PEOPLE OF DJD//

There are many people that make up the community at the DJD Dance Centre. From artists, administrators, volunteers and beyond, these walls are pulsing with personality.

SABRINA COMANESCU
DJD Company Dancer, Instructor and Choreographer

1. WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU CAME TO DJD?
When I was 12 years old to take my first ever ballet class on a Saturday morning.

2. HOW DID YOUR TRAINING AT DJD SHAPE YOU INTO THE DANCER AND CHOREOGRAPHER YOU ARE TODAY?
I have been so blessed to learn from some of the best Jazz dance instructors, innovators and dancers in the world at DJD and it has had a tremendous impact on how I approach movement as a whole. From how I listen to music, to how I physicalize my thoughts into movement, my takeaway from training at DJD has been enlightening and empowering.

DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW THAT DANCE WAS GOING TO BE A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE?
Totally! Growing up I always knew dance was going to be at the centre of my life because of how it brought me closer to my culture, my community and ultimately myself. I’m happy to say I still feel the same way today.

3. WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE IN THE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM AND NOW COMPANY?
The way DJD approaches Jazz as a whole is impeccably rich, rhythmic, honest, full bodied and grounded. This is something that has been expressed and taught to me from my first class in the training program with PTP director Jamie Freeman Cormack all the way to the closing night of our last show “Love Struck” with Artistic Director Kimberly Cooper.

In both the training program and company there were and are days that are harder than others but perseverance was and still is key. The pressures have definitely increased since joining the company, however I must say I have a clearer understanding of my relationship with dance and jazz now verses when I was in PTP. The learning never stops and for that I’m grateful.

4. WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR ROLE MODELS?
My mom, Oprah, Beyonce, Jamie Freeman Cormack, Kimberly Cooper, Catherine Hayward, Kaiti Dangerkat.. my MOM. Just to name a few, there are SO many more.

5. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF ASPIRING DANCERS?
While you’re being the clay for another persons vision, hold true to the power in your ability to take it on while celebrating your sense of self. Drink water. Use weights. Chocolate.