Photo Flash: Ace Dance presents TEN

For its 2017 Showcase Presentation, Toronto's dance Immersion proudly brings ACE dance and music (African Cultural Exchange Ltd.) from Birmingham, England to Toronto for its Canadian premiere performance with its extraordinary new work, TEN. Celebratory and profoundly uplifting, TEN explores humanity's universal yearning to root deep into its heritage for ancestral footprints. It takes place during Black History Month, running Friday February 10 and Saturday February 11, 2017 for three shows only at Harbourfront Centre's Fleck Dance Theatre.

This powerful work is choreographed by José Agudo in collaboration with ACE artistic directors (and husband and wife) Gail Parmel and Ian Parmel. Originally from Andalusia and now based in London, England, José Agudo (who has worked with the U.K.'s Akram Khan Company since 2011, among others) is often inspired by stories and spirituality; his choreographic language radiates vitality and emotion.

TEN reflects the current trend of people across the world who find themselves leaving their own homes and countries and conjures poignant and passionate stories about exodus, home and belonging in a full-length dance production that is both epic and poetic. It highlights humanity's urge to reach for the power of ten - the universal symbol of completion. TEN delivers hints of Flamenco movement to the contemporary vocabulary of ACE dance and Music. Six dancers "perform with style and discipline...and sheer physicality...exhilarating to watch" (Birmingham Post).

The creative team brings together diverse experiences and a worldly artistic vision. Music composition by Giuliano Modarelli layers emotive tribal vocals and a haunting guitar melody into the dynamic soundscape, created in collaboration with Beautiful Noise (Vincenzo Lamagna).

Established in 1996 and based in Birmingham, UK, ACE dance and music is a black-led Dance Company, with an excellent reputation for being a leading national and international contributor to the growth and evolution of a vibrant and uniquely British contemporary dance aesthetic. ACE is under the artistic direction of Gail Parmel and musical direction of Ian Parmel. The company's work involves collaborative choreographic and music expressions that incorporate new and innovative ideas. ACE celebrates 20 years of creating and touring dance shows with TEN. www.acedanceandmusic.com

dance Immersion is a not-for-profit organization recognized for its steady engagement in producing, promoting and showcasing dancers and dances of the African Diaspora. The organization was founded in 1994 by Vivine Scarlett and was established to address the need for additional presentation, skill development, and networking opportunities for dance artists of African descent. During its 22-year history, dance Immersion has experienced considerable success in connecting with artists throughout Canada and around the world, and provides opportunities for audiences and participants to experience firsthand the global language of dance, and its ability to build bridges between diverse cultures. www.danceimmersion.ca

Photo Credit: Christopher Cushman

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