Aszure Barton draws inspiration from the forthright personalities of her dancers, and leaves them room to display their talent, so that the essence of the performance derives from an individual exploration of the artistic experience. Her choreography involves combining her approach with the habits and personal styles that she has observed in the performers. This production takes a collective approach to the theme of courage. It plays on the force of the group, and also on the refusal of an individual to submit to constrictions imposed by the tribe. The quest for and affirmation of the self cannot come about unless each individual finds the courage to take the first step. Formed in 1972, BJM Danse owed its existence to Geneviève Salbaing, with the support of co-founders Eva Von Gencsy and Eddie Toussaint. The current Artistic Director Louis Robitaille, appointed in 1998, has created a showcase for new talents and a new generation of choreographers, notably the two that have been in residence with the company, Crystal Pite and Aszure Barton. Among collaborators we can mention Patrick Delcroix, Dominique Dumais, Nicolo Fonte, Shawn Hounsell, Trey McIntyre, Mia Michaels amd Rodrigo Pederneiras. Aszure Barton is Artistic Director of Aszure & Artists, founded in 2002. She has created choreographies for such artists and dance companies as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Hell's Kitchen Dance, Benjamin Millepied & Company, Hubbard Street @, Transitions Dance Company, The Juilliard School and BJM Danse. She is currently artist in residence at the Baryshnikov Arts Center, New York.
fonte: ravellofestival