The Story
Three Minute Miracle
December 1994, LSPU Hall Second Space.
Due to a cancellation, the LSPU Hall had an opening.
They called Alison and asked if there were any dancers who
would like to do a show. Two weeks later the dancers who
would become Louder than Words performed a series
of three-minute miracles. Lighting artist Geoff Seymour
also began his work with dance and with LTW in particular.
The Box
March 1995, LSPU Hall.
This show featured a piece called "The Box", which was
conceived by Jamille, and created as a dance piece with
Caroline. Other dancers from Three Minute Miracle
were invited to present works. Most of these pieces were solos
except for Construction for five dancers, constructed by
Deborah. This show marked the official beginning of Louder
than Words as we decided that we would like to continue presenting
shows as a group.
Good Luck Day
May 1995, LSPU Hall.
Costume was used as a starting point for development of the
pieces in this show. With the inclusion of guest choreographer
Nicole Nogaret and guest dancers Children's Dance Co.
(directed by Caroline) and Stephen Lush, LTW established
the practise of inviting other artists to be a part of our shows.
Solo works were balanced by a duets, a trio, and two group pieces,
including Together Before Jumping by Tristan, which was
remounted for the Festival of New Dance.
Jiffy Pop
December 1995, LSPU Hall Second Space.
A second show of short works following in the tradition
of "Three Minute Miracle". After two large productions,
we felt the need to return to the informal format once or
twice a year, to fulfill exploratory needs. This would allow
potential seeds for larger works to be presented, new
choreographers to get their feet wet, and connections
with other arts to be explored.
Culture Shock
March 1996, LSPU Hall.
Our second mainstage production introduced a number of choreographers
new to the group, including Catherine and Andrew. Live music played
by a total of seven musicians was significantly integrated into four
of the 12 pieces, a trend which has become a defining element of
the group.
First Floor
Oct. 18, 1996, Anna Templeton Centre.
Another informal show of experimental works and works in progress,
with a move to the informal setting of this marvelous building.
The show marked the beginning of another trend - pieces based on
African dance, choreographed by Fran.
Turn to the East Side
Dec. 20, 1996, Anna Templeton Centre.
With a few of our original members back from pursuing studies
on the mainland, the holidays provided an opportunity to bring
everyone together for an anniversary show in the style of
Three Minute Miracle. It was also an opportunity for
Louise to work with the group. She has been dancing with us
in other contexts for years, but this was her first LtW show.
59 Directors, a seven-choreographer experiment, was
presented here, as we began to move towards larger-scale
collaborative works.
Shaping the Inside Line
February 7th & 8th 1997, LSPU Hall.
This show featured the work of ten local choreographers.
Much of the choreography had its start in intensive
choreographic and technique workshops with Anna Smith
of Australia, brought into town to teach in January by
group members. There are numerous solo and duo works,
a large African group piece choreographed by Fran, and
the twenty minute Water Fields - a collective
choreography by five group members.
From a Thread
June 5th & 6th, 1997, LSPU Hall.
Our emerging group choreographic identity enticed Neighbourhood
Dance Works to invite us to present a new group choreography
as part of the 1997 Festival of New Dance. Alison, Andrew,
Deborah, and Catherine colloborated to create From a Thread
Sails Asunder the Skies
August 19, 21, 23, & 24, 1997, Harbourside Park.
Part of the Year of the Arts celebration, this 20-minute work
was another group choreography, this time featuring Alison,
Anna, Andrew, Catherine, Deborah, Jamille, Trina, and for some
performances, Jessie.
Dance Intensive
March 10th - 21st, 1998, BIS & Kittiwake.
Expanding further into providing dance and choreography workshops,
LtW brought Anna Smith back for an encore
intensive featuring beginning and advanced modern technique, and
advanced choreography. An informal showing of choreographic
studies concluded the two week effort.
African Dance Workshop
May 15th, 1998, BIS.
Although Fran has left Newfoundland, we were was pleased to
have her back for a well-attended open workshop in West African
and Haitian dances.
Sound
Symposium 9
Wed., July 15, 1998, LSPU Hall,
Fri., July 17, 1998, Arts and Culture Centre Main Stage,
Fri., July 17, 1998, Cape Spear,
Sat., July 18, 1998, LSPU Hall.
We jumped at the chance to work with Ghanian master drummer Kwasi
Dunyo and a few dozen local percussionists and singers. Ten days
of intense rehearsal culminated in the showcasing of several dances
from Ghana.
Separation Anxiety, Bird, and Deep Spirals
Mar 16th, 1999, LSPU Hall.
Louder than Words presents a remount of Deep Spirals,
a multi-media work by Catherine Wright celebrating the work
of her late father, the acclaimed visual artist Don Wright.
We are also pleased to present the St. John's debut of two
works by the newly-returned Newfoundland choreographer Cherie
Pyne Dunn, who has recently begun to work with the group.
Back to the Louder than Words home page.
Last updated March 9th, 1999,
Andrew Draskóy
and Alison Carter.
