Li Keur: Riel's Heart of the North had a successful opening in Winnipeg last week. 

Our Artistic Director, Yvonne Chartrand, was honoured and delighted to choreograph and dance in the first Métis Opera. Opera Manitoba commissioned this piece to share Métis culture and history. At V’ni Dansi, our mission is to create works that reflect Métis culture in contemporary dance forms. Li Keur presented us with a unique opportunity to combine music and dance through the operatic form. 

According to the Winnipeg Free Press (link to full review): 

“The 135-minute (including intermission) production, sensitively directed by Winnipeg’s Simon Miron, is a love letter to the Métis nation, as well as a joyous celebration of its women and culture.... There are many compelling moments ringing with truth in this show, its cast of characters brought to life by singers, actors, dancers and musicians who have these stories in their blood and bones.”

"An absolute thrill to watch!"

Chris Ross, Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret

"The Dance Centre has previously supported the work of Yvonne Chartrand and Compaigni V'ni Dansi. We have presented performances of Metis jigging at our Noon Dance series (to great acclaim)... It is our belief that Compaigni V'ni Dansi offers a special opportunity to our community by performing a combination of Metis traditional and contemporary dance. Our past programming of the work of Compaigni V'ni Dansi has led to very positive feedback from our diverse audiences. Their participatory style always brings their audiences into the dance!"

Mirna Zagar Executive Director Scotiabank Dance Centre

"Compaigni V'ni Dansi is a very active and unique part of the Aboriginal Arts community and they endeavour to create events which reach out and engage the community; both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. Aboriginal culture is rooted in the tradition of gathering and storytelling, and this company always manages to encourage communities to come together, share and engage in traditional and contemporary Aboriginal art practices. Participation by audiences of all ages is always forefornt. Whenever we program work by Compaigni V'ni Dansi, the evenings sell to capacity and the audience feedback is extremely positive."

Tanja Dixon-Warren Managing Producer Talking Stick Festival / Full Circle: First Nations Performance

"Clayburn Middle School has been fortunate to have Yvonne Chartrand, and her Metis dance troupe come to our school to teach Metis dance to our grade 6 students. We have continued this working relationship for the past 8 years because the students (even the boys) are engaged, and excited to participate.... the students see it as a treat. Our school also holds an Aboriginal Day celebration every three years, and Yvonne's dance troupe has always participated. They are the highlight of each celebration, and an important part of our school experience. I highly recommend them as a valuable cultural experience for any school."

Kyle Stark Aboriginal Support Worker Clayburn Middle School