39 MB - University of Toronto Magazine

57-59 3/2/05 6:14 AM Page 57AllumniNotesPROFILES•NEWS•EVENTS•CALENDARSpirit in the SkySandra Laronde, founder and artistic director of the Red Skyperformance company, is recounting a vivid memory. At 17she was out in a boat on Lake Temagami in Northern Ontario,when she spotted a black bear swimming in the distance. Shesteered toward it, determined to get close enough to see howthe beast moved in the water. She imitates the powerful butgraceful movements as she tells the story.A fascination with movement and a deep connection tothe natural world – as well as an impressive fearlessness –have stayed with Laronde (BA 1989 Innis).These qualitiesare also intrinsic to Red Sky, which she founded in 2000.Thecompany incorporates aboriginal culture, contemporarydance, theatre and music into each production. Larondelikens this approach to a First Nations perspective of art.“When I go to a traditional ceremony, all the art forms areintegrated. In one ceremony alone, I will hear songs, music,Continued on page 59PHOTOGRAPHY: HELEN TANSEYSPRING 2005 57