Shelby Richardson, Artistic Director
As an artist and choreographer Shelby Richardson has always worked towards creating immersive environments from which to explore relationships between our bodily experience and the outside world. As a curator, choreographer, performer and designer, Shelby aims to blend various components of the visual and performing arts by creating layered, introspective and thought-provoking works.
Growing up in Vancouver, BC. Shelby spent her formative years training with various choreographers and instructors including Jennifer White, Suzanne Ouelette, Ellen Andrews, Joanne Pesusich and Tiffany Tregarthen. She then moved on to dance in Josh Beamish’s Move: The Company, training and performing professionally in the lower mainland.
In 2007 Shelby moved to a Toronto to continue pursuing the arts. While obtaining a BFA in Criticism and Curatorial Practice from the Ontario College of Art and Design, she also trained dancers all over the Greater Toronto Area. At this time she also pursued many collaborations with both visual artists and musicians, expanding her choreographic vocabulary.
Upon moving back to Vancouver in 2010, Shelby began working on her MA at the University of Victoria, while also teaching and choreographing at various studios across the lower mainland. Eventually moving her family up to Prince George BC in 2015, Shelby continued her dance practice at Judy Russell’s Enchainement Dance Centre.
While working with so many talented dancers and artists in the North, Shelby realized the potential for a professional contemporary dance company in Prince George. By founding Method Dance Society, Shelby seeks to provide an opportunity for contemporary dancers to stay engaged in their regional community while pursuing a meaningful career in dance and the arts.
Nicole Russell, Rehearsal