Toronto Fringe Festival Dance Debut

Hi, my name is Heather Chappell, graduate of The Boston Conservatory.  
I am a dancer/choreographer based in NYC, originally from Ottawa, Canada.

What's the deal?

This summer, I have been given the opportunity to produce/choreograph my own 60 minute show at the Toronto Fringe Festival, July 5th-16th.  
Not only is this my first year participating in the Fringe, this also happens to be my Toronto choreoraphic debut.

What am I creating?

I am creating a brand new contemporary dance show,  in collaboration with Dancers from New York City, (Allison Ward, Styles Speights, Demetrius Burns), Boston (Cacia Lacount), and Toronto (Sierra Chin Sawdy & Justine Comfort).  I am also working with a Composer from Boston, who has been creating original music for this show based on their interpretation of the movement, as well as my overall vision for the atmosphere.
We have been creating this show based on tasks motivated by emotional impulses.  For example, the feeling of having "butterflies" in your stomach, how can we put that sensory into movement? How can we express this feeling with only a movement of your hand, or, what would it look like to amplify this movement with your whole body?  These simple tasks are allowing my dancers to relate to their own personal experiences, and create something real. 

What is the Fringe?

The Toronto Fringe is part of the “Fringe Movement” – a worldwide network of indie theatre festivals. As the name suggests, the Movement is about celebrating under-represented voices and those on the margins of the performing arts world. It’s a festival where anyone can put on any show, without having to pass through a jury – where theatre students can mount their first production outside of school, where emerging artists can get their big break, and where established artists can test out new work. It’s a festival where audiences come for the adventure and the community as much as for the plays themselves.
http://fringetoronto.com/fringe-festival/

What is this show about?

This show is a constantly evolving work, of abandonment and sensuality.  Through physical and emotional exertion, we discuss the infinite dimensions of love, lust, and intimacy.
As the dancers search longingly for love, this show works through the complexities of each dancer, to find the love we need for ourselves.
As the cast and I have discussed, this show is also in response to the recent tragedies that contine to spread fear and heartache throughout our world.  This show looks to find a small piece of humanity,  which at times seems impossible. 

What do I need?

At the Fringe, my show will be perfomed seven times, this will be a physical and emotional strain on my dancers, therefore, paying them a fair wage is my priority.

We need to raise $7000 to help cover the cost of;

Festival fees
Rehearsal space
Transporation to the festival
Lodging for my dancers in Toronto
To pay my musician (creating original scores)
(As previously mentioned) Pay my dancers

The art community continues to struggle with lack of funds, this is where You come in.  
I need your help in order to create this work and provide my hard working dancers with what they deserve.   Especially in such a difficult time,  the artists are the ones who can use their platforms to speak out and share the beauty that still exists.  


Please consider donating to help us create a  show that promotes love in every form, and allow my dancers the opportunity to perform in an amazing Festival.  We will be truly grateful.

Thank you for your donation.