Sabrina Dupuis
Originally from New Brunswick, Sabrina graduated from the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal (EDCM) in 2021. She has performed with Compagnie Virginie Brunelle in the piece Les corps avalés, which was presented throughout Québec. In addition to her performances in Copenhagen and Adelaide with the Compagnie DansEncorps, she danced in the film Résistance+, presented at the 35th edition of the FICFA. She continues to work with the company on the creation of Corps en 4 saisons, which will debut in April 2023 at Théâtre Capitol in Moncton. Sabrina has also collaborated with choreographers such as Stacey Désilier, Charles Brecard, Marie Fannie Guay and Rosalie Dell'Aniello, Jackie Taffanel and Isabelle Van Grimde. On the music scene, she has distinguished herself as a dancer, choreographer, and stylist in music videos for Marilyne Léonard, Les Hôtesses d'Hilaire and Joseph Edgar. Sabrina shares her passion for movement as a teacher in various schools in both Montreal and Moncton. This proud Acadian is constantly stimulated by her learning and strives to cherish every moment and perfect every movement.
What drew you to dance?
I've been fascinated by dance since the age of three. With a mother who was a dancer-choreographer and a father who was a musician, music and dance have always been an integral part of my life. I explored all styles of dance and even graduated from the pre-professional program at DansEncorps at the age of 17. This passion then led me to Montreal, where I continued my studies at the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal.
Seeing my sisters continue to dance even after high school was a source of inspiration. Living with my sister in Montreal and following in her footsteps allowed me to find my own identity as a dancer. But beyond that, dancing is simply fun and rewarding—my passion for dance keeps me connected to my body.
What fascinates me most about dance is the many possibilities it offers. Through dance, I can travel, express myself through movement, dress creatively, and perhaps inspire others as well as myself. I also enjoy the flexible schedule that dance allows me, which makes every day different and exciting. Dance opens an infinite world of possibilities, and this adventure, I hope, is far from over.
How has your training and experience helped you to create and innovate in your artistic practice?
My training at DansEncorps was invaluable in developing my artistic practice. It opened the door to an in-depth exploration of virtually all styles of dance. Thanks to the intensive courses and the Atlantic Dance Festival, I've acquired the tools I need to pursue a professional career in this field with confidence and creativity.
Continuing my studies in Montreal, at the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal (EDCM), I was deeply moved by the city. Montreal is an environment that offers endless possibilities: captivating shows, inspiring art galleries, vibrant fashion and the treasures of local thrift shops.
Beyond the academic training, I learned the importance of networking and meeting the right people at the right time. Attending many shows has broadened my artistic horizons and sharpened my views on the cultural scene. My most valuable sources of inspiration remain my peers, my sisters and my mother, who continually fuels my creativity and artistic commitment.
What stimulates you most about your practice?
What stimulates me most in my artistic practice is understanding my body, how it works and feeling the physical effort while wearing my best outfits. For me, every day is like a moving fashion show. Being in a dance studio is a unique experience every time. Each studio is a gathering place full of memories within its four walls. I listen to loud music and get carried away by the groove. It's a precious moment, away from the screens, where I meet new people who share the same passion for movement. In the studio, anything is possible: you can chat, move, stretch, rest, share stories, laugh, and even cry together. It's my favourite creative space, a far cry from an ordinary office. Attending shows that feed my dreams and supporting my friends and other artists in their practices is a source of happiness for me. Seeing my idols dance, express themselves and embody powerful women gives me incredible energy.
I also draw my enthusiasm from choreographic work that pushes the boundaries of physicality, combining extreme effort with a touch of humour and a rich exploration of expression. Technical precision is at the heart of my work, and I draw inspiration from innovative choreographers and companies such as Animals of Distinction, Hofesh Shechter, Crystal Pite, Catherine Gaudet and Louise Lecavalier.
What drives your creativity?
Movement is at the heart of my creativity—taking up space, using my muscles, breathing deeply, sweating and propelling myself through space. I draw inspiration from film images, travel or even the way someone moves. Even little things like sweets or a good dinner can fuel my quest for discovery and exploration. Music is a crucial element that transports me and allows me to lose myself in the groove. Reels on Instagram and performances by the great companies I admire such as Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, La Horde and MAYDAY feed my imagination and fuel my passion for the art of dance. Fashion, vibrant colours and textiles are endless sources of inspiration for me. I find an energetic power in them, and my clothes give me unshakeable confidence. Meeting new dance artists is also a great source of inspiration, as each encounter brings a new perspective and enriches my vision of the world.
How does the process of creating a work unfold?
The process of creating a work varies from one experience to another and each is unique. Sometimes it starts with a specific idea or concept in mind, while other times it may begin with a specific choreographic commission or a particular piece of music. As a performer, I'm always considering the point of view of the person trying to decipher the choreographer's intentions. This involves a lot of trial and error, practice and backtracking until something comes together and makes sense.
I particularly enjoy collaborative environments that encourage teamwork and celebrate diverse and colourful personalities. Meeting the other artists is essential to finding a common language and understanding the intentions behind the gestures. Finding a common thread for the work and determining everyone's place in the piece are crucial steps. This may involve collaborating with live musicians or using pre-existing recordings, each choice influencing the creative direction. I like to explore the intersection between dance, costume and fashion, using bright colours and injecting humour into the creative process. For me, the ideal working environment is one where laughter coexists with efficiency and concentration, allowing creativity to flourish.
What is your long-term vision and what do you hope to achieve?
