DanceWorks presents Propeller’s Flesh & Spokes and Spasticus
Broadway World, February 20, 2020
DANCEWORKS presents PROPELLER DANCE’s double bill of FLESH & SPOKES and SPASTICUS. This production is presented by Ottawa-based disability arts/integrated dance company PROPELLER DANCE and was created and choreographed by Renata Soutter and Liz Winkelaar, MA/05, Canadian Studies . These two pieces encourage us to challenge perceived notions, open our hearts and celebrate diverse bodies and minds. Premiering at Fleck Dance Theatre (Harbourfront Centre), March 13 – 14, 2020. PROPELLER DANCE professional performances have been presented at venues across Canada, bringing new aesthetics that contribute to broadening people’s acceptance of diversity while promoting a holistic view of the body and inspiring people with disabilities to take up dance. […] Liz Winkelaar (Director of Spasticus, Artistic Associate Propeller Dance) earned a Master’s degree in Canadian Studies at Carleton University, which led to an interest in Disability Art and Culture and to involvement in Propeller Dance. She has trained with Alito Alessi in DanceAbility technique and with Shara Weaver and Renata Soutter since 2005. Her creation SPASTICUS is a celebrated part of the Propeller Dance repertoire and has been shown in numerous venues. Liz is a respected teacher and speaker.
Full article available here: https://www.broadwayworld.com/toronto/article/DanceWorks-Presents-Propellers-FLESH-SPOKES-AND-SPASTICUS-20200220
‘Just live your life,’ women’s rights advocate tells survivors of violence
The Hill Times, February 20, 2020
After being stalked for more than a decade by her former partner, Ottawa-based women’s rights advocate Julie Lalonde, BAH/07, Canadian Studies & Women’s Studies and MA/14, Canadian Studies says the idea of resilience “has always rubbed me the wrong way.” In Resilience is Futile: The Life and Death and Life of Julie S. Lalonde, the activist details how she was stalked by her abusive ex-boyfriend Xavier, whose real name was not used in the book, for 11 years. The couple met in high school, but Ms. Lalonde left after about two years. She’ll be turning 35 years old this year, five years after Xavier passed away. “My message to the world is, focusing on resilience ignores the systemic problem that forces people to fight so hard in the first place,” she said in a phone interview with The Hill Times on Feb. 19. “You can be the toughest, most courageous, and tenacious person on the planet, but if someone is determined to harm you, in our existing culture, they’re going to get away with it. “But for survivors, my message is just live your life,” she added. The book is set to be published Feb. 27. Her advocacy began as a student at Carleton University, where she pushed for the creation of the campus’ first sexual-assault centre. After years of petitioning Carleton as an undergraduate, the centre opened in 2013. Ms. Lalonde’s book touches on some of her work since then, including her spat with the Royal Military College, which, in 2015, had enlisted her to give presentations on sexual-assault prevention to officer cadets. During that experience, Ms. Lalonde said she was subjected to verbal abuse, catcalls, and whistles. […] Ms. Lalonde spoke with The Hill Times from her hometown of Sudbury, Ont., to discuss how, after 17 years advocating and working to change institutional cultures, including by holding workshops for Liberal and NDP MPs, she still faces death threats for her work, and why she is showing no signs of slowing down.
Full article available here: https://www.hilltimes.com/2020/02/20/just-live-your-life-womens-rights-advocate-tells-survivors-of-violence/236904