Thoenn Glover did not intend for her career to involve dancing with students, but that is exactly what she has been doing since a show in Smithers several years ago inspired her to share her skills with up-and-comers.
Her show Figment will be in Smithers at the Della Herman Theatre April 29-30, over two months before its Vancouver premiere in July.
“Anytime that I’ve worked with kids, it reaffirms why I’m doing this, and why I want to continue doing this,” said Glover shortly after landing in Smithers.
“It’s the beginning of an endeavour, and the show a few years ago here was an example that it is possible and that it can be successful.”
Glover has attended schools in smaller towns and cities that are not known for having a large dance scene for all levels of dancers. She describes her recent stay in Regina as a new “residency-style” job, and said funding is “in the pipes” to continue her work.
The former Creative Roots dancer is working with three professional dancers from Vancouver, current dance students at the club, and with students from Smithers Secondary School who have no dance experience, to put on Figment.
“When I work with kids to create a show, I’m not looking to just set choreography on them. I give tasks and we create movement together as a group,” explained Glover.
“I engage them as co-creators, not just students. That’s the way the process works in the professional world as a dancer.”
Figment works with lights and ropes hanging from the ceiling to delve into the four distinct characters on stage, exploring their personalities from one extreme to the other.
Glover said her growing up off the grid in the Suskwa Valley, which many people find an extreme way to live, helped her have the attitude necessary for success.
“I kind of have this ‘you can just do it’ mentality,” said Glover.
Tickets for Figment are on sale at Mountain Eagle Books for $15-20. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.