Hot off the press!
Brenda Kent just finished editing our Fall Leaves film shot by David Cooper, Order of Canada back in November 2020.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this!!
Supported by Dezza Dance Residency Project with West Point Grey Community Centre.
Featuring: Desirée Dunbar, Eileen Fogarty-Ellis, Rachel Helten, Lisa Jordan, Paula Shaw, Linda Rosenheck and the Trees of Jericho Park
Our very own Eileen Fogarty-Ellis was recently featured in an article for West Point Grey Community Centre
Read about her dance roots below
A return to her roots
Fogarty-Ellis rediscovered her passion for dance through West Point Grey CC’s Collaborative Creative Dance program and, more recently, the small but strong Elan Dance Project, both of which are led by West Point Grey CC artist in residence Desirée Dunbar.
With the Elan Dance Project, Fogarty-Ellis recently danced in several performances inspired by Greek goddesses: Persephone Rises and Hecate Below, recorded by David Cooper, as well as a Dancing with Trees performance for Culture Days. She divulges that their upcoming ensemble is inspired by Demeter and autumn.
“Everyone in the group has some quite extensive dance experience,” says Fogarty-Ellis of the six-member company. “Either they were or are professional dancers, and the ages range from mid-40s to, well I’m the oldest of the group right now.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down their rehearsal space, they nimbly transitioned to Jericho Park and, more recently, the Oak Room in West Point Grey CC’s Aberthau mansion facility.
Being able to continue to dance and perform has not only been a highly rewarding experience for Fogarty-Ellis, she also hopes that it sets an example for other women of all ages who may be considering a return or introduction to dance.
“I didn’t think that at the age of 72 I could even begin to perform, and this has helped me to realize that, yeah, I’m not the same dancer that I was in my 20s or 30s, but I still have that training and ability to move.”
“It’s been an unbelievably amazing experience to realize that about myself and all the other dancers in the company.”
DANCING WITH TREES with Desirée Dunbar & Elan Dance Project Dancers
WATCH THE REPLAY!
Time stamps of interest: 37:55 – 38:50 a nice reflection of trees from a participant, also at 42:30, at 47:00 dancing at home together, then a live performance by another adult/older adult dance troupe Elan Dance Project at 57:30.
“Hi Desiree, Rachael, Elan dancers,
Thanks for this beautiful experience. I love the dance themes. It evoked so many beautiful images of special trees from my childhood. I loved a cedar tree and a lovely fragrant lilac tree as a child. It is such pleasure to meditate on these special trees. The two videos were beautiful and powerful. Autumn is a powerful time for trees to give back to the earth that sustains them. The dancers are beckoning the darkness of winter a time for silence and spiritual renewal. Fall is a time our souls can be set free to soar like eagles soaring in the wind close to the creator after the toils and joys of earthly life.
Kindest regards,”
Here's a little something that emerged from taking our Dance Residency Project outdoors this summer!
Hecate Below 🍂🍁🍂
Elan Dance Project
Desirée Dunbar, Artistic Director/ Choreographer/ Dancer
Dancers: Eileen Fogarty-Ellis, Lisa Jordan, Marnie Maretic, Linda Rosenheck, Paula Kate Shaw
Filming: David Cooper
Editing: Bee N. Kent
A Dezza Dance Residency Project with thanks to West Point Grey Community Centre & Association, Vancouver ParkBoard, City of Vancouver Cultural Services, Arts & Health
AND… ANOTHER FILM FROM THE BEGINNING OF SUMMER!
Persephone Rises Choreographer/ Dancer: Desirée Dunbar
Dancers: Eileen Fogarty-Ellis, Lisa Jordan, Marnie Maretic, Linda Rosenheck & Paula Shaw
Camera: David Cooper
Music Artist: Phillip Daniel Zach
Follow us on Instagram @ dezzadance
ELAN DANCE PROJECT SUMMER DIS-DANCING IN JERICHO PARK
