Allison (she/her) was born and raised on the traditional land of the Snuneymuxw people, where she began dancing at the age of three. During her youth, she spent several years training with Dancestreams Youth Dance Company, which provided her opportunities to work with esteemed choreographers and tour both locally and internationally. She has trained with the Arts Umbrella Dance Company, The National Ballet School of Canada, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and École Supérieure de Ballet du Québec and is now a Contemporary instructor at Ballet Victoria Conservatory. Allison began dancing with Broken Rhythms Dance Company in 2018, and has been part of the creation and development process of many original works. Most recently Allison performed in Broken Rhythms acclaimed production Chiaro:Scuro and is on the cast list to tour with the company this summer to Winnipeg with 1,000 Pieces of π.
1) Question: “with your background primarily focused in ballet, how has your approach to choreography and creation evolved since working with Broken Rhythms?”
Great question! Although, as you note, my early training was primarily in ballet, during my teen years I was fortunate to have worked with some incredible contemporary choreographers. This sparked an interest in contemporary dance that I’m glad to be exploring more deeply with Broken Rhythms. However, this shift from working primarily in ballet to exclusively in rhythmical contemporary has impacted how I approach choreography: particularly with respect to my priorities. When learning ballet choreography, I placed a heavy emphasis on accuracy and precision at all stages of the process. Conversely, the “development phase” of a Broken Rhythms show encourages experimentation. During this period, we are given the freedom to use the choreography as a starting point while infusing the work with our own impulses and perspectives. This is not to say that anything goes (and more often than not, my impulses are left on the cutting room floor), but it nudges me outside of my comfort zone and helps me to consider my relationship with the movement. It also allows me to infuse something of myself into the work and therefore I am a part of the choreography and I am able to share a part of myself with the group. I have enjoyed this process.
2)Question, “What’s your favourite piece you’ve ever performed?”
I love how this question allows me to reflect back on many cherished productions! While I suspect I may give a different answer on any given day, I have managed to narrow it down to a couple of pieces for now. Firstly, I have such a deep appreciation for “Dance 6 – Chest Around” (more informally known as “Tin Soldier”) from the show 1000 Pieces of Pi. The choreography begins calmly, featuring brief streaks of happiness and connection before building towards a joyful crescendo. I have always felt a strong connection to that piece. I also love the frenetic energy of Chiaro:Scuro’s finale. Lastly, I have been able to experience Seven’s “Volatile Reaction” as both an audience member and as a performer. It’s such a powerful piece, and I’m looking forward to watching VAB’s dancers remount it for our upcoming show!
See Allison in Broken Rhythms upcoming production of ‘KNOTTED’
Premieres April 12 2024 at 7:30 PM McPherson Playhouse.
*Tickets starting at $48.25
VENUE: McPherson Playhouse (3 Centennial Square) Victoria, BC
Broken Rhythms 