Artist of the Week
Photo Credit: Rémi Thériault
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Artist: Amelia Rose Griffin
Artform: Dancer and Choreographer What do you do and what are your main focuses? I perform (dance and act), choreograph (my own choreographies, in collaboration with theatre artists), and teach improvisation-based inclusive dance. I am currently also a Integrated Arts Consultant for integrated dance company Propeller Dance. My main focuses are: - contemporary dance that brings lived experiences of womanhood to the stage - creating inclusive dance choreographies where disabled and non-disabled artists are presented in an equal light that celebrates their individual style of movement. - performing nationally and internationally as a company member with Canadian companies Propeller Dance and Platypus Theatre. Where have you studied? I graduated from The School of Dance in Ottawa, Canada in both of their professional training programmes; Classical Ballet (Cechetti method), and Contemporary Dance. |
Please tell us a bit about your piece 'feelers'
‘feelers’ is a dance-theatre piece that I created in response to the street harassment I have experienced over the years as a woman.
This is the third iteration of the work, presented at Ottawa’s indie theatre series TACTICS (@tacticseries) in 2016. Previous versions have been more work-in-progress style performances that allowed me space to workshop how to navigate my way of communicating the reality of this phenomena, while allowing for the humour and physicality that often feature in my works. The first was presented in an art gallery, and the second as a part of Ottawa/Gatineau’s awesome locally-focused contemporary dance platform Dark Horse Dance Projects. I am extremely grateful to all the artists who helped me shape and navigate this necessary subject.
‘feelers’ is a dance-theatre piece that I created in response to the street harassment I have experienced over the years as a woman.
This is the third iteration of the work, presented at Ottawa’s indie theatre series TACTICS (@tacticseries) in 2016. Previous versions have been more work-in-progress style performances that allowed me space to workshop how to navigate my way of communicating the reality of this phenomena, while allowing for the humour and physicality that often feature in my works. The first was presented in an art gallery, and the second as a part of Ottawa/Gatineau’s awesome locally-focused contemporary dance platform Dark Horse Dance Projects. I am extremely grateful to all the artists who helped me shape and navigate this necessary subject.
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The excerpt you see here is a great example of what happened in the creative process with the dancers. I choose to hire three local contemporary dancers, and one male popper/locker. I asked the dancers to bring any experiences (first hand, or witnessed) of street harassment to each rehearsal. The process was unsurprising for the women, but a huge revelation for the male dancer! It opened space for discourse and understanding between us, and fed back into the text and the movement material we were exploring. Through these conversations and explorations, we also looked at how violence towards women is indicative of the larger, oppressive structure of a patriarchal society that also affects the male gender, and how that affects different, intersecting communities. We of course, didn’t come to an answer or a solution to this pervasive issue, but realized that dialogue and acknowledgement of our individual experiences can bring support and understanding as a society, and bring us closer as human beings.
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'feelers'
A work in progress by Amelia Rose Griffin Video from 'TACTICS' at Arts Court Theatre in Ottawa (2016) More info: https://tacticsottawa.com/ Filmed by: Ceeboy productions |
This piece still has so much room to grow, as there is much more to say. This gives a peek into where the work is now, and how I tried to navigate two sides of one problem. I aim to present an hour-long version of this work in the future that brings together these three different creations.
Above: 'feelers 2am'- presented at Dark Horse Dance Projects (www.darkhorsedanceprojects.com)
Choreography: Amelia Rose Griffin
Photo credit: Gilles Vézina
Choreography: Amelia Rose Griffin
Photo credit: Gilles Vézina
Why do you dance and perform?
I perform and create dance to communicate. We are all in this together, and we are all embodied. My hope is that both myself as a performer and choreographer I offer space where the audience receives a visceral understanding, a deep communication of a perspective on the world. I think the world absolutely needs dance as a celebratory, innately human, and energetic form of communication. A reminder that expression through the body is an often unacknowledged means of communication, yet incredibly vital. It allows us to find connection that is beyond verbal language, that has deep roots in our beings and brings forth expressions of our understanding of life.
Do you have a favourite genre?
I currently have a couple!! My life-long love will always be dance-theatre, as Pina Bausch impacted my artistic vision so profoundly as a young aspiring dance artist, and will always be my source of inspiration. It is how I can best communicate my artistic point of view.
