Naomi (she/ her) is the daughter of two immigrants from Scotland and Aotearoa respectively, Naomi was born in Okanagan Territory and raised in the unceded territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking people. Naomi is a founding member of Broken Rhythms and performed in Spark, Grim, and Seven before taking a 7 year hiatus to work abroad and danced with the Douban Professional Dance Company based in Jerusalem. Now back in Canada, Naomi is thankful to be dancing for Dyana’s company and fully re-immersing herself in BR’s signature Rhythmical Contemporary style.
Photos by Helene Cyr
Question 1: What has been the biggest surprise or change you’ve experienced since returning to Broken Rhythms after a seven year hiatus?
The effects aging has had on my body and the way it has changed how rhythmical contemporary looks and feels in my body. Also the evolution of the style in new dancers, and those who have been with the company for years. As a founding member, I am very proud of the company I had a hand in starting and developing and it is wonderful to see how this investment has created a local space for younger artists to have a place to work and dance on the island.
Question 2: What dance resonates the most with you in Knotted and why?
I think it’s a combination of a few of them – but if I narrowed it down to two it would be a cross between ‘hurty feet’ and layers. I’m very much in the grieving stage with an arthritis diagnosis and originally did not think I would be able to participate in a Broken Rhythms show again. However, I feel my relationship to chronic/ persistent pain had been an asset to the show. In one moment early in the show a specific move was causing me pain, rather then pushing through we discussed how to adjust this move while making it an aesthetic choice for the group. I feel it creates one of the most beautifully authentic images in the show and this would not have existed without my lived experience.
See Naomi 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 