welcome to “nasty

You’ve accessed the digital programme for our live show.

We’re a small arts company that does everything we can to ensure our students feel seen and celebrated; and every ticket counts towards helping us keep GLOWING!

SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING OUR EXPRESS SHOW!


We wish to acknowledge that we are gratefully performing this show on the stolen land of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are committed to working to decolonize our business, which includes, but is certainly not limited to, telling stories that encourage Indigenous folks to reclaim their space onstage and off-stage in their everyday lives — just like those you’re about to see tonight.

We wish to acknowledge that dance is a part of culture, which involves and intersects with many histories, geographies, lived experiences, and generational inequalities. We dance to tell stories, which makes our modality a meaningful form of art that deserves respect and acknowledgment of its origins. Heels dance as an art is inspired and informed by cultures from the African Diaspora, Latinx cultures, queer community culture, the sex work profession, and kink culture - and this is by no means an exhaustive list. As participants in and appreciators of these cultures, we are committed to dismantling the systems that seek to oppress them. We do so by examining our own biases, integrating diverse perspectives, investing back into these communities, continually educating ourselves, and creating a culture of accountability with our team, students, and advisors. We believe that by encouraging otherwise oppressed voices and bodies to claim their space onstage and onscreen, we're contributing to building a world where everyone can shine.

ACCESSIBILITY: Please note this show features flashing lights, abruptly loud noises, and explicit themes and language that some may find triggering.

note from the show creators

While our community serves as a safer space for authentic expression, we know all too well that the world outside our studios and stages is often anything but. The concept behind NASTY dates back to a powerful poem penned by Emily in 2020, which lamented our society's contradictory hatred and fascination with bold, outspoken women. It was originally presented in a live performance in February 2020, before, well... you know. But NASTY has since blossomed into so much more.

When the opportunity arose to create this term’s Express program, we seized the chance to revisit and expand upon the initial concept. NASTY has since evolved in message and scope through co-creation with over 50 artists. We’ve woven many voices together, shedding light on some of the many identities marginalized or silenced in our colonial, patriarchal society. We aren’t just reclaiming insults - we’re celebrating all the messy, beautiful bits that define us as unique individuals, dancers, and artists.

What you’re about to witness tonight is a collection of heartfelt solos crafted by our Express Soloists, and hard-hitting choreography performed by our Company dancers, Express Ensemble groups from Vancouver and Victoria, and our faculty from all locations, known as the "Collective”.

We hope by watching tonight you’re inspired to burn a little hotter, shine a little brighter, and embrace what makes you, you. And to extend the same courtesy to others, by witnessing and celebrating them for all they are, and encouraging all others to do the same.

So, open those eyes and hearts, warm up those vocal cords, and prepare to cheer your face off for the unapologetic cast of NASTY.

XO
Emily + Vanessa

“nasty” set list

EXPRESS SHOW

WRITTEN BY: VANESSA LALONDE, EMILY SANDBECK, BRONWYNN JOY

SHOW DIRECTED BY: VANESSA LALONDE + BRONWYNN JOY

SOLOS DIRECTED BY: FIONA MATTHEWS + BRONWYNN JOY

COMPANY DIRECTED BY: TAYLOR ROWE

SOUND + VISUALS BY: MEGHAN NORAH (AWKWARD ARTS CO)

LIGHTING DESIGNED BY: VANESSA LALONDE + MICHELLE

SHOW POSTER DESIGN BY: KYRA WITTKOPF

FEATURING POETRY + WORDS BY:
EMILY SANDBECK
VANESSA LALONDE
BRONWYNN JOY
SARAH SNOW
VIOLA DAVIS
JENNIFER LEWIS
STEVE MARABOLI
EXPRESS TERM DANCERS

act 1

SKIN by MAC MILLER
Show Introduction Video

FEEL LIKE I’M DROWNING by TWOFEET
Choreography by Tami Troncoso

HAUNTED by BEYONCE
Choreography by Karley Gill

BLACK MASCARA by RAYE
Solo by Julia Rose

WHEN I GROW UP by PUSSYCAT DOLLS
Choreography by Shayla Munn

NO EVIL by SIR
Solo by Taylor Noel

LOSE CONTROL by TEDDY SWIMS
Solo by Chandra Corriveau

DARLING NIKKI by PRINCE
Choreography by Bronwynn Joy

LOVE MYSELF TODAY by BIFF NAKED
Solo by N.MVMT

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW by ALANIS MORISETTE
Choreography by Vanessa Lalonde

act 2

NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY by BILLIE EILISH
Choreography by Fiona Matthews

TRUST by ALINA BARAZ
Solo by Cierra Rohde

TELL ME by USHER
Choreography by Shaka Lee

NAKED by SABRINA CLAUDIO
Solo by Katie Brogan

CRAZY by DOECHII
Solo by Stephanie Fuller

YOU WISH by FLYANNA BOSS
Choreography by Karley Gill

HUSH by THE MARIAS
Solo by Kate Lim

BAD IDEA RIGHT by OLIVIA RODRIGO
Choreography by Alyssa Quan

GLORYBOX by PORTISHEAD
Solo by Maria Stratsky

MASHUP PERFORMED BY LATINX
CHOREOGRAPHED BY TAMI TRONCOSO
Includes:
Fruta Prohibida by Justin Quiles
Una Noche en Medellín by Karol G, Cris MJ, Ryan Castro
Rakata by Wisin & Yandel

BRILLIANT N***A by CHANEL TRES
Solo by Drew Hampton

YOU MAKE ME SICK by ASHNIKKO
Choreographed by Nikki Sherwood

BRAND NEW BITCH by COBRA
Choreography by Taylor Rowe

VKTM by INNA, SICKOTOY, TAG
Choreography by Bronwynn Joy

ORANGE by IVY LAB, TWO FINGERS, AMON TOBIN
Closing Bows

 feeling inspired?

 

REGISTER NOW TO AUDITION
FOR COMPANY 2024/2025

Sign up now to audition on July 4 from 6-9PM or July 13 from 2-5PM and join us for our next September to June season. Learn more about Company program here.

TRY US OUT DURING
SNEAK PEEK WEEKS

Pay what you can for a 2-hour workshop designed for dancers new to Luminesque (even if you’ve danced before elsewhere). Preview Classes run from June 11-July 4.

 thank YOU for supporting the arts!

Thank you for helping us continue to empower dancers, celebrate self-expression, and bring people together to support each other through these wild times. This year has been absolutely detrimental to the performing arts industry, and your support by investing in our company and community means more to us than you can possibly know.

We’re so proud of our dancers and choreographers for their relentless dedication to “spreading the glow” by creating joyful art. We hope this show brightened your day by bringing a smile to your face and warmth to your heart at home.

If you loved it, please consider telling your friends about it, and if you’re able, donating to our Scholarship fund.

So much love and gratitude -
xo
Vanessa Lalonde + Emily Sandbeck