The Institute for Dance Studies (IDS) at the Centre for Drama, Theatre & Performance Studies has recently announced its first Dance Artist in Residence pilot project in partnership with Hart House at the University of Toronto. This residency, which will run from April to August 2024, has developed from an ongoing partnership between IDS and Hart House and a shared goal to support dance initiatives in co-curricular and extra-curricular capacities. The residency will emphasize the value of dance in academic, recreational, cultural, and community building capacities.
"Dance spaces are in short supply in Toronto and the ones that are available can be expensive,” says IDS Director Professor Seika Boye. “Providing space alongside the extensive network of staff, faculty, and student community helps in a small way to provide not only space but U of T community and resources with dance artists. Access to dance and movement spaces for non-curricular engagement on campus is something IDS and the Hart House team are committed to in our partnership.”
The IDS is excited to share that this year’s selected inaugural artist is Katie Couchie, an Anishinaabekwe Oji-Cree dance artist from Nbisiing, Ontario, who is now based in Tkaronto. Couchie has worked with companies and choreographers including Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, Human Body Expression, Alejandro Ronceria, Christine Friday, Peggy Baker, and Jera Wolfe.
During the residency, Couchie will be working on a multimedia solo performance titled Aanikoobijigan Giigido inspired by stories of her two grandfathers and her longing to know them.
Photo provided by Katie Couchie
Couchie has visited a number of the sites where both of her grandfathers spent time. “I feel as though visiting the places they’ve been is the best way to meet their spirits and understand their lives,” says Couchie. “I created movement through improvisation at these sites and wish to continue this work in places like my grandfather Jerry's home community of Constance Lake and the French River, where my grandfather Fred spent his summers camping.”
Couchie, who recently received a Dora nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble for the production of Homelands created by Santee Smith for Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, will be leading workshops, informal performances and public talks directed towards the U of T community during her residency. She will have access to studio space at Hart House and receive artistic and professional development support from both IDS and Hart House.
“We look forward to learning from invited artists through workshops, talks, informal gatherings and to expanding our U of T communities” says Boye.
Learn more about the Institute for Dance Studies and Hart House.
Katie Couchie bio:
Katie Couchie is an Anishinaabekwe Oji-Cree dance artist from Nbisiing (Nipissing First Nation), now based in Tkaronto. Katie has worked with companies and choreographers including Kaha:wi Dance Theatre (Santee Smith), Anowara Dance Theatre (Barbara Diabo), Human Body Expressions (Hanna Kiel), Alejandro Ronceria, Christine Friday, Peggy Baker, Sam Sutherland, The Wind in the Leaves Collective, The Community Arts Guild of Toronto and Jera Wolfe. Katie has received a Dora nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble for the production of Homelands created by Kaha:wi Dance Theatre and has performed at events including the FODAR Dance Festival (2023), Governor General’s Performance Awards (2023) and APTN’s Indigenous Day Live (2022). Next, Katie is excited to continue to work with Kaha:wi Dance Theatre in their next shows, SKéN:NEN and The Mush Hole.