All Bodies Movement Program 2025, spring session:
Yes! This is for you! We want to encourage all bodies who love moving but who may face a variety of barriers to participation to take a chance and dance! In this integrated dance program, modelled on Danceablility (Oregon) and Liant La Troca (Barcelona), we use ensemble improvisation and contact improvisation to bring together a range of different movers. Integrated dance means movers with disability and without get to dance together. This practice is meaningful and challenging for people of dance or non-dance backgrounds. Our approach encourages participants and instructors to work together to discover movement and artistic possibilities. The classes are relaxed and foster an environment of empathy and connection.
A weekly, relaxed and enjoyable movement improvisation class taught by Kyle Syverson, Miki Mappin and sometimes Louise Seidel. Approximately one, to one and-a-half hours of programming with time for arrival, break and debrief.
Wednesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, April-June, dates to be determined, in the All-Purpose room at the Saskatoon Shaw Centre.
8 sessions. No class October 23 nor November 20
$120 for all 8 sessions. Get in touch!
Rehearsal and performance at Persephone Backstage Stage, December 18 and 19. Optional, performers will receive artist's fees.
FAQs:
Do you accept any disability and any age?
If a person has a strong desire to participate, it is likely we can find a way. Participants and instructors will work together to find creative solutions. Mobility devices, personal helpers and guide dogs are welcome. People with invisible disabilities, and people who do not identify as living with a disability can also apply. We are not prepared to accept small children. We are not prepared to deal with significant behaviour issues or disorders. However we don’t want to make arbitrary limits and we know that each person is unique, so please enquire.
What kind of dance is it?
These are movement improvisation classes (sometimes known as creative movement), with the use of Contact Improvisation. Contact Improvisation is a dance form in which we attempt to really listen to our own sensations; from there, we practise moving together, using touch as a means of communication. We practise relaxation techniques, exercises to increase strength, mobility, and joy, as well as exercises or games to increase group awareness.
Is it safe?
We aim to create safer, braver spaces using consent based approaches, where people can move at their own pace, and they are treated with dignity and respect. Two experienced teachers: Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin, are present to facilitate safety and fun! Louise Seidel, a wheelchair user, is also there as an alternate teacher.
Do the facilitators have experience working with people living with disability?
We piloted the All Bodies program with an 8 week course in 2023, followed by a performance at Persephone, POWER. It was self-funded, with Louise, Kristen, Kyle, and Miki as participants.
KSAMB, Kyle and Miki, is inspired by working with people often excluded from dance programs and performance. We began developing an integrated dance program in 2019 with the help of a Creation Grant from Dance Saskatchewan for Time Shapers — 8 weeks with dancers from 7 to 91 years, culminating with a show at DSI. We have continued to explore the possibilities, working with experts in integrated dance:
-Kyle studied DanceAbility with Alito Alessi in Portland (2016), taught dance with SaskAbilities, and worked with Jordi Cortés of Liant la Troca in Barcelona (2023). Miki worked with Luke Anderson in Toronto (2017), and worked and performed with Liant la Troca in Barcelona (2020-23).
What if I don’t have the money?
Please inquire about subsidies!
What if the time or energy commitment is too much?
The two hour class is a generous amount of time so we can approach the class at a relaxed pace, with consideration for people’s needs. At any point if someone needs to rest, we encourage that. Also, if someone needs to leave early, that is fine too.
If a dancer is not able to attend all 8 sessions, that is not a problem. Also, each season can be taken in isolation - a person could take only the spring session, or only the fall session.
Inquiries and registration — [email protected]
Yes! This is for you! We want to encourage all bodies who love moving but who may face a variety of barriers to participation to take a chance and dance! In this integrated dance program, modelled on Danceablility (Oregon) and Liant La Troca (Barcelona), we use ensemble improvisation and contact improvisation to bring together a range of different movers. Integrated dance means movers with disability and without get to dance together. This practice is meaningful and challenging for people of dance or non-dance backgrounds. Our approach encourages participants and instructors to work together to discover movement and artistic possibilities. The classes are relaxed and foster an environment of empathy and connection.
A weekly, relaxed and enjoyable movement improvisation class taught by Kyle Syverson, Miki Mappin and sometimes Louise Seidel. Approximately one, to one and-a-half hours of programming with time for arrival, break and debrief.
Wednesdays, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, April-June, dates to be determined, in the All-Purpose room at the Saskatoon Shaw Centre.
8 sessions. No class October 23 nor November 20
$120 for all 8 sessions. Get in touch!
Rehearsal and performance at Persephone Backstage Stage, December 18 and 19. Optional, performers will receive artist's fees.
FAQs:
Do you accept any disability and any age?
If a person has a strong desire to participate, it is likely we can find a way. Participants and instructors will work together to find creative solutions. Mobility devices, personal helpers and guide dogs are welcome. People with invisible disabilities, and people who do not identify as living with a disability can also apply. We are not prepared to accept small children. We are not prepared to deal with significant behaviour issues or disorders. However we don’t want to make arbitrary limits and we know that each person is unique, so please enquire.
What kind of dance is it?
These are movement improvisation classes (sometimes known as creative movement), with the use of Contact Improvisation. Contact Improvisation is a dance form in which we attempt to really listen to our own sensations; from there, we practise moving together, using touch as a means of communication. We practise relaxation techniques, exercises to increase strength, mobility, and joy, as well as exercises or games to increase group awareness.
Is it safe?
We aim to create safer, braver spaces using consent based approaches, where people can move at their own pace, and they are treated with dignity and respect. Two experienced teachers: Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin, are present to facilitate safety and fun! Louise Seidel, a wheelchair user, is also there as an alternate teacher.
Do the facilitators have experience working with people living with disability?
We piloted the All Bodies program with an 8 week course in 2023, followed by a performance at Persephone, POWER. It was self-funded, with Louise, Kristen, Kyle, and Miki as participants.
KSAMB, Kyle and Miki, is inspired by working with people often excluded from dance programs and performance. We began developing an integrated dance program in 2019 with the help of a Creation Grant from Dance Saskatchewan for Time Shapers — 8 weeks with dancers from 7 to 91 years, culminating with a show at DSI. We have continued to explore the possibilities, working with experts in integrated dance:
-Kyle studied DanceAbility with Alito Alessi in Portland (2016), taught dance with SaskAbilities, and worked with Jordi Cortés of Liant la Troca in Barcelona (2023). Miki worked with Luke Anderson in Toronto (2017), and worked and performed with Liant la Troca in Barcelona (2020-23).
What if I don’t have the money?
Please inquire about subsidies!
What if the time or energy commitment is too much?
The two hour class is a generous amount of time so we can approach the class at a relaxed pace, with consideration for people’s needs. At any point if someone needs to rest, we encourage that. Also, if someone needs to leave early, that is fine too.
If a dancer is not able to attend all 8 sessions, that is not a problem. Also, each season can be taken in isolation - a person could take only the spring session, or only the fall session.
Inquiries and registration — [email protected]
disaster scores, December 19, 2024 at Persephone Backstage Stage, a contemporary dance performance, with vocals by Helen Pridmore and live audio by WL Altman.
In what is perhaps a true miracle of the season, crip artist Louise Seidel directs disaster scores, at the Persephone Backstage Stage. Louise's inspiration for the show comes from Silent Spring, the influential 1962 book by Rachel Carson that warned of environmental disaster. Though "disaster scores" may seem a depressing theme for the holidays, in this KSAMB Dance Company production, we use improvised movement and sound with radical inclusivity to embrace life’s contradictions, excite the imagination, and open possibilities.
