Cast & Crew
Deviani Andrea is a dance artist based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan / Edmonton. Originally from Mexico City, she holds a BA in Literature by the University of Mexico and studied at the Mexico City’s Dance School and Ema Pulido’s Dance Studio. Since landed in Canada, Deviani has worked as Movement Instructor for the Citadel Theatre, and as a guest teacher with Azimuth Theatre. She has performed with SkirtsAfire, Mile Zero Dance, Fringe Festival, Found Festival and Orchesis Dance Society and has choreographed for the Alberta Musical Theatre Company.
Her independent work has been kindly supported by the Edmonton Arts Council and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. This summer she’s going to perform the final version of her solo ESPARTANAE and collaborate with Shammy Belmore to create a choreography to be performed in public spaces around the city as part of the Creative Exchange Project by the CanDance Network.
She likes biking in the summer and skiing in the winter, brewing kombucha, and consuming content in different languages.
Julie Andrew, was raised in Flatbush Alberta in. She moved to Edmonton to take Psychology at Kings College. After completing her Degree in Psychology, she has gone on to pursue more artistic endeavours such as music and dance her first piece as a dancer was Vacuum and Boom in 2010 where she discovered the joy of movement and dance. Julie also was the lead Actor in the 2013 Fringe production of “Searching for Normal” a musical by Alison Neuman. She enjoyed dancing so much she went on to Dance in such works as, Some of Our Parts, In Transition (also Choreographed by Alison Neuman), Tooth and Nail, and Assembled. In 2015/16 Julie was part of the CRIPISE and Mindhive co-production and reprise of “the Wedding Reception” in which she very much Enjoyed the freedom of writing and performing her own monologue. She performed in We/ Ourselves in the 2018 CRIPSiE show Mobilize. Julie has also been actively advocating For Persons with disabilities. Julie hopes continue to grow her own artist abilities and tell meaningful stories which can lead to a changed world.
Peggy Baker is one of Canada’s most celebrated and influential dance artists. A vivid presence in contemporary dance since 1973, she has performed with Lar Lubovitch, Mark Morris, Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, Doug Varone, and Fortier Danse-Creation, among many others. She established Peggy Baker Dance Projects in Toronto in 1990, and for the first 20 years she dedicated herself to solo performance, winning rapturous praise for her dancing, and accolades for her collaborative partnerships with extraordinary choreographers, directors, musicians, and designers. Since 2010 she has created a new body of visually and sonically striking works for small ensemble. Her work has been presented at major festivals and dance centres in North and South America, Asia and Europe. Beyond the concert stage, Ms. Baker has premiered five all-night choreographic events for Toronto’s Nuit Blanche, and situated four durational choreographic installations in public spaces and galleries across Canada. Her many honours include the Order of Canada, the Carsen Prize, the Premier’s Award, the Governor General’s Award, Honorary Doctorates from York and the University of Calgary, and six Doras. She is a past fellow at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the Bogliasco Foundation (Italy). 2022/23 is the final season for Ms. Baker’s company.
Gail Benin is a new grad BIPOC interpreter in Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton), Alberta. She is passionate about her work while maintaining long lasting relationships in the dDeaf/HoH community. She values cultural representation being one of the very few BIPOC interpreters in Alberta. While interpreting is a big part of her life – she also enjoys reading a good book, hanging out with her dog, Beau, hiking in the mountains and spending quality times with loved ones. Gail is very excited to meet people in the theatre community in Edmonton and surrounding areas, while making sure that communication access is provided to all participating audiences.
My name is Heath Birkholz. I perform in Burlesque, Inclusive and Integrated types of Disability Arts. I am very excited to offer my contribution towards CRIPSiE’s collaborative performance On Being and Doing. Much of what I know of the Disability Communities’ resiliency has grown to new narratives from sharing the stories from our community that craft our performances.
My background is in creating Art, is towards Social Justice in the lens of the Disability Community, by developing and collaborating with other communities to contribute in confronting boundaries so that we can break down barriers. Accessibility is the core to my work in cultivating sustainable communities with healthy relationships of diverse communities and genders, human rights and love.
