Crimson Coast Dance Society’s ‘Dance in the Belly of the Dragon’ Festival Continues Despite Dragonboat Celebration Reduction
Crimson Coast Dance Society’s ‘dance in the belly of the dragon’ festival is set to dazzle audiences this year, despite the reduced dragonboat celebration in Nanaimo. The partnership between Crimson Coast and the dragonboat festival has been a longstanding tradition, bringing together different cultures through the art of dance.
Artistic director and producer, Holly Bright, expressed disappointment over the loss of the dragonboat festival this year, but assured that the Infringing Festival will still showcase a variety of outdoor and indoor performances throughout the week. One of the main stage presentations, Maamawi: Together Through the Fire, has been in the works for four years, incorporating VR technology and contemporary dance.
Co-creator and choreographer, Olivia Davies, along with show co-creator Athomas Goldberg, have been exploring the use of technology in storytelling since 2020. The upcoming performance at the Port Theatre will mark the first time the show has been taken out of beta testing, offering audiences a unique and immersive experience.
Maamawi delves into the teachings of Anishinaabe prophecies, with a narrative that reflects on humanity’s past and future. The use of technology, including virtual reality headsets and motion-capture technology, adds a new dimension to the storytelling, creating a thought-provoking experience for viewers.
In addition to Maamawi, the Infringing Festival will feature a variety of performances, including children’s entertainment and a celebration of Caribbean dance and music curated by Nanaimo Reggae Massive. The festival will be concentrated at Maffeo Sutton Park on July 13, coinciding with the dragonboat regatta.
For more information on Maamawi and the festival, visit www.oliviacdavies.ca and www.crimsoncoastdance.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of dance and technology coming together in the heart of Nanaimo.
