The York Dance Ensemble (YDE) is stepping boldly into a new era, redefining what it means to be here in dance today.
With fresh creative direction, the resident dance company of York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design (AMPD) is pushing boundaries, asking urgent questions about presence, identity and the evolving landscape of movement.
This artistic vision came to life on opening night on Wednesday, January 29 at the Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, where YDE took center stage with Here & Now.
The electrifying performance wove together the expressive power of movement and contemporary choreographic innovation, offering a thought-provoking reflection on dance’s role in our time. It delivered striking moments of surprise and challenged perceptions of identity and societal expectations in ways that lingered long after the final bow.
This year’s showcase was particularly special as it marked the debut of AMPD Professor Syreeta Hector as YDE’s new Artistic Director.
Hector, a highly accomplished choreographer and dance educator, has worked with companies such as Mocean Dance and ProArteDanza. Her leadership brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the company.
“I am thrilled, excited and so nervous to be leading YDE,” says Hector. “But I’ve had incredible support from faculty and students alike. This year’s program is a mixed bill featuring dynamic, challenging and physical work.”
Photo by Kendra Epik
For Hector, the title Here & Now reflects an important call to action. “It’s about the urgency to reimagine what we can do with dance. The now is about how we move forward. It is about the actions that we can take to keep dance alive. I still believe in the magical power of movement to spark ideas and generate pathways into hard conversations.”
Another defining element of this year’s production was the choreography by AMPD alumna Emily Duckett (BFA ‘22). Since graduating with a BFA in Dance and a Specialized Honour in performance and choreography in 2022, Emily has collaborated with companies such as Mocean Dance, Toronto Dance Theatre and Wind in the Leaves Collective.
Among the dancers bringing Here & Now to life is Kaitlyn Wood, a fourth-year Dance student at AMPD.
Reflecting on working with a Dance alumni, Wood says, “It’s been inspiring to see the perspective of an alum who graduated from the same program. Learning about Emily’s experiences in the Toronto dance world and gaining insight from her journey has been invaluable.”
Wood also reflects on the unique opportunity YDE provides as an AMPD student.
“Performing with such a large ensemble has been an incredible experience,” Wood says. “It’s rare in the Toronto dance scene to have a cast of this size and to dedicate so much time to rehearsals. This opportunity has prepared me for the expectations of professional productions and what it truly means to be part of a company.”
AMPD Professor Bridget Cauthery from the Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance also highlighted the impact of this performance for both audiences and prospective students.
“The showcase is an opportunity to see tomorrow's emerging talent today. The performers of YDE bring so much artistry and vitality to the stage. With Emily’s and Syreeta’s artistic visions, it is sure to be an unforgettable evening of contemporary dance.”
About York Dance Ensemble (YDE)
Since 1988, the York Dance Ensemble (YDE) has been providing upper-level dancers, choreographers, musicians and production crew with pre-professional experience creating, producing, performing, and touring in a company setting at York University, Toronto Ontario.
Performance Credits
Artistic Director: Syreeta Hector
Dancers: Kaprice Myers, Conner McNeil, Robyn Haines, Jordyn Howe, Faith Pascoe, Grace Sokolow, Annie Spence, Jules Vance and Kaitlyn Wood
Creators: Emily Duckett, Syreeta Hector, Jane-Alison McKinney in collaboration with the York Dance Ensemble
Cover Image: Grace Sokolow, AMPD Dance Student.
Images courtesy of Drew Berry Photography.