Naomi is a founding member of Broken Rhythms and has played a vital role in all three major productions, SPARK, GRIM and SEVEN. You’ll always notice Naomi on stage, not only by her array of beautiful tattoos but her amazing emotional connection to each and every piece! Naomi also loves bulldogs, you’ll often find her flyering shows during fringe with her tutu wearing bulldog Bella or like in this photo you’ll lose her during flyering and find her cozied up with another bulldog!
Help support Naomi and Broken Rhythms by giving to http://dancevictoria.com/support-us/dance-accelerator-broken-rhythms/
Now here’s what Naomi had to say about Broken Rhythms and SEVEN…
Our first Broken Rhythms rehearsal was during a cold winter. I really didn’t know what to expect. I had only worked with Dyana as a choreographer a few times before and never to prepare an entire show just for us. In fact, I think this was the first time I was part of a show, a professional company show, just for adult dancers. It was just Lindsay and I that first rehearsal. Us and two six foot ladders. What started out as play (and numerous heart attacks for Dy) became one of our most memorable pieces; Tree Dwellers. And we’ve only grown from there.
Our company has evolved so much since then. From anticipation and uncertainty to confidence and pride, I am so grateful to be part of an evolution of a style of movement, an opportunity that you cannot find anywhere else in Victoria, and to be part of Dyana’s vision and artistic creation. Although I am attached to all three Broken Rhythms shows, SEVEN holds a special place in my heart. I think serendipitous is the only word I could use to describe SEVEN. It’s been a process not only in movement, but a cathartic exploration of my own experiences with grief – both from my past, and as we were preparing for the show.
Last summer my 15 year old made a courageous decision to accept her father’s offer to live with him for a school year. Grace and I are close; close in age, and close at heart. I have always struggled to be away from her, but this was something I don’t think any parent can prepare for. As parents, we have the agonizing task of prioritizing our child’s best interests (and experiences) over our own feelings. It reminded me of when she learned to walk; I couldn’t catch her every time she fell or else she wouldn’t learn. If I said no to her moving to San Diego – she wouldn’t learn. The day I returned from California without my child, I walked into a rehearsal for our last piece; Rebuilding. We had tried a few variations on our ending, but this one was different. Dy said: ‘The feeling I get from this piece is not necessarily acceptance but that you have to move forward. This dance represents picking up the pieces, and experiencing the goodness in life with a fresh and healing wound’. That’s exactly how I felt. On that day I had to experience dance (which brings me such joy) without Grace. Rebuilding holds a special place in my heart.
I’ve toured once with the Broken Rhythms Company before. We had a great time together. Performing in a new city is always so exciting and nerve wracking. I can’t wait to go to Edmonton. I honestly can’t wait to start rehearsing SEVEN again. So much has happened in life since last summer and I am excited to see how our experiences will shift and strengthen the movement. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to dance in this way and I can’t wait to share it with a broader audience.
~ Naomi
Broken Rhythms 