A Message from the Artistic Director
Welcome to In Motion III, an exciting celebration of dance, creativity, and the immense talent within our community. We are incredibly grateful to have you here, in this moment, seated in this theatre and sharing the magic of art. Reflecting on our first show in 2022 fills me with joy and pride as I marvel at how much we’ve achieved since then, thanks to the support of our members, volunteers, staff, artists, funders and sponsors and you. Today, we gather in this space to witness personal, human, and moving stories told through the language of movement.
Each piece on this stage offers a unique glimpse into the lived experiences, worldviews, and dreams of our choreographers and dancers.
With 37 talented dance artists and 7 brilliant choreographers, this year’s show is our biggest yet—a testament to the growth and evolution of In Motion and Ballet Bodies YYC Society. Our choreographers—Alexandra Contreras, Barbara England, Edmund Stripe, Izabela Zawadzka, Kaitlyn Seibold, Sabrina Naz Comănescu, and myself—have each crafted pieces that reflect their distinctive voices and artistic visions.
I am deeply honoured and privileged to continue serving as the Artistic Director in an organization with a mission to create inclusive programming, amplify diverse voices, and champion innovation in dance.
Thank you for joining us and for supporting the local artists who transform their stories into movement. We hope tonight’s performances inspire, move, and connect us all!
Serenella Sol
Founder & Artistic Director of Ballet Bodies YYC Society
PROGRAM
Little Requiems
Choreographed by Edmund Stripe
Description
Little Requiems is an homage to five of my family members, all of whom passed within a very short period of time. Much of the movement is based on the spelling of their names. The piece, perhaps, suggests a meeting and intertwining of souls on a different plane. I would like to thank the cast for their immense generosity for their movement ideas and input during the creation process. This piece is for Roger T, Nathan R-T, Robin T, Robin S, and my wife, Janet S.
Dancers
Amber Wiens, Katie Zwick, Kaylin Walters, Lauren Buchardt, Tsukina Kajisako.
Music
All Human Beings (Voiceless Mix) by Max Richter
Special Thanks to Quynh Chestnut and Alberta Ballet School for lending their costumes.
Strategy
Choreographed by Sabrina Naz Comănescu
Description
Pieces - like pawns - bravely fallen
Problems - like bishops - swiftly solved
Patterns - like knights - controlled centers
People - like kings - bittersweet
Passion - like rooks & queens - Dedicated & miss matched… past lovers perhaps?
There's no need to think more deeply than the ocean about all of this…
What I'm getting at is…. There's a strategy to this madness.
Dancers
Annalise Grammacione, Christahh Ahh, Cindy Ansah, J.R. McNeil , Kayla MacKenzie, Maryn Bjorndahl, Stephanie Jurkova-Abaco, Tara Blue.
Music
Text written and spoken by Sabrina Naz Comănescu, Edited by Luis el Pana Tovar, “Shiva-Loka” by Alice Coltrane, “The Fours” by Makaya McCraven, “Capillary Waves" by Flock.
A big thank you to all of the dancers for their creative input and openness. Thank you to Kimberley Cooper for outside eyeing the piece.
Silent Uplift
Choreographed by Izabela Zawadzka
Description
Silent Uplift focuses on authenticity, calmness, and an aesthetic beyond the traditional pursuit of spectacle. It creates a desire to establish a deep connection through simplicity and inner beauty—both in the movement composition and the relationship with the audience. The viewers are invited to participate without judgment or expectation, fostering a unique experience that is intimate and reflective. The choreography resembles a meditation, leading the audience into a state of calm and dreamy immersion, offering a moment of respite from the outside world and focusing on the beauty found in the subtlety and delicacy of movement.
Dancers
Emily Losier, Jaidyn Bloemraad, Juliana De Francesco, Lavender Wong, Mikaela Widdup, Shayla Waschuk.
Music
"T'Cow's Yed" by Nocturnal Emissions / "Ballerina" by Biosphere
90-60-90
Choreographed by Serenella Sol
Description
90-60-90 is a playful exploration of beauty standards and our relationship with self-image. Inspired by growing up in Venezuela, where watching Miss Venezuela was a yearly and highly anticipated event, this piece reflects on the absurdity and influence of these pageants. From a young age, I learned to judge women based on catwalks, bikinis, and the ideal 90-60-90 measurements. Though these standards now feel ridiculous and irrelevant, they nevertheless shaped my views on beauty. This piece examines what it means to be 'lady-like,' to find confidence outside societal norms, and to explore the liberation in breaking free from those constraints.
Dancers
Amairani Rico, Kaitlyn Seibold, Beth Durnie.
Sound Design
Arturo Marc
Special Thanks to Lindy Pruitt for helping with prop design.
Look At Me
Choreographed by Barbara England
Description
Two dancers at the cusp of their careers. Two humans in a transitional stage of life. Two individuals finding their voices. They have questions – where do they go for answers? They are ready to be looked at, but how will they be seen? Watch as these young dancers navigate the murky waters of the modern-day dance scene, where support and competition merge, and where individual expression is reduced to data. Have we set them up for success? This performance is an act of becoming, which can be a messy and non-linear process. It’s also a cry for art to prevail in a data-driven world. Thank you for watching.
Dancers
Kalyna Howell-Matwichuk, Lane Sayer.
Music
"A Warmer Place" by Lubomyr Melnyk, "Frustration" by Lou Reed & Metallica, "Station" by Russian Circles "Pause" by Nils Frahm.
The Sea
Choreographed by Alexandra Contreras
Description
Behold the sea; the one we had no idea about when we thought we knew while in the river. Our minds still can't get it, but the sails of the heart are up and the wind takes us into greater mysteries.
Dancers
Abby Blanchard, Aliya Ayorinde, Brittney Winnitoy, Chantelle Marlatt, Jasmine Almaguer Sheldrick, Jordan Schiebelbein, Lauren Falk, Mira Gitelman, Rachel Merchant.
Music
This Is the Sea (2004 Remaster) by The Waterboys
In My Room
Choreographed by Kaitlyn Seibold
Description
"In My Room" explores the delicate balance between solitude and connection. Through a series of fragmented moments, five characters navigate their inner worlds, each tethered to an unseen struggle. As their stories unfold, their personal spaces blur, creating a room where memories, desires, and emotions intertwine. This room is both sanctuary and storm—where comfort meets chaos, and light reveals what’s hidden. What do we keep close? What do we let go? The room holds the answers, if we choose to see them.
Dancers
Beth Durnie, Serenella Sol, Sierra Oszust, Taylor MacLeod, Reese Wilson.
Music
"In my Room" - The Beach Boys & "Opening" - Alexandre Dai Castaing
Production Team
Light Designer - Lauren Acheson
Stage Manager - Marcia Liber
Costume Designer - Maryn Bjorndahl
Photographer - Jennifer Jones
Videographer - Alyssa Maturino
Graphic Designer - Isabelle Ford-Roy
Programs Coordinator - Beth Durnie
Producer, Marketing and Artistic Director - Serenella Sol