Alida teaches a contemporary class focused on athleticism, endurance, and full bodied expression. Participants will be challenged to move in and out the floor and to practice dynamic movement coordinations that invite the body to balance, gain strength, and experience momentum. She pulls from Human Animal techniques, Fighting Monkey inspired exercises and functional movement training. Following a substantial follow along warm up that progresses from simple to complex, she leads participants through set contemporary combinations. Classes are built with accessibility in mind – participants are encouraged to go at their own pace and modifications are provided when needed.

Alida Kendell is a contemporary dance choreographer, performer and instructor in amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton), where she has worked professionally for over 15 years. She has trained in both ballet and contemporary dance, having completed her BA at the School of Contemporary Dancers in Winnipeg, MB in 2009. Her artistry is fed by her work as a collective artist with the Good Women Dance Society (GWDS) and her independent projects. Her participation in the Hack Lab (Theatre Direct) and in Balancing Act Canada’s Level UP! initiative has inspired her to work in ways that incorporate the experience of motherhood rather than working in spite of it.

Alida’s artistic interests depart from mainstream choreography that presents polished, predetermined performance. Instead, her works are intimate and dynamic, often abandoning traditional notions of structure and performance in favor of non-linear and genuine experiences. Recent career highlights include creating and performing alongside Alison Kause in the Sterling award nominated production, there we are. There (GWDS), and the creation of her solo work, break room, in collaboration with Sasha Kleinplatz.

Photo by Armand Bladon