DanceHouse: Duck Pond – MPMG Media Relations Campaigns

PRESS RELEASE

DanceHouse and The Cultch Present BC Premiere of Circa’s Exhilarating and Touching Duck Pond

The fully feathered circus spectacular blends elements of Tchaikovsky’s iconic Swan Lake with Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved parable The Ugly Duckling

Vancouver, BC — DanceHouse and The Cultch present the BC premiere of Circa’s Duck Pond, on stage January 22-25, 2025 at 8pm and January 25, 2025 at 2pm at the Vancouver Playhouse. Directed by Yaron Lifschitz Artistic Director and CEO of Circa, this vibrant full-length performance re-imagines the world’s most romantic ballet, Swan Lake, as a cheeky, acrobatic spectacle.

Accompanied by a tantalizing soundtrack by Composer and Sound Designer Jethro Woodward, Duck Pond merges Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with contemporary percussive tracks and dance beats, launching characters from Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling headfirst into an enchanting, topsy-turvy world of circus. The cast of 10 performers embody the pining prince, black swan, and yellow-billed duck-dancers through mesmerizing sequences of acrobatics, burlesque, and slapstick comedy.

“Boldly dramatic in its chaos and also charmingly magical in its whimsy,” (Blue Curtains Brisbane), Duck Pond balances physical daring with delicate artistry, captivating audiences through stunning solos, dynamic duets, and outstanding performances by the entire ensemble. The result is a touching story that celebrates self-discovery and identity through feathers, sequinned flippers, and world-class acrobatic skill.

“Collaborating with DanceHouse each January to bring a new and exciting piece of circus to the Vancouver Playhouse has become one of the most anticipated highlights of The Cultch’s season,” says Heather Redfern, Executive Director of The Cultch. “This partnership is something we truly look forward to, as it allows us to share innovative and boundary-pushing performances with both of our audiences. We are beyond thrilled to welcome Circa back to the stage, this time with Duck Pond — a wild, wacky, and utterly captivating show that will have audiences on the edge of their seats.”

Circa Contemporary Circus is one of the world’s leading performance companies. Since 2004, from its base in Brisbane, Australia, Circa has toured the world–performing in more than 40 countries to roughly 1.5 million people. The company continues to push the boundaries of the art form, blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus. Compelled by the question ‘what is possible in circus?’ Circa is leading the way with a diverse range of thrilling creations that ‘redraw the limits to which circus can aspire.’ (The Age).

After performing in Vancouver, Circa will continue the Canadian leg of their tour to Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City before heading to the USA.

Duck Pond is co-commissioned by QPAC and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, The Art House Wyong, Frankston Arts Centre, HOTA – Home of the Arts, Merrigong Theatre Company and Orange Civic Theatre.

Circa acknowledges the assistance of the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

For tickets and further information, visit: dancehouse.ca

About DanceHouse (dancehouse.ca)
DanceHouse connects Vancouver audiences, and the local arts community, to the international world of dance by presenting exceptional companies that are recognized for their excellence, innovation, and international reputation. Since 2008, DanceHouse has presented vibrant and inspiring companies from Canada and around the world. In addition to the performances on stage, DanceHouse offers a suite of engagement opportunities and a chance for the general public and local artistic community to engage with the presented artists and their work.

About The Cultch (thecultch.com)
Since 1973, The Cultch (formally known as the Vancouver East Cultural Centre) has been one of Vancouver’s most diverse and innovative arts and cultural hubs. The organization operates three theatrical venues, a gallery, and various ancillary spaces in the heart of East Vancouver, and presents electrifying digital presentations through The Cultch Online. The Cultch offers dynamic contemporary programming in theatre, dance, music, and the visual arts, bringing world-class cultural presentations to thousands of citizens each year through its own programming and through providing rental opportunities for community users. Our purpose is to provide a venue for performance that serves a diverse and engaged public and provides space for artistic experimentation and development, building an audience for local companies and presenting cutting-edge national and international work.

LISTING INFORMATION	DanceHouse and The Cultch present Circa’s Duck Pond
Dates:	January 22-25, 2025 at 8pm January 25, 2025 at 2pm
Price:	From $35
Address:	Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St.
Box Office:	dancehouse.ca or call 604.801.6225
Website:	dancehouse.ca