What Moves Us - Documentary

"A love letter to the theatre, told by the stories and performances of three artists."

What Moves Us - shares the stories of three artists whose lives would not be the same without performing arts. It is structured to feel like a show, where each dancer will choreograph their own piece and discuss their creative processes. They will share what performing has got them through, and why it is important. This is the embodiment of a love letter to the performing arts.

* Behind The Scenes *

​​Looking for another teaser of "What Moves Us"?​

Cast & Crew: What Moves US

​Mirphie Kinanga

Musical theatre Performer

"Hi my name is Mirphie Kinanga!
​I’ve been dancing since I was born hahah, or more accurately since I was around 4 years old. Performing is my form of expression. It’s an exhale for my soul."

Victoria Scott

Musical theatre Performer 

"Hi my name is Victoria Scott!
​ I started dancing when I was 11, so about 7 years ago. For me, I see performing as a way to explore every side of myself and to express myself in an incredibly meaningful and vulnerable way."

Caitlyn Lopez Howie

Musical theatre Performer

"Hi my name is Caitlyn Lopez-Howie!
​I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old. I love performing because it gives the sense of connection and story telling. I get to challenge myself creatively and be apart of the audience’s experience. Performing provides me an artistic outlet, and gives me a unique purpose in this large world."

Kaitlin Manalili

Director

"Hi My name is Kaitlin Manalili!
​ I’m the director of What Moves Us. Growing up, dance was always my creative outlet. I’ve trained in styles like ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, acro, lyrical, and contemporary. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for dance. I’m grateful and excited to be working with such a wonderful crew to share three amazing stories."

Holly De Vaal 

Producer

"Hi My name is Holly de Vaal!
 I’m the producer of the short documentary What Moves Us. I was enrolled in dance at a young age, and I loved every minute of it. Although I didn’t end up pursuing it further than my teens, I’ve always admired and loved performing arts. This documentary is inspired and developed by our talented director, Kaitlin, and with the work of our incredible team, I am anxious to see the success of this project."

Bobby Mendoza

DOP

"Hey, my name is Bobby Mendoza!
I am the Director of Photography for What Moves Us. I've always had a deep respect to those in the performing arts as I've used to perform at multiple piano recitals in my childhood. The dedication, work, and talent of those who continue to pursue such a field that is definitely under appreciated in my eyes. With this documentary, I hope my visuals helps bring the audience get a better connection and perspective of the performing art that is dance."

Kyle Archer

Location Sound

"Hello there, my name is Kyle Archer.
I’m the location sound person for this production. When I was 9 years old, I started dancing and performed on teams within the Canadian Dance Company. I dabbled in the 5 core styles of studio dance, my favourite of them being Hip Hop. After grade 9 I got more into the streetstyle Hip Hop scene and continued with that on my own. I’m excited to see people’s reactions to this film and the performances in store."

Alexa Thobo-Carlsen

Key Gaffer

"Hey, I'm Alexa Thobo-Carlsen,
I'm the gaffer for What Moves Us. I used to dance when I was a kid, but slowly moved away from it to pursue other interests. Watching all these girls dance so gracefully and with such talent was such a great experience. This doc will absolutely move you!!"

Dylan Wang Aguinaldo

First AC & Post-Audio Editor

"Greetings, my name is Dylan Wang Aguinaldo.
​I am both the first ac and post audio editor for this production. I myself am not versed in the art of dance, I’m fascinated by the art form. The intricate moves the dancers make, the type of training they undergo and especially the music they dance to. I hope you’re excited to see our documentary and be amazed by our subjects just like I was."

Reshmi Luka Ravi

Make-up

"Haiiiii I’m reshmi Luka!
I’m so excited to be on this documentary I love dance and I have a small dance background too I hope you enjoy the film"