Freedom of Movement - Dancemakers

Freedom of Movement revisits Dancemakers’ 1976 tour of prisons across Southwestern Ontario. Featuring narration and reflection by Andraya Ciel Smith, the audio story, interactive animation, and accompanying video artwork document strategies for community-engaged art using expression as a form of resistance. While recognizing possibilities for exchange and care, this work highlights the absurdity of the carceral state and the limitations of working within the confines of oppressive systems.

Video art and audio story by Tamara Jones
Commissioned by Dancemakers
Narration by Andraya Ciel Smith

Diary of a Prison Tour written by Andraya Ceil Smith
Published by Dance In Canada Magazine Issue #8 Spring 1976.

Featuring Remembered Music (1984)
Choreographed by Carol Anderson
Dancers: Susan McKenzie and Conrad Alexanderoweicz
Costumes: Julia Tribe
Original score by Henry Kucharzyk for Walking The Line (1984)

Material courtesy of Dance Collection Danse

experience the interative film here

In 2024, Dancemakers turned 50 years old.

This was a time of crucial and critical looking back for Dancemakers. As a way to commemorate this anniversary, we worked with Artist Researchers to read “against the grain” of our archive, which is housed at Dance Collection Danse (DCD) located at 2 Carlton St Unit 1303 in Tkaranto.

Each artist researcher was given a one-week (paid) Writing Residency at Dance Collection Danse (or remotely using DCD’s digital archives) with the intention to produce content that will permanently live on Dancemakers’ website.

Inspiration includes:

Dance in Canada Magazine Issue #8 Spring 1976

Artists

Tamara Jones

Tamara Jones’ practice uses experimental video and site-specific performance to explore bureaucratic architecture, urban choreography, and the politics of public space.

Carol Anderson

Carol Anderson was a founding member of Dancemakers in 1974 and she performed with the company for 15 years.

acCessibilIty

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible including ramps into the building, elevators and wheelchair accessible washrooms.

Will the event be ASL Interpreted?

All live events will offer ASL interpretation (upon request). Please contact us to request ASL Interpretation.

Will the event be described for Blind and low vision audiences?

This performance does not include audio description.

In partnership with

otheR eveNts

The First 16 Years

A description of the first 16 years of Dancemakers for the 50th Anniversary Archive Project.

Jul 17, 1974 - Jul 17, 1990

10 Interviews

Mairéad Filgate interviewed 10 dancers from the early years of Dancemakers.

Nov 14, 1974 - Nov 14, 1974

Behind The Scenes with Mark Hammond

An interview with Mark Hammond, the Dancemakers' administrator during the early collective.

Nov 14, 1974 - Nov 14, 1977