To create Cypress, the choreographer Yvonne Ng got inspired by the Chinese legend « Three Friends » – the bamboo, the plum tree and the cypress – whose constancy is symbolized by their renewed blossoming each spring. Cypress represents longevity which is at the heart of true friendship. From this premise, Ng devised an intriguing dance for three women that has them chained at the hip, but also yearning to assert their individuality. The partners fill the space with fluent movements that are at the same time surprisingly clumsy, organic and clear.

Created in 2001, almost ten years ago, it’s a redevelopped Cypress that Yvonne Ng is presenting to the audience in Montreal. In this new version, she intends to further explore the inner life of the forms, the dancers. Cypress was originally performed with a cast of three women. For 2012, Yvonne Ng will be recasting the work with three men : Louis Laberge-Côté, Hiroshi Miyamoto and Brendan Wyatt. Changing the gender of the dancers will shift the physicality of the choreography and create new perspectives. It will allow for a different relationship exploration, one that includes male energy and bonding.

Yvonne Ng, of Peranakan Chinese descent, was born and raised in Singapore and moved to Canada in the 80’s. This dancer, choreographer, arts educator and also artistic director has received many awards during her career. With tiger princess dance projects, she has presented her dance creations, not only in Canada, but also in Singapour, Ireland, Germany, Australia and China. Yvonne Ng, one of the most in-demand dancers in Toronto and described by Now Toronto magazine as « the dancer with the most talent per square inch » is in town with her work Cypress. It’s a must-see so don’t miss it!