In Conversation: Choreographer Jennifer Archibald

Demand for Jennifer Archibald’s trailblazing work is soaring, with commissions from leading dance companies, theatre, chart-listed musicians and commercial projects keeping her in a constant state of creation – the subject of a recent Dance Magazine profile. A graduate of The Ailey School and the Maggie Flanagan Acting Conservatory, the Toronto-born dancemaker is founder and Artistic Director of Arch Dance Company, Program Director of ArchCore40 Dance Intensives and Acting Lecturer at the Yale School of Drama, among other high-profile pursuits. We caught up with Archibald as she creates her first work for The National Ballet of Canada this June, part of Guillaume Côté’s farewell programme, Adieu.

Your new work for The National Ballet of Canada is one of nine world premieres in your calendar this season. Why do you think your work appeals to so many unique companies?

I think my work speaks to companies because it sits at the intersection of multiple movement languages. I pull from hip-hop, contemporary, ballet and athletic physicality, which allows dancers to explore beyond their traditional training. I’m also drawn to storytelling, whether abstract or narrative, so each work has a distinct energy and purpose. Companies today are looking for choreographers who challenge their dancers in new ways and it's exciting to see growth in dance artists at all levels in their professional careers.

How are you collaborating with the dancers of the National Ballet?

I approach each new creation as a conversation with the dancers. I observe how they interpret movement and allow that to inform the work. I push for a raw, grounded quality, even in classically trained bodies, and I challenge dancers to tap into their individuality. My process is about pushing boundaries physically, rhythmically and emotionally, so I create an environment where they can take risks and trust that discomfort leads to growth.

Do you have a concept or theme for this new work?

Yes, I’m always drawn to themes of resilience and intensity. This work is about strategy and sacrifice. The game of chess teaches us about strategy, resilience and the interconnectedness of actions and consequences, offering a powerful lens through which to view and navigate life.

Musically, what can we expect?

Music is a driving force in my work. I lean toward percussive, layered soundscapes that give the movement a heartbeat. The score for this piece will have a deep pulse, something that both challenges the dancers musically and keeps the audience engaged.

How do you hope to challenge and showcase the dancers’ artistry?

I want to push them beyond the classical framework to find a different level of athleticism and groundedness in their movement. I want to see them shift weight differently, embrace a raw physicality and approach movement with a veracity that exudes strength. It’s about making them feel powerful in their movement, exploring dynamics, speed and control in ways they may not have before. The goal is always to showcase their versatility and amplify their artistry in ways that surprise even them.

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Adieu is onstage May 30 – June 5

Top Photo: Jennifer Archibald. Photo by Liezl Zwarts.