Aboriginal choreographer dances through violence to healing

As a teen, DainaAshbee was anorexic.

She grew up in a Mtis, Cree, Dutch family in British Columbia troubled by alcoholism and violence.

It was when she started dancing and improvising at a contemporary dance studiothat she realized how she had internalizedand suppressed the difficult experiences fromher upbringing.

It was also through dance that she recognized how theeating disorder was destroying her body

"The dance really healed me and allowed me to get a lot of that violent energy out," she said.

Now, the 25-year-old has written a piece for two dancers to tell that story.

When she approached the Montreal Arts Interculturels(MAI) for support to develop a dance piece showing the vulnerability of young aboriginal women, the centre decided to give her extensive backing, including mentoring by fellow aboriginal choreographer, Lara Kramer.

The final result, entitledUnrelated,is an strong statement about vulnerability and healing through art.

Ashbeebelieves the work also reflects the suffering and plight of Canada's missing and murdered aboriginal women.

Unrelatedis performed by Ariel Morgan and Paige Colley.

The MAI centre is located at 3680 Jeanne-ManceStreetin Montreal.

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