I aspire to continue to find my place in this vast world of the performing arts, sharing my experiences and knowledge with others. I aspire to connect deeply with my audience and to evoke a range of emotions in them, just as I have been moved by seeing so many inspiring shows. I also want to continue travelling in connection with my artistic work, although I am aware of the ecological challenges that this represents. Perhaps I'll consider moving away from Canada to explore new horizons and see if I find new inspiration in other places. My long-term vision is to stay immersed in the arts for as long as I can. One of my goals is to deepen my practice by designing costumes and sharing my passion for clothes with others.
I aim to find a harmonious balance between my life as an artist and my daily life. This includes staying connected to my family, who are a great source of inspiration and energy for me. Ultimately, my goal is to continue to grow in my art while cultivating meaningful connections with those around me, while maintaining that precious balance between passion and everyday reality.
Why do you think it's important to make art and commit to an artistic approach?
For me, art and a commitment to the arts are more than just a passion, they're an inheritance from my roots. I literally grew up in the art world, with my mother, a dancer who continued to dance even when I was about to be born, and my father, a professional drummer who went on tour the next day. The codes and challenges of this world were familiar to me from the start, and I couldn't imagine a different life.
For me, art is essential because it allows me to find my place in this immense universe. Working with inspiring and incredible people encourages me to discover new facets of my personality. In dance, I can express myself fully: through my body language, my colourful outfits, my frank opinions and even my flat jokes. Joining an artistic team with a common goal is rewarding. It's a journey where you get to know yourself and others, where your identity as an artist is constantly redefined. Art allows us to get through life's difficulties by finding ways of expressing ourselves. Immersing yourself in an artistic environment means being part of a community where everyone contributes in their own way to enriching our planet. It's an experience that opens infinite doors, where anything is possible.
What have you learned about yourself and/or the New Brunswick arts community through your work?
Perseverance has become an essential quality, and I’ve learned to apply myself with determination. I've developed deeper critical thinking skills, learned to listen carefully and observe others to learn from their experiences. I have two families: my blood family and my DansEncorps family, who always have the power to bring me back to Acadia. My life is divided between Montreal and Moncton, which means spending many hours on board VIA Rail trains to make a living from my art. My passion for dance is constantly rekindled by my experiences working with DansEncorps Productions, as well as by the privilege of teaching young people and seeing them grow in this art that brings us together.
The artistic community in Moncton, and more broadly in New Brunswick, has a diversity of disciplines, although each often evolves in its own corner. That's one of the reasons why I stay in Montreal, where my dance practice is celebrated in a more intense way, with more shows, classes, and opportunities. And yet Acadia is bursting with exceptional talent! My collaborations with artists like Kevin McIntyre, Katrine Noël, Marc-André Charron, Les Hôtesses d'Hilaire and Julien Cadieux have shown that artistic disciplines can mix and help each other. Together, the Dupuis sisters, are trying to energize and unite Acadia's artistic scene, highlighting the richness of dance and following the inspiring example of our mother, Chantal Cadieux. I recognize the efforts that have been made and the encounters that are multiplying in Acadia. Music and masculinity have a well-established place in Acadia, but dance is still looking for recognition.
What impact do you think the work of artists has on communities?
In my opinion, the work of artists has a profound and essential impact on our communities. There is no future without culture—art moves things forward, pushes us to think, to dream. Everyone has had an experience with art, whether it's watching a film, reading a book, listening to music or contemplating a work of art. Everyone should have access to art, because it stimulates thought and imagination and challenges our perceptions of the world.
I recently had a memorable day that illustrates this impact. I started by dancing in a morning show for teenagers about sisterhood and solidarity, before attending a rally for the performing arts where we demonstrated in the rain to defend cultural funding. Finally, I attended a student show at EDCM, where motivated young artists shared their stories through dance. It was a day that made me think deeply about my role as a dancer, especially in an artistic metropolis like Montreal. The importance of being heard and of continuing to create is crucial if we are to gain recognition as a legitimate profession. For me, art is like a bright splash of colour in the landscape of professions—it's vital for individual and community fulfilment, bringing light, reflection and emotion into our lives.
Describe what you are most proud of in your career.
What I'm most proud of over the course of my career is having acquired my own independence and lifestyle. Creating in Acadia, in the studios where I grew up and discovered my passion, represents, for me, a return to my roots. Coming home, spending time with my family and sharing my passion with my sisters and my mother have been precious moments. Dancing for the Compagnie Virginie Brunelle just after leaving school, in the middle of a pandemic, was both a stressful and rewarding experience. Also, travelling throughout Québec, New York, Vancouver, Europe and Australia with artists who continually inspire me. Collaborating with my sisters to create colourful music videos and seeing our artistic vision come to life has been an incredible experience. Making five music videos in just two days was an exciting and rewarding challenge. Finally, sharing my love of fashion with others and inspiring confidence through what we wear, which is our daily armour, is a particular source of pride. At the end of the day, I'm deeply grateful for all the opportunities and experiences that have marked my career. Being able to make a living from my art, having fun and creating is a privilege that I hope I can continue to enjoy for a long time to come.
What advice would you give to people who want to pursue a career in dance?
Even if it seems impossible, it is achievable with determination, a good work ethic and a lot of love for your art. There will be moments of doubt when you wonder why you're continuing, especially as the bills pile up, but if you're passionate about dance, you should give it a go. Travelling and meeting new people can be very encouraging. Trust your instincts. Even if dancing doesn't become your day job, that's perfectly acceptable. Dancing can still be an integral part of your life. A special mention to my dance girls at DansEncorps who continue to thrive through dance out of sheer passion and happiness. Casting is important—be unique, be yourself, but sometimes add a little spice. Attend as many shows as you can as it will broaden your horizons and get you out of your artistic bubble. Take care of your body and don't be afraid to explore new styles. There are many opportunities in dance, far beyond performance—you can be a choreographer, scenic designer, costume designer, teacher, and much more. We only have one life, so we might as well do what we like if we can afford to.
