Melissa Monteros and Wojciech Mochniej met in Bytom, Poland, in 1991, and began an enduring collaborative partnership. From diverse cultural backgrounds, she from Los Angeles and he from Poland, they have developed a distinct choreographic voice which culminates in a fusion of contemporary dance and Polish physical theatre. Born out of this collaboration, W&M Physical Theatre was founded by Monteros & Mochniej in Gdansk, Poland, in 1994. While the Company has its roots in Poland, it has established a home at the Centre for Movement Arts in Calgary, Canada. Danced on two continents and presented in such countries as Italy, France, Germany, Sweden, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland and Poland, their work has been described as “shockingly powerful and dynamic,” “astonishingly beautiful” and “reminiscent of Grotowski.” 

Performances of W&M often mix Polish and English language in the title and content. The movement vocabulary incorporates both pedestrian and technical dance language, while maintaining the raw approach originated in 1998. Abstract movement phrases characterized by an organic fluidity are contrasted with a rough shaping of the body. The work is structured in theatrical scenes. The visual landscape and sound score are of paramount importance. The result is work that is more poetic than narrative. Social content is very important to this duo, but what the artists are exploring, discussing, and arguing for is the opportunity to learn about the world through their work as artists. The work becomes the synthesis of what they are discovering. Thus, each work takes them to a new level of understanding and artistic depth.

There are no spaces between ‘W” and “M” in the Company’s title; only the ‘and’ symbol which wraps around itself. The artistic identity of the choreographers is intertwined, but not blended. These two voices, both shaped by the geography of their birth, are not only American or Canadian or Polish. They are distinct but stand together. The Company is both a Canadian and a Polish dance theatre. Not by birth, or by the place the company began, but by the voicings and shadings of the work.

History of the Society

In 1986, Artistique was founded in Calgary with a focus on youth dance training and performance. To better identify with its focus, Artistique became Youth Dance Unlimited. Under the Artistic Direction of Erin O'Connor, who guided the organization from 1991 until 2007, a significance metamorphosis occurred. In 2003, O'Connor transformed the organization from a youth focus to a community dance organization, which included a multi-generational professional dance company and a new name: Eko Dance Projects.

In June 2007, with the retirement of O’Connor, the roots of Eko and W&M became intertwined: Monteros and Mochniej took the helm of the non-profit Eko Dance Projects, directing the power of their artistic activity toward a reshaping of the organization. Now, with the merged organizations fully focused on professional artistic practice, Monteros and Mochniej are intent on providing a ladder to assist emerging dancers ascent into the professional world.