Crystal Pite grew up in Victoria, BC and has danced and choreographed internationally since 1990. She founded Kidd Pivot in 2001 and creates award-winning, inventive dance works with experiential, reflective themes.

In 2010, Kidd Pivot Frankfurt RM started a three-year residency at Künstlerhaus Mousonturm.

www.mousonturm.de

The residency gives Crystal a physical theatre space in Frankfurt and the freedom to work on new creative projects. The position ensures full-time work for Pivot’s international team of gifted professionals. www.kiddpivot.org

Web Design and Content:

Kate Cino previewed arts events for 18 years at Boulevard magazine. She has a History in Art degree and a Public Relations certificate from the University of Victoria.

kate-cino@shaw.ca  250 598-4009

  Photos: Dean Buscher

Dark Matter comprises 96% of the universe, but is not easily defined. Crystal transfers this mystery into the realm of human relationships, unknowable fates and existential frustration.

Kidd Pivot’s headquarters remain in Vancouver, in spite of her Frankfurt RM residency.

“It’s an interesting model, Crystal says, “maintaining both relationships.”

Dark Matters (2009) completed a successful six-week tour of France, Germany and Denmark in the spring of 2011. “The audiences were great,” says Crystal, “very responsive to our amazing dancers.” Crystal went along as “a cheering section”, with her five-month old son Niko and partner Jay. “Touring with a baby is a whole new experience,” says the seasoned traveler.

Dark Matters by Crystal Pite (2009)

Above: Dancers in The You Show, Peter Chu & Anne Plamondon. Photo: Alex Mattar  

The You Show by Crystal Pite (2010)  

               Photo: Jorg Baumann

Crystal believes we are all heroes and life is an epic journey.

The You Show (2010) invites empathy and connection between audience and dancers. Tangles of love and struggle are conveyed by nine dancers through fierce and subtle body language.

Features an original score by long-time collaborator Owen Belton.

Catching Up With Crystal:

Back in Vancouver (after the European tour) Crystal outlines her busy schedule. It’s late April and she’s preparing for the Canadian Premiere of The You Show, May 10 in Vancouver. In June, Crystal and The You Show travel to Montreal. In between, Dark Matters plays two shows in Germany.

In late summer, Crystal travels to New York to choreograph for the Cedar Lake Ballet Company. The New York based company has 16 dancers and a stellar reputation for daring athletic movement. Crystal plans to actuate the pure physicality of the talented troupe with a new composition by Owen Belton.

With baby and dad along for the five-week residency, the new mom is already thinking about ways to maximize her time and efficiency. “I feel very lucky to have this child,” she says, “but I can’t work 16 hour days.” After her commission in New York, Crystal choreographs a new work for Kidd Pivot Frankfurt RM in the fall.

     Crystal Pite      Photo: Joris-Jan Bos

January 2012 update.

Crystal’s latest dance piece called The Tempest Replica is based on motifs from The Tempest by William Shakespeare. During 2012, her new work tours Europe and North America along with The You Show and Dark Matters.