017: Ingrid MacKinnon on Dance, Direction and Diverse Voices

“When I work as a movement director in theatre, I work to think about the physical storytelling on the bodies that are here to tell the story.”

Ingrid Mackinnon

In this episode of the Shapes in Motion podcast, host Stephen Moynihan speaks with Ingrid MacKinnon about her journey from growing up in Canada to becoming a movement director in the UK. They discuss the impact of representation in dance, the cultural differences between North American and UK dance scenes, and Ingrid's transition from performance to choreography and movement direction. Ingrid shares her experiences in dance education, the importance of kinesiology, and how she articulates her ideas in collaborative spaces. In this conversation, Ingrid MacKinnon discusses her journey as a movement director and intimacy professional, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, joy in the creative process, and the evolving recognition of movement directors in the industry. She highlights the need for greater visibility and understanding of the role, as well as the challenges faced by performers, particularly parents, in balancing their careers with family life. Ingrid shares her aspirations for the future, including working on projects that represent diverse stories and voices.

About Ingrid Mackinnon
Ingrid Mackinnon is a movement director, choreographer and intimacy professional. Her recent work includes working with: Royal Shakespeare Company, Donmar, Jamie Lloyd Company and Royal Opera and Ballet. Her training includes an MA in Movement Direction & Teaching from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama where she is a visiting lecturer. She also sits on the Board of Trustees for Dancers Career Development. She lives in London with her husband and son.

Links

Website: www.ingridmackinnon.com

Instagram: @ingridmackinnon

Chapters

Growing Up in Canada and Early Dance Experiences

The Impact of Representation in Dance

Transitioning from Canada to the UK

Cultural Shifts in Dance Between North America and the UK

Shifting Focus: From Performance to Movement Direction

Exploring New Paths in Movement Direction

The Intersection of Kinesiology and Movement Direction

Articulating Ideas in Collaborative Spaces

The Importance of People and Joy in Work

The Evolving Role of Movement Directors

Advocating for Movement Directors

Creating Visibility for Movement Directors

The Emergence of Intimacy Coordination

The Journey of an Intimacy Professional

Shifts in Accessibility and Representation

Future Aspirations and Dreams

To get in touch with Sarah visit www.sarahperrymovement.com and follow @sarahperrymovement on Instagram.
To get in touch with Stephen visit www.stephenmoynihan.net and follow @stmoynihan on Instagram.