Flashback

In 2006, after 16 years of choreography, teaching and film directing as co-artistic director of Kaeja d’Dance with my wife Karen, I decided to pursue a master’s degree at York University. My thesis focused on dance for camera, and, as part of the program, I led a course called Issues in Dance Heritage Studies under Professor Mary Jane Warner. 

It centred on reconstructing David Earle’s Ray Charles Suite. Earle, a Canadian modern dance legend and co-founder of Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT), shaped generations of Canadian choreographers with his emotionally charged works.

During filming, we explored camera angles, movement dynamics and editing techniques. A highlight was interviewing Earle about the origins of the piece and his influences. 

I couldn’t help but laugh as we then reminisced about my infamous 1983 solo improvisation during Ray Charles Suite, which led to my expulsion from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre for stripping onstage – a story I recount in my new book, I Found My Dance In a Bomb Shelter: Anecdotes of Gratitude from A Life in Dance. 

I graduated in 2009 with beautiful memories – and some stories that still deserve a stage of their own.

— Allen (né Norris) Kaeja (MA ’09)