HER JOURNEY | Zoë Edwards

My name is: Zoë Edwards
I grew up in: Toronto, ON
I currently reside in: Toronto, ON
I make a living by: I work full time while dancing and modelling.
I'm passionate about: Discovering more of myself through dance.
My astrological sign is: Scorpio
Current mantra: Take it one day at a time.

—

What is your earliest memory of dancing?

My earliest memory of dance would have to be of me in the kitchen. My mum would be washing dishes or cooking and I would be just spinning like a top with not a care in the world, nagging her to watch me.  I was probably like 4 or 5.

What is it about the art of dance that you love most, or are most drawn to?

For me, I love the sense of freedom I have when I dance.

Briefly describe your process for creating choreography for a new dance. 

When it comes to creating choreography, I will listen to the song and visualize the movement as much as I can. Then hop in the studio and play around with it until it feels right.

What stories do you aim to tell through your art?

If anything I aim to find more of myself through my art and hope that others find the courage to do the same. 

I am constantly in awe while watching you dance in the videos you share. You exude such charisma and confidence that is both stunning and inspiring. Did you possess this confidence in your movement early on, or did it develop over time?

First of all, thank you so much. I think the confidence that you see has definitely wavered over the course of my life. However, I will say because I’ve always tried to dance for myself, I think that helped in grounding me even more especially as I became an adult. It’s never easy sharing the most vulnerable parts of yourself, let alone being in an industry let is constantly telling you “no” but beyond that, knowing that I always have dance to express what I’m feeling at any given time is what I live for and I hope that comes across in my movement. 

What is a challenge you’ve faced along your career journey of dancing, and how did you navigate it?

 As I left the dance program at my high school and started joining other training companies my height actually became a focal point and not always in a positive light. I often would get comments from choreographers like, “Oh you’re so tall, what are we going to do with you?” Or they’d create a formation, forget about me and then be frustrated at having to find a spot for me because no one matched my height. Or even just constantly telling me that I had to adjust or shrink to match the other dancers. At times, there was some actual helpful constructive criticism thrown in there in terms of learning how to move my very long body with the choreography that I was given but at times the constant poking and prodding about how tall I was just got irritating, that now I’m like “Y'all really need to get over it”. If my actual dancing is the issue then fine, give me the corrections or remove me but if it’s not then can we get back to rehearsal? 

What has dance taught you about the woman you are?

Dance has given me the opportunity to see how complex of a woman I am and that is something I am grateful for. 

Photo by Jungle Flower
Styled by Aliecia Brissett

Who is a hero in your life?

I don’t think I have one, I think we should all be inspired by one another and then take that inspiration to become our own heroes. 

What are you currently reading?

Notes on Love and Courage by Hugh Prather.

Name one thing, upcoming, that you’re excited for, personally or professionally?

Professionally, I booked a really great dance project with 14 other amazing Black women. It’s a short dance film and will be released in December, but just the experience of being on set with so many powerful women whom you can see a part of yourself in was beyond beautiful. 

Personally, letting go of the things I can’t control.

What go-to rituals or activities of self-care bring you joy and relaxation? (Dance can be included, of course :)

Beyond dance, whenever I feel restless I like to go for a walk and clear my head. I’ve also been meditating way more which has been so calming. If I’m in the mood, I like to bake as well, that always makes me happy. I think it’s really important to find joy in the small moments instead of waiting for moments of grandeur, the small ones add up and eventually become your life.

–

Connect with Zoë Edwards

@zojanelle
zoedwards.com