In what is perhaps a true miracle of the season, crip artist Louise Seidel directs disaster scores, at the Persephone Backstage Stage. Louise's inspiration for the show comes from Silent Spring, the influential 1962 book by Rachel Carson that warned of environmental disaster. Though "disaster scores" may seem a depressing theme for the holidays, in this KSAMB Dance Company production, we use improvised movement and sound with radical inclusivity to embrace life’s contradictions, excite the imagination, and open possibilities.
disaster scores is performed by the integrated dance group All Bodies Movement, and supported by a team of some of Saskatoon's most experimental performance artists: director Louise Seidel, singer and sound artist Helen Pridmore, live audio composer WL Altman, and KSAMB codirectors Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin, all of whom also perform in the show. Featuring dancers Annika Lessing, Kristen Schneider, Robin Link, and Chantell Butler.
This one hour dance performance begins at 6 Pm, Thursday December 19, on the Persephone Theatre Backstage Stage. A pay as you can (free), relaxed performance, geared to anyone who likes contemporary art and dance, to people living with disabilities and their friends, and to anyone wanting to watch an absorbing, thought provoking, entertaining, and uplifting show!
Production and artistic direction by KSAMB - Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin
Directed by Louise Seidel
Vocal coach and director, Helen Pridmore
Sound design and composition, WL Altman
Choreographer and movement rehearsal director, Kyle Syverson
Designer, Miki Mappin
Director's assistant and Stage Manager, Shelby Lyn Lowe
Camera operator, Blair Charters
IATSE Local 300:
Lighting operator Tanqueray Strange
and stage hand Aaron Hursh
Persephone staff:
Kody Manson, Production Manager
Jody Longworth, Technical Director
Melani Vanderlinde, Front of House
Many thanks to Artistic Director Heather Cant and Persephone Theatre for supporting our show! Special thanks to Laura Harris and Blair Charters, Gail Syverson, Annika Lessing, Miggs Greene, Willow Dalnoki, and the staff of the Shaw Centre.
Thanks to KSAMB, the City of Saskatoon and Sask Lotteries, SK Arts, Dance Saskatchewan, Persephone Theatre, Paved Arts, and La Troupe du Jour.
KSAMB’s All Bodies Movement Program began in Saskatoon with a pilot in 2023, and is influenced by Liant la Troca, the outstanding integrated dance company directed by Jordi Cortés and based in Barcelona. Kyle and Miki worked with Jordi and Liant la Troca in Barcelona in 2020 and 2023, and were excited by this company's approach. Their practice is deeply human, compassionate, and intelligent in its dedication to ensemble improvisation and to challenging dancer stereotypes and barriers.
This one hour dance performance begins at 6 Pm, Thursday December 19, on the Persephone Theatre Backstage Stage. A pay as you can (free), relaxed performance, geared to anyone who likes contemporary art and dance, to people living with disabilities and their friends, and to anyone wanting to watch an absorbing, thought provoking, entertaining, and uplifting show!
Production and artistic direction by KSAMB - Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin
Directed by Louise Seidel
Vocal coach and director, Helen Pridmore
Sound design and composition, WL Altman
Choreographer and movement rehearsal director, Kyle Syverson
Designer, Miki Mappin
Director's assistant and Stage Manager, Shelby Lyn Lowe
Camera operator, Blair Charters
IATSE Local 300:
Lighting operator Tanqueray Strange
and stage hand Aaron Hursh
Persephone staff:
Kody Manson, Production Manager
Jody Longworth, Technical Director
Melani Vanderlinde, Front of House
Many thanks to Artistic Director Heather Cant and Persephone Theatre for supporting our show! Special thanks to Laura Harris and Blair Charters, Gail Syverson, Annika Lessing, Miggs Greene, Willow Dalnoki, and the staff of the Shaw Centre.
Thanks to KSAMB, the City of Saskatoon and Sask Lotteries, SK Arts, Dance Saskatchewan, Persephone Theatre, Paved Arts, and La Troupe du Jour.
