Compagnie Flak is a contemporary dance company based in Montreal Canada, under the direction of Venezuelan born choreographer José Navas. Creator of more than 30 pieces, his work can be recognized by his audacity and the usualness of the characters of his creations. Today, the words that best describe his work are: abstraction, sobriety, intensity and depth.

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Portable Dances

Portable Dances (José Navas & Chanti Wadge). Photo: Michael Slobodian

Portable Dances (José Navas & Chanti Wadge). Photo: Michael Slobodian

Portable Dances is a piece in three parts, working with the simplicity of movement and light. It includes a duet (Pas de Deux for four dancers), a solo by José Navas (Solo with Light) and a trio (Trio in White). Bodies in motion construct and deconstruct lines of movement across the space, abstract cartography. Between meditation and acceleration, fluidity and contrasts, they become traces, lines and characters. They seek the calligraphy of movement in what is simplest and most essential. Alexander MacSween has composed the soundtrack, using the voices of the dancers.

Critical acclaim from the press

  • “Navas created what might very well be his masterpiece.” The Gazette, Montreal, 2005
  • “The magic happens. José Navas is both an exceptional performer and an exceptional choreographer.” Désautels / Radio-Canada, Montreal, 2005
  • “Navas at the height of his art.” La Presse, Montreal, 2005
  • “Something new and fascinating is emerging here in the choreographer’s work.” Le Devoir, Montreal, 2005
  • “Poetry without artifice. The gesture is king and master.” Voir, Montreal, 2005

Credits

  • Dancers: the Company
  • Music: Alexander MacSween
  • Lighting: Marc Parent
  • Costumes: José Navas/Compagnie Flak and Vandal

Portable Dances is a production of José Navas/Compagnie Flak in co-production with l’Agora de la danse (Montreal).