Women in White - Dance Theatre Work

I am a dance artist living in Calgary Alberta, interested in combining movement, text and song. I am focused on creating playful work that connects individuals and shifts how we see the world and each other.


Photo Credit: Erinn Watson (Women in White at the Ignite Festival for Emerging Artists)

Women in White is a work I have been exploring since June 2015 and with the contributions of some wonderful performers, mentors and presenters have been able to develop it as a work in progress. The work is about sisterhood, the bond that unites anyone who identifies as a woman, compliance and rebellion within the intimate relationships we create.

Women in White has been selected to take part in a creative residency with Theatre Junction in January 2017, a stellar opportunity that will enable me as a choreographer to:

1) work with two of my cast members (Quinn Kliewer and Janelle Schiffner) to delve into the theme through movement and text (these performers are experienced, dedicated artists who are in demand on the Calgary scene)
2) receive dramaturgy and direction from Theatre Junction (which presents cutting edge contemporary performing arts from around the world)
3) test out a brand new script for the work (I will be developing this script prior to the residency in collaboration with my company partner Shakespeare Unchained)
4) have access to Theatre Junction's studio theatre space for six days of creative discovery and one evening of sharing the outcome of the week (this is such a treat and a rare thing to be given)

My goal is to raise $2400 for:
-Professional Dance Artist fees according to the Canadian Alliance for Dance Artist Suggested Rates and Standards (Two performers, one choreographer, one administrator)
-Promotional materials
-Video and Photo Documentation of the work at the final showing January 14th 2017
($2400 includes 7.9% of total and 30 cents off each donation charged by GoFundMe)

I am running this campaign until December 24th 2016 so that I can fully fund the residency which occurs from January 9th-January 14th 2017.


Photo Credit: Kara Nolte (Women in White rehearsal)

Creating, incubating and developing performance based work is a vital and exciting field to be a part of. It is a bit like being a mad scientist with all sorts of experiments to conduct, theories to test and investigations to pursue. The goal for myself as a dance artist is always to ask "Where am I coming from with this?" "What is my intention?" With Women in White it is simple: I am inspired by the bonds of sisterhood as I experience them in my life. There is a uniqueness in these bonds that is transcendent and heartening.

Most importantly, I believe that people will connect to stories of sisterhood. Sharing stories is a sure way to build community, forge strong ties and empower each other to be the best we can.


Photo Credit: Erinn Watson (Women in White at the Ignite Festival for Emerging Artists)

I am always grateful to walk a powerful path of service through the arts. To create from an authentic place, I have to be connected to the larger picture, and through this campaign I hope to not only raise the funds necessary to support the residency, but also foster dialogue and generate interest in the work as it grows. Thank you so much for your time and contribution, I look forward to chatting with you soon!

www.karanolte.com