Broken Rhythms is heading to the stage this FRIDAY for 1,000 Pieces of π & 52 Stories.
As we get closer to opening night, we took some time to connect with the cast and ask them a few important questions about the upcoming show, the creative process, and what this work means to them.
After reading, make sure to swing over to Zeffy and grab your tickets for an evening of art, memory, storytelling, and pie you won’t soon forget.
Sara Peddle Broken Rhythms Company dancer for ∏
Q) How many numbers of π could you recite?
I would like to think I could do 1000, but it would take me a long time with converting the choreography with the code, and I would probably mix up a lot of the numbers!
Q) If you had to pick, which dance in this show is your favorite?
My favourite piece is the one we call ‘Sad Panda’. It has been one of my favourite pieces to watch since the very first time we performed this show, and after having the opportunity to dance it in Vancouver last year, I can confirm it is also my favourite to dance. The movements and music weave together and most of the dance is in canon, allowing individual creative expression. It is one of those pieces where I get off stage and realize I’ve had my eyes closed for most of the piece. I also love ‘Growly’ with its driving music and intense character; it’s so satisfying to push through to the end and have the softness of Ally’s solo following.
Q) How have you found the show has evolved?
It’s funny to think about the show evolving, since the choreo can’t technically ‘change’ much (a kick is always a kick, a jump is always a jump etc.), but I do think it’s evolved in many other ways since the first run. The characterization that each dancer brings to the show continues to grow and shift with each performance – we’ve been dancing this work since 2020, and all of us have grown and shifted as individuals over those years, which then translates to the energy you bring into your movement quality. We’ve also had many iterations with different cast members stepping in and out, creating new dynamics and opportunities to develop each time.
Q) Most importantly, what is your Favourite type of pie?
Coconut cream! Blueberry pie is a close second.
Makenna Thiffault (Mack) Broken Rhythms Company dancer for ∏
Q) How many numbers of π could you recite?
Probably not that many. I rely heavily on musical cues to remember choreography, and since I didn’t learn the show with the numbers in mind, I think I’d struggle quite a bit without the music. I also don’t have a great attention span and would probably get bored/distracted halfway through.
Q) If you had to pick, which dance in this show is your favorite?
Dance 8, or “Growly,” is my favorite. It comes right after a fast-paced piece filled with sharp movements, which makes the dancing feel more uniform simply because everything happens so quickly. In “Growly”, the choreography is very full-bodied and expressive, which is the kind of dancing I connect with most. I can bring more of myself into that piece which is really fun. Physically, it’s one of the tougher sections too, which I think actually adds to the characterization at that point in the show. There’s a real sense of pushing through and fully committing as a dancer, which makes the piece feel even more powerful.
Q) How have you found the show has evolved?
I wasn’t involved in the original creation of the show. I learned it fairly quickly last year for a touring opportunity in Vancouver, so at the time I focused mainly on just picking up the choreography. This time around, having more space to develop the material has given me a deeper understanding of how each piece has its own distinct intention and texture. I’ve really enjoyed being able to explore the different movement qualities and connect more personally with the characterization of each work.
Q) Most importantly, what is your Favourite type of pie?
Cherry!
Michelle Hewitt Broken Rhythms Contemporary Training Program Dancer and understudy for π
Q) How many numbers of π could you recite?
Before working on this show, I would’ve said “3.14” and called it a day. But after spending so much time connecting movement to numbers, I could probably get much farther than expected. Although at this point, the choreography is the memory device so don’t be surprised if I start dancing instead of speaking.
Q) If you had to pick, which dance in this show is your favorite?
I can’t pick just one favourite… so I’m choosing three: “Sad Panda,” “Growly,” and “Finale.” I found myself really resonating with each of them for completely different reasons and emotions. “Sad Panda,” for example, gives me this feeling of peace mixed with longing, which feels very connected to the heart of the show. “Growly” brings out a darker, more intense side of myself that was really fun to explore while learning the choreography. And “Finale” leaves me feeling hopeful and energized every time I watch or rehearse it. I find it’s a really special feeling to end the show on.
Q) How have you found the show has evolved?
This was actually my first time experiencing this work! So, I can’t fully speak to how it’s evolved over its entire lifetime. What’s been really interesting to witness, though, is how much it evolves even within the rehearsal process itself. Even though each number is tied to a specific movement (kicks, jumps, turns, balances, and so on) every dancer naturally brings their own interpretation and personality to those movements. No two people execute them in exactly the same way, which gives the choreography so much texture and individuality. And somehow, despite all those differences, it still comes together beautifully as a group, which I think is one of the most special parts of the show.
Q) Most importantly, what is your Favourite type of pie?
Apple cinnamon sugar!
Catch these dancers on stage May 22&23
Broken Rhythms 