This weeks Dancer/Choreographer shout out goes to Brittany-Brie. Brittany-Brie D’Amico began dancing at a competitive level at the age of five in studio's around Keswick, Newmarket and Aurora.
As a teenager, she participated in musicals and touring companies, including Mainstreet Theatre Company, Queensville Players Musical Theatre Company and Elite Productions. Brittany-Brie graduated with Honours from York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She has extensive training and performs a variety of disciplines including but not limited to modern, contemporary, jazz, ballet and burlesque. Since graduating she has danced with The Toronto Marlies, Mind The Gap, Vortex Dance, Simcoe Contemporary Dancers, Newfound Dance, The Parahumans, StandupDance, LR Productions, Collective Heat and The York Dance Ensemble. Her experience teaching children and adults in her hometown of Keswick, ON has helped her to understand her passion for dance and the importance of active movement in everybody's life. Her dancing ability is not limited to a particular style and is as diverse as her personal interests; she has aspirations of pursuing singing and musical theatre alongside dance. Brittany is currently performing with the commercial jazz company, Lindsay Ritter Productions, and with Carla Catherwood's "The Bombshell Beauties."
Brittany-Brie has recently taken her experience from the dance floor into the gym where she has become a certified "Jukari: Fit to Fly" instructor, teaching cirque du soleil inspired fitness movements. She also works for DivaGirl Entertainment as a licensee, teaching classes, workshops and performing. You can see Brittany-Brie in the DivaGirl's first ever Instructional Fitness DVD, which launches this year. Currently she is dancing in a Cabaret piece with “Pastel Supernova Enterprises”, titled Love Letters.
VÉRONIQUE (or LADY VÉRONIQUE)
Passion. Power. Ferocity. These are but some of the ingredients from which Véronique originates. Her experience and versatility as a performer have made the art of seduction effortless for whomever she entertains. One needs not to look long to feel the confidence radiating from her body. This is a byproduct of being a thorough professional but a trait that may be overlooked when transfixed by, or lost, in her long, powerful legs. These are her most important tools. But don't get too close, for her unpredictability is to be approached with caution. When her feet touch the floor, the result is poetry in motion. And her art is passionate. Her motivations, however, will eternally remain a mystery; a whisper in the wind.
Bio Provided by Brittany-Brie
Find out what Brittany-Brie had to say in this weeks shout out...
Nikki: Do you remember the first time you started dancing?
Brittany-Brie: The earliest memories of dancing place me in my living room and involve far too many cartwheels and failed handstand attempts with Michael Jackson or Dance Mix ’95 blasting in the background.
Nikki: Do you remember the first song you choreographed to? (Or your earliest memory)
Brittany-Brie: The very first song I choreographed a dance to was Christina Aguilera’s “Come on Over.” I had to create a dance for gym class.
Nikki: Your personal advice for dancers when it comes to free styling?
Brittany-Brie: Improvising for contemporary dance has always been something that I have been quite comfortable with. When I entered into the commercial dance world after university, however, “freestyling” was brand new to me. I think the only and most effective way to freestyle is to be your self. Dance exactly how you would dance. If you like someone else’s flow, let it inspire you but make it your own!
Nikki: Getting in the zone to choreograph, what does it take for you?
Brittany-Brie: I like to be alone in an empty room. I am inspired quite easily whether through music, improvising, etc. Once I have found my inspiration, I am able to begin exploring and turning my ideas, visions and thoughts into movement.
Nikki: Who are some of your biggest influences in the Dance industry?
Brittany-Brie: There are so many people who have helped and influenced me on my path as a professional dance for so many different reasons. But, to name a few; Julia Sasso, Meagan O’Shea, Angela Bloomberg, Holly Small, Pastel Supernova, Laura Furtado, Carla Catherwood, Ashley Ball and Linda Garneau.
Nikki: Name a Toronto Choreographer you enjoy working with and why?
Brittany-Brie: I have really enjoyed working with Pastel Supernova. Whether we are rehearsing, warming up or stretching; everything is part of the performance process. Her visions are intricate and detailed so she is easily able to describe what she asks of her dancers. In the dance industry, proper feedback and criticism are blessings.
Nikki: Are you currently working on any projects?
Brittany-Brie: I am currently preparing for Pastel Supernova Enterprises/Vanessa Young Productions’ “Love Letters.” I will be performing on February 8th and 9th with ten other dancers. Fall into a world of romance and experience a multidisciplinary cabaret show.
Tickets are available at www.loveletters.pastelsupernova.com.
Nikki: Qualities you think Toronto Dancers possess?
Brittany-Brie: From my experiences, simply put, Toronto dancers are extremely passionate and driven.
Nikki: Any advice for emerging dancers and choreographers working/training in Toronto?
Brittany-Brie: Absorb! Whether you’re taking a class, attending a performance, networking, performing, teaching or rehearsing, absorb and learn. Take risks and challenge yourself to do anything that might have initially frightened you. Be confident, love yourself and believe.
THANK YOU BRITTANY-BRIE FOR SHARING YOUR LOVE AND PASSION WITH T.D.O.T. XO
CHECK OUT THIS CLIP OF BRITTANY-BRIE...
