NEW WORKS chatted with Martha Carter, artisitic director/choreographer/dancer extraordinaire with mmHoP. Here's what she had to say about dance in general, and her upcoming performance with Dance Allsorts this Sunday, November 13th.
 

When/where did you start dancing?
After I saw a presentation of the Nutcracker at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre at around age 9, I found the Kay Armstrong Vancouver Ballet School where I studied ballet and flamenco for 5 years until I had to stop due to my back problems . . . but I started seriously again at age 17 when I discovered modern dance classes at university.

Why do you keep dancing? Why is dance important to you?
It makes me feel alive and connected to myself as part of nature. Furthermore, as the audience will learn in my show, it has been a catalyst for overcoming difficulties...physically, emotionally and spiritually!

What is going on in dance right now that is exciting to you?
I am very attracted to new collisions of movement style, particularly the mix or urban and culturally diverse styles with ballet, contemporary and theatre presentation. We have been seeing and hearing this in contemporary art and music for awhile, so it is great to see the dance world catch up!

Could you tell me a little more about the show you will be doing at Dance Allsorts?
TWiSTED: SOLO is an evolution of a group piece called TWiSTED that premiered in 2009. Because this show reveals a personal story, I was originally quite shy and nervous about presenting it alone. By creating and performing the first version with four wonderful dance artists and friends, I was able to show it with confidence and pride, eventually overcoming my nerves to continue it now as a solo. And due to the current depleted state of BC Arts funding, performing solo makes a lot more sense!

What's your favourite thing about performing?
Audience response and feedback!

Who are some of your important artistic influences? (dance or otherwise?)
There is no doubt that my early influences in classical music and ballet are still very prominent for me. Over time, my national and international exposure to contemporary dance, performance art, electronica music, visual art and multi media have opened my world to the infinite possibilities of creative experience. Amazing artists that have inspired me . . . (in order of exposure)...Elton John, Twyla Tharp, Meredith Monk, Laurie Anderson, Diamanda Galas,  Brian Eno, David Bowie, Pina Bausch, Robert Wilson, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, Wim Vandekeybus, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, Jean-Pierre Perrault, Edouard Locke, Marie Chouinard, Robert Lepage, RuPaul, Madame Simone, Taylor Mac . . . and many more.