Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marina Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

I am currently in the process of producing and choreographing my first large scale dance production. It is full length piece that will premiere at the Toronto Fringe Festival on July 5th, 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 14th, and 16th.

The idea for this piece came to me in a few waves. First, I had an image of working with UV led lighting, wherein the whites of the eyes, teeth and costumes are the focus of the audience experience. In this way, the identity of the dancer is of less importance than the movement itself. This idea sparked further introspection in regards to identity, the ego, and deeper awareness. So I sat with this, as well as continued listening to the speakings of philosophers such as Jiddu Krishnamurti and spiritual teacher, Ekhart Tolle and Mooji.

This contemplation begged the question, “what lies beneath?”. After moving to Toronto in January 2022, I couldn’t help but feel the anxious energy, hostility, and apathy in the air. This followed by the utterly violent TTC attacks that seemed to be increasing daily. With this energy in Toronto as well as across the global media, and politics alike, I questioned what is at the root of the human condition we find ourselves in. How do we bring about a shift? Which brings us to Unfurl.

“What lies beneath? This contemporary dance piece follows the stories of four characters on their transformations from the individual to the collective. While grappling with heightened emotions, the characters experience an unravelling of their true nature. Through shared motifs, partner work, and gripping physicality, we invite you to peel back the layers of the human condition.”

This is a new work which has been created over the span of five months. It features movement inspiration from genres such as breakdance, house, jazz, martial arts and swing dance, which is woven in amongst contemporary dance fundamentals. “Unfurl” is an experience of emotive, thrilling, highly physical, and mesmerising contemporary dance. This show bridges the gap of movement genres and features captivating sound and lighting design, such as the use of UV led lighting. “Unfurl” invites you to witness the breathtaking journey of four characters as they ask the question, “what lies beneath?”

Marina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Marina Robinson and I was born and raised in Vancouver, BC. Currently, I am a freelance dancer, choreographer, teacher, student and bartender. I wear many hats but the one I enjoy most is my dance hat. During my time in Vancouver, I trained with the pre-professional training program, Source Dance Company. Through this training, I fell more in love with the limitlessness and depth of contemporary dance and decided to expand my contemporary dance skills through various intensives and classes across Vancouver and Montreal. Teachers that were fundamental in my training include Shay Kuebler, RUBBERBANDance, Emmalena Fredrickson, and Tessa Tamura. In 2022 post-pandemic, I longed for a change of scenery and decided to move to Toronto to discover the dance scene here, as well as attend school for Massage Therapy.

Since my move to Toronto, I have had the opportunity to meet amazingly warm and kind people. It seems like no matter what city I travel to, the dance community always feels like a safe space to land. I feel seen, authentic and invigorated. In this way, I am proud of being a part of the dance community, especially one that fosters safe spaces for all individuals, no matter where they are coming from, or what genre of movement they choose to express.

I have had the pleasure of being able to perform in some of Toronto’s most unique venues, such as on a dock during ArtWater Cultura’s 100 days of Summer, or at The Bentway, doing headstands for Clarice Lima’s WOODS. With supportive groups such as The Garage TO that help keep the contemporary dance scene united, I have had the chance to meet dear friends such as Alli Carry, through performing in her work titled, A Subject, in October 2022.

It brings me great joy and curiosity to integrate influence from other genres, such as breakdance and martial arts into contemporary fundamentals. I am enjoying getting more involved in the Toronto arts community through teaching at The Fifth Dance, and attending weekly b-girl jams to increase my knowledge and skills.

Dance means many things to me, it is a space in which I can exist within myself and alongside others freely, beyond words. I would try to describe it further – but I think some of the best things can’t be described.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my view, keeping the arts alive and well is pivotal to a healthy society. Artistic forms such as dance help to bring about connection, collaboration, and most importantly presence. which seems to be slowly declining as technology and the speed of information double down. We are only ever here now, and so spaces and vehicles for presence are vital. If art and dance resonates with something within you, then I encourage you to attend more shows and share your experiences with your friends. If you have the financial means, you can also support freelancers or companies through donations, a little goes a long way.

When voting for your local and federal political parties or representatives, you can put support into action by voting for those who consider the arts and will contribute to bring more funding and available studio spaces to the community.

I would also invite you to notice how you feel when you watch dance- is there a stillness? A connection? A desire to move freely? This is the important message, let it grow.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

As a freelancer dancer, there are many years spent where more money is going out than coming in. Countless hours of taking class, paying out of pocket for injury prevention such as massage therapy or physiotherapy, and on top of that, paying an obscene amount of rent to live somewhat close to the city. Unfortunately, this begs the question that I often hear, “why are you still doing it?”

The answer is simple, imaging a world without dance for me is like imagining a life without colour. Dance breeds inspiration, joy, perseverance, community and reflection. I simply love it, and I think it is important for people like me to continue loving it. However, dance is often underpaid and underfunded. With governments continuously cutting support to the arts, the chances of receiving a grant to help support putting art into the community is slim at best.
When the pandemic hit, the world turned to creatives for entertainment. Artists, singers and dancers took to social media to spread joy amongst the chaos. I believe that it is time people start seeing the depth, community and importance that creatives bring to the foundation of society, and thus pay and support them accordingly.

Without creatives, the world would be colourless and dull, and that is not a world I want to be a part of.    

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @marinaaelyse @unfurl.2023
• Other: https://linktr.ee/unfurl2023?utm_source=linktree_admin_share

Image Credits
Image 1, 2 , 3 – Drew Berry Image 4, 5, 6, 7 – Alli Carry Image 8 – Sadie Cahill