A Big East Coast Thank You and a Big Secret 75th Anniversary Project

As most people in this region are aware, there was a huge celebration of East Coast music in Halifax this past weekend. 

The Talent Trust has some people to thank (but we can’t tell you why — not just yet).

• The crew from Bell Aliant: Drew Domokos and Brian Fisher.
• The Marquee Ballroom
• And especially the good folks from the East Coast Music Awards: Andy McLean, Jeff Lawton, and Gregor Ash.

We’d also like to thank Reeny Smith, for the shout out to the Talent Trust from the stage. That was definitely not confidential, and neither are her abilities. Reeny’s a powerhouse.

The secret project? Well, we can tell you it has something to do with our 75th anniversary, which happens in 2019. You can probably guess at least some of it has to do with music. But that’s call we can say for now. Because it isn’t ready yet.

We’re pretty sure you’ll love it.

Choreographer Ruth-Ellen Kroll Jackson Presents To Pulsate in KiDanCo's 2018 Spring Season

KiDanCo, the resident pre-professional company for emerging dance artists at the Leica Hardy School of Dance present their 7th annual Spring Season of contemporary dance repertoire.

When and where:
May 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinee May 13 at 2:30 p.m.

DANSpace-On-Grafton 
1531 Grafton Street, Halifax

Performances include pieces by Kendra Armstrong, Ruth-Ellen Kroll Jackson, Darryl Tracy, Anastasia Wiebe, and Artistic Director Leica Hardy in this dynamic program of original works.

Ruth-Ellen Kroll Jackson
photo by Holly Crooks

Ruth-Ellen Kroll Jackson's To Pulsate is an athletic, fast-paced piece with urban vibe for six dancers to the music of Frank Bretschneider. 

Ruth-Ellen earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the North Carolina School of the Arts. Her performing career took her to New York where she danced with such companies as The Martha Graham Dance Ensemble and the Parsons Dance Company. 

Ruth-Ellen continues to work in the region as a choreographer, performer and instructor.

Tickets are $23 for adults, $16 for students (12+) and seniors (65+), and $11 for children. 

To purchase, please contact info@leicahardyschoolofdance.com or phone 466-0101. Tickets at the door are cash only.

Pamela Ritchie: Art Jewellery Conversations Lecture in Vancouver

Pamela Ritchie is the featured artist in a speakers series called adorning expression: art jewellery conversations, presented by Craft Council of British Columbia.

adorning expression, part of the 2018 Art of Craft Lectures, is a series of three presentations “that provides lovers of fashion, art jewellery and those who see their bodies as a canvas for self-expression with an opportunity to explore the art jewellery scene in Canada today.”

The lectures feature the most recent Saidye Bronfman award winner, which is the highest honour for professional craftspeople in Canada. Pamela, who’s a jewellery artist in Hubley, NS, holds the 2017 Bronfman. 

She says this about her work: “I am interested in exploring linkages between the language of traditional craft processes and the developing language resulting from newer modes of production.”

Pamela’s lecture is on Monday, May 14, 2018 at the Orpheum Annex Theatre in Vancouver, and is co-hosted by Crafted Vancouver. 

For more information: 

craftcouncilbc.ca/happenings/art-of-craft-lecture-series/

Opening May 4, 2018 - Ascension: New Drawings by Charley Young

Ascension: New Drawings by Charley Young opens May 4, 2018 at Studio 21 in Halifax. 

The drawings explore "ascension and proximity to make visible rock faces, scree slopes, tree lines, striations, and mountain contours.” The works are based on helicopter travels through the Rocky Mountains, tracing the artist’s passage through the physical landscape as well as her memories of the place.  

The opening reception is from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Ascension runs to June 6. 

For more information or to view the work online, visit the Studio 21 website: http://studio21.ca/exhibitions/ascension-new-drawings/

Cellist India Yeshe Gailey Master’s Recital at McGill University

Here’s a great excuse for a visit to Montreal, or a lovely way to spend part of your afternoon if you live there. Cellist India Yeshe Gailey performs her first master’s recital at McGill University on May 12, 2018. 

The performance features Bryce Lansdell on Piano and includes works by Jocelyn Morlock, György Ligeti, Kaija Saariaho, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Anton Webern.

The recital begins at 1:00 p.m. at Redpath Hall, 3461 rue McTavish (McTavish Gates). Admission is free. 

It's Our Birthday. Here's How We're Celebrating

The Talent Trust officially began 74 years ago today. We're planning big things for our 75th anniversary (when we go platinum!), but for now, we're having a more modest celebration.

Modest, but important.

Today, we want to toast all of you.

If you've applied for a scholarship — because that process can be intimidating. You put yourself out there and held your breath. We know how that feels, and we think you're amazing for working so hard, not just on your art, but everything that goes with establishing yourself as a professional artist.

If you're one of our community partners — the small but mighty organizations, like us, helping your members make their art and build their careers. We're glad to work beside you.

If you're just starting to think about becoming an artist, or if you're switching media — you're brilliant. We know it's hard work, and we know it's rewarding, and that's just one of the reasons we're here. Dream big. 

If you're in the audience — going to shows, buying art, telling family and friends about the artist you love or have just discovered. You're important partners in this enterprise.

If you've donated to the Talent Trust — last but by no means least, one of the dedicated people who believe in the creativity of the up-and-coming talent in Nova Scotia. You're helping artists enrich our communities, our province, country, and the world.

Today, we're celebrating our whole community. 

You're the best.

Dance Nova Scotia Presents Dance Class with a Difference for Men and Boys

Our friends at Dance Nova Scotia are presenting a dance class for men and boys regardless of experience. But it might not be what you’d expect.

BrainDance (Brain Compatible Dance Education), a set of eight developmental movements, forms the basis of the session. These techniques are beneficial for the central nervous system. Practitioners can experience improved mood, reduced stress and increased concentration.

The session will be led by Vincent E. Thomas, dancer, choreographer and teacher, who holds an MFA in Dance from Florida State University and is a research fellow at Jacob’s Pillow in Beckett, Massachussets.

The class takes place Tuesday, May 8 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., St. George’s Parish Hall 2222 Brunswick St. Halifax

Suggested Donation: $5

RSVP or questions: Call (902) 422-1749, or visit the event Facebook page.