FULL Biography

 Jill Henis, originally from Vancouver, Canada (Musquem, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations), is an international teacher, rehearsal director, dramaturge, dance artist, and mentor. With a professional career spanning over 30 years, she has worked with classical ballet companies, contemporary companies, multi-disciplinary collaborations, collectives, theatre productions and has held a variety of Directorship roles.

Jill received her early training from esteemed institutions such as The San Francisco Ballet School, L’Ecole Superior du Dance du Quebec, The Boston Ballet School, Toronto Dance Theatre, The Banff School of Fine Arts,  

BalletBC's inaugural apprentice program spearheaded by Director, Barry Ingham and The Dance Gallery led by Grant Strate & Earl Krual, founding dance artists of the National Ballet of Canada.

 Jill's performance career led her on a global journey, immersing her in diverse cultures and communities. She has worked with renowned companies such as Ballet Nacional Du Cuba, San Francisco Ballet, Evergreen City Ballet in Washington, Chrissie Parrot Dance Company in Perth, Australia, and The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network - Big Soul Productions Inc. Additionally, Jill toured Southeast Asia for multiple years with choreographer Robert Gulliam. As an independent performer and choreographer, Jill has shared the stage with luminaries such as Margie Gillis, Emily Molnar, and Crystal Pite.

 In 2009, Jill founded mixOLOGYdanceMine, a not-for-profit contemporary dance company initially based in Saskatoon, SK, before relocating to Calgary, AB. As the Director and lead choreographer, she was responsible for rehearsal direction, artist mentorship, and the company's administrative and strategic planning. Shortly after its inception, Jill was honoured to be selected as the lead choreographer and Assistant Director for the 2010 Winter Olympic Torch Ceremony in Saskatoon, Canada. Over its six successful years, mixOLOGYdanceMine made a significant impact on the local arts community by showcasing innovative performances and fostering an inclusive environment. The company built strong relationships with local institutions including Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and artists from varied disciplines, contributing to the growth and diversity of the cultural scene.

 After intentionally closing her company, Jill rediscovered her passion by founding Project 404, an independent creative hub that nurtures grassroots and multidisciplinary ventures. Initially launched with a three-year residency at the Graycon in Calgary, AB, Jill developed various projects such as '404, Page Not Found,' 'How I Wish to Tell You,' and 'The Presence Project 0.1,' where she explored installations, works-in-progress, and multidisciplinary collaborations. Project 404 has since evolved into an adaptive initiative that creates across various locations and approaches, expanding its possibilities beyond a single city or country. Under Project 404 Jill has researched projects, taught and offered workshops in Switzerland, Holland, Germany, Canada, Hungary, and the USA. This journey has allowed her to discover alternative ways to share her artistic expression and challenge traditional notions of exchanging practices and performance.

 In 2009, Jill established The Practice, a post-secondary training initiative in Saskatoon, SK before relocating to Calgary, AB. This initiative, which ran for nine years, aimed to elevate and support the dance community. The Practice provided consistent training opportunities led by Jill and included guest teachers, both local and international, as well as partnerships with reputable companies such as Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and Dance Saskatchewan Inc.

Jill's choreographic interests are woven into the breadth of her artistic practice, underpinning how our chosen modes of expression reflect the ways we share ideas and ultimately strive to connect with others. Her choreography has been presented at prestigious festivals and venues such as BC Buds, MoveEnts 'Dances for a Small Stage', the Alberta Dance Festival, the Broadway Theatre, Dance on the Saskatchewan/Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, Vancouver's 12min Max, Persephone Theatre’s “Little Women”, the Grand Theatre, Springboard Performance's Fluid Festival & Front Lawn Dances, and Telus Spark's "Junkyard Symphony".  

Jill's choreography remains an evolving element of her artistic journey.

Throughout her career, Jill has immersed herself in diverse movement modalities and practices that extend beyond her classical upbringing, including Viewpoints by Mary Overlie, the Suzuki Method, Laban Cube, and various studies in somatic embodiment. These experiences have enriched her practice, offering her a holistic approach to leadership, performance, creation, and education. Her commitment to continuous learning empowers her to challenge conventional ideologies, honour lineage, and integrate diverse perspectives into her work.

In addition to her extensive experience in dance and related studies, Jill has served as a Creative Consultant for Amelia Terrapin's Mobius Method, showcasing the multilayered knowledge that a life dedicated to dance can contribute beyond traditional roles and spaces. As well, Jill is certified in Women in Leadership and Facilitation and has studied Psychology, Communications, and LGBTQ+ research at Point Park University.

In partnership with her performing and choreographic career, Jill has dedicated herself to teaching. She has served as a senior ballet faculty member at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver and has been a guest instructor for several professional and pre-professional dance companies and institutions. These include Tanzcompanie Mainfranken, Ballet BC, Henny Jurriëns Studio in Amsterdam, Contemporary Dance Wyoming, STAYCEE PEARL dance projects & Soy sos in Pittsburgh, USA, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, Corps Bara Dance Theatre, Lemondance, and DanceStreams Youth Company, among others. Furthermore, Jill's passion for continued growth led her to serve as Adjunct Professor of Contemporary Dance at the Conservatory of Performing Arts at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, USA.

 Jill is committed to serving the communities she lives in, as well as those abroad. Her involvement includes serving on arts juries, adjudicating a range of dance performances, and mentoring diverse groups of individuals, including dancers of mixed abilities, adult-enthusiasts, Olympic qualifying national-level gymnasts, professional ice skaters, and actors. Jill's devotion to the study of dance enables her to provide support and guidance to artists across a wide variety of disciplines.

Jill is deeply honoured to offer project-based rehearsal direction and dramaturgy for the luminous Alexis Fletcher and co-artistic director Sylvain Senez of Belle Spirale Dance Projects.  

 Through these roles, Jill gains invaluable insight and inspiration. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their impactful, meaningful, and heart-led creations. 

 Currently, Jill is dedicated to leading efforts in directing, educating, mentoring, and artistic curation. She wholeheartedly supports the work of fellow artists and actively fosters the growth of dancers. Among other projects, she has recently facilitated rehearsal direction and dramaturgy for internationally renowned choreographers  Kevin O'Day - Choreographer Alexis Fletcher and dance artist, Alba Nadal. 

By nurturing a deep passion for the art of dance and actively engaging in her community, Jill strives to make a positive impact both in the dance world and on the lives of those around her.

Photo By: Natalie Poissant 

Image: Jill Henis