As part of this month’s Toronto Dance Theatre Digital Residency, we’re profiling prominent artists associated with Toronto’s contemporary dance scene. See all of the profiles here.
Name your favourite recent dance production.
I really enjoyed Chiasmata – I performed in the 2017 performance and was also a part of the original casting. Christopher House allowed the dancers to contribute to the choreographic process, which is something I admire about his approach. Everyone had unique, individual movements that were tailored to them.
What’s one dish or drink from a Toronto restaurant that you cannot do without?
Japanese ramen from anywhere in Toronto. There is such a wide selection of ramen in this city!
Where is your favourite place to go out dancing in the city?
I like to dance in my living room with my son and my wife.
How do you feel contemporary dance in Toronto is changing?
With the overload of information available to us today through the Internet, there are so many varying approaches to contemporary dance. It is becoming increasingly difficult to create a piece and to forge your own ideas as an artist in the contemporary dance field. And yet, I see more uniqueness emerging than ever before, since we are able to draw inspiration from other artists’ work.
Is there a choreographer that you find especially inspiring right now?
It’s too hard to nail it down to one choreographer. Everyone I’ve worked with brings a fresh array of ideas that have fed into my perspective and growth as an artist.
What drew you to The Glass Fields Project?
For me, I find it very interesting to watch the original piece from 1983 and see how different choreographers are adapting, interpreting and recreating the work. There are visible similarities but there are also contrasting elements that make each piece unique and set them apart from one another.
What’s it like to collaborate with Toronto Dance Theatre?
Because we work with each other every day, there is a profound degree of familiarity and trust among TDT dancers, which facilitates meaningful collaboration. The high level of skill and dedication allows us to create movement that is both intricate and honest. Christopher House, as always, guides us through the creation process in such a way that everyone in the room is contributing in one way or another.
Visit the NOW Digital Residency: Toronto Dance Theatre