Sara Campos-Silvius (she/her) is a queer and multiracial Latine writer, creator, and performer who has had a blast dancing with CRIPSiE since 2013. She enjoys coffee, laughter, and exploring creativity through a spirit of curiosity, adventure, and fun. Check out her work at www.saracs.art
Mitch Chalifoux (any pronouns) is a white, mad, queer artist based on Treaty 6 territory, in so-called Edmonton. New to CRIPSiE, Mitch really enjoys the spirit and values of our community and is fascinated by ‘moving bodies in an organized fashion’. In summer, Mitch spends time tending to plants and weeds.
Sable Chan is a professional choral singer in Edmonton. She sings with ensembles such as, Pro Coro Canada, Edmonton Opera Chorus, Canadian Chamber Choir, and is co-founder and singer with FEMME Vocal Ensemble. Sable has also been working as a Speech-Language Pathologist in private practice and specializing in the area of voice therapy for the past nine years. She is also the author of The Choir Girl Blog, where she publishes articles and interviews with choral leaders from across Canada. Most recently, Sable was named Top 40 Under 40 by Edify Magazine for their Class of 2019.
Iris Dykes lives in a seniors residence in north Edmonton. She has been performing with CRIPSiE since its inception. She has danced in many of the festivals in Edmonton. Iris loves dancing with CRIPSiE because of their philosophy and their ongoing support of all of its members. And of course she just loves to perform. She has four children and seven grandchildren and considers herself very lucky.
Andrea Handal Rivera (she/they) is a proud Salvadoran stage manager based in Treaty 6 Territory and a graduate of the BFA Stage Management program at the University of Alberta. They are excited to be returning for Convergence this year and working with this stellar team! Select theatre and dance credits: Grand Ghosts (Grand Theatre London), Peter Pan Goes Wrong, The Garneau Block (Citadel Theatre); I Don’t Even Miss You (Tiny Bear Jaws); The Magpie Collection (Mile Zero Dance Society); once + after (KnK Collective); Michener Park (Independent).
Marisa Hayden (she/her) lives in the O-day’min ward in Amiskwaciy (Edmonton). She is one of the newest members of CRIPSiE who joined in 2020. Dancing with CRIPSiE has reminded her of the joy of the creative process. Marisa is grateful for this opportunity to work with Peggy Baker. She has also enjoyed rediscovering her love of dance. She is excited to be performing for the first time in nearly 15 years. Marisa is a proud cat parent of her two precious and very spoiled girls, Sage and Ivory. When she isn’t telling stories about her cats, you might find her practicing French, talking about current affairs, or brainstorming about her work as a pediatric Occupational Therapist.
Ainsley Hillyard (she/her) is an Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton)-based artist of settler descent. She is a choreographer, performer and educator who works in contemporary dance and theatre. Her artistic work is immersed in the curiosities and connections between these two forms. She has worked as a choreographer, performer and producer for various theatre and dance companies in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton) and received numerous Sterling nominations and awards for her performances and choreographies. One of her favorite ‘heart’ projects was creating Jezebel, at the Still Point, a performance starring her French bulldog, Jezebel, where they travel through space attempting to figure out time travel so that Jezebel never has to die. In her free time right now she enjoys going for long walks in Mill Creek Ravine with Jezebel and reading feminist sci fi.
My name is Bobman Jeffrey. I have been part of CRIPSiE since 2011. It has been an incredible journey for me. It is open and inclusive and welcomes all people of different backgrounds and different genders, and people of different train of thoughts. I found that CRIPSiE gave me the desire and ability to perform on stage with great people. I hope this is not my last show. My world would be empty with out CRIPSiE. Enjoy the performance this evening folks.
Rebecca John (they/she) is a queer, Mad, mixed-race multidisciplinary performing artist living and practicing in Amiskwaciwâskahikan. They have been creating with CRIPSiE since 2015 and appreciate the friendships, care, politics, and inclusivity of this art-making community. Rebecca loves movement through space and time, the colour orange, and her dog Marmalade, who inspires one of the many cacophonies onstage!
