Thrust

An accomplished choreographer and performer, Justine A. Chambers illuminates the struggles of the incoming generation of dance artists she teaches at Simon Fraser University. Faced with drastically shifting hierarchies and slow moving institutional structures, Justine offers how she nurtures artistic development while balancing her own dance career.

The formalization of the practice of intimacy coordination opened up a new career path for multi-talented Anisa Tejpar. She shares how finding and advocating for someone’s ‘no’ can actually open a better path for ‘yes’s to happen, increasing and pushing intimacy farther than it’s ever been.

With an eye on the landscape of dance across North America, Anne Dunning of Arts Action Research shares her over 30 years of expertise as a consultant in the field. She speaks to the biggest hurdles and successes happening in dance today, the power artistic practices have to shape a better world, and how the…

The creator of a one-of-a-kind performance hall able to measure performers and audience, Dr. Laurel Trainor has dedicated her practice to measuring the power of the arts. Through sophisticated studies in cognitive research, Laurel offers exciting insights into the particular impacts of coming together for live performance.

We’re thrusting you into the future, examining what is emerging in the field of Canadian dance. This season welcomes guests who are taking bold steps in the innovation of dance academia, research and advocacy, interpersonal relationships, and global dynamics that are shaping the milieu at large. Listen in for conversations hosted by Aria Evans with…

Paving the way for street dance to enliven theatrical spaces, Crazy Smooth is now at the helm of two organizations with aligned and yet, disparate goals. Crazy Smooth shares his hopes for finding his way through this unexpectedly quick shift with openness and curiosity, steered by the guiding hand of his late mentor.

Natasha’s ongoing study of jazz dance informs her ability to choreograph and imbue jazz culture within her work in this successive form. Knowing its co-opted history and complex relationship to music, we get insights into the challenges Natasha faces in keeping true to this form.

Take a peek into a three year transition plan where the evolution of the dance form, contact improvisation, acts as one of the biggest teachers. After Parkinson shifts his physical abilities, witness Peter Bingham’s succession plan in action as he imparts his knowledge and details of his life’s work to incoming director Olivia Shaffer.

The consideration of legacy from an intergenerational and deeply cultural lens serves as the foundation for Penny’s creation of Big Medicine Studio. Penny’s practice of storyweaving, learned from her mentor, brings together diverse individuals across age, gender, race and ability to see their shared experiences and connectedness.

Leadership models are constantly in flux – witness a shift from one leadership team to another in Vancouver International Dance Festival’s 2025 season. Learn how Deanna Peters and Victor Tran are placing their grassroots ideas and values at the centre of what could be seen as a local institution.

Built from the ground up, Alyssa has been forming Rock Bottom Movement to house her unique signature style of sharp wit and biting musicality. As an emergent standout creator, Alyssa divulges some of the ways she’s working to cultivate a shared legacy.

The dance made in canada podcast is back with a brand new name and a lineup of leaders in Canadian dance going through extraordinary transitions. Our season 5 theme of legacy and succession looks at sole proprietors, co-leadership, quick flips and longer term mentorships as ways of passing the artistic flame from generation to generation.…