance was a 10th anniversary extravaganza split into two parts.  First came Week One:  All New Stuff (March 20-23, 2002), then Week Two:  Repeat Offenders (April 17-20, 2002).

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As the names imply, Week One featured newer artists to Emergency presenting new work (not necessarily younger; this was the debut of Old Men Dancing), while Week Two featured veteran artists, a few dating back to Emergency #1.

Emerg #10 All New Stuff was the busiest Emergency festival in its ten years, with 14 artists and groups spread out over three programs. The artists seen here are as follows, in this order:

“Moth” by anya Gwynne

“Water Feet” by Darinka Blagaj. Performed by Darinka, Alison Wearing,Tamalei Blagaj-Berger, Breanne Smart, Alyssa Smart. Music created and performed by Benj Rowland.

“Come Here” by Christy Stoeten

“Smooth Criminal” by Jessica Moya-Brown. Performed by Jessica, Lindsay Lustig, Keri Post, Marj Schwartz, Graham Sherlock

“Old Men Dancing” concept by michael hermiston and George Barron, with choreography by michael and the dancers. Performed by the original OMD: George, Rob Steinman, Brian Nichols, Ray Barker, Gordon Finney, Peter Hewitt, Joe Erickson. Music by michael.

“Moi Fa Chiang (Plum Flower Spear)” by Greg Magwood.

“The Unveiling” choreographed and performed by Ireen Kerr, Johanna Vanderpol, Raechelle Kennedy.

“Fighting Fan Form” by Greg Magwood

“Intimacy, a meditation on missiles and pussy” concept by Leslie Menagh and Kevin Fitzmaurice, choreography by Kris Keating. Peformed by Kevin, Pierre Blin, Becky Priebe, Karine Rogers, Theresa Van Neste.

“Oh Monkey!” by Greg Magwood and Tiffany Dafoe.

“ZZZZZZ…” by SWAG Dance Troupe. Performed by SWAG: Matt Keast, Guy Doucette, Katie Hall, George Bush, Lisa Dodsley, Ryan McLeod.

“Third Cultures” by Sherise Tan Zhenying

“Hecate’s Crown” by Jessica Rowland. Performed by Jessica and Katrina Rowland. Film by Benj Rowland.

part 2 of “ZZZZZZ…” by SWAG Dance Troupe

“Iro” dance by Jessica Tudos, visual art by Nicole Bauberger, voice and percussion by Kirsten Addis.

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program that has been seen in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features short clips from a selection of works seen on a single program. Most festivals have been comprised of two (or three) programs, so the result is a two-minute (or three-minute) collection of excerpted works.

Each Emergency Minutes release is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks in chronological order, leading up to the 20th anniversary festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency # 11
The 11th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 26-29, 2003), saw three programs comprising15 new works of dance, physical theatre, and clown created by Peterborough artists.

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Emerg #11 was noteworthy for at least two things: the first appearance in Emergency of a live chorus (16 voices!), an extravagant musical element that has made repeated appearances in Emerg festivals since then; and as the final festival for which the lighting was designed by Caron Garside, who in our opinion was at the height of her powers for this edition of Emergency. Never an easy task working in the ‘old’ Market Hall (which only possessed about 30 ‘working’ lights, rather than the 80+ today) but over many years lighting Emergency festivals Caron mastered the art of doing a lot with a little. In so many ways.

Only one performance from Emerg #11 was not captured on video (sorry, Emily Davidson-Niedoba). The others are in this order:

“Fire on the Tongue” by anya gwynne

“People Singing and Old Men Dancing to a Mass” by Joe Erickson. Dancers: Jim Angel, John Anderson, George Barron, michael Hermiston, Peter Hewitt, Brian Nichols, Rob Steinman. Chorus: Pamela Barron, Leigh Courrier, Tim Crease, Cate Henderson, Justin Hiscox, Mark Hiscox, John Hoffman, Andrew Johnston, Phil Kummel, Phil Loucks, Cathy McLay, Jaylene Mory, Joe Pillon, Kate Story, Tina Therrien, Melinda Wall.

