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 captivate audiences this year, despite the reduced dragonboat celebration in Nanaimo. The long-standing partnership between Crimson Coast and the dragonboat festival has been a beacon of cultural unity for over a decade, bringing together different cultures through the art of dance.

Artistic director and producer, Holly Bright, expressed disappointment over the absence of the dragonboat festival this year but assured that the Infringing Festival will continue with 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, combining VR technology and contemporary dance in a groundbreaking performance.

Co-creator and choreographer, Olivia Davies, along with show co-creator Athomas Goldberg, have been pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology since 2020. The incorporation of VR technology and the collaboration with Anishinaabe elder Gloria May Eshkibok have added depth and authenticity to the narrative, exploring themes of ancestral prophecies and humanity’s choices.

The upcoming performances of Maamawi at the Port Theatre will showcase the culmination of years of hard work and innovation, with a limited seating VR experience and a fully staged live performance featuring augmented reality and motion-capture technology. The festival will also feature children’s entertainment and a celebration of Caribbean dance and music curated by Nanaimo Reggae Massive.

For more information on Maamawi and the Infringing Festival, visit www.oliviacdavies.ca and www.crimsoncoastdance.com. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the intersection of dance, technology, and storytelling at its finest.