Inspired by the theory of the vital few, the Vancouver-based 605 Collective’s new work explores the dynamic of their company and how they work together. “The theory of the vital few says that a small proportion of any large group has the power to affect change,” explained Josh Martin, one of two core members of the 605 Collective. “You have to consider the vital few in any group or organization — the key people who can change things.”

The work explores which dancers play a crucial role at any given moment, and each has a turn at showcasing their individual qualities while controlling the direction of the choreography. They play with the idea of one person being able to enact change, even if it begins from a very small act.

Martin performed at last year’s Vancouver International Dance Festival alongside the 605 Collective’s other core member, Lisa Gelley. They each performed solos on the free stage. This year, their company is presenting a preview of Vital Few, which will return in completed form for next year’s festival.

The Collective’s members have changed since the company’s formation in 2006, and they are always collaborating with new artists, but their process has remained the same. They draw on creative contributions of the whole group, and the creation is always a shared process.

This show will feature six dancers, and they are also sharing the bill with another local dance company, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre. Directed by Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond (the latter of whom has also worked with 605), Out Innerspace complements the collective’s artistic approach perfectly.

“Tiffany and David are old friends, and we’ve grown into our companies together,” said Martin. “We are each other’s biggest fans.”

Though the companies share many similarities, there are important differences in how they create movement. “Out Innerspace is a more theatrically-based company” focused heavily on exaggerated gestures and characterizations, explained Martin, whereas the 605 Collective’s style is more direct and varies between each dancer. 

Martin is excited that his company is a part of the festival, and admires the way the organizers have built its following over the years.

“It’s not easy to be a contemporary dance festival. It’s hard to get people to want to immediately buy into it,” he said. “VIDF takes a lot of risks, but the way they’ve built an audience is impressive.”

The Vancouver International Dance Festival runs March 8 to 28. For more information, visit vidf.ca.