“Passage” by Catherine Hann

“Snow Day” by Ryan Kerr and Kate Story. Music by John MacEwen.

“MIMIC” Concept, design and puppets by Jessica Rowland. Choreography by Christine Aspega. Performed by Christine and Holly Podres.

“Marnie the Magnificent Master of Disguise” by Charlotte Kennedy. Music by michael Hermiston.

“de danse moderne” by Anna Gaartshore and Kris Keating. Performed by Anna, Maude Piff, Barbara Dametto, Adele Springwater, Penelope Thomas, Ryan Kerr, Kris Keating, Jim Gleason and of course Dédé the choreographer from hell

“Hurt” by Christy Stoeten

“de builder danse” by Anna Gartshore, created with Kris Keating and the performers: Anna, Tim Walker, Jim Gleason, Brian Nichols. Music by David Lariviere.

“Elemental: Fire” by Anne Ryan. Music by Kirsten Addis.

“Kiss Me” by Barbara Dametto.

“Make a Joyful Noise” by Kim Allen. Performed by Kim and Hilary Wear. Music by Kirsten Addis.

“My namesake unravelling at night” by Penelope Thomas

Emergency Minutes are one minute excerpts of every program that has been seen in every Emergency Festival, created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance in Peterborough, Ontario. Each minute features short clips from a selection of works seen on a single program. Most festivals have been comprised of two (or three) programs, so the result is a two-minute (or three-minute) collection of excerpted works.

Each Emergency Minutes release is devoted to one of the previous 19 festivals; they are being released on 19 consecutive weeks in chronological order, leading up to the 20th anniversary festival in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency # 12
The 12th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 31 – April 4, 2004) was a blockbuster: five programs comprising a record breaking 26 new works of dance and physical theatre by dozens of Peterborough-area artists. Watch our playlist of all 5Opens New Window

Emergency # 13
The 13th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 10-12, 2005), saw two programs comprising 12 new works of dance and physical theatre.

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Notable for the continuing trend – begun at Emerg #11 – of choruses appearing with dancers and sometimes even dancing themselves. We’ve managed to squeeze 11 of the pieces into our 2 minute allocation (1 min per program), in this order:
“Viva La Vulva!” by Tiina Kivinen with the performers: Tiina, Tanya Elchuk, Kelly O’Neill, Arian O’Neill MacLellan.
“In A Cocktail Dress” choreography by Bethany Lifeso and Elizabeth Varty, directed by Elizabeth and performed by Bethany, Erin Jasiura, Katie Felix.

“DeadLoK” by Emma Lu Romerein. Performed by Regina Radrich, Jonathon Osbourn.

“I Was a Postcard” by Kate Story (choreography) and Patrick Walsh (poem and music). Performed by Kate and Patrick.

“Not Myself” choreography by Meghan Leadbeater and Susie Magyari. Performed by Meghan, Susie, Kerith Paul, Jenna Tye, Elizabeth Pecchia, Lisa Jensen, Stacey Maloney, Lindsay Williams, Alison Roberts, Lyz Tessier, Katie Sangster-Poole, Katie Bowerman, Leah Bally.

“Of Mothers, Lions and the Desert Wild” by Jenn Cole. Performed by Jenn, Theresia Laing, Bryan Jordan, Jason Kater. Percussion by Cam Fraser, vocals by Amanda Dibbits.

“Arctium Lappa (Burdock)” Music and lyrics by michael hermiston. Choreography by michael and the performers: Ray Barker, Paul Clifford, Chad Irwin, Leslie Niblett, Lloyd Nugent, Anna Petry, Barbara Stocking. Singers: Kirsten Addis, Pamela Barron, Anna Gartshore, Jaylene Mory, Susan Newman, Renee Paul, Ava Richardson, Tina Therrien.

