Pillow Pop-Up: Le Patin Libre

At Jacob's Pillow: Feb 15 - Feb 16

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Pillow Pop-Up: Le Patin Libre

February 15-16, 2018

Community Ice-Skating Workshop with Le Patin Libre | Feb 15 from 6-7pm
Through a playful workshop accessible to both beginner and expert skaters (ages 12+), Le Patin Libre shares its passion for glide and the basis of its choreographic technique. Workshop is open to observers. Register here. | $10


Le Patin Libre Performance | Feb 16 at 8pm
TICKETS NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Jacob’s Pillow presents Le Patin Libre, pioneers of contemporary ice-skating as a new artistic discipline. Through an innovative display of ice-skating virtuosity, this Montreal-based group combines ice-skating with choreography and performance art.

This engagement is part of The City of Pittsfield’s Office of Cultural Development’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival which highlights more than 50 events from artists across Berkshire County. This Pillow Pop-Up performance will completely transform the ice rink of the Pittsfield Boys & Girls Club Of The Berkshires. Le Patin Libre will also present a special showing for local Berkshire County students.

Le Patin Libre brings their work Vertical Influences, highlighted as a “fresh, ice-cool take on contemporary figure skating” (Lise Smith, London Dance) to Berkshire County. Drawing from the movement vocabularies of hip-hop, b-boying, dance theater, and ice-skating, the work explores the dynamic relationship between individuals and groups as five skaters impressively glide through intricate formations in complete unison. Audience members sit on the ice with the performers as the group tries to collectively achieve a sense of harmony, realized through rhythmic footwork, moving air, and the tangible chill of the ice. Pedestrian costume design by Jenn Pocobene, an original sound score by Jasmin Boivin, and lighting design by Lucy Carter mark a drastic difference from the production of traditional competitive ice-skating.


About Le Patin Libre

Le Patin Libre was founded in 2005 by Alexandre Hamel, a traditionally trained competitive figure skater and fine arts university student, out of a desire to use his passion for skating outside the constraints of competition and “On Ice” show-business. Their first performances were offered on frozen ponds and at traditional winter carnivals. After 10 years, the performance group grew into a mature company with support from some of the most respected dance institutions in the world including Dance Umbrella, Sadler’s Wells, Théâtre de la Ville de Paris, and the National Art Centre. Since then, Le Patin Libre has been able to create a unique style based off the choreographic possibilities of “glide.”

In addition to an impressive touring schedule, Le Patin Libre is continually involved in its local Montreal community. The artists frequently organize activities that transform ice rinks into vibrant and positive community centers that appeal to sports fans and general and artistic audiences alike.

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