KSAMB’s All Bodies Movement Program began in Saskatoon with a pilot in 2023, and is influenced by Liant la Troca, the outstanding integrated dance company directed by Jordi Cortés and based in Barcelona. Kyle and Miki worked with Jordi and Liant la Troca in Barcelona in 2020 and 2023, and were excited by this company's approach. Their practice is deeply human, compassionate, and intelligent in its dedication to ensemble improvisation and to challenging dancer stereotypes and barriers.
2023 All Bodies Movement Exchange was a pilot project, self-funded, to develop and refine a program of integrated (mixed abilities) ensemble dance. KSAMB Dance Company co-directors, Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin worked with theatre director Louise Seidel and visual artist Kristen Schneider. Both Louise and Kristen use wheelchairs.
Our partners included Liant la Troca of Barcelona, Propeller Dance of Ottawa, and Persephone Theatre, La Troupe du Jour, and Paved Arts of Saskatoon.
Our partners included Liant la Troca of Barcelona, Propeller Dance of Ottawa, and Persephone Theatre, La Troupe du Jour, and Paved Arts of Saskatoon.
POWER — December 20, 2023. A mixed abilities performance at The BackStage Stage at The Remai Arts Centre (Persephone).
We are influenced by the work of Liant la Troca, the outstanding integrated dance company directed by choreographer Jordi Cortés, based in Barcelona. Kyle and Miki worked with Jordi and Liant la Troca in March 2023 in Barcelona, while there for a residency with Queering CI. Miki also worked with the company in 2020. In 2023, she extended her stay and performed with their integrated dance troupe.
We are excited by this company’s deeply human, compassionate, and intelligent practice and performance. Their work has similarities to what KSAMB is doing in Saskatoon — in its dedication to ensemble improvisation and to challenging dancer stereotypes and barriers.
liantlatroca.com
Propeller Dance Artistic Director Renata Soutter invited us to join the Ottawa company's classes via teleconference. We did, and we look forward to further exchanges!
propellerdance.com
In Saskatoon, Heather Cant, Artistic Director of Persephone Theatre has offered to partner with us, making available their accessible and well-equipped BackStage Stage at The Remai Arts Centre.
persephonetheatre.org
We are excited by this company’s deeply human, compassionate, and intelligent practice and performance. Their work has similarities to what KSAMB is doing in Saskatoon — in its dedication to ensemble improvisation and to challenging dancer stereotypes and barriers.
liantlatroca.com
Propeller Dance Artistic Director Renata Soutter invited us to join the Ottawa company's classes via teleconference. We did, and we look forward to further exchanges!
propellerdance.com
In Saskatoon, Heather Cant, Artistic Director of Persephone Theatre has offered to partner with us, making available their accessible and well-equipped BackStage Stage at The Remai Arts Centre.
persephonetheatre.org
CBC's Shauna Powers interviews Louise and Kyle— cbc.ca/listen
POWER. Who has the power? What kind of power? An experiment with the audience in the Backstage Stage of the Remai Arts Centre (Persephone). Ensemble scored improvisation in the form of a performance, within a rehearsal, within a performance.
Featuring Kristen Schneider, Louise Seidel, Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin.
The audience was invited to observe, interact in certain parts, make their needs known, and help us to make it a welcoming experience! A continuing KSAMB experiment in permeable, relaxed performance. We all work to stay focused, but we can talk when we need to, the door is open, and our technician is communicating with us. Live, ensemble improvisation!
As a company, we are experimenting with levels of accessibility. We encourage people of all abilities and levels of interest to be involved.
Featuring Kristen Schneider, Louise Seidel, Kyle Syverson and Miki Mappin.
The audience was invited to observe, interact in certain parts, make their needs known, and help us to make it a welcoming experience! A continuing KSAMB experiment in permeable, relaxed performance. We all work to stay focused, but we can talk when we need to, the door is open, and our technician is communicating with us. Live, ensemble improvisation!
As a company, we are experimenting with levels of accessibility. We encourage people of all abilities and levels of interest to be involved.