ARTS EAST

This weekend, three talented and lovely ladies grace the stage at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax for five fabulous performances. Maureen Batt, Laura Caswell and Sarah Richardon are Diva Station. Recently we spoke to the trio about what audiences can expect to enjoy. How did the group first get together? We had been hosting varying song interpretation and vocal workshops at Neptune Theatre. Each one of us leading with our strengths: Laura with a bright Broadway belt; Maureen with a classical background, and vocal pedagogy experience; Sarah with a modern-day/rock/pop vocal edge. Eventually, we had the opportunity to all lead a workshop together. Later that evening, we started chatting about how much fun working together was, and, with our range of styles, that we should sing together sometime…find some reason to do so. And so, Diva Station was born. Tell us about your style & sound. Each of us has our “happy place” - the style in which we are strongest and most familia...

Founded in 2002 by Victor Quijada, RUBBERBANDance Group (RBDG) immediately established itself as an explosive one-of-a-kind troupe. Audiences in Halifax are in for a treat this weekend, as the company brings its latest production - Vic’s Mix - to the city for two shows at the Sir James Dunn Theatre. Recently we spoke with Quijada about the new work. When and why did you first become interested in dance? As a young boy in the early eighties - I saw breakin’ and popping in films, videos and in the neighborhood and fell in love with Hip Hop Culture: the music, graffiti, and especially the dancing. It felt amazing to do, and I would get a lot of attention through dancing...it made me feel alive! Are they the same reasons that you continue to be involved today? My relationship with dance has been many things; it has changed and grown over the years to include many facets and roles besides performer: choreographer, director, teacher, coach, adjudicator. Life is movement...