Five Minutes with Geoffrey Dollar

A Q&A with a contemporary dance artist who is benefitting from masterclasses at the NAC

Geoffrey Dollar, age 23, is a graduate from The School of Dance Contemporary Dance Diploma Programme. He recently attended the Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal masterclass with Kennedy Kraeling at the NAC. We asked the emerging dance artist what it was like to learn from the prestigious company and what he gained from the experience.

Q:  What is it like to learn from a company like Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal?

A:  I really enjoyed the format of the workshop as Kennedy spoke on the process behind the production of the show.  It was informative and very interesting to learn in this way because it gives personal anecdotal insight on the work methods and ethics of the company.

Q:  As a dancer, what did you gain from this experience?

A:  Being exposed to a style of contemporary dance I enjoy, meeting other local dancers that share my passion for the art form and learning more about the company are all things I gained from the experience.

Q: Why are masterclasses with professional dancers of this caliber so important for artists like you?

A:  I feel it’s important that artistic communities here in Ottawa have the opportunity to see and experience what’s being done elsewhere to inform the continuing growth of existing organizations and inspire the creativity and innovation of future companies and independent artists.

Q:  What message would you like to send to NAC supporters who help make dance masterclasses with top-notch artists possible?

A:  Your support allows for the NAC to provide excellence in dance programming.  For emerging artists and aspiring dance students, these masterclasses create an accessible and tangible platform that encourages and allows us to learn from one another.  Thank you!