I also am currently very encouraged and excited by hiphop theatre; dance styles that stem from Hip Hop culture (bboy/bgirl-ing, popping, locking, etc.) are choreographed and presented onstage. I love all the work that organizations like Breakin’ Convention are doing to break down the barriers of what we normally see in theatres, and allowing for more opportunity for these artists, and for audiences to see hip hop culture expressed in this way.
I perform and create dance to communicate. We are all in this together, and we are all embodied. My hope is that both myself as a performer and choreographer I offer space where the audience receives a visceral understanding, a deep communication of a perspective on the world. I think the world absolutely needs dance as a celebratory, innately human, and energetic form of communication. A reminder that expression through the body is an often unacknowledged means of communication, yet incredibly vital. It allows us to find connection that is beyond verbal language, that has deep roots in our beings and brings forth expressions of our understanding of life.
Do you have a favourite genre?
I currently have a couple!! My life-long love will always be dance-theatre, as Pina Bausch impacted my artistic vision so profoundly as a young aspiring dance artist, and will always be my source of inspiration. It is how I can best communicate my artistic point of view.
I also am currently very encouraged and excited by hiphop theatre; dance styles that stem from Hip Hop culture (bboy/bgirl-ing, popping, locking, etc.) are choreographed and presented onstage. I love all the work that organizations like Breakin’ Convention are doing to break down the barriers of what we normally see in theatres, and allowing for more opportunity for these artists, and for audiences to see hip hop culture expressed in this way.
Photo Credit: Mercedes Déziel-Hupé
What are you influenced by?
My influences are varied and vast, but I am influenced most by my meditation practice, my dreams, my lived experiences, and by other people (especially folks who express a female or non-binary/gender-queer perspective). I suppose what I am deeply influenced by is internal and external experiences and re-imaginings of ‘reality’ in its many forms.
What is one of the most interesting and exciting things you have done to date?
My career has offered me a variety of exciting and interesting opportunities, so it is challenging to choose just one! That said, there are two events that were very humbling to be a part of.
In 2015, Propeller Dance performed at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto as a part of the Para Pan Am Games. Being around that atmosphere of athletic excellence, and being showcasing at one of Canada’s most well-known theatre houses was an exhilarating experience.
My influences are varied and vast, but I am influenced most by my meditation practice, my dreams, my lived experiences, and by other people (especially folks who express a female or non-binary/gender-queer perspective). I suppose what I am deeply influenced by is internal and external experiences and re-imaginings of ‘reality’ in its many forms.
What is one of the most interesting and exciting things you have done to date?
My career has offered me a variety of exciting and interesting opportunities, so it is challenging to choose just one! That said, there are two events that were very humbling to be a part of.
In 2015, Propeller Dance performed at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto as a part of the Para Pan Am Games. Being around that atmosphere of athletic excellence, and being showcasing at one of Canada’s most well-known theatre houses was an exhilarating experience.
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Above: 'The Little Girl Inside Me' -https://www.facebook.com/littlegirlinsideme/
Director: Marie Yagami Choreographer: Amelia Rose Griffin Photo Credit: Danilo Moroni @danilomoroni_ph |
The second was when I was one of five teachers for a large-scale contemporary dance piece for 150 Ottawa community members. ‘Le Grand Continental’ is conceived and choreographed by Sylvain Émard, who engages different communities around the world to learn the choreography and perform it in a public space. I was a part of Ottawa’s version for the 2013 Canada Dance Festival. It was incredible to be around so many dedicated folks, get to know my local community, and perform such a joyful piece with such great energy! Look it up for other versions!
What excites you about the art world today? I am very moved by the work that is moving towards representation and inclusion. As an avid (albeit abstract) storyteller, I think it is of utmost importance that we present a diversity of experiences of the world so we can better understand each others experience of life and how rich this place we call home is. |
What are your future ambitions?
I have so many things I want to strive for - the future is so vast!
A few things I have in mind to move towards are doing a Masters programme in inclusive dance practice and performance, be involved in the creation of bespoke inclusive professional dance training (performance & choreography) for disabled artists in Canada with Propeller Dance, and create large-scale multidisciplinary art pieces that your nationally and internationally.
It’s important to me to use my capacities and craft to allow space for others to be able to do the same.
I have so many things I want to strive for - the future is so vast!
A few things I have in mind to move towards are doing a Masters programme in inclusive dance practice and performance, be involved in the creation of bespoke inclusive professional dance training (performance & choreography) for disabled artists in Canada with Propeller Dance, and create large-scale multidisciplinary art pieces that your nationally and internationally.
