Movement With Raena

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My creative philosophy is rooted in a trinity of listening, considering and trying: Listening deeply to what is being shared, considering all possibilities, and embodying ideas through movement without clinging to permanence.

I am a contemporary dance artist with a 25-year history of contributing to Edmonton’s vibrant arts community. My dance artistry is grounded in two interwoven pursuits: a daily commitment to movement training that hones my craft, and a dedication to sharing that knowledge with dancers of all ages and abilities. Dance is not simply my vocation — it is how I pray, process, and participate in the world.

I know very well dance is fleeting but also accumulative and so my training is never-ending as I participate in weekly classes with my peer group and dance elders in contemporary, ballet and functional cross-conditioning. I am inspired by modern dance icons Isadora Duncan and Merce Cunningham and at the same time I’m in awe of my local dance community as we continue to show up and age with dance.

Alongside creating movement and performing 17 works across Western Canada to date, I am a dedicated teacher, offering classes in contemporary dance and therapeutic modalities such as Pilates, Garuda, and Barre for organizations including the City of Edmonton, Good Women Dance and Mile Zero Dance. 

With proud dance advocacy in my heart, I frequently sit on arts juries and have been recruited for adjudicating dance festivals ensuring that dance continues to be valued as both an art form and a transformative practice.

Born and raised in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, I discovered my passion for movement against the backdrop of the tundra. Edmonton became my second home when I pursued formal training, graduating from the Grant MacEwan Dance Program in 2000 with the Brian Webb Dance Company Award. Early recognition of my work included the 2007 Enbridge Emerging Artist Award and the 2012 Edmonton Artist Trust Fund.

Over the past two decades, I have premiered 18 short and full-length works presented at festivals including Expanse, Fluid Festival, and Nextfest, and in collaboration with Good Women Dance, Mile Zero Dance, Prairie Dance Circuit, and Brian Webb Dance Company. My curiosity about bodywork practice led me to certifications in Pilates, Garuda, and other movement modalities, studying with mentors such as James D’Silva, Melanie Checknita, and Tracy Friesen.

As a founding member and resident of ArtsHub 118 Housing Cooperative, I have helped cultivate a live/work environment that fosters artistic community. I have performed for artists including Heidi Bunting, Justine Chambers, Ainsley Hillyard, Jen Mesch, and Alida Kendell, deepening my artistic perspective through diverse collaborations.

2026 marks my 26th year of leading inspired movement experiences, teaching both emerging and established dancers in Edmonton. I recently participated in a six-month creative process with Kathy Metzger and colleagues, culminating in a January 2026 informal showing. I am also in collaboration with Jill Henis for both performance and educational artistic endeavours.