In the Black Box Theatre at St. Thomas University, the audience sits bathed in a glow of red light. The theatre is hot. Very hot. There are no empty seats.

A voice welcomes us to Sole Collective’s The Red Room.

Rule #1: Flash photography and video are not only allowed, they are mandatory.

Rule #2: If we are locked in, so are you. No leaving the theatre until Intermission after Act II.

Rule #3: You are not allowed to be quiet in The Red Room.

This is not a dance recital.
It is a statement.

The Red Room began as a dream three years ago. Tonight, it comes alive in a celebration of femininity.

I. REIGN
II. RESILIENCE
III. RELEASE
IIII. RECLAMATION

Julia Whalley is the creative force behind Sole Collective, trained across disciplines including Heels, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Ballet, and Contemporary.

The Fredericton-born dancer and choreographer trained in Toronto for five years before returning home to found Sole Collective in 2022. Today, the dance and movement studio is home to three performance companies — Muse, Finesse, and Solebody.

Twenty-seven dancers.

Heels.

Precision.

Sweat.

The energy does not relent.

The audience screams.

Against the back wall, projected text and video serve as interludes in this multimedia exploration of strength, sensuality, and defiance.

I. REIGN

TO HOLD DOMINANCE, PRESENCE, AND AUTHORITY
TO COMMAND A SPACE WITHOUT ASKING PERMISSION
TO KNOW YOUR POWER WITHOUT NEEDING TO PROVE IT

Solos. Trios. Large groups.
How are they doing this in heels?

The overwhelming beats and rhythm drive the dancers from the floor to their feet. The bass rattles the theatre. The dancers move on instinct with precision. Confident, controlled impulse. Almost eight months of work, you see it in every step.

The show doesn’t just move, it breathes.

Suddenly, dancers appear behind and above the audience on a raised platform.

The Red Room comes alive in bursts of thought and desire.

Desire to be
imperfect.
loved.
connected.
to be.

IIII. RECLAMATION

REESTABLISHING OWNERSHIP, AGENCY, CONNECTION WITH ONE’S BODY
TO TAKE BACK WHAT WAS ALREADY YOURS
TO REMEMBER A WOMAN’S BODY WAS NEVER THE ENEMY

The chorus of screams: a wave of comments flooding social media.

Thumbs up.
Hearts.

Crowns.

Sole Collective’s The Red Room is electric.

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Sole Collective’s The Red Room ran May 15–16 at the Black Box Theatre (STU).

Director and choreographer: Julia Whalley