“Carbenia Benedictus (Blessed Thistle)” Music, lyrics, choreography and performance by michael hermiston. Choreographic eyes, editing and additions by Kate Story. Singers: Kirsten Addis, Pamela Barron, Anna Gartshore, Jaylene Mory, Susan Newman, Renee Paul, Ava Richardson, Tina Therieau. French Horn: Leah Bell

“Streets of Laredo” by Kate Story (choreography) and Curtis Driedger (musical arrangement, organ, vocals). Featuring the Juanita O’Dang Singers: Cynthia Armour, Pamela Barron, Stephanie Benn, Aaron Cavon, Beau Dixon, Vanessa Ferrari, Rob Fortin, Charlie Glasspool, Jean Greig, Cate Henderson, Karen Hoffman, John Hoffman, Andrew Johnston, Dianne Latchford, Phil Loucks, Kathy McLay, Susan Newman, Jo Pillon, Tom Reader, Patti Shaughnessy, Karen Sutherland, Caroline Tennent, Tina Therrien, Ben Wolfe.

“Shadows Throw Missiles’ by Esther Vincent, with choreographaturgy by Dy Gallagher. Performed by Stephanie Corrin and Ryan Kerr with monologue by Patrick Walsh performed by Matt Gilbert.

“Dancing Meridians” by Barbara Stocking. Music Director: Vanessa Ferrari. Technical Collaborator: Peter Sawade. Dancers: Briagh Hoskins-Hasbury, Carrie Hoskins, Emmanuelle Reid, Jeffrey Possford, Laska Sawade, Meghan Leadbeater, Nadine Changfoot, Naomi Schatz. Musicians: Kate Henderson, michael hermiston, Tom Logan, Vanessa Ferrari.

Emergency Minutes are excerpts from every Emergency Festival held since 1993 in Peterborough, Ontario. They have been created to mark the 20th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance held in May, 2013.

Founded in 1994, Public Energy is a presenter and producer of contemporary dance, theatre and performance in Peterborough, Ontario. www.publicenergy.ca

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Emergency # 14
The 14th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (Mar. 23 – 26, 2006), saw four programs and a performance installation, comprising 19 new works of dance and physical theatre. See full description and playlist videoOpens New Window

Emergency # 15
The 15th Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance ( March 21 – 24 2007) saw 12 works presented over 3 programs.  For a full description and playlist video click here

Emergency # 16
The 16th edition of the Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (April 3-5 2008), saw two programs comprising 19 new works of dance, theatre and performance created by dozens of Peterborough artists.

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In the order seen here they were:

“Out of Order” by Las Pecuecas: Peggy Jean Houston, Naomi Schatz, Maria Vasconez, Alejandra Perdomo, Joelle Lesvesque

“Digital Primitive” by Wayne Elliott

“Of Mere Being” by Meghan Leadbeater

“The Cards You Have Been Dealt” created by Brian Nichols, performed by Brian, Chaka Chakadzi, Daniel Huizenga

“Electro” choreographed and performed by Bill James, soundscape by Shelagh Young, text by Ursula Pflug, electronics by Doug Back

“Sanctuary” performed by Sophia Darling, choreography by Beverly Brown-Chislett

“The Whitehouse Waltz” concept and choreography by Pete Hewett, music by Curtis Driedger, performed by Old Men Dancing: Pete, Rob Steinman, Dave McConkey, Brian Nichols

“Regret” by Mandy Livings, Amanda Ferguson, Olivia Brodie-Dinsdale

“Dola Re Dola” by Pema Tsering

“There was once a dancer named scooter” by Wes Ryan

“Medium at Large” concept and soundtrack by Rob Steinman, choreography by Rob and Bill James, music by Curtis Driedger, performed by Old Men Dancing: Jim Angel, Paul Clifford, Peter Earle, Hugh MacMillan, Pete Hewett, Bill James, Dave McConkey, Brian Nichols, Bob Romerein

“Lyrical” by Lindsay Williams

“The Duet” choreographed by Bill James, performed by Old Men Dancing: Peter Earle and Paul Clifford

“Blue and Grey” by Jess Rowland, direction and development by Leigh Macdonald

“The Dog and Pony Show” choreographed by Melanie McCall, music by Jarret Prescott, performed by Melanie and Jarret

“Pigeon” by Jenn Cole, music by Greg Frankland, Mike Morritt

“Women In Circle” by Lindsay Williams, Carine Hamilton, Caitlin Caines

“The Clothesline” concept by John Anderson, music by Curtis Driedger, written by Jim Angel, performed by Jim and the rest of Old Men Dancing: Paul Clifford, Peter Earle, Pete Hewett, Bill James, Hugh MacMillan Dave McConkey, Brian Nichols, Bob Romerein, Rob Steinman.

