Students at the University of Calgary have made it their mission to create an outlet through which to celebrate their culture, and in its second year, Roc the Runway is a nearly sold out event.

The evening was dreamed up by the university of Calgary’s African Student’s Association, and features food, fashion, dance, performances and music that will both scintillate and educate party goers.

Fashionistas can look forward to appearances by Eleven Eleven Boutique, Pout Clothing, and the African inspired Arewa.

We caught up with Sabrina Naz, dancer from local troupe House of Dangerkat to get the inside scoop on Roc the Runway 2011.

CF: How did you get to be involved with Roc the Runway?

SN: Addie Ade-Yusuf, who is a part of the African Student’s association found me on Facebook. After seeing my work in and around the city she had asked me to bring the dance element to the show.

CF: Your work with House of Dangerkat always makes a big statement. So you’re doing a few dances, including a choreographed African dance. Where did you learn to dance in an African style, and what really defines African dance?

SN: In the show this year one of the dance pieces is an “Afro-Caribbean” piece which I’m very excited about since, as choreographer I get to highlight the beauty of both cultures put together in movement. My first introduction into vernacular dance in general such as African and Caribbean folkloric would be when I was six years of age in a performing arts group in Calgary called ‘The Caribbeans’. What I think defines the afro movement over all is the spirit of the culture.. the land, music, spirituality of the elders, the history of the people and their resiliency.

CF: How do events like Roc the Runway help to promote awareness and understanding of the true depth and richness of African culture?

SN: Shows like this definitely give a voice to the African community and provides a stage for the African community and those who are not of the same ethnicity, but hold a sense of pride and cultural values. Also I believe events like this one are such a positive thing for African youth who are sometimes in search of an identity. Especially those who are immigrants or have been born here and are searching for a sense of self and can’t necessarily locate it in this area of the world.

CF: Even with the minority presence of Africans in Canada, would you say that there is a strong sense of community and pride in the African community in Calgary?

SN: In Calgary the sense of pride is definitely growing with the community. With events such as Afrikadey and the many functions ran by the different African associations, it’s evident that there is potential for growth. I really believe that the ethnic groups in this city are building proactive movements in their ethnic communities. For example, the Caribbean Community Council and the African Student Association can be looked at as the ambassadors of growth in their cultural group in Calgary.

CF: So what should we be looking forward to with the event just a few days away?

SN: A keen and eclectic blend of vintage and current Africa through food, fashion, dance, spoken word and singing.

Roc the Runway 2011 will take place on February 19 at Mango Shiva.

This weekend one of Calgary’s most exciting shows is going down. Or should I say up?

 From the lofty observation deck of the Calgary Tower comes a show that will shock, amaze and entertain you in unimaginable ways. The show is Addicted and is part of Slammenberry Jam 5.

The Jam is an urban dance festival put on by Blue Collar Dance. The series kicked off last week with the theatrical production of Whodunnit at the Vertigo Theatre Centre and ends this weekend with Addicted. The performance is a journey through dance, a story through movement and an exploration of emotions in motion.

The new choreographed dance piece is somewhat of a psychological thriller which keeps you on your toes until the very end.
The performance was choreographed and organized by members of Calgary’s premiere voguing dance troupe the House of Dangerkat. The group didn’t just want to present a performance to ticket holders but rather create an experience, an atmosphere which set the tone for the headliner piece.

Immediately you step foot off of the elevator to the 400th floor of the Calgary Tower,  you are welcomed by strobing lights of all colours and wicked, pulsating beats courtesy of DJ Teddy Celebration. As you meander your way around the floor you are able to enjoy intricate live art, numerous videos (including one about the making of Addicted) and moving/dancing art works.

Dressed in fantastical costumes out of an Egyptian Space Age Odyssey, performers pose, walk and sometimes dance along the walls and floors not saying a word, like the guards at Buckingham Palace. The outfits were designed and tailored by Hege Edvardsen of Stockholm Sweden. Not known for her costuming, Edvarsen was able to use sharp lines, lustrous beading and fabric to really give the performers an ‘out of this world’ look.

Kaiti Dangerkat, founder of the House of Dangerkat and lead choreographer for Addicted met Edvardsen along her global travels and the efforts of their collaboration is phenomenal. The clothing in Addicted definitely made the show and complimented the mood and themes of the dance.

Also along her travels she met up with Jenn Doan, Montreal-based singer, contemporary choreographer and all around artist. Doan contributed to Addicted by teaming up with Dangerkat and adding her contemporary flair to  the group’s hip hop, dance hall and voguing roots.

You would be kidding yourselves if you thought I was going to give you a play by play of this dance performance. You need to see it to believe it. It truly is more like a movie than a dance recital. You are taken through a roller coaster of emotions and thoughts as you connect with each character in this routine. You can tell that hard work, dedication and an unbridled courage to explore the unknown drove this group to produce this wonderful piece. They spent days in a New York studio playing with concepts, movements and themes to come up with this inspiring show.

Don’t get it twisted, you need to have your interpretive hats on when watching Addicted.

There is a story, but I am not sure what it is, many of the movements were erratic but seemed to fit in context but I have no idea what that context is.
However I feel Dangerkat dancer Kevin Fraser put it best when he said, “people might not understand it but it affects them.”

Drop by the Calgary Tower Saturday to become affected by Addicted.

October 15 – 17

Calgary Tower

Doors Open 9pm

First Show at 10pm, 
Second Show at 11pm.

Last Elevator 11pm

$22 + GST

All tickets available at Vertigo Box Office

Words by Ian Keteku

Photos by David Austin, Faby Martin, Oscar Lopez © 2009