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Romance in Winnipeg — Shall We Dance under the Stars? Shall we dance? In Winnipeg, we certainly shall. When director Peter Chelsom chose to film Shall We Dance, starring Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere, in Winnipeg last summer, he made an inspired choice. Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, with its handsome 1920s commercial buildings, was a perfect stand-in for the movie’s Chicago setting. The movie also needed dozens of local dancing extras and Winnipeg easily filled that bill, too. Social, competitive and performance dance has been booming for years in the Manitoba capital — and dance-loving visitors can join in the fun.
On
Fridays at 8 p.m., the
Ted Motyka Dance Studio
welcomes the
public to a one-hour, group class, followed by practice
dancing until midnight ($7 per person). The evening we
dropped in, we joined 50 or so others for a class in
beginner’s Rumba and Viennese Waltz. The dapper and
unflappable Ted Motyka put us through our paces in his
majestic ballroom. Located on the main floor of an ornate, former 1920s Royal Bank building, the studio boasts marble walls, soaring 25-ft. moulded ceilings and a 2,000 sq. ft. hardwood floor. Not surprisingly, for six weeks last summer, this airy, spacious studio became the rehearsal space for JLo and Gere, and for a dozen or so of Motyka’s students hired to play ballroom dance students in the movie. Ted and his wife Margaret Motyka, a former competitive ballroom couple, also had parts.
We so enjoyed our dance evening that we returned the following Wednesday for another drop-in class, this time beginner’s Salsa and Meringue (7 – 8 p.m., $6 per person). Then we headed over to the Santa Cruz Restaurant & Bar, an unpretentious hangout for Latinos and lovers of all things Latin, to practice our newly acquired Salsa steps. Unfortunately, the advertised dance sessions were delayed a week. “No problema,” grinned Henry Cruz, one of the bar’s owners and Salsa instructors, who good-naturedly gave us an impromptu private Salsa lesson on an empty dance floor. Great fun!
We soon discovered that Cruz, originally from El Salvador, plays “Dr. Dance” the D.J. in Shall We Dance. His girlfriend, Crystal Zdep leads a Salsa Rueda performance group, which practices at the Santa Cruz on Tuesdays or Wednesday at 10 p.m. In Salsa Rueda, also known as Cuban- or casino-style Salsa, couples dance in a wheel to called steps. “Experienced Salsa dancers are always welcome to join our practice,” says Zdep. Call Henry Cruz, at 204-227-4984, to confirm when the group meets. In Winnipeg, you can find somewhere to dance almost every single day! If you are looking for dance workshops, drop-in studio lessons, practice sessions, couples or single dances in Winnipeg, look no further than Dance Info Canada At Patricia’s Dance Studio and Swing Club in St. Boniface (a quick hop across the Red River from downtown Winnipeg), drop-in classes in Latin, Ballroom and Swing are just $5 per person. “We encourage singles and couples,” says owner and dance instructor Patricia Andersen. “Dancing is fabulous exercise, a great stress reliever and a fun way to get away from it all.” Andersen is a coordinator for one of Winnipeg’s most popular and romantic events: “Dancing under the Canopy.” From July 8 to August 19, this free, open-air, under-the-stars dance extravaganza runs Thursday evenings at The Forks National Historic Site, overlooking the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.
Free dance instruction and dance demonstrations keep things hopping when the live band takes a break. “I try to showcase as many different studio groups and dance styles as possible,” says Andersen.
Sponsored by the Crocus Investment Fund, “Dancing under the Canopy” is now in its fifth year. Attendance has doubled every year, with 3,500 dancers and spectators overflowing the canopy each evening last year. The canopied area accommodates about 250 dancers. Early birds grab the 100 or so available chairs, so experienced spectators bring their own.
“The Canopy at The Forks is such a romantic space for dancing,” explains Jeff Skinner, the event’s producer and Master of Ceremonies. “We provide romantic lighting and a different style of band each night. We’re delighted to see whole families dancing, including many children and teens.” It’s a very casual and unintimidating atmosphere. Last year, we introduced dance lessons between sets so that more people would get up and dance.”
As a tribute to the success and romance of the event, an entire bridal party arrived last year to finish off their evening “Dancing under the Canopy.” “Despite the crush,” says Skinner, “dancers made room for the bride in her wedding gown.” If you want to “Dance under the Canopy,” come early advises Skinner. The music starts at 7 p.m., but people stake out spots as early as 4:30. Others meet in the surrounding patio restaurants and make an evening of it. Many reserve for dinner, have drinks afterward and stay to dance under the stars. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Winnipeg’s short but spectacular summers! *Shall we Dance will appear in theatres in October 2004.
Where to
Dance in Winnipeg
Winnipeg – a
Dance Performance Mecca
Songs That Dance (2003). Choreographer:
Rachel Browne. Dancer: Gabriela Rehak-Dovgoselets.
In May, while in Winnipeg, Doug & I (Morri) had the pleasure of attending the Grandes Dames in Dance, an evening of dance showcasing works by choreographers Rachel Browne and Stephanie Ballard. For me, it was an opportunity to renew acquaintance with Rachel, Stephanie and former company members, like Jill Lhotka, who was in the Company during the same years (1966-76) I was. On the wall, I found a photograph (lower left) of myself from 1966, dancing in Rachel Browne's "Evening in the Suburbs."
Read more about Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers
RED RIVER DANCE FESTIVAL & CHAMPIONSHIP. (July 4, 2004) Balmoral Hall School, 630 Westminster Ave. Now in its 13th year, this competition draws 200 highland dancer competitors from all over the world. "A perfect introduction to highland dancing and the traditions and culture of Scotland," says Gaelyn McGregor, Director of the School of Scottish Arts, which organizes the event. SCOTDANCE CANADA CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (July 7 - 11, 2004). Opening ceremonies at The Forks. Dance Competition at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. FOKLORAMA (August 1 – 14, 2004), one of the world’s longest running and largest multicultural festivals, celebrates more than 45 different ethnic cultures in more than 40 pavilions throughout the city. Experience Winnipeg’s different cultures, sample their traditional cuisine and enjoy their shows, many of which include traditional folkdance.
DANCIN' ON THE BOULEVARD (August 29, 2004 12:30 - 4:30
p.m.). Under the Canopy at The Forks National Historic
Site. Learn to social and country dance! Local dance
instructors and their students showcase what their studios
have to offer in 15 min. segments. "Stay for the
afternoon," says Bev Higginson, a past organizer and
regular social dancer. "It's all about having fun."
Sponsored by the Manitoba Dance Students Association. |
Santa
Cruz Restaurant & Bar. Moderately priced Latin American
and Canadian cuisine, featuring homemade frijoles (refried
beans) and Salvadorean pupusas (like pizza). Free Salsa
lessons from 8 – 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays,
followed by dancing till 2:30 a.m. to live Latin music.
101-500 Portage Ave., (204) 774-8440.
