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IZM pushes boundaries

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council bring in pure street dance

As part of youth week, the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council will present May 4 at the ACT the dance company Bboyizm’s production IZM

In a movement to empower people worldwide to express themselves, choreographer-dancer Crazy Smooth presents IZM, an investigation into the very nature of artistic expression, developing interplay between the artist’s intentions and the viewer’s desires, challenging both dancers and the audience.

IZM brings together 10 of Canada’s most talented performers of the genre in a piece that evokes the essential nature of pure street dance, with all its intricacy and passion.

IZM transcends age, race and gender, reaching below the surface where emotions live.

“Whether you are intimately connected to dance or you are simply looking to enjoy something new, IZM will be an awe-inspiring experience,” Lindy Sisson, executive-director of the arts council.

With extraordinary street dance moves and heavy beats, the troupe performs with amazing creativity, always emanating its motto: “Dance to express. Not to impress.”

The crew’s mandate is to preserve the honesty and authenticity of street dancing under the belief that “if one is truly expressing oneself, their dance will most definitely be impressive.”

Deeply rooted in authenticity, Crazy Smooth explores street dance tradition in a modern production setting, pushing current popular boundaries of the dance spectrum.

Drawing on the technical background in two hip hop dance styles (rocking and b-boying), Bboyizm showcases performers Melly Mel, Crazy Smooth, Chilly, and more, each epitomizing this cool form of dancing to a tee.

The urban roots of street dance embrace individualism and social aspects of this modern folk dance, and ultimately translate beautifully to an exciting stage performance.

“IZM ... These dancers work,” said Tedd Robinson, artistic director, 10 Gates Dancing Inc. “The show is an engaging and intelligent journey of spirit, of dance and of life. This is a smart new presentation with heart and humour. I’m a fan.”

The 60-minute performance includes an open discussion with the audience challenging our ideas about dance and dancers.

The performance is suitable for ages 8 and older.

Bboyizm is also part of Youth Week at the ACT, where on May 3 youth are provided with access to experts in the area of songwriting, street dance, spoken word, and more (www.theactmapleridge.org).

• Call 604-476-2787 or visit  www.theactmapleridge.org for tickets.

 

The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council, with more than 40 years of community service, works to build strong arts and culture in the region and provide excellence in artistic presentations, programs, and exhibits, community engagement, and customer and member services.