Guest Artist Spotlight: Angela Blumberg
As we draw closer to Springworks, featuring second, third, and fourth year dancers, we’re delighted to be shining the spotlight on all the magnificent guest artists who are making it all happen.
Angela Blumberg (she/her) is the founder and artistic director of Angela Blumberg Dance (ABD) (external link) , which has choreographed and produced over 20 works. She has collaborated with some of Toronto’s finest up and coming composers, and her repertoire spans the stage and screen. In addition to her artistic work, Angela is passionate about education and teaches contemporary dance at Canada’s National Ballet School. She is also the founder of DaCo: Dance Collaboration Lab, a project that fosters collaborations between choreographers and artists from different disciplines. Angela now joins the School of Performance as the Choreographer for the fourth year dance piece in Springworks!
“I think my work lives between abstraction and narration,” Angela reflects. “I perceive the body itself as abstract. To me, it’s a living system of mechanics, textures and articulations that are based on muscles, joints, proprioception, coordinative patterns, etc. As a choreographer much of my work has to do with just that physicality since all expression derives from it."
"When we hear the word alignment, we often think of it as a postural state. But I believe alignment is a form of falling into place - mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. As a choreographer I often think about this concept of alignment. And I try to access it by creating and providing a physical practice that gives us tools. This in itself is a big part of my work.”
Photo credit to SVPhotography
At the same time, Angela views the body as connected to the mind and to others, rather than isolated. “[The body] also houses the psychological, cultural, and somatic narratives that constitute individuals and societies. And this is where the story-telling comes in. I’m inspired by psychology, archetypes, and mythology, and frequently draw from these topics to conceive work.”
When it comes to advice for emerging artists, Angela thinks the advice is the same for all people, regardless of their dream or their discipline. “In my opinion, anybody who wishes to succeed at what they do, needs strength, courage, dedication and integrity. Of course, luck, talent, timing and resources also play a big part, but these things are not really in our control.”
Credit: Marlowe Porter
Credit: Marlowe Porter
“I also think people are vastly different, and consequently the paths we take are different. Perhaps there is a bit of advice: try to understand your own process… Perhaps positioning yourself is another valuable quality. As in understanding what is important and meaningful to you. Of course, this doesn’t have to be an intellectual decision. I believe it reveals itself when we sincerely search for it, or when we face and overcome obstacles.”
When looking at the future of dance, Angela encourages artists to look within.
“Of course, we can make smart decisions that might help us to fit in, advance our careers or simply allow us to sustain ourselves. But these decisions have to be accompanied by a sense of self and align with our true desires. There has to be a resonance on all levels if we want to create from a place of freedom, discipline and love.”