reviewvancouver, DanceHouse: Amour, Acide et Noix

Marco Curci and Jimmy Gonzalez
Photo: Julie Artacho

n 2001 Daniel Leveille premiered his Amour, Acide et Noix danced against the backdrop of Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons and performed in the nude with only the light from above to clothe the dancers. Leveille was inspired for this piece apparently by a visit to Vancouver's Wreck Beach and witnessed a beach sport played in the nude. This scene evolved into the choreography that became Amour, Acide et Noix.

On October 24th DanceHouse opened their 2025/26 season with Amour, Acide et Noix. Jim Smith, the artistic director of DanceHouse worked to bring this piece to Vancouver and the full house on opening night confirmed the success of his choice. Daniel Leveille is an accomplished Canadian dancer, teacher and choreographer who has been honoured for his dedication to dance and the Canadian contemporary dance scene.

Lou Amsellem and Marco Arzenton
Photo: Julie Artacho

Amour, Acide et Noix is a somber piece danced in lighting that accents movement and posturing of the body. There are no props to detract from the movement of the dancers. The lighting by Marc Parent is effectively used to highlight the nude dancers form. The light chisels the body shapes as the dancers perform their solos, duets or work together in ensembles exuding strength and controlled precision. There is a slight acrobatic nature to their movement and a flicker of humour was expressed in parts of the performance.

In the pre-talk before the performance on opening night the meaning of the title was discussed with Marie-Andrea Gougeon, dance development manager for DLD. She led the talk and offered insight into the piece and Leveille's dance journey. The title, Amour, Acide et Noix is meant to express the love, energy and food that sustain a meaningful life. Set to a backdrop of Vivaldi's Four Seasons, popular music and the bird song that brings to mind images of nature we understand Leveille's point. Dancers dancing in the nude, a natural state which also brings the vulnerability of life into the meaning of the piece.