Alison Kause is a founding member of the Good Women Dance Collective.
She works with the collective and independently, and is a teacher with Edmonton Public Schools. Alison’s dance experience is based in several years of studio, Cechetti, ballet and modern dance technique to the Good Women Dance Collective.
She is a graduate of the Grant MacEwan Dance Program and the School of Contemporary Dance at SFU, as well as the Education program at the University of Alberta.
Alison has trained and performed across Canada and been inspired by work with local and international colleagues. She has worked with Justine Chambers, Melanie Kloetzel, Peggy Baker, Shasha Ivanochko, Melanie Demers, Mile Zero Dance, Heidi Bunting, Brian Webb, Jen Mesch Dance Conspiracy, AM Choreography, Krista Posyniak, Richard Lee, Isabelle Rousseau, Katherine Semchuk, Jessica McMann, Marynia Fecekz and GWD Collective artists. Alison has performed in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Edmonton.
Alison is inspired by the challenge of finding an intersection between being an artist, mother and teacher – these roles constantly demand attention, inform one another and provide diverse perspectives.
Alida Kendell is a dance artist, teacher and choreographer in Amiskwacîwâskahikan. She has been a collective artist with GWDC since 2009 and during this time has been shaped, challenged and encouraged by its programming, its artists and the communities GWDC engages with. She has been most influenced by the creative processes of Mélanie Demers, Peggy Baker and Sasha Klienplatz. She is curious about the process of enabling physical change through introspection and play, and currently practices durational improvisations that take her further away from and closer to herself.
Maaike Kuypers is a designer, artist and illustrator based in Edmonton. Currently, she most enjoys designing posters, album packaging, and painting wonky, colourful flower illustrations. Her work gifts encouragement, wit, wisdom and humour, while drawing attention to the everyday beauty that surrounds us all.
Krista Lin is a contemporary dance artist based in amiskwacîwâskahikan (colonially Edmonton). A graduate of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Krista has studied with renowned instructors in Israel, Taiwan, Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Edmonton. Krista has performed across the country in works by Heidi Strauss, Justine Chambers, Gerry Morita, and Susie Burpee, among others. Krista teaches dance in public and private institutions, and has taught outreach workshops in Ontario, Alberta, and Taiwan. With a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management (MacEwan University), Krista is a part-time arts manager and arts advocate. She is a mom to Andy, Lily, and dog-child Louie.
Mikayla Maione (She/Her) is an English-ASL Interpreter in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). She loves the theatre and dance community and all of the genuine relationships she makes along the way. Mikayla has just recently graduated from the interpreter program but is dedicated to her profession and becoming better every single day. She also loves baking, taking care of her puppy, and being a tree hugger.
Katarzyna (Kasia) Maisonneuve (she/her) is a dance artist and a nurse based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan / Edmonton. Kasia started her dance adventure with CRIPSiE 15 years ago when she immigrated to Canada from Poland. She fell in love with creating movement and the moments of connectedness during performance with her CRIPSiE crew. In her free time she loves to spend time with her Great Dane puppy Oden and her daughter Liliana. Other hobbies include gardening, harvesting mushrooms and taking care of her exotic plant collection.
Angela Meneley (she/her) considers herself a lifelong student of dance and has come into performing later in life. She has danced with CRIPSiE since 2011 and is grateful for the wonderful performance opportunities offered and the lasting friendships formed over the past 11 years. Being able to perform Peggy Baker’s choreography with her friends is an honour and a joy.
When she isn’t taking dance classes of one form or another, Angela loves to paddle on the North Saskatchewan River with members of her canoe club.
