“Harmful If Swallowed”, Corps Bara Dance Theatre
By members of Corps Bara
Founded in 2001, Calgary’s Corps Bara is an innovative fusion of contemporary dance and dance theatre that aims to touch the heart and stir the spirit. As one company with two initiatives, there is both a youth dance company ages 9-18, as well as a project based company of professional dancers. Corps Bara is mentoring a new generation of dance artists and arts leaders through the youth company, while providing career opportunities for contemporary dance artists through the professional company. Through both initiatives, they have created an artistic and spiritually nurturing community that provides a place for creativity to be unleashed.
Chantal Gandar is in her third year as Artistic Director for Corps Bara’s Project Company. She has a B.A. in Dance from the University of Calgary, and an M.F.A. in Dance Choreography from the University of Arizona.
“Over the past twelve years, collaboration has become a key element to the work of our professional company,” says Chantal. “We’ve worked with local choirs, theatre groups and a number of community organizations to create performances that really expand the artistic boundaries of dance.”
This year Corps Bara partnered with EnChor Chamber Choir, using the music “Sunrise Mass,” from Ola Gjeilo. The 35-member choir joined the dancers in the theatre for the full performance of this thirty minute work. The choir and a string quartet were positioned on the balcony at the back of the stage, providing a powerful experience of live, collaborative art.
Members of the youth company are encouraged to have a deep spiritual connection with the choreography they perform. Through this, as well as the mentorship in rehearsals, many of their dancers have gone on to train and perform at prestigious places such as the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, the Banff Centre, Alberta Ballet, the Limon Institute and in many university dance programs.
What sets Corps Bara apart is their roots in Christian faith, as well as their family-like community. They attract many dancers and choreographers that don’t have a specific faith, but are drawn to the work they see on the stage and the relationships they see being formed through the company. In this way Corps Bara acts as a bridge between the arts community and the church.
“We reach into the broader community bringing shows about hope and grace to the theatre, which has become a form of sanctuary for us,” says Chantal. “We also perform at many churches, using the arts to convey God’s beauty and love as well as our human brokenness.”
The vision of Corps Bara reaches beyond the stage. Founder and Executive Director Karen Sudds recalls that it has taken many years to dream this dream out loud, and then step in and own that dream as reality. As they generate conversations in the rehearsal studio, in the foyer of theatres and in churches throughout the city, Corps Bara is also cultivating an artistic community with the intent of enriching and impacting our city.
“We are creating a safe place for artists to explore their vulnerable craft and their wobbly faith,” says Karen. “So many people have auditioned to be on our stage, and so many others have worked behind the scenes, sewing costumes and hanging lights. Young girls and boys have been mentored as artists and leaders. Thousands of people have seen our dances and thousands of dollars have been donated to make that possible. And as great opportunities and new doors open to us, we’re really humbled to think that our journey has just begun.”
For more information about Corps Bara Dance Theatre, visit www.corpsbara.com or phone (403) 660-8093.
Corps Bara Dance Theatre at Alberta Culture Days
“Prodigal”, Corps Bara Youth Company