It’s important to me to use my capacities and craft to allow space for others to be able to do the same.
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Why do you like contemporary art and why do you think that it is important?
Contemporary art is important because we need space to interpret, to imagine in our own way. What contemporary art brings, to me, is an opportunity to interface with the audience, without telling them how they should feel, to not spell things out for the audience. Every person has their own version of this world inside them, and will see things in such different and interesting ways. I truly believe that once a piece of contemporary art is made, the last part of creation, or what ‘finishes’ it, is how the audience interprets the work. The space and spark left for the people is what brings life and meaning to contemporary art. I also like to think that contemporary art honours their capacity to think for themselves; an exercise in trusting their own visceral reactions and experience, and an opportunity to engage their innate humanness and intelligence. What motivates you? My motivations come in many forms. For my performance career, I am motivated by other dancers that I see out there doing such incredible interpretations and depth of inquiry into movement. I am equally motivated by my own imagination and how I can take what a choreographer gives to me and offer back exactly what their vision is. I have danced for companies and choreographers whose voice represents strong artistry and speaks to specific communities (Franco-Ontarian, youth, disabled audiences, etc.) and I am humbled to communicate their voices through my interpretation. |
Photo Credit: Mercedes Déziel-Hupé
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For my choreographic works I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that I am greatly motivated by examples of injustice and/or suffering. From tackling sexual violence, to sharing my own stories of womanhood, I feel I can offer a place for understanding and give voice and space to things that are sometimes hard to voice. I feel very lucky to be able to engage and communicate this through dance.
What are you afraid of?
Honestly? I am afraid of art not getting funded. Arts funding is incredibly important for the exploration, creation, and presentation of art works, and is so often where governments will choose to reduce expenditure. I think art is not just a ‘nice’ thing to do, but actually absolutely essential to the well-being of the individual, and the community at large. We need spaces where we can dream, understand, get perspective, learn more about ourselves and each other, etc. The human need for art is vital, and it scares me to think that sometimes our leadership loses sight of the necessity of art in our lives.
Hot Tip: Writing to your elected MP’s to acknowledge and support the arts can be incredibly helpful in recognizing the importance of art in our lives.
What are you afraid of?
Honestly? I am afraid of art not getting funded. Arts funding is incredibly important for the exploration, creation, and presentation of art works, and is so often where governments will choose to reduce expenditure. I think art is not just a ‘nice’ thing to do, but actually absolutely essential to the well-being of the individual, and the community at large. We need spaces where we can dream, understand, get perspective, learn more about ourselves and each other, etc. The human need for art is vital, and it scares me to think that sometimes our leadership loses sight of the necessity of art in our lives.
Hot Tip: Writing to your elected MP’s to acknowledge and support the arts can be incredibly helpful in recognizing the importance of art in our lives.
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Above: 'Stuff Your Distraction' - www.openonlinetheatre.org
Choreographer: Amelia Rose Griffin Dancers: bboy Jayson Collantes (Insta: @collantes.jayson) + Kat Ball (Insta: @kulkat2) Photo Credit: Bred London @bredlondon |
What is more important, talent or hard work?
Hard work is absolutely essential for success. I believe in perseverance and growth. If you don’t have a ‘natural’ talent, look at who is saying that, and why they are saying that. Talent comes in many forms, and just because it doesn’t look like someone else, or fit in to what is already constructed, it doesn’t mean there isn’t space for your way of interpreting your art form. For instance, I was told when I was younger that I would never make it as a dancer with the body I had. Choosing not to believe them, and allowing myself to grow (despite these words) as an artist allowed me to get creative with carving out my own space in the dance world. Self-determination and knowledge of self will always feed you, but relying on talent alone might not give you the drive necessary to survive an arts career. |
Have you ever failed at something and what happened as a result? What advice would you give to people as a result of that experience?
I have failed at many things in my career. I would say, know when to put on the back-burner, and know when to push. If something is completely not working it is ok to have given it your best shot, and leave it behind, but consider not releasing it completely. You never know if that one thing that failed, may have only failed because of the conditions (not the right time, space, person, venue, etc.).
On the flip side, everything might seem to be failing and you just want to give up, but there’s something inside you that says ‘push on’. It’s ok to listen to that! As Robert Frost said, ‘The only way out is through’ and this can definitely be true.
These are contrasting ideas, but what has given me the knowledge of what to choose in these moments are the following: self-knowledge through meditation, advice from people who I trust and who know me, taking a step into nature for perspective, and looking around me to see if what I am attempting is actually necessary for the community and for my own artistic practice at the time.
