Ethereal nearly to perfection, Influence is one of the most engrossing dance shows I’ve ever seen at the Montreal Fringe Festival. The choreographers and performers Sofia El Iraki, Sasha Ashwini, and Noha Abdelmoaty extended a subtle invitation to question themes revolving around identity, land, and culture by way of a relatively new movement piece.

The performance intimately guides us through various improvised and choreographed sequences while blending dance styles from Morocco, India and Egypt. I quickly recognized notes of Baladi in certain moments but was left wanting to know more about the other methods. Perhaps if there was a complementary printed program, people like myself could leave the venue knowing what elements to look up and learn more about the specific cultural symbols evoked in the work. Dressed in white, flowy, delicate costumes, the dancers took to the stage and placed a long brown fabric around its perimeter. They began making music with traditional instruments and with the use of their bodies. The musical score composed by Ahmed Soroko accompanied the ensemble harmoniously, punctuating different narrative elements throughout the piece.

After the show ended, Abdelmoaty, Ashwini, and El Iraki invited the audience to participate in a discussion and offer insights as to how to elevate Influence. They weren’t shy to express their need for feedback, and I applaud them for their humility; this openness to dialogue with those watching from the outside is not always common practice in the performing arts scene.

As a spectator, I absolutely adore watching performers engage with one another in a meaningful way. What struck me was how genuine the eye contact and coyish smiles between the dancers were. Not only that, but they showed us grace by wanting to connect in the same way with us audience members. As a result, those who were there felt it compensated for twice more presence. To see women on stage expressing joy, feminine divinity, strength, and sensuality is always such a pleasant way to spend a Friday evening.

Influence is performing from June 11th to 21st at the La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines as part of Montreal Fringe Festival’s 2026 programming. As of this review's publication, the show has four performances remaining: Wednesday June 17th at 18:00, Thursday June 18 at 22:15, Friday June 19 at 15:15, and Saturday 20th June at 21:00.
Find more information and tickets on the FringeMTL website.