Robin Poitras
Robin Poitras installation artist, curator | |
---|---|
Spouses |
|
Awards |
|
Website | https://www.newdancehorizons.ca/ |
Robin Poitras
One of Saskatchewan's most prolific dance and performance creators, Poitras co-founded New Dance Horizons in 1986 with Dianne Fraser.
Early life and education
Robin Poitras is the second child of architect Clifford Wiens and artist and educator Patricia Wiens.[4]
In her twenties, Poitras completed a B.F.A. (Special Honours) in dance at York University.[5]
Poitras undertook further studies at Duke University, the American Center in Paris, and the Bill Evans Summer Institute of Dance in Winnipeg in 1984.[6] She also studied in Montreal and Zürich.[5]
Career
New Dance Horizons
In 1986, Poitras co-founded New Dance Horizons with Dianne Fraser, a nationally recognized project-based company mandated to support the creation, development, production and presentation of contemporary dance and related performing arts in the province featuring national, international, regional and local Canadian dance artists. [7][8]
Rouge-gorge
Originally entitled Intempco (a short form of In Temporary Company),[9] Rouge-gorge (French for "robin") is a project-based creation production company led by Artistic Co-Directors Robin Poitras and renowned visual artist Edward Poitras.[10][4] A foundation for creation, production and touring, it also supports co-productions with local and national dance artists. At least one new original work has been produced each season, including the Pelican Project, a series of processional performances by youth as well as established and emerging artists.
In the mid 2000s, the company moved into its own building on Harvey Street, including a fifty-seat studio theatre and administration space.[11]
Philosophy
Influences and aesthetics
Poitras, who believes the purpose of art is to "make the invisible in our lives visible", has read the ancient Greek philosopher
My practice is rooted in a physical world comprised of choreography, dancing and actions/acts.
Robin Poitras[2]
Creative process and practice
Poitras contrasts other forms of the utopian Platonic idea reflected in the history of dance, citing the
I am curious about relationships and resonance among the worlds of art, science and nature and in exploring how these worlds feed back and forth in mythical, mysterious, elusive and sometimes obvious ways.
Robin Poitras[2]
Eschewing an ideal
Poitras once said that incorporating somatic movement in her practice probably extended her career. "I think that that work really allowed me to be able to dance longer," she said.[12]
Critical assessment
Alex MacDonald reported that some observers find certain pieces by Poitras "challenging", which she believes is a "legitimate function" of art, and that some could also be interpreted as being "political", to which she suggests that she does not set out to make political statements, she leaves it to the audience to find or not find messages in her work.[11]
Accolades
Robin Poitras is a recipient of the 2016
Personal life
Family
The Wiens had six children.[14] Robin Poitras is second of the six children.[15] She inherited all of her father's books as well as a violin and mandolin.[16]
Her brother Nathan Wiens is a naturalistic designer, best known as a craftsman of custom wood furniture pieces based in Vancouver.[17][18]
References
- The Winnipeg Free Press. Archivedfrom the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Rouge-gorge". New Dance Horizons. Archived from the original on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ ISBN 9780889772281. Archivedfrom the original on 4 November 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ a b Martin, Ashley (27 May 2015). "Wider Dance Horizons". Regina Leader-Post. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- ^ a b c "2016 Lieutenant Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient". Saskatchewan Arts Board. Archived from the original on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2020.
- ^ Enns, Victor Jerrett (2002). Loss: the principle of dance and performance in Regina (PDF). [Regina]: New Dance Horizons. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
- ^ "New Dance Horizons". The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan. Archived from the original on 17 February 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
- ^ "Business and the Arts: Case Study #3, New Dance Horizons". artsalliance.sk.ca. Saskatchewan Arts Alliance. 2 February 2006. Archived from the original on 16 February 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
- ^ Enns, Victor Jerrett (2002). From war (he)art to war (PDF). [Regina]: New Dance Horizons. p. 13. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
- ^ "About Rouge-gorge".
- ^ ISBN 9780889772045. Archivedfrom the original on 4 November 2020. Retrieved 24 February 2020.
- ^ "Dancer Robin Poitras 'delighted' with lifetime achievement honour". CBC News. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 22 September 2016. Archived from the original on 24 December 2016. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
- ^ "Brian Webb Dance Company presents two renowned artists in a world premiere performance" (media release). Wire Service. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- ^ "Patricia Elizabeth Wiens". Regina Leader-Post. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ Tousley, Nancy (Summer 1995). "The Trickster" (PDF). Canadian Art: 37–45. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 September 2017. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- ^ Martin, Ashley (7 May 2020). "Creative Isolation: Robin Poitras's world has got 'tiny' amid COVID-19". Regina Leader-Post. Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- ^ Mackie, John (3 July 2009). "From fir and butternut to elegant dining room tables and beds". Vancouver Sun. Archived from the original on 26 January 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2020.
- ^ Thuncher, Jennifer (29 May 2014). "The Eastender: A home for art in 'real Vancouver'". Vancouver Courrier. Archived from the original on 27 January 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2020.