The Traviattle (2003) - Quartetto Gelato - RUBBERBANDance Group

The Traviattle (2003)

The Traviattle (2003)

This piece was originally choreographed as part of the full evening work "Metabolism" by Victor Quijada / RUBBERBANDance Group. This made-for-television adaptation with Quartetto Gelato was directed by Rene Pier Belanger for Canada Day 2004: Merci Montreal! (CBC), and was nominated for a 2005 Gemini Award.

Another one of several short experimental works created during an early prolific period in which choreographer Victor Quijada was focused on the question:

"What more could Hip Hop be?" 

Taking the urban dance forms out of their natural cipher and battle environments, Quijada used contemporary and classical compositional tools to push beyond the stereotypical frontal presentation associated with studio Hip Hop and music videos. He juxtaposed street dance vernacular with classical, jazz, and electronic music, while incorporating choreographic sequences with structured improvisation.

Prior to his introduction to formal dance and theater at the L.A. County High School for the Arts, Quijada was influenced by Hip Hop culture from a young age. A protégé of Postmodern pioneer Rudy Perez; a dancer in six creations by Twyla Tharp; member of Eliot Feld / Ballet Tech (NYC); and a demi- soloist with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal - these experiences further re-shaped his long-standing relationship with Hip Hop. In 2002, after years of exploring dance and theater from urban, classical, and contemporary angles, he formed RUBBERBANDance Group.

The Traviattle (2003)

Filmed in 2004, Canada Day 2004: Merci Montreal! (CBC)

Director: Rene Pier Belanger

Choreography: Victor Quijada

Music: Giuseppe Verdi,  "Libiamo ne' lieti calici" from the opera, La Traviata

Performers: Eloï jacques-wood, Anne Plamondon, Quartetto Gelato and Kinga Mitrowska

The man who has no imagination has no wings. 

-Muhammad Ali