I have failed at many things in my career. I would say, know when to put on the back-burner, and know when to push. If something is completely not working it is ok to have given it your best shot, and leave it behind, but consider not releasing it completely. You never know if that one thing that failed, may have only failed because of the conditions (not the right time, space, person, venue, etc.).
On the flip side, everything might seem to be failing and you just want to give up, but there’s something inside you that says ‘push on’. It’s ok to listen to that! As Robert Frost said, ‘The only way out is through’ and this can definitely be true.
These are contrasting ideas, but what has given me the knowledge of what to choose in these moments are the following: self-knowledge through meditation, advice from people who I trust and who know me, taking a step into nature for perspective, and looking around me to see if what I am attempting is actually necessary for the community and for my own artistic practice at the time.
Above: The Ghomeshi Effect - https://theghomeshieffect.com/
Choreography: Amelia Rose Griffin
Photo Credit: Andrew Alexander
Choreography: Amelia Rose Griffin
Photo Credit: Andrew Alexander
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to become a dancer and/or choreographer?
Learn what you need to listen to, and feed back to your Self.
Dance is such a physical and demanding line of work, and requires a lot of giving. Make sure you learn what you need to take care of your body, your soul, and your mind. It will make your interpretation better, and allow for longevity in your career.
For dancers, keep learning lots of different styles of dance. It can offer you so many more opportunities that would otherwise be closed to you. It also gives you movement capacities and options that can be very inspiring for choreographers to work with. It also keeps your body moving in different ways, using different muscles and coordination patterns. Lastly, it keeps your mind sharp to get back to being a beginner at something and train your mind to experience your body in different ways!
For choreographers, keep a journal of the everyday things that stick out to you. It is part of getting to know yourself and your perspective. This practice has helped me in understanding what my perspective is, and what my ‘vision’ of the world is.
Anything interesting coming up soon?
Yes!!! Two notable things!
I am currently on sabbatical from my career in Canada, funded by the Ontario Arts Council, researching the UK’s inclusive dance scene. This summer I will be in studio for eight hours a week researching my own choreographic voice, and inviting dancers (contemporary, bboys/bgirls, and disabled dancers) to explore with me. I am very excited to dig into my choreographic practice in such a special way.
The second thing is ‘The Ghomeshi Effect’ is going on tour at different venues, and universities in Canada this October and November. This creation is incredibly important to address sexual violence, and offer space to talk about consent. It also feels extremely timely what with the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements making changes in our cultural atmosphere, and this play allows space for people to understand and be engaged with this subject matter. I am very proud of the choreographic work I did for this play, and can’t wait to share it with a larger audience!
Learn what you need to listen to, and feed back to your Self.
Dance is such a physical and demanding line of work, and requires a lot of giving. Make sure you learn what you need to take care of your body, your soul, and your mind. It will make your interpretation better, and allow for longevity in your career.
For dancers, keep learning lots of different styles of dance. It can offer you so many more opportunities that would otherwise be closed to you. It also gives you movement capacities and options that can be very inspiring for choreographers to work with. It also keeps your body moving in different ways, using different muscles and coordination patterns. Lastly, it keeps your mind sharp to get back to being a beginner at something and train your mind to experience your body in different ways!
For choreographers, keep a journal of the everyday things that stick out to you. It is part of getting to know yourself and your perspective. This practice has helped me in understanding what my perspective is, and what my ‘vision’ of the world is.
Anything interesting coming up soon?
Yes!!! Two notable things!
I am currently on sabbatical from my career in Canada, funded by the Ontario Arts Council, researching the UK’s inclusive dance scene. This summer I will be in studio for eight hours a week researching my own choreographic voice, and inviting dancers (contemporary, bboys/bgirls, and disabled dancers) to explore with me. I am very excited to dig into my choreographic practice in such a special way.
The second thing is ‘The Ghomeshi Effect’ is going on tour at different venues, and universities in Canada this October and November. This creation is incredibly important to address sexual violence, and offer space to talk about consent. It also feels extremely timely what with the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements making changes in our cultural atmosphere, and this play allows space for people to understand and be engaged with this subject matter. I am very proud of the choreographic work I did for this play, and can’t wait to share it with a larger audience!
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Further Links: Website: https://www.ameliagriffin.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliarosegriffin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ameliargriffin Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-rose-griffin/ |
Photo Credit: Mercedes Déziel-Hupé
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