Hi Nicola, could you tell us a bit about yourself?
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| Nicola Pantin |
Nicola: I trained from the age of five in ballet, jazz
and tap in Waterloo Toronto Toronto ) and the Citadel (Edmonton New
Brunswick and Henry V for Stratford
It sounds like you’re very busy, and yet you’re
choreographing a piece for Dances of Offering this year! What is the concept
for the piece you are choreographing this year?
Nicola: The piece is loosely about two groups of
schoolgirls- the mean girls and perhaps what you may call the outcasts: a
little moment in how they relate and react to one another.
How did you decide on this concept?
Nicola: I explored some movement and character work with
my seven dancers and they seemed to gravitate towards two types of characters.
I wanted to present something that they could relate to, that was age
appropriate and that they could help be a part of the creative process.
What have been some of the challenges you have faced in
the process?
Nicola: I did not know my dancers well but I wanted to
use their abilities, age and experiences appropriately. I set some movement on
them and also set up scenarios that I thought were appropriate. Then I used
their input to create a theme. At first, time seemed to be on our
side, but once I got to know my dancers, I wished we had more time to explore
and refine the piece. We found ourselves at a loss for rehearsal time.
However, I feel that we discovered that we'd like to continue to explore these
movement themes and concepts as a company in the future. I never expected
such generous input from such young dancers. I feel blessed and encouraged by
their input.
Could you tell us about your other piece in the show?
Nicola: The other piece in the show is called The Table
Dance. My husband is directing and I'm choreographing and dancing. We are
reworking the first six minutes with three new dancers on very little rehearsal
- seems to be a theme!
Why did you want to be involved with Dances of Offering?
Nicola: I used to teach for Pegasus years ago (haha
I even taught you!) I really believe in the school and their mandate. And
of course all of their causes are worthy and well thought out. Jane and all the
Pegasus staff and family (I taught all three daughters of Jane’s daughters)
have also always been very supportive to me as a teacher and an artist. It
seemed only fitting to give back when I can.
Thank you Nicola for taking the time to share with us! I
personally can’t wait to see your pieces in the show!
Be sure to buy your tickets for Dances of Offering to see
Nicola’s choreography and performance.