“Colours” choreographed by Sugaray Robinson, performed by The Trent Dance Team:
Courtney Anne, Katie Bowerman, Amanda Brooks, Melissa Chung, Amanda Ferguson,
Christina Franklin, Robyn Jarchow, Jessica Keating, Brittany Lawson, Meghan Lessard, Kaleigh Meringer, Jenn Petrie, Maggie Pound, Kim Reid, Sugaray Robinson, Jenn Smith, Lisa Wardle, Lindsay Williams

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Emergency # 17
The 17th edition of the Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (April 2-4 2009), saw two program comprising 13 new works of dance, theatre, performance and martial art.

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In the order seen here they were:

“Seal Woman Moves: Early Choices” by Hilary Wear

“The Spirit” by Emma Lu Romerein

“…and her head popped off” by anya gwynne with Lucy Gwynne, video by Brian Mitolo

“Reconstructing Tap”choreographed and performed by Allyson Booth, music by Curtis Driedger

“Binary”created and performed by Wayne Elliott, audio and video by WEBmadman

“Tonight, Tonight, Won’t Be Just Any Night…” by Deb Reynolds

“Bye” choreographed by Wes Ryan, performed by Sophia Darling, music by Adrian Williams, Renee Deschennes, Aaron Hoffman, Brandon Munroe

“Tromboner” by Hartley Stevenson

“Rapunzel’s Dream” by Leigh Macdonald, soundscape by John Mather and Leigh

“Between Falling and Flying” by The Contact Dance Troupe: Suzanne Galloway, Jennifer Elchuk, Jesse Jacob, Johanna Hart, and Richard Shapcott

“Midnight Circus” choreographed by Meghan Lessard and Sugaray Robinson
Performed by members of the Trent Dance Team: Meghan, Sugaray, Amanda Brooks, Ashni Ramsammy, Brittany Lawson, Courtney Cluff, Devon Bowers-Krishnan, Jenn Petrie, Kaleigh Meringer, Keith MacFarlane, Kim Reid, Meggie Pound, Lessard, Nina Erhabor, Robyn Jarchow, Sairam Sivakumar

“The Way of Okinawa Karate” by Shawn Fisk, with Brad Morin

“Waking Without You” by Jenn Cole, music by Greg Frankland, Jesse Pilgrim Sarah MacKillican

“Shadow Primordial” by Sophia Cooper

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Emergency # 18
The 18th edition of the Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (April 8-10 2011), saw three programs comprising 9 new works of dance, theatre and performance, including a full length work by Kate Story, Performances May Be Permanent. See a full description, and playlist videoOpens New Tab

Emergency # 19
The 19th edition of the Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 30 – April 1, 2012), saw three programs comprising 18 new works of dance, theatre and performance. See a full description, and playlist videoOpens New Tab

Emergency # 20
The 20th edition of the Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (May8th – May 12th, 2013), saw six programs comprising of over 20 new works of dance, theatre and performance.  To celebrate our 20th edition, Emergency included two Alley Waltzes, which put performances in downtown streets and alleys, and one full-length work – The Nervous System’s Terror and Erebus, which took place next to and within the Otonabee River. See a full description, and playlist videoOpens New Tab


Emergency # 21
The 21st edition of the Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 26 – March 28, 2015), saw two programs comprising 17 new works of dance, theatre and performance, including a full length work by Kate Story, Myrmidon  See a full description, and playlist videoOpens New Tab


Emergency # 22
The 22nd edition of the Emergency Festival of New Dance and Performance (March 22 – March 24, 2018), saw three programs comprising 13 new works of dance, theatre and performance, featuring more than 20 artisits. See a full description, and playlist videoOpens New Tab

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