Kidd Pivot

Kidd Pivot
Name	Kidd Pivot
Founded	2002
Founder	Crystal Pite
Location	Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Genre	Contemporary dance, Dance-theatre
Artistic director	Crystal Pite
Notable works	The Tempest Replica, Betroffenheit, Dark Matters

Kidd Pivot Kidd Pivot is a contemporary dance and dance-theatre company based in Vancouver, British Columbia, founded by choreographer Crystal Pite in 2002. The company is known for integrating narrative, theatrical design, and virtuosic ensemble movement, touring internationally across venues such as Sadler's Wells, Lincoln Center, and the Paris Opéra Garnier. Kidd Pivot has collaborated with institutions including the National Ballet of Canada, Staatsballett Berlin, and the Royal Danish Ballet, and has received recognition from awards like the Bessie Awards and the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards.

History

Kidd Pivot was established in 2002 when Crystal Pite left the ensemble of Edouard Lock's La La La Human Steps to form an independent company in Vancouver. Early seasons featured commissions and performances at festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, building ties with presenters like Sadler's Wells and Tanz im August. Over the 2000s and 2010s the company expanded its ensemble, created cross-disciplinary works for institutions including the National Arts Centre and the Canadian Stage Company, and developed long-term projects with collaborators from Mammalian Diving Reflex and the National Ballet of Canada.

Artistic Vision and Choreography

Kidd Pivot's artistic vision, led by Crystal Pite, emphasizes narrative invention, dramaturgy, and the integration of live music and design teams such as Jonathon Young's theatrical collaborators and composers like Ashley Bathgate. The company frequently partners with lighting designers from companies associated with Wayne McGregor and scenographers akin to those working at Royal Court Theatre. Choreographic methods draw on influences from choreographers including Pina Bausch, William Forsythe, and Ohad Naharin, while collaborating with musicians and composers from ensembles like Kronos Quartet and orchestras such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Notable Works

Kidd Pivot's repertoire includes critically acclaimed pieces staged and revived internationally. - The Tempest Replica (2017) — a reimagining of William Shakespeare's The Tempest presented at venues such as Barbican Centre and Sadler's Wells. - Betroffenheit (2015) — co-created with Jonathon Young and performed at festivals including the Edinburgh International Festival and theatres like Lincoln Center. - Dark Matters (2011) — premiered with support from presenters such as Canada Council for the Arts and toured to the Helsinki Festival. Other works performed by the company have been commissioned by companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and presented at institutions such as the Kennedy Center.

Collaborations and Commissions

Kidd Pivot has undertaken high-profile collaborations and commissions with ballet companies, theaters, and festivals. Notable commissions include work for the Paris Opéra Ballet, the National Ballet of Canada, Staatsballett Berlin, and contemporary ensembles affiliated with Sadler's Wells. The company has worked with directors and designers from theatres such as the Royal Court Theatre and music collaborators associated with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and chamber groups like Esprit Orchestra. Funding and commissioning partners have included the Canada Council for the Arts, BC Arts Council, and international presenters like Teatro alla Scala.

Members and Key Personnel

Key personnel have centered on founder and choreographer Crystal Pite, co-creators such as actor-director Jonathon Young, and a core ensemble drawn from dancers who have trained at institutions like the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, The Juilliard School, and Codarts Rotterdam. Rehearsal directors and répétiteurs have included artists with backgrounds at companies such as Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and Batsheva Dance Company. Design and music collaborators have ties to organizations like the Kronos Quartet and the Vancouver Opera.

Awards and Recognition

Kidd Pivot and its creators have received numerous accolades, including Bessie Awards honors, a Dora Mavor Moore Award, and citations from the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards and the Laurence Olivier Awards nominations for international productions. Critical recognition has come from outlets attending festivals such as the Edinburgh International Festival and the Venice Biennale.

Touring and Residencies

The company has toured extensively to venues and festivals including Sadler's Wells, Lincoln Center, the Barbican Centre, Paris Opéra Garnier, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, and the Helsinki Festival. Residencies and creation periods have been hosted by institutions such as Dampfzentrale Bern, National Arts Centre, Canadian Stage Company, and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, enabling research and co-productions with international presenters.

Category:Canadian dance companies