Performer and choreographer, Sonia St-Michel draws upon the symbolism of classical Indian dance to create poetic, refined and sensitive work. She first trained in classical Indian dance (Odissi) in Canada with the Anjali Academy and Upasana Dance School. With the support of the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute and the Quebec Arts Countil she furthered her training in India with Guru Aloka Panikar, where she also studied hindustani vocal and percussions.
Her work has been presented in India, Canada and Mexico. It is is characterized by interdisciplinary collaborations and has received the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Quebec Art Council and the City of Ottawa. Chitrangada, Queen of Hearts (2009), created with storyteller Jacques Falquet, was presented in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Sherbrooke and Gatineau and nominated for the prize L’Avant-Première of the Culturiades Gala 2010. In Aarti, she is accompanied by visual artist Marie-France Thibault under the mentorship of choreographer and director Brandy Leary as they craft the interplay of moving light and shadow. Sonia teaches Odissi dance at the Académie de danse de l’Outaouais and offers school workshops in Quebec and Ontario though the MASC network.
AARTI
“Aarti” is derived from the Sanskrit word Aaraatrik meaning a ritual offering of light to a deity. Sonia St-Michel is drawing from the sensuality, the spirituality and symbolism of Odissi dance. She is accompanied by visual artist Marie-France Thibault under the mentorship of choreographer Brandy Leary. The collaborators craft the interplay of moving light and shadow. Their subtle and complit dialogue is accompanied by the enchanting music of Esmerine and Samidha Joglekar and carries us to a captivating ethereal place. Delicate, stirring and powerful, Aarti explores journeys and transformation through ritual and celebrates creation. A journey that leads us where the infinitely small meets infinitely large. The work was created with the support of the Quebec Arts Council following a research project supported by the Canada Council for the Arts. The artists also benefitted from a creative residency with the Academie de danse de l’Outaouais and a production residency with the Ottawa Dance Directive as well as a production grant from the centre Avant-Première. The premier of Aarti was March 8th to 10th at the Ottawa Dance Directive.
Credits
Performers: Sonia St-Michel et Marie-France Thibault
Choreography: Sonia St-Michel
Director and Process Dramaturge: Brandy Leary
Projection and Lighting: Marie-France Thibault
Music: Esmerine and Samidha Joglekar
Photos: Gilles Vézina
Contact : Sonia St-Michel