Festival of New Dance 2026: ELEMENTAL

A mixed program of dance shaped by fire, water, weather, and change.

“ʔa·kinq̓ uku” by Samantha Sutherland

Fire ignites, grows, burns, and devours. Once it decays, what destruction does it leave behind?
How does the earth regrow out of the ashes?
ʔa·kinq̓ uku, the word for fire in the Ktunaxa Language, is a solo that follows the life cycle of a wildfire, and the regrowth that occurs after. This piece was created in reaction to the wildfire that burned through the Samantha’s home community of ʔaq̓ am in the summer of 2023.

Credits
Choreographer and Performer: Samantha Sutherland
Lighting Design: Jonathan Kim
Costume: Cindy Sutherland
Sound Composition: Edgardo Moreno
Video Projections: Jude Pierre
Mentorship: Christine Friday

Acknowledgements
Supported by Pakitinam Choreographers Circle with Raven Spirit Dance, and Inviting the Land to Shape Us with Kaha:wi Dance Theatre

Watch the trailer for ʔa·kinq̓ uku here.

(Photography: Kate Dalton)

 

“Weathering Chapter 4” by Robyn Breen
The forecast calls for rain, drizzle, fog, and wind, always wind. In this latest installment of the Weathering Project, the performers are tormented by the relentless elements of this rocky island. Using principles from her "Togethering" practices used in both workshop and creative process settings, Robyn prioritizes unity over unison in this romp of a group dance

(Photography: Chris Deacon)

 

“Thulli: The Journey of a Drop” by Big Steppers NL
Thulli: The Journey of a Drop is a South Indian kuthu based choreographic work that explores the transformation of a single water droplet through movement and rhythm. The choreography blends kuthu and South Indian folk dance vocabulary with expressive group formations and dynamic energy shifts. The droplet travels through different states of water beginning in the sky as rain moving into a pond representing stillness and reflection then progressing into a waterfall where movement becomes energetic and celebratory. It then flows into a river where choreography reflects struggle direction and flow before reaching the sea which is portrayed through expansive powerful and joyful movement. The work uses rhythm footwork and collective ensemble patterns to express emotional transitions rather than literal storytelling. It focuses on physicality energy and connection between dancers to represent water in constant motion. The piece concludes with a return to the sky symbolizing renewal continuity and cyclical existence of nature.

Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge Nikhilesh Paliath for his creative contribution to the choreography. Though he has since relocated, his artistic input remains an important part of this work. We thank him and wish him every success in his new chapter.

Watch the trailer for Thulli: The Journey of a Drop here.

Stick around after the performance for an artist talkback facilitated by Writer in Residence Angela Antle. Then, join us in the Second Space for a reception to celebrate the opening of the 2026 Festival of New Dance.

New this year! Neighbourhood Dance Works, WritersNL, Arts & Culture Centre, and Anna Templeton Centre are pleased to present Writers, Makers, & Illustrators in Residence programming adjacent to the 2026 Festival of New Dance. Please click here to learn more about the residency and sign up for free response labs.