Ne.Sans Opera & Dance Rough Cut Studio Showing

Bach Dances is a world premiere contemporary dance work by award-winning choreographer and Ne.Sans Opera & Dance Artistic Director Idan Cohen. Created during his Dance Victoria Artist Residency, the work reimagines J.S. Bach’s cello suites through live music and contemporary dance.

The work features live accompaniment by Victoria-based cellist Joanne Jiang, performances by Ne.Sans dancers Will Jessup and Emma Galvin, alongside mature Victoria-based artists who will participate in the residency process. A post-show conversation with the artists will follow the performance.

About Ne.Sans Opera & Dance

Founded and artistically led by choreographer and opera Stage Director Idan Cohen, Ne. Sans Opera & Dance is a Vancouver-based company dedicated to creating interdisciplinary performances that bridge the worlds of dance, opera, and live music. With a mandate to reimagine classical works through a contemporary lens, the company fosters collaborations between artists across disciplines and cultures, producing work that is deeply innovative.

Since its inception, Ne. Sans has earned recognition for its unique repertoire, ranging from opera productions to contemporary dance works, often highlighting queer and underrepresented voices. Productions such as Orfeo ed Euridice (Vancouver Opera, 2021), I Capuleti e I Montecchi (Teatro Massimo Bellini, Palermo, 2023), and the touring work Take This Waltz exemplify the company’s commitment to blending artistic excellence with emotional immediacy.

Through its performances, touring, and community engagement initiatives, Ne. Sans Opera & Dance continues to expand the conversation between past and present, tradition and experimentation.

Dance Victoria’s Artist Residency program is made possible with generous funding from the Victoria Foundation’s Community Grants program and BC Gaming, with additional support from Dance Creation Sponsors Impossible Enterprises and Dance Praktika, and individual underwriters Helen McDonald, Trudy David in honour of Broken Rhythms Victoria, and two anonymous donors.

Photo Credit: Ne.Sans Opera & Dance in Bach Dances. Photo: Jess Mac.