Skip to content

Dancers take stage in Nanaimo

NANAIMO - Percussive dancers perform at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre on May 5.
61718nanaimoJoelHanna-Web
Joel Hanna performs in Nanaimo during Encuentros Passionate Percussive Dance Encounters May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

Modern dance styles can still stay true to their roots.

Joel Hanna, a dancer and choreographer, said traditional dances, such as flamenco and Irish dancing, are being performed around the world now, not just in their country of origin, which has allowed for more crossover between dance styles.

He said there are “more avenues of performance for them,” and there are more collaborative projects between dancers.

Hanna performs during Encuentros Passionate Percussive Dance Encounters on May 5 at 7 p.m. in the Mount Benson Ballroom at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

Besides a performance by Hanna, the show also features performances by Kasandra, a.k.a. La China, show artistic director and flamenco dancer; Ricardo Lopez, flamenco dancer; Vicente Griego, singer; Davide Sampaolo, percussionist and Gareth Owen, guitarist.

“These kind of shooting stars are something people should see,” said Hanna about the rarity of a performance like Encuentros. “When something is good it’s just good and people will be drawn to it.”

The show features the dancers performing to percussive music.

“Sometimes they’re related and similar and other times they are on completely different planets,” said Hanna about the dance styles.

Hanna combines many influences, including tap dance, musical percussion, Irish dance and martial arts, to create his unique style.

During the show his dance form will be “manifesting in the music of flamenco,” he said, and what it creates will be interesting.

According to Hanna’s biography, his first break was in 1997 when he joined Riverdance: The Show. He came into the spotlight and was selected to become the subject of the CBC- and Riverdance-produced documentary The Badboy and the Hometown Girl.

He choreographed and starred in Fire of Dance for four years. In 2007, he created Revolution: Sweat: Dance, Rock and Roll.

Hanna has taught and choreographed award-winning pieces in dance companies in South and Central America, Asia and Europe.

Tickets are $30 general or $27 for seniors and students in advance by calling 250-754-8550, www.porttheatre.com or www.soleraarts.com. Tickets are $65 for the show and buffet dinner, held from 5:30-7 p.m. Or tickets are $35 at the door, for the show only.

For more information please go to http://kasandraflamenco.com.

arts@nanaimobulletin.com