Born and raised in Winnipeg, Alexandra Elliott is a dedicated contemporary dancer and choreographer who began her training at The School of Contemporary Dancers at the age of four. She graduated from The School of Contemporary Dancers Senior Professional Program and received a BA Honours Degree in Dance from the University of Winnipeg in 2004. Alexandra was a company dancer for four years with Ruth Cansfield Dance before joining the Young Lungs Dance Exchange to pursue choreography where she stayed for seven years. Alexandra is now the Artistic Director of Alexandra Elliott Dance.
Alexandra has self-presented her own productions and has over ten original works that have been produced in Winnipeg and New York. She has studied choreography with Susie Burpee (ON), Marie-Josée Chartier (QC), Susan Rethorst (NY) and Peter Bingham (BC) and has sought out rewarding mentorships with Burpee and Brent Lott (MB).
“My central vision is clear and revolves around my dedication to create and perform quality
contemporary dance. It is essential for my company to grow to a place where full seasons of productions involve employing dancers and touring the work. It is of great importance for me to continue to perform my own work and that of outside artists who inspire and challenge me. I strive to enrich my skills and work with other forms like voice, set design and theatre so that I can be at a level of artistic merit that leaves me feeling personally fulfilled and recognized in my community.”
Residency Project
In October 2015, Alexandra Elliott will commission choreographer Tedd Robinson of Centre Q: The Centre for Questioning in Quyon, Québec and composer Charles Quevillon to create a 20-minute contemporary dance duet for Ian Mozdzen and herself. This new creation will be co-presented with Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers in their 2015/16 season.
Centre Q offers studio space, accommodations and meals, and is situated on 18 acres of secluded farmland, alongside the Quyon river. The centre is an important setting for Tedd and his role as mentor. When she is not in the studio with Tedd, she is sharing meals with him and discussing their practices.
Alexandra has received funding from the Manitoba Arts Council for this project.