Devina Briggs
By Xiao Bo Zeng
Devina is a Collingwood graduate who just completed her second year at McGill University. Dance has always been Devina’s favourite activity. Growing up, she did multiple dance forms, like ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip hop. Over the last few years, she focused on hip hop. She is inspired by people who take a stance through their art. In the digital age, music has adapted to instant gratification – there is less appreciation of its performance value. She respects daringly authentic artists who put effort into their performances. Most recently, she was inspired by Danyel Moulton and the V Mo dance team, who utilized hip hop to shed light on critical social issues.
By Xiao Bo Zeng
Devina is a Collingwood graduate who just completed her second year at McGill University. Dance has always been Devina’s favourite activity. Growing up, she did multiple dance forms, like ballet, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip hop. Over the last few years, she focused on hip hop. She is inspired by people who take a stance through their art. In the digital age, music has adapted to instant gratification – there is less appreciation of its performance value. She respects daringly authentic artists who put effort into their performances. Most recently, she was inspired by Danyel Moulton and the V Mo dance team, who utilized hip hop to shed light on critical social issues.
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At McGill, she studies political science and is passionate about international relations and human rights. Though dance and political science appear unrelated, Devina finds them intertwined. She believes any form of art is political as it reflects the current time and space. Furthermore, Devina is part of McGill’s United Groove hip-hop team. Next semester, she will be on the executive team leading fundraising initiatives. The team performs two shows each year, for which Devina had the opportunity to create her choreography. For the most recent winter show, she collaborated with two friends to create a piece – they were involved in song selection, choreography creation, and choosing the stage aesthetics. When it comes to creating choreography, she focuses less on developing a personal style and, instead, on acceptance so she can expand upon the movements she enjoys.
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Her advice for someone developing their art is to trust. Inspiration can be found without comparison against others in the simple areas of everyday life. She says, “By remaining true to yourself, you can expand your craft in an authentic and intentional way.” Dance will always be part of Devina’s life; it reminds her of the value of being present. Whenever she finds herself overwhelmed, dance is always her remedy.
Photo and video credits:
Photo by Antoine Quach.
Videos filmed by Patrick Arsenault.
The first dance was choreographed by Devina, KK Ganancial and Khaleesi Ding.
The second dance was choreographed by Merrick Dudicourt at Studio North.
The last dance was choreographed by Devina.
Photo and video credits:
Photo by Antoine Quach.
Videos filmed by Patrick Arsenault.
The first dance was choreographed by Devina, KK Ganancial and Khaleesi Ding.
The second dance was choreographed by Merrick Dudicourt at Studio North.
The last dance was choreographed by Devina.