In these days of funding cuts and the subsequent dismantlement of theatre and dance companies, it is increasingly challenging to maintain a viable artistic organization. Modern or contemporary dance has never received the support that traditional dance has enjoyed, such as ethnic dance or ballet, though funding has also been slashed to these companies too. Mile Zero Dance Company in Edmonton, Alberta was instantiated in 1985 and has continued to flourish since, though not without artistic and financial hurdles.
Mile Zero Dance: History & Vision
Started in the mid-'80s during a boom time for Alberta, Mile Zero dance weathered the slump in the '90s and continues to be a strong collective in the 21st century. Its artistic director as of 2009 is Gerry Morita, a diverse dancer with roots in the Japanese dance community. The company was established to reflect the powerful multi-disciplinary influences in the Edmonton artistic scene.
Thus, the dancers work with musicians, actors, videographers, painters and other artists to create their eclectic, exciting performances. The company has performed in Turkey and Japan and received several awards, including the Syncrude Award for Excellence in Artistic Direction and the Edmonton Salute to Excellence in Performance.
The company focuses on the development of both its dancers and its audience, on training and mentorship of performers and on a varied performance base.
What Explains the Staying Power of Mile Zero Dance?
Mile Zero Dance company is committed to community. Both on the level of audience expansion, funding support and uniqueness of creative input, the dance collective depends on its members. Supporters pay a small annual fee to support the troupe. With this fee, they receive discounts on tickets to shows as well as a newsletter.
Mile Zero Dance is also attentive to diversity. Along with putting on mainstage events several times a year, performances that involve many artists in the scene, the group has also established many other modes of interaction with the community. They host a Salon series at least four times a year at the ARTery that features poets, musicians, visual artists and even comedians and drag queens in variety shows.
They also exit the confines of their rehearsal space, known as The Landing Pad, to perform site-specific pieces in places like the center of downtown, the Mayor's office and the railway station. Back at The Landing Pad, the dancers like Morita, Theresa Dextrase and Sophie Fairweather offer courses and workshops in everything from Noguchi Taiso and Butoh to contemporary movement and breathing techniques.
Mile Zero invites guest artists in on a regular basis from such places as London and Paris to teach workshops or to be artists in residence. Additionally, the troupe heads out to schools to give classes in movement and freedom of bodily expression. They also participate in International Dance Day in Churchill Square once a year.
Mile Zero dance gratefully accepts donations. Fifty dollars or more will receive a tax receipt. Volunteers are always welcome too.
Catherine Owen - Catherine Owen, MA 2001, has published ten award winning books of poetry/prose. Her writing is lyrical, well-researched and fully ...
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