Ashley Brodeur
Ashley Brodeur’s leap into the world of dance was natural. Her mother ran a dance studio in their house, so she grew up surrounded by music and dance. An opportunity to train with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks brought her to Calgary, and from there she developed her interest in storytelling.
“My work now is rooted in movement and storytelling. And I’ve always been really drawn to breaking traditional ideas of what a dancer or an artist is — quote unquote — supposed to be,” she says. “…My passion is really to make dance accessible and meaningful for everyone.”
Ashley eventually found her way to the National accessArts Centre, drawn to its focus on empowering artists and its commitment to accessibility. “The National accessArts Centre, or the NaAC, as we like to call it, is Canada’s first multidisciplinary disability arts organization,” Ashley says. “The NaAC supports artists with developmental, physical and acquired disabilities at both community level and professional level opportunities, and that means classes, training, exhibition or presentation opportunities as well.
“It’s all about showcasing the incredible talent from this community and through advocacy, whether that’s locally or globally, we are really, really inspired by opening doors and making sure that artists with disabilities are celebrated and included in the arts and culture scene. Art is so emotional and it’s so connected to storytelling and individual experience.”
Working with the artists NaAC supports continues to excite Ashley and provide her with different perspectives. “What I love most about working with the artists is that they’re constantly teaching me new ways of creating and seeing the world. And their creativity is something that inspires me daily. Being a part of a team that’s pushing for change in the arts is something that I’m really, really proud of as well.”
Tune in to The Storytelling Podcast to hear more about Ashley Brodeur and the work she and the National accessArts Centre are undertaking around disability arts, as well as the opportunities coming up in the new year.
About The Storytelling Podcast
Sharing diverse stories of creativity in our city, The Storytelling Podcast shines a spotlight on artists and projects that connect Calgarians to the arts. Part of The Storytelling Project, this series raises awareness about Calgarians who, by living creative lives, are making Calgary a better city, affecting positive change and enriching others’ lives.
Have a story to share? Email us at submissions@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
