MARKHAM, ON – August 15, 2024 – The Varley Art Gallery of Markham announces the premiere of Eternal Echoes 2024, an immersive dance performance produced and choreographed by Zoe Kwan, running from August 30 to September 1, 2024, in the Varley Art Gallery courtyard. This show invites audiences to explore the theme of resilience through the integration of movement and Chinese Martial Arts principles.
“The Varley Art Gallery continues to be a beacon of artistic innovation in our community,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Eternal Echoes
exemplifies the gallery’s commitment to supporting the creativity of local artists. We are proud to host a production that not only celebrates the strength of the human spirit but also reflects our rich cultural diversity."
Eternal Echoes draws inspiration from Chinese Martial Arts, emphasizing perseverance, focus, discipline, and mindfulness. The performance embodies the emotional journey of overcoming life’s challenges. As the audience moves through the gallery courtyard and lobby, guided by the dancers, they will engage with a narrative of hope and renewal, set against an immersive backdrop designed to inspire reflection.
Zoe Kwan, a rising choreographer and dance artist from Markham, is the creative force behind Eternal Echoes. With a practice rooted in Western contemporary dance forms and Qi-Gong, Zoe has an impressive portfolio that includes work with artists like Michael Caldwell and Colleen Snell, as well as performances at festivals such as Fall For Dance North and Festival Quartiers Danses. Her choreography has been recognized both locally and internationally, earning her the Lipson Family Endowment Award for the most promising emerging choreographer, among other accolades.
"This production is deeply personal to me—it reflects the inner strength we all possess when faced with adversity,” notes Zoe Kwan. “My goal has always been to create and produce work that connects with the Markham community and to present it in a space that reflects its values. Given the limited presence of a professional dance community in Markham, opportunities for accessible dance events are scarce. I am deeply grateful to the Varley Art Gallery for providing me with the platform to share a work I deeply resonate with.”
Eternal Echoes is a collaborative effort between the Varley Art Gallery and Arts Unionville Dance, with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts. Tickets are available now on Eventbrite, with a sliding scale pricing system to ensure accessibility for all members of the community.
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About Eternal Echoes:
Dates: Friday, August 30, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 7:30 PM
Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Location: Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 216 Main Street Unionville, Markham, ON
Admission: Tickets available on Eventbrite with sliding scale pricing.
Producer and Choreographer: Zoe Kwan
Dancers/Collaborators: Amy Yeung, Aryana Malekzadeh, Julia Mak, Marisa Ricci, Shona Kiyama, Alissia Angheloni (Apprentice)
Stage Manager: Jenna Borsato
Technical Director/Lighting Designer: Sam Alonzo
Production Assistants/First Responders: Cindy Lin, Kelvin Hsieh, Vino Jeyakanthan
Marketing/Outreach Coordinator: Kageana Arul
Outside eyes: Bri Clarke (Arts industry), Catina Yuen & Hayden Nguyen (Recreation industry)
Composer: Alex Purcell amongst others
Partners: Varley Art Gallery of Markham, Arts Unionville Dance
Funder: Canada Council for the Arts
Learn more about the Varley’s upcoming workshops and public events at VarleyArtGallery.ca
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