LANDSLIDE: Signature Programme 4

Alyssa Martin is a choreographer whose work merges surrealism, humour, and modern dance. Based in Toronto, she is the Founder and Artistic Director of Rock Bottom Movement, a company celebrated for its bold approach to dance-theatre. She has created new work for The National Ballet of Canada, Alberta Ballet, University of the Arts Zürich, Toronto Dance Theatre and in collaboration with Citadel + Compagnie. Her work has been presented at Holland Dance Festival, Royal Ballet’s International Draft Works, Fall for Dance North Festival, Fluid Festival and Citadel Live among many others. Known for transdisciplinary collaborations across theatre, circus, film, musical theatre, and opera, Martin has worked with The Coal Mine Theatre, The Stratford Festival and Canadian Stage. Her work has been recognized with awards including numerous Dora Mavor Moore Awards in both the Dance and Theatre divisions, a nomination for the Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize and a Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best Choreography. Alyssa also works as the Artistic Producer, Creative Action at The National Ballet of Canada. She is currently the artist-in-residence at Fall for Dance North Festival.

Rock Bottom Movement is a Toronto-based surrealist dance company and the home of choreographer Alyssa Martin’s work. With an anti-patriarchal approach to rigour, Rock Bottom subverts Modern dance physicality from a place of comedy and tenderness, starring performers who have a unique and cultivated presence, and who are particularly adept at being many facets of “themselves.” 

Originally founded as a busking company before growing into stage work, Rock Bottom brings high-energy mischief, sharp theatricality, and deep consideration for the audiences who come to play.

Their acclaimed works including Big Time Miss, Sex Dalmatian, Be the Bird, hollow mountain, String Quartet No. 14 in G Major, and MANICPIXIEDREAMGIRLS, have earned 8 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, 9 additional nominations, the Canadian Stage Award for Direction, and the d:mic Audience Choice Award. Rock Bottom has presented work internationally at major festivals and performance seasons including, most recently, Holland Dance Festival. 

Their work strives to push the boundaries of live performance in Canada while reaching out to broad audiences, many of whom might be new to contemporary concert dance. Interesting art doesn’t have to be alienating. In fact, Rock Bottom thinks the most interesting art of all strives to be fundamentally not so.

Hello, my name is Patricia, and I grew up in North Dundas, ON. I am currently working as an actor in theatre & film/tv. I started working with kids over ten years ago as a dance instructor, babysitter, and summer camp counselor. I am experienced with ages 2 to 13. My favourite thing about working with kids is engaging in creative and imaginative play - and sometimes they say the funniest things!  As a childcare provider, it is important to me that I maintain routines, while providing stimulating and educational activities. My favourite things to do while babysitting are arts & crafts, going to the park, and active games, like dance or sports. When I'm not babysitting for Summerhill, I spend my time performing in musical theatre productions and scrapbooking. I'm looking forward to helping your family!

Hello, my name is Sydney, and I grew up in Ottawa. I studied Musical Theatre at Randolph College for the Performing Arts and have been working as an actor/singer, and running my own theatre company since 2021! I started working with kids over a decade ago as an assistant in my mom’s home daycare (some may call me a nepo-babysitter) and have been with Summerhill full time since 2021. I am experienced with newborns all the way up to teenagers. I have worked in a very large variety of settings: as an Au-Pair in France, a theatre teacher for littles ones, a travel sitter, and of course overnight sitting, which I have done a lot of for some wonderful Summerhill families! My favourite thing about working with kids is being able to be a small part in their development and helping children to feel valued and heard. I also am extremely proud to provide support for parents, making a difference for families means the world to me! As a childcare provider, it is important to me that I am prioritizing safety, allowing emotions to be heard and worked through, and encouraging imagination and creativity! I want to be a safe person for kiddos and help to maintain their routines while still making it a special treat to have a babysitter, rather than something stressful. My favourite thing to do while babysitting is usually anything that involves the arts! Making up dances, listening to music, doing crafts, anything goes! I also am happy to bring my guitar and lead some music time, so let me know if this interests you! (I know babies especially love this!) When I'm not babysitting for Summerhill, I spend my time in rehearsal, travelling, exploring the city, analyzing movies with far too much detail or reading! I can’t wait to meet your family, and am happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure that you feel confident leaving your little (or not so little) ones in my care! :)