Marica Dysart
Marcia Dysart is a dancer, choreographer, collaborator, and educator based in Saint John, New Brunswick. A member of ArtsLink New Brunswick, she shares her passion for creation working collaboratively alongside musicians, visual artists, filmmakers, and dancers. Her work has garnered recognition from the New Brunswick Arts Board and the Saint John Community Arts Funding Program. Marcia’s work has been showcased across Atlantic Canada, including performances at the Imperial Theatre in Saint John, Contact East in Charlottetown, IMPACTfest by Atlantic Ballet Theatre, Saint John Contemporary Dance Festival, and Connection Dance Work’s PERSPECTIVE. Notably, Marcia’s dance film “We Walk Invisible,” a collaboration with filmmaker Michael Mohan, was featured at the Atlantic Dance Film Festival. The film also received recognition on the Canada Dance Assembly’s website. Currently, Marcia is working on an exciting new creation titled “The Self in Shadow” alongside Michael Mohan, with support from the New Brunswick Arts Board. Additionally, Marcia is the proud owner and artistic director of First City School of Dance.
Who or what inspires you and why?
Collaborating with others is a constant source of inspiration for me. I value the exchange of ideas among my collaborators. The nature of my work benefits greatly from incorporating diverse perspectives. I’m particularly drawn to weaving together historical narratives with present-day emotions and questions. Having a collaborator enhances the depth of our exploration and inquiry.
What drew you to working in the dance industry? Describe how you were inspired to explore dance.
Dancing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My journey into professional performance and choreography traces back to my high school days, where I first explored improvisation. My earliest teachers and mentors opened my eyes to the multidisciplinary nature of art creation. I had opportunities as a high school student that some dancers don’t encounter until they are involved in their post-secondary education. I am truly privileged to have been introduced to the creation process and the immense value of collaboration at such an early stage. Working alongside musicians and visual artists, we collaborated to create and perform. These early experiences profoundly shaped my perspective on how art is created. Their guidance laid a solid foundation for my understanding of the boundless potential within the realms of dance and art.
What do you enjoy most about creating?
The time invested in my craft is invaluable—it’s my time for reflection, writing, and continuous learning. Each step of the creative process serves as a form of catharsis, filling a void within me and allowing for personal growth and expression.
What do you enjoy most about being an artist living in New Brunswick?
The tight-knit community here is always eager to collaborate. In my experience, artists across all disciplines are enthusiastic about working together to create new pieces. There’s a pervasive culture of support and encouragement here in New Brunswick that fosters creativity and innovation.
Describe what you are most proud of as an artist.
I’m particularly proud of my current project, “Self in Shadow,” which is still in its developmental phase. It’s a collaborative work with filmmaker, Michael Mohan. The work delves into the re-evaluation of old narratives and beliefs about us, focusing on what Carl Jung termed the “shadow self.” This concept encompasses the unconscious aspects of our personality that our conscious ego tends to overlook or reject. It’s said that exploring your shadow can lead to greater authenticity and creativity. I have been exploring the edges of myself in previous work with the personal connections that metamorphosize from my body of character-driven work. As a recognized senior artist in New Brunswick, it was time to fully dive in and unearth a new period of work. For this reason, my research involved working with artist and healing arts practitioner Deanna Musgrave. It was an incredibly vulnerable experience, yet creatively invaluable. Though the subject matter is challenging to address, it continues to push me beyond my comfort zone. I’m excited to see how the work will unfold.
What is your artistic approach and/or philosophy to creating dance? Describe your artistic process and/or influences.
My creative focus revolves around the narratives of resilient people, delving into the untold stories hidden beneath the surface in some way or another. I’m intrigued by the unexplored questions that lie dormant, rather than seeking concrete answers. What drives me is the opportunity for dialogue, raising awareness, fostering education, and promoting understanding.
Innovating new approaches to storytelling through contemporary dance is a passion of mine. Character study, for me, transcends literal interpretation. I abstract literal ideas while preserving the authenticity of the character. I’m fascinated by delving into experiences and embodying concepts to uncover personal connections that evolve over time.
I often seek parallels between nature and the stories I aim to convey. Nature serves as the starting point for abstraction in my work. Whether it’s the power and serenity of water, the intricate patterns of shells symbolizing the complexities of relationships, or the enigmatic allure of shadows, nature’s elements play a pivotal role in my creative process.
In, “We Walk Invisible,” the fern symbolizes invisibility, sparking the exploration of another untold story.
Who is your favourite choreographer and why?
This is a hard question as there are many. I’m a big admirer of Crystal Pite’s work. Her choreography is intensely physical and has a remarkable ability to convey captivating stories, even those that are difficult or haunting, with grace and beauty.
What advice would you give to young, emerging artists in the dance industry?
My advice to aspiring artists is to embrace a lifelong journey of learning. Seek wisdom from a diverse array of individuals, absorb knowledge through reading, and express yourself through writing regularly. Remember to stay committed to your path. Navigate the inevitable challenges with resilience and determination.
