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Member Spotlight: Q&A with Kaya Tsurumi
Who is Kaya Tsurumi in a sentence?
Kaya Tsurumi is a contemporary dancer, choreographer and dance filmmaker who was raised on Kwikwetlem First Nations Territory (Coquitlam, BC).
Tell us a bit about your work and practice.
When I move, I enjoy the feeling of the dance unravelling. I look for ways to make movement feel easeful and make sense for me, and I am particularly drawn to how improvisation activates my imagination and instincts. I’m inspired by practices such as Contact Improvisation, Feldenkrais, Butoh, Noguchi Taiso, and Countertechnique.
Choreography is an emerging practice of mine, which began through making dance films during the COVID lockdown. Through dance filmmaking, I developed my choreographic instincts primarily in the editing process. Although editing can be tedious, it offers the gift of repetition—returning to an image again and again, moving it through time until it lands in a world that feels right. This process has shaped the way I think about choreography, especially in my approach to rhythm, sense of time, and imagistic nuance.
How long have you been dancing?
I have been dancing since I was seven years old, beginning at Tri-City Dance Centre in Coquitlam. At 16, I was encouraged by my teacher to pursue ballet more seriously, which led me to train at École supérieure de ballet du Québec for a year before returning home. I continued my studies at Arts Umbrella and Modus Operandi, graduating from both post-secondary programs.
How does dance fit into your life currently – are there any upcoming projects you want to share with us?
Currently, I am choreographing a solo for 12 Minutes Max at The Dance Centre. I recently returned from living in Japan for six months, where I performed in a butoh project and studied Japanese. I believe that the places we go shape us significantly, and it was especially meaningful to spend time in Japan, where my maternal family is from. I am interested in how these experiences will inform this new work.
How would you describe dance’s impact on your life?
Growing up in dance, and continuing to practice regularly, I’ve spent years “in my body”. As a slow processor and a shy person, spending this time in movement, has supported my introspective self in finding expression and confidence.
Having opportunities to travel for dance, and meet dancers from around the world has given me a worldwide network of friends and expanded my openness to different perspectives. It inspires me to be a part of this interconnected community of passionate artists supporting one another.
What three core values drive your engagement with dance?
1. Lineage and Mastery – What keeps me going is the inspiration I gather from my peers, mentors, and artists I admire as masters of their craft. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the idea of mastery itself, and how the pursuit of becoming a master of my dance is intertwined with self-realization. For this reason, in every part of my dance are little bits of myself – my sensitivity and carefulness, my family’s cultures I am revisiting and the curiosities that carry me through the world.
2. Self-Actualization – It is sometimes difficult for me to see the direct impact dance has on the world. However, I believe that striving for our passions and dreams supports us in being our best, extending outwards into how we interact with others and our environment.
3. Joy – I continue to dance because it brings me utmost joy!
Do you have a particular practice that you carry out each day or have you implemented new practices over these last few years?
Recently, I began a daily practice of writing “morning pages”. Morning pages is an exercise from The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, involving writing three pages of whatever comes to mind. I find that this helps me stay present and grounded, especially as my days are mostly self-directed.
What would you say are the most significant benefits for you in being a Dance Centre member?
I have benefitted from The Dance Centre’s programming such as the Reboot Grant, 12 Minutes Max program and access to various workshops at discounted membership rates.
Kaya’s Member Profile
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Photos by Ethan Volberg