Mystery dance at festival spurs children's imaginations

Once upon a time, in a town similar to yours and mine, a workaholic cobbler did not know magical creatures were stalking him. Just as Auguste is about to board a train on his way home from a gruelling day at work, they whisk him off to an enchanted water forest where he unlocks the secret to happiness and joy in his own life.

At Nightfall, one of the whimsical highlights of the International Children’s Festival coming to St. Albert from June 1 to 5, is a poetic journey into self-discovery that demands complete suspension of disbelief.

It is a world of tiny people where shade and light intermingle and nocturnal dances of cavorting creatures create spellbinding moments. It is a mysterious place of depth and beauty for children to engage their fantasies.

Choreographed by Sursaut Dance Company’s artistic director, Francine Châteauvert, this 55-minute dance imprints flowing poetic imagery with a bold physical style. It has toured Eastern Canada since 2006 and recently performed at the 2010 Cultural Olympiad in Vancouver.

Managing director Adam Dymburt, who also dances the role of Auguste, explains that Sursaut productions were created as an entertainment alternative to Disney’s Cinderella and Snow White. “We try to encourage people to see new things,” says Dymburt.

He adds the dance was inspired by two things — Châteauvert’s ongoing concern for the environment and protection of nature and Dymburt’s non-stop work ethic.

“I’m not a workaholic,” chuckles Dymburt who wears many hats in the small company based in Sherbrooke, Quebec. “But I have a hard time getting out. I can’t stop doing what I’m doing. I take holidays but I always check my messages.”

Stilt walking, head standing, mime, dance and acrobatics are seamlessly forged with a spritely soundtrack that creates atmosphere and feeling. “There are many nature sounds in the music. It tends to have a calming effect on everyone.”

Perhaps one of the most striking elements of the show is the ethereal water forest, a realm created out of common stretchy material and PVC copper pipes.

“It’s a beautiful show and I think people will come away with a good feeling. It’s a very different offering as an artwork. It takes a certain amount of attention to watch. It’s like watching a poem slowly unfold. Everything in society is moving way too fast right now. I’m not putting down speed, but there is a time to sit down and enjoy the slowness and beauty around us. This is a very inspiring show – something people should see more often.”