Jillian Peever
For info on how The SPACE Upstairs is building an audience for dance and related arts in the almaguin area by engaging Adults and Youth in workshops, classes and events
Photo by Alexandra McCracken
Dance Artist, Choreographer, Teacher...
My family home was out a rural route on Lake Muskoka, Ontario. I grew up playing in the woods, often ankle deep in a creek, or hiking ridges and old abandoned farm fields. I met my soul mate and pursued my dreams in Toronto. In 2020 I rediscovered the love I had for the rural life and relocated to Burk’s Falls, in the Almaguin Highlands, just north of Huntsville Ontario.
I lived and breathed dance from the age of 4. With my mother teaching me ballet dance was always present. At 18, I moved to Toronto set on becoming a Ballet Teacher. And that's the first thing I did. I do love teaching. Living and dancing in Toronto opened my eyes up to contemporary dance. My heart opened immediately and I shifted and grew. Contemporary Dance has really made me who I am today. I learn so much with each project. It is a kaleidoscope. I am now focusing on bringing more dance experiences to the Almaguin Highlands, and participating in growing dance audiences in the areas of Simcoe, Muskoka, Parry Sound, and North Bay through dance and related events like classes, workshops, performances, and other activities that promote dance and it’s benefits to the public.
My family is a major impact now. My children keep me young and make me feel wise (and old) at the same time. My partner helps me feel grounded and healthy. The support of my friends and family, and the potential for growth keep me dancing and creating.
photo credits left-right: F. Chudnoff(FC), M. Zimmerman (MZ), J. Yang (JY), O. Yuksuker (OY), OY, No Credit (NC), JY, FC, OY, NC, C. Pinkney (CP), OY, NC, NC, NC, OY, MZ, CP, OY,