By Vanessa Stiernholm
Starting dance by age four, and joining a professional dance company by age 12, Debbie Wilson has spent virtually her whole life in the dance industry. Originally from the United States, Debbie came to Toronto because at the time, it was easier for dancers to find work here. They used to say 'You would arrive on Monday, and have a job by Wednesday', she explains.
Debbie joined Canada's Ballet Jorgen as a dancer in 1988. She liked the fact that it was a 'creation company'; Bengt Jorgen, at the time, hired around six different choreographers a year! 'It was stressful, but cool', she says. Debbie retired in 1992, but has maintained a long-standing relationship with the company.
Debbie currently works as a teacher for Canada's Ballet Jorgen. She teaches any class where she is needed, referring to herself as an independent contractor. In addition to her work as a teacher, Debbie is a gifted choreographer. She had her own contemporary dance company in Toronto for fifteen years called OMO.
Debbie says that social issues inspire her to choreograph. When asked specifically what comes to mind, she replied bluntly, 'Anything that ticks me off'. She is known for her controversial, outspoken personality, and isn't afraid of getting into trouble. Debbie creates when she feels the urge, but lately has felt uninspired. She primarily works as a mentor to other choreographers, assisting them with their choreographic process.
When asked about the dance industry as a whole, Debbie's answers were very insightful. Her relationship with the industry has been tumultuous at times, but she hasn't lost her spark! We discussed the evolution of dance at length. She remarked, 'The dance industry is always changing. It has to.' Dance is a transient form.
She said something that really struck me, 'There is no difference between a 20 year old dancer and a 50 year old dancer. Each must find their own voice.' In other words, dance does not discriminate. The ultimate goal still remains the same no matter what age. Debbie clearly 'found her voice' in the dance world, as a performer, teacher, and choreographer and as someone not afraid to challenge the status quo.
