When the world slowed down during the pandemic, Colleen Snell did what she's always done—she kept moving.

Without access to studios or rehearsals, the Frog in Hand Artistic Director began developing ideas in her backyard. What started as a personal creative practice eventually became Taranta—a contemporary ensemble work shaped over six years through collaboration, experimentation, and the extraordinary commitment of the artists who helped bring it to life.

On Thursday, August 20, Frog in Hand Productions will present the World Premiere of Taranta, marking the first time audiences will experience the complete work.

Created Through Collaboration

Created by Artistic Director Colleen Snell in collaboration with the dancers, Taranta is a fierce contemporary ensemble work inspired by the rituals of women's work—including sewing, carding wool, spinning thread, harvesting, and gathering. Through grounded, precise, and explosive movement, the production explores collective memory, resilience, and female power.

“Taranta represents the longest continuous development of any creative work I’ve made,” says Snell. “It didn’t come easily and, in many ways, that’s exactly what it’s about—hard work. Every gesture is layered with meaning, and it has become one of the most beautiful and complex pieces I’ve ever created”

— Colleen Snell

For audiences who have followed Frog in Hand through Dancing in the Library, community performances, or previous excerpts of Taranta, Opening Night offers the first opportunity to experience the complete work.

Watch a preview of Taranta

Whether you're a longtime supporter of contemporary dance or discovering Frog in Hand for the first time, Taranta promises an evening that is immersive, intimate, and distinctly rooted in community.

More Than a Performance

Beyond its technical precision and physicality, Taranta invites audiences to reflect on the stories carried through generations of women.

"I hope people delight in the virtuosity and complexity of the dancing, but I also hope they experience moments of catharsis," says Snell. "I hope this work sparks meaningful conversations about the nature of women's work across generations."

The evening also celebrates the artists, supporters, and community partners whose contributions have helped bring the production to life while supporting Frog in Hand's artistic and community initiatives.

Guests choosing the VIP Experience will enjoy a reception beginning at 6:00 p.m., featuring food from Official Opening Night Partner Amazing Graze, locally crafted beverages from Official Opening Night Partner Old Credit Brewing, opportunities to meet the artists, access to the Opening Night silent auction, and an invitation to an exclusive Taranta rehearsal before taking their seats for the performance.

General Admission begins at 8:00 p.m. and includes the World Premiere performance, access to the Opening Night silent auction, and commemorative keepsakes while supplies last.

A Milestone for Mississauga

For Frog in Hand, the premiere represents what can happen when artists are given the opportunity to create, collaborate, and grow within their own community.

"Mississauga is a place where the arts can flourish, but it's rare for dance to take centre stage," says Snell. "It's incredibly significant that Taranta is a high-calibre professional dance performance you can experience here, and it was made here by local artists. Because Taranta took years to make, this premiere represents what can happen when artists are sustained continuously over the long term—not just project to project, but as a career."

Photo credit: Gabriella Bank, Sanborg Productions

Be Among the First to Experience Taranta

The World Premiere of Taranta takes place on Thursday, August 20, with the VIP Experience beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the performance beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Public performances continue on: