The Dance Deck showcases new works in backyard off the Drive, July 18, 19, 25, and 26
Copresented by Belle Spirale and the Eastside Arts Festival, the summer tradition features a Ballet BC dancer, a Bharatanatyam practitioner, members of the Vancouver Chamber Choir, and more
The Dance Deck
Will Jessup. Photo by Adrián Ortega
Ballet BC dancer Jacalyn Tatro
The Dance Deck takes place July 18, 19, 25, and 26 as part of the Eastside Arts Festival
GRASSROOTS ARTS EVENTS DON’T get much more East Side than The Dance Deck, which is celebrating its 11th anniversary of staging high-calibre performances in a heritage house’s cozy backyard off Commercial Drive.
Fittingly copresented with the Eastside Arts Festival, Belle Spirale Dance Projects’ program this year features everything from work by a magnetic performer from Ballet BC (where artistic directors Alexis Fletcher and Sylvain Senez have both performed and served as rehearsal director) to first-time creations by emerging artists. It all takes place in an intimate outdoor setting at the duo’s “Casa Om”.
Ballet BC dancer Jacalyn Tatro presents a new work, as do former Ballet Edmonton dancers and Arts Umbrella grads Connor McLeary and Devon McLean, in a duet created by McLeary.
Meanwhile, Belle Spirale company artist Will Jessup, known for his appearances with Ne.Sans Opera and Dance, Voirelia, Dance//Novella, and other troupes, presents a new solo for fellow Belle Spirale artist Sophia Makarenko (an Arts Umbrella alumna who participated in Ballet BC Annex).
And rounding out the program is another premiere by local, Goa-raised Bharatanatyam artist Vidya Kotamraju, founder of House of Indian Dance. Kotamraju, who trained with Jai Govinda, has performed around the world, as well as at local fests like the Vancouver International Dance Festival and New Works’ All Over the Map.
Adding to this summer’s mix are four singers from the Vancouver Chamber Choir—soprano Emily M Cheung, alto Dinah Ayre, tenor Eric Biskupski, and baritone Steven Bélanger.
Book sliding-scale tickets ahead of time here, as the backyard tent has limited capacity—and the shows often sell out. 
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