Red Sky Performance. Tono.

Conceived, co-choreographed and directed by artistic director Sandra Laronde with co-choreography by Roger Sinha, Tono is a new dance creation that brings together Indigenous cultures of Canada, Mongolia and China. Red Sky speaks to the tribal identities of Indigenous peoples and their shamanic history, while exploring the great horse cultures of the world that have held a mystical sway over our imaginations. The production is heavily grounded in the theme of horse culture, spanning plains tradition in Asia and North America, and rises into the realm of the evocative with a storyline about shamanism on both continents.

Inspired by Laronde's travels in Asia, this outstanding three-country project involves eleven dancers and musicians. Tono kicked off the 2008 Summer Arts Festival at The Banff Centre with three sold-out preview performances in the Margaret Greenham Theatre on July 3, 4, & 5, 2008, each resulting in a standing ovation.

Red Sky continues to develop and expand this project, taking it on tour to the Hai Dian Theatre in Beijing, China, the International Arts & Culture Festival in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, with performances in Ulanbaatar in Mongolia. In 2009-10, Red Sky will continue a high-profile tour throughout Canada, the United States, and overseas.

Tono was developed through the Creative Residency Program at The Banff Centre and is part of the 2008 Banff Summer Arts Festival in celebration of The Banff Centre's 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Tono was also commissioned by Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts & Creativity.

"Red Sky Shines over Banff" - Calgary Herald






	Photos by Don Lee

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