Tonight marks the opening performance of BC Ballet’s season closer, Bliss, created by the company’s Resident choreographer José Navas.
Donald Sales and Alexis Fletcher. Photo credit: Chris Randle.
This has been my first year seeing virtually every performance by the company and I must say that it’s been an absolutely transcendent experience. I admire BC Ballet’s ability to break down old categories and assumptions of what ballet is and risking to deliver fresh, relevant dance to contemporary audiences.
Bliss is the first full-evening work by Navas for BC Ballet, who has very little experience with choreographing en pointe. In fact, in 2010, when BC Ballet first signed on the Montreal-based contemporary dancer and artistic director of Compagnie Flak as resident choreographer, he had never created a piece en pointe at all. His first short work, the bliss that from their limbs all movement takes, was spectacular, innovative and received a lot of accolade from both audiences as critics.
I’m looking forward to Bliss, an extended re-working of the short piece, and seeing what new ways Navas has the dancers move and what old traditions and categories he shatters with those pointe shoes.
Bliss runs today until Saturday, May 12, 2012. Ballet BC will return in November for the 2012-2013 season. Follow them on Twitter for updates and information over the summer.
Living in Vancouver, I think a girl needs at least four pairs of shoes in her arsenal. Boots for puddles, kitten heels or ballet flats for work, heels for nightlife, and flip flops for beach days. Shopping options are just as abundant as there are styles of wedges for summer, from famous shoe sales to the city’s best retail streets.
For those who like to shop online, there’s also ShoeMe who recently contacted me to do a giveaway and introduce Vancouver shoppers to their products and services.
Image supplied by ShoeMe Canada
ShoeMe Canada is the first 100% Canadian shoe e-tailer, with free shipping as well as a 100-day return policy. Taxes are also included in all prices so what you see if what you pay.
Shop for shoes online from home or on the go and enjoy a wide range of style selections including Jessica Simpson, BCBGeneration, Keds, comfort brands like Ecco, Sperry Top-Sider, Palladium Boots, and more for men and women.
If you would like to try out this online, Canadian, shoe shopping experience, ShoeMe is offering up a credit of up to $200 for one Miss604 reader and they’ll also take care of the shipping. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Leave a comment naming the style of shoe you would select from ShoeMe (1 entry)
Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win up to $200 to spend at @ShoeMeCA from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/aPJmg
Follow ShoeMe on Facebook and Twitter for more shoe-related information. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Wednesday, May 16, 2012. The winner will receive credit to spend up to $200 with ShoeMe.
Recently, I was invited down to check out Anthony Sedlak’s newest restaurant, The American Cheesesteak Co. (“ACC”) on Davie Street during the filming of Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here with John Catucci.
Despite the title, it’s not a chain restaurant. Instead it’s a uniquely Vancouver spin on a Philadelphia tradition thanks in huge part to Anthony’s style.
Using locally-sourced and locally-made ingredients, Sedlak’s restaurant comes the closest to achieving a true Philly cheesesteak, while at the same time, being a completely different take on it. I should know as I’ve had them in Philadelphia and have compared every sandwhich I’ve come across with “philly” in the title to the first one I had 20 years ago from a hole in the wall place in Philly.
It appears that the quality of the food at ACC hasn’t gone unnoticed as I mentioned, John Catucci and crew were there filming for an upcoming episode of You Gotta Eat Here.
I asked John to talk about his visit to Vancouver:
I only got to spend a short time with Anthony and John but they had me in stitches the whole time…you’d think they were a comedy duo. I can’t wait to see the full episode when it airs later this year (broadcast details will be posted here when they are available).
Broadway Across Canada is bringing Mary Poppins, the live musical, to Vancouver this summer. The songs we remember from childhood, the impressive dance numbers, and a high level of energy is set to dazzle audiences of all ages.
Featuring the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft, Mary Poppins is everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show! So get swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical the New York Post gives 4 out of 4 stars and calls “a perfect piece of musical theater.”
Mary Poppins will be in Vancouver July 17, 2012 to July 22, 2012 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
The pre-sale for tickets will begin Friday, May 11, 2012 at 10:00am and run until Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:00pm. Pre-sales from this link will be valid during that time only. The code to use is: PERFECT.
Fraîche Restaurant in West Vancouver presents a Wednesday Wine Series and their next event will feature a 5-course meal and the wines of the Okanagan’s own Okanagan Crush Pad.
Winemaker Michael Bartier Photo credit: Trudel Photo.
Fraîche recently won gold at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards and Chef Alvarez is known for using local ingredients with his West Coast inspired dishes. The evening plans to be just as informative as it will be delicious with Chef Alvarez showcasing warm weather cooking and grilling techniques for the guests.
Haywire’s Master Winemaker Michael Bartier will be on hand to discuss the wines pairings. Each course will be matched up with a wine from Haywire Winery and Bartier Scholefield Wineries, which are a part of Okanagan Crush Pad.
A few tickets are still available for $95 (tax and gratuity not included) and include the opportunity to win a case of Okanagan Crush Pad wines. Reservations can be made by calling (604) 925-7595.
The event will take place next Wednesday, May 16, 2012 starting at 6:30pm at Fraîche Restaurant, 2240 Chippendale Road, West Vancouver. It would be a great date night or belated treat for Mother’s Day.
I have a pair of tickets to give away to a reader as well, thanks to Fraîche, Haywire, and Okanagan Crush Pad. Here’s how you can enter to win:
Leave a comment naming your favourite wine/food pairing (1 entry)
Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
RT to enter to win tickets to @FraicheWV’s @OKCrushPad Wine Wednesday dinner from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/aOlx4
You must be 19 years of age or older to enter to win. Please enjoy responsibly and plan a safe ride home. I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012.
