Bio
Sarah Kennedy graduated from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia with her degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours majoring in Dance. She is from Newmarket, Ontario and has been dancing since age four. Sarah grew up in a competitive studio environment competing in many dance styles including jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap, musical theatre and acro; which happens to be her favourite genre. As an emerging artist, Sarah has performed in many works at SFU including Ascension 2018, 2020, 2021, PPE Waves, Ghost Forest, Myriad and Coda. She has performed in Dusk Dances from 2017-2022 and has toured with artists in Barrie and Hamilton, ON. Recently, Sarah debuted her first choreographic piece at Get Out and Dance 2024. During her career, Sarah has had the pleasure of learning from artists such as Megan Walker-Straight, Rob Kitsos, Judith Garay, Marla Eist, Emmalena Fredriksson, Justine Chambers, NiNi Dongnier, Charlotte Boye-Christensen and Sylvie Bouchard. Sarah completed her ADA certification as a founding member through Lexy Cox in 2019. She has also completed her PAEC Acro and Jazz full membership exams and is excited to share her passion and knowledge in the industry.
Artist Statement
Movement has always been a necessity in my life. It is equivalent to breathing. Movement feeds inspiration through my body and I am continually searching for new patterns of exploration. Movement becomes a game of twister as I figure out ways to tangle up my body and release it. I move with a purpose and that is to share my experiences with others. I want the audience to relate to my work and be able to create a conversation around the common experience. At this time, my work is exploring personal experiences and projecting them in a greater scheme. When I create a piece, I am drawn to people’s daily lives. I often find inspiration in the experiences others have. Experiences shape who we are as people and create a sense of realism within a piece of choreography. I use the emotions gathered through experiences to inspire movement and create a sense of community. Training
2018-2022 - Contemporary Dance Major BFA completed in June 2022 at Simon Fraser University Studied a variety of techniques in contemporary and ballet including Cunningham Technique with Megan Walker-Straight, Graham Technique with Judith Garay, GAGA Technique under Margarida Macieira and Flying Low Technique with Emmalena Fredriksson. Sarah has also trained under the direction of Rob Kitsos, Marla Eist, Justine Chambers and NiNi Dongnier. 2015-2017 - Apprentice with Simcoe Contemporary Dancers Contemporary Company Trained under the direction of Sarah Lochead learning various contemporary techniques including Graham. Learned works choreographed by Mairéad Filgate and Sarah Lochhead. 2004-2017 - Competitive Dancer at In Harmony Dance and Wellness Trained in a variety of styles during her time at the studio including acro, jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap and musical theatre. Completed her RAD Intermediate Exam and all PAEC acro exams finishing her Pre-Professional level at the age of 15. Had the opportunity to self choreograph two solos during her time at the studio. Received choreography awards as well as scholarships to conventions during her competitive years. |
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Recent Performances & Projects
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Get Out and Dance - July 27-28, 2024
Dance Festival in the GTA Dancer and Choreographer of InsatiABLE Or-bits Dusk Dances - July 14-24, 2022 Dance Festival in the GTA Dancer in The Horologium choreographed by Michael Caldwell Coda - April 21-23, 2022 SFU Graduating Show Creative Director and Organizer Choreographed and performed in various works Permutation - April 21-23, 2022 Directed Study Project Choreographed by Sarah Kennedy in Collaboration with the Dancers https://vimeo.com/showcase/10049185/video/778707705 Ghost Forest - April 7-10, 2022 SFU’s In-Person Spring Repertory Show Dancer in Collaboration with Justine Chambers, NiNi Dongnier and Rob Kitsos Myriad - January 27-30, 2022
SFU Student Choreography Show Choreographer and Dancer in Eau Sous Le Soleil Ascention 2021 - December 10-12, 2021
SFU Student Choreography Show Dancer in Ellipses choreographed by Nicole Dreher https://vimeo.com/689037587 Dancer in an Americano Black and a Butter Croissant choreographed by Paige Wichers https://vimeo.com/689037129 PPE Waves - November 17-20, 2021 SFU’s In-Person Fall Repertory Show Dancer in collaboration with Henry Daniel and Amber Barton |
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