T.D.O.T. The Dancers of Toronto is dedicating this weeks Dancer /Choreographer shout out to Jennifer Robichaud and NIGHT OF ESSENCE "SHE ROCKS" a Dance and Entertainment showcase Produced by Kay Ann Ward T.D.O.T.'s Feb 7th shout out. Jennifer will be taking the stage with Choreographer/Performer Jase Cozmic (Jason Yorke-Best). Get to know Jenniffer and her company Larchaud Dance Project, come out to watch them perform at Night of Essence JUNE 12th at 6 DEGREES Event venue.
Holding an Honours BFA from York University, Jennifer Robichaud has had extensive dance training in many disciplines, specializing in jazz and contemporary forms. Jennifer co-founded Larchaud Dance Project in 2004 and currently holds the position as Artistic Director. Jennifer also works with Anandam Dance Theatre (Precipice/11, Confluence/10) and AKA Dance, and has a range of commercial and video work. She was a featured choreographer on the Gemini nominated documentary series Freedom which airs on Bravo. Presently, Jennifer teaches at Alyona Dance Studio, U for Change, IHAD (Scarborough Arts Council), and resides as the guest adjudicator on the entrance jury to St. Elizabeth Secondary School's Regional Arts Program. She leads countless workshops in the city as part of Larchaud Dance Project, and is involved with youth programming and initiatives. Jennifer is a member of the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, Dance Ontario, and is currently a juror for the 2010/11 Dora Awards.
LARCHAUD DANCE PROJECT
Jennifer Robichaud-Artistic Director (Choreographer/Performer)
Larchaud Dance Project is committed to creating dance art that pushes boundaries, that engages all audiences, and that exposes new audiences to dance through mainstream culture. We are dedicated to producing work that is accessible to everyone, and that is layered to appeal to all ages. Larchaud Dance Project delivers a preservation of the technique and standard of breaking from some of the city’s originators with an array of contemporary styles. Through these combinations has evolved a hybrid form of dance and partnering that has become stylistically linked to the company. We are dedicated to creating art that questions the harsh realities of today’s world, engages youth, and acts as a vehicle for social change. Larchaud is constantly strives to offer both dance forms to highly diverse audiences. We are consistently known for weaving a story through dance, theatre, and film, bridging the gaps between culture, class, and gender. This Toronto based company has been nationally and internationally recognized for its vibrant workshops, cutting edge choreography, and multimedia performances. Select choreographic and performance credits with Larchaud include LDP productions (Game Over, Back to X, Caution, SHINJIRU, Stript Bare,) Illuminite, Beats Breaks and Culture, Nuit Blanche, Fringe (Shanghai, China), TIDF, Wintercity Festival and many more. Find out what Jennifer had to say in this weeks shout out..........
Bio provided by Jennifer
Nikki: Do you remember the first time you started dancing?
Bio provided by Jennifer
Jennifer: I know I started taking lessons when I was 4, but lessons and dancing are different. I think I started dancing for myself and out of necessity around the age of 14. There was a lot of craziness in my life, and it was my only constant and means of expressing myself. It has stayed that way ever since.
Nikki: Do you remember the first song you choreographed to? (Or your earliest memory)
Jennifer: Must have been Michael Jackson. If not - Paula Abdul's Cold-Hearted Snake (secretly wishing to be her back-up dancer at age 8).
Nikki: Your personal advice for dancers when it comes to free styling?
Jennifer: Exactly what the name says - Do What You Feel. That's the only way you'll develop your OWN style, there's a lot to be said for authenticity.
Nikki: Getting in the zone to choreograph, what does it take for you?
Jennifer: Instead of trying to get into a mind state to choreograph, I let it come to me. I work really late at night; I think it helps to be able focus on your own creative energy without the distraction of the outside. There's something very sacred and intuitive about artistic expression, and I find this is heightened when the rest of the world is quiet.
Nikki: Who are some of your biggest influences in the Dance industry?
Jennifer: If I had to think of dance icons - Madonna, Louise Lecavalier, Michael Jackson, Bob Fosse. But at this point in my career, I'd have to say my Larchaud co-choreographer Jase Cozmic. He is one of the most versatile and strongest performers I've ever worked with or watched. He is creative, unique, and passionate. Both our similarities and differences are what enable me to push past previous work, and to keep everything new all the time.
Nikki: Name a Toronto Choreographer you enjoy working with and why?
Jennifer: Brandy Leary - the Artistic Director of Anandam Dance Theatre. She's the only person I've worked for who is crazier than I am, with ideas by the minute. Brandy will constantly push her performers theatrically; while we are dancing, spinning on straps, doing acrobatics, hanging off ropes 40 ft in the air, doing extreme lifts on staircases...you know...everyday stuff...
Nikki: Name one of your favorite artists to work with and why?
Jennifer: Amon Tobin, Venetian Snares, MRK1 are all artists that I've used for Larchaud Dance Project. But I tend to switch it up for each show.
Nikki: Are you currently working on any projects?
Jennifer: On Sunday June 12, 2011 Larchaud Dance Project will be showcasing a small excerpt of choreography, "Etched" from our upcoming production Elegant Beast. The showcase is called Night of Essence and Kay-Ann Ward produces it. The first Night of Essence Dance and Entertainment Showcase is dedicated to the amazing and talented ladies we have in and around our city. This night is called Night of Essence "She Rocks"
The full-length version of Elegant Beast will premiere as a Dance Works Co Works production May 30th -June 2nd, 2012 at Theatre PassEtched is 3-minute section of a 50-minute show, and takes it's inspiration from the television show True Blood.
Nikki: Qualities you think Toronto Dancers possess?
Jennifer: They are extremely diverse, as we live in a city that is constantly being influenced by the music, fashion, art, and history of many cultures.
Nikki: Any advice for emerging dancers and choreographers working/training in Toronto?
Jennifer: Work together and respect other artists. Everyone wants to compete for his or her moment in the spotlight, but after your moment being "the next big thing" they will be the only ones who will continue to support you. And to work on personal artistry and style, because an amazing performer is amazing because of their energy and passion, not their tricks. While tricks and technique can get boring, style and presence are timeless.
THANK YOU JENNIFER FOR BEING PART OF T.D.O.T. XO
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT LARCHAUD DANCE PROJECT THIS SUNDAY JUNE 12TH PERFORMING AT NIGHT OF ESSENCE "SHE ROCKS"
CHECK OUT SOME FOOTAGE FROM LARCHAUD DANCE PROJECT.....
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