The Impulse Series
The Impulse Series is a new interdisciplinary performance series pilot presented in partnership by The Rooms, Sound Arts Initiatives, and Neighbourhood Dance Works.
The series brings together local dancers and musicians to create spontaneous, real-time compositions in an intimate, low-tech performance setting.
Each presentation features a small mixed ensemble improvising together—without predetermined choreography or musical scores—and is followed by a short audience reflection period.
Tickets: $5 plus HST. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.
May 8 – Impulse Series
Vanessa Cardoso-Whelan
Vanessa Cardoso Whelan (she/her) is a multidisciplinary artist, playwright, and clown from Brazil, with a deep passion for contemporary theatre and body movement. She graduated with a diploma in Theatre Arts in 2004 and has performed extensively on stage and in street theatre as both an actress and dancer, collaborating with various artistic groups. Since relocating to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2014, Vanessa has become an active and generous presence in the local arts community. She regularly offers volunteer workshops and performances for newcomers, refugees, and non-profit organizations, using her art as a tool for connection and inclusion. Deeply connected to nature, Vanessa finds inspiration in the mountains of Newfoundland’s west coast, which remind her of her homeland in Brazil.
Andrya Duff
A multi-disciplinary performer and creator who brings this blended approach to each project. Locally, Andrya is one-third of Grand Trine Presents - a multi-disciplinary/media collaboration that creates through the lens of astrological archetypes and Ballast Collective, a collaboration between movers, musicians and innovative midi-sensor technology. Currently, Andrya produces the quarterly series CAMEO at the Barbara Barrett Theatre and is co-Artistic Producer of Groundwork Dance Festival.
Nicole Hand
Nicole Hand is a professional instrumentalist involved in many of St. John’s top orchestral, jazz, theatre and rock groups. She has recorded two award-winning albums as baritone saxophonist with Ouroboros and held the chair of Second Bassoon with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra since 2008. She can most recently be seen on stage with her partner, Jodee Richardson, as part of their touring folk duo Jodee + Nicole or in the horn section of nine-member rock band Hit Piece, which debuted at the Writer’s at Woody Point Festival in 2024. Originally from Conception Bay South, Nicole lives in downtown St. John’s with Jodee and their dog, Nan.
Sarah Joy Stoker
Interdisciplinary artist Sarah Joy Stoker’s work is rooted in dance, performance, site specific installation, video, and photography and has always been art-for-action based. For decades her work has focused on ecological and social justice in response to the incredible disconnect from nature fuelled by our colonial past and present and spans; They cut down trees so you can wipe your ass and blow your nose with the softest tissues ever (1999), From your head down to your feet (2002), Le Bordel (2003), Rocks on (2005), Sapiens lay here (2007), When the birds fly happy (2011), The worth of (2014), Our heart breaks (2018), Once we were trees (2019), Fort/tress (2020), Stay Staying/Repeat Offenders (2024) and, Woven Prayers on Melting Ice, Walking the Retreat of a Glacier, and Pixel Bear (2024). Sarah holds firm that art is an active force in life and should be used as a vehicle for action.
Jing Xia
Jing Xia is a guzheng performer, composer, and ethnomusicologist based in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her practice bridges contemporary Chinese music, improvisation, and experimental sound, informed by research into diaspora and intercultural music-making. She blends electric textures, extended techniques, and deep listening to create music that responds to space, movement, and collaboration. Whether performing solo or with ensembles, Jing treats the guzheng as melody, percussion, and atmosphere—shaping vivid, in-the-moment sound worlds.