Roseanna (Rosie) Joy Nay (she / they) is an interdisciplinary artist living and working in Treaty 6 ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ amiskwacîwâskahikan ‘Edmonton’, Alberta, Canada. Their practice spans across installation and sculpture, garment-making, and performance. They are handling concepts of intergenerational queer relationships and exchanges, while respectfully looking to a past and present of queer rurality, specifically in the prairies. As a third-generation farmer, Rosie’s lived experience of agricultural practices and community informs her approach to performance and art-making. They hold a BFA from the University of Alberta and have presented work with Shooting Gallery: Performance Series #9 (Vancouver, BC) and were a featured artist for the Mile Zero Dance: Visual Artist Series (Edmonton, AB). As well as, an EAC grant recipient for the Edmonton Presentation Fund for COVID Recovery. In 2021 they were mentored by Cindy Baker as a part of the MAG Exchange Mentor Program hosted by the Mitchell Art Gallery, (Edmonton, AB).
Alison Neuman (she/her) is a disabled choreographer, dance artist, and creator passionate about sharing underrepresented voices and building communities. She has a foundation in dance, theatre, and music, rooted in the Edmonton community from CRIPSiE, Good Women Dance Collective (GWDC), Orchesis Dance, Mile Zero Dance, Nextfest, The Citadel Foote Theatre School, and The MacEwan Conservatory of Music. Her first full-length dance work, The Strike, premiered at the 2020 Expanse Festival with support from GWDC’s 2019 New Work Award, the Azimuth Theatre, the Edmonton Arts Council and the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. Her next chapter includes being a part of the Citadel Theatre 2022-2023 RBC Horizon Mentorship program and learning about the craft of musical theatre.
She is grateful to CRIPSiE, Peggy Baker, The Good Women and Ainsley Hillyard for an opportunity to explore her ability as a dance artist within such a fantastic community.
Anabelle is a 9 year old dancer in grade 4bee. She says: you can “bee” anything, but don’t stop “bee”ing you. Shoo that bee, get it off your knee, make sure it doesn’t sting you.
Erin Newman (she/her) is a mad and neurodiverse dance artist based in Treaty 6 Territory. She has been moving creatively with CRIPSiE since 2013 and is forever connected through powerful relationships that are represented by meaningful movement and choreography. Erin is an embodied therapist, also dances Ukrainian and Bachata, and can be found “momming” in her spare time.
Aimee Rushton is an independent dancer in Edmonton Alberta. She is an Artist in Residence at Dancers’ Studio West this season; her new work will be presented in June 2023. This winter, Aimee will be attending a workshop in Austin Tx with her mentor, Deborah Hay.
Rebecca Sadowski is an Edmonton- based Métis performer and choreographer. She is an artistic member of the Good Women Dance Collective and curates dance programming for the Nextfest Festival. Rebecca holds a BFA in dance from Ryerson University and teaches dance with dancED Movement Projects. Rebecca has previously worked as an understudy with Good Women Dance Collective and Northern Light Theatre’s 2019 co-production of The CARDIAC SHADOW by Clay McLeod Chapman. She also took part in the production of THE BEGINNING OF HAPPINESS, a collaboration with vocal quartet, Femme. Rebecca has performed in BEARS by Matthew MacKenzie with Punctuate Theatre and the Citadel Theatre, and performed in AYITA by Teneil Whiskeyjack at Skirtsafire Festival this past season. Rebecca has produced several dances including THE SASH MAKER, which was developed into a dance film in 2020 with cinematographer Tamarra Lessard, as well as BREAKING BAPTIST produced by Catalyst Theatre. Rebecca continues to deepen her connection to her Métis roots by learning jigging and the traditional skill of finger-weaving sashes. She is so grateful for the Good Women and their ongoing support and encouragement in her performance and choreographic pursuits.
Connor Yuzwenko-Martin is a Deaf Queer public relations specialist, actor, producer, and playwright. He has nurtured a lifelong passion for theatre and accessibility, beginning in grade school with simple skits and continuing into his young adulthood with his first professional engagement as a rookie improvisor at Rapidfire Theatre. Currently he is writing and producing his first original script, After Faust, in partnership with RISER Edmonton and premiering in February 2023. He is also slowly and gently launching The Invisible Practice, a hybrid Deaf arts collective and public relations agency.
