More than a passionate dancer, Claire Mitchell is also a very into fashion and traveling. She talks about her career as a dancer and what makes it bittersweet. Other than that, she talks about Vancouver from fashion to issues all from the bottom of her heart.
Tell us about yourself.
Right now I dance full time, with a professional contemporary training program called Modus Operandi. I’m also a volunteer teacher with the Heart Dance Program, a non-profit organization that my friend Krista Cameron is running out of the St. James Music Academy in the downtown eastside. I love to go out and have a social life when I can, which can be hard with my schedule, but it’s important to me to make the time and to have that balance. Music is also a huge part of my life, and I’m really eclectic with what I like. I love meeting new people and letting their taste in music influence me. Right now I’m listening to a lot of Devandra Banhart, Lykke Li, Bloody Beetroots, M.I.A, Justice, Miles Davis, Soulwax…
Take us through your typical weekend. We would like to know more about your lifestyle.
On Friday nights, I have dance rehearsals pretty late, so I often don’t have the energy to go out unless something really good is going on. Saturday, I usually wake up pretty early and go take a dance class and if I don’t have any rehearsals in the afternoon then I’ll usually catch up with some friends or hit up some vintage stores if my wallet allows. I find the nightlife in Vancouver isn’t too great so I often prefer just going out for dinner and drinks or to a good ol’ fashioned house party. I hate passing up dance parties though and if there’s a good DJ or band in town, you’ll often find me at those shows. Sunday mornings I have dance classes, but I love going for hikes and catching up with my Mom and Dad in the afternoon, or just coming home and layin’ around with my cat (the love of my life).
Can you tell us more about the type of dance you do?
I grew up doing mostly classical ballet; that solid foundation has always been important to me. As I grew into myself more, I found that contemporary ballet is my true passion. It has it’s base in classical technique, but I find that it’s more expressive and allows more freedom and creativity. Classical ballet is so pretty and I love that, but I think there also needs to be the juxtaposition of the ugly times in life. Contemporary can be dream-like at times, but it also has the capacity to show emotion and the reality of life.
How did you get into this? What inspired you to start dancing?
Well, my mom put me into it when I was about five and I tried pretty much every kind of dance. I also played a lot of sports, took piano lessons, just really tested out the waters. When I was 11, I kind of wanted to quit ballet, but my mom knew I had natural talent and pushed me to try it for a little longer. I am so happy that she did. After that phase, I really got into it and at 12, I moved from a recreational ballet studio and started training at the Goh Ballet. In grade nine, I changed high schools to do the Half Day Program and went to school until 1pm and then trained at the Goh for the rest of the day, up until I graduated.
Whenever you’re down, or lack the motivation, what do you do to get yourself jump started again?
Hmm… I usually think about how fortunate I am. I have such an amazing family that supports me and what I’m doing. I’d say I’m a pretty positive person for the most part. Of course there will always be the odd day where you’re feeling off, but that’s pretty natural.
What turns you on and what doesn’t?
What, in terms of guys? (Laughs nervously)
Confidence is a big thing, but not to the point of arrogance; modesty is always a good thing. Honesty is a biggie too and someone with integrity. Never take yourself too seriously… I like someone who doesn’t sweat the small stuff and can laugh at themselves. Also people who are sure of themselves; someone who knows where they’re going in life. I can’t stand flaky people. Say what you’re going to do and DO IT!
If it was anything but dance, what else would you do? Have you ever considered this option seriously?
Of course! When I graduated from high school it was a huge decision I had to make. I have seriously considered post-secondary and still do. This is going to sound weird to people who are currently in school, but I miss writing papers! I’ve always loved to write, and English was definitely my strong point in school. If/when dancing takes the backburner, I would love to be a writer. It would be great to incorporate my love for the arts and maybe write reviews for anything dance, music, or fashion related!
Devotion and passion is undeniably present in your contribution to dancing. What do you think is the hardest challenge and why?
Often times, the daily grind and the routine of everything can make you lose sight of where your motivation and inspiration is. It usually just takes watching a talented dancer or taking a class with them; feeding off their energy can breathe new life into the way you move. It is definitely not an easy path to choose, it’s exhausting both physically and emotionally. Being a dancer is more of a lifestyle than a career and it is not a straight path; you just have to take what gets thrown at you.
Photography by: Nico Mak
What is your favorite quote?
“No regrets.”- Quinn Keast.
Quinn was a close family friend who passed away three years ago this June. He was truly inspirational to everyone who was lucky enough to know him. He went through life with this unabashed love of living and it has moved me to do the same.
Are there any other large projects with your life in the near future that you’re excited about?
I was asked to go to China in April with the Goh Ballet to do a tour over there. I went to China with the Goh in 2006 and it was incredible, but I’m really excited to go back to a few new places and to experience it a little older and hopefully a little wiser.
Growing up in such a dynamic and multicultural city, were there any adversities that you had to overcome? Have these ever influenced you significantly?
I haven’t had to overcome much; I grew up on the North Shore and it’s pretty sheltered. I think it’s great that our city is so multicultural; it’s such a melting pot and there are so many interesting people to meet with amazing stories.
You see all these trends on our street, surely they had to have come from somewhere! What do you think influences Vancouver’s fashion trends?
Well first of all, I really don’t like the word “trend.” Trends are so fleeting but Vancouver is a city full of them, like any other large city I guess. We’re trying hard and if you look in the right places, we have some extremely well dressed people and local boutiques and designers that really know what they’re doing (check out Gastown and Main St). Vancouver is pretty unique; we’re on the west coast so we’ve got a really laid back vibe, but at the same time there are lots of sharply dressed people. We’re kind of like a mix of California and Montreal and anything really goes here. You can go to the ballet or opera and there will be people in designer suits and gowns standing next to people in jeans. Pretty funny.
What is your opinion on fashion today? What do you think is wrong with it, and what do you think is on track?
I think too many people don’t go with their gut instinct. To really pull off a look and be truly stylish confidence is so key. Not enough people are willing to push the boundaries and experiment. Being rebellious and not following the rules all the time is really important. If you love it, wear it! Don’t be afraid to take off your hippie headband and leather jacket just because you’re afraid you won’t fit in with the hipsters.
If you could change one thing about Vancouver, what would you change?
Hmm. We live in a pretty great city but our public transit system is absolutely terrible. It should be easierfor us to take the bus! Save the earth, people.
HYPE is a pretty broad word. What does HYPE mean to you?
HYPE is anticipation. HYPE can be more exciting than what the HYPE is actually for, but I definitely don’t think that’s a bad thing! It’s a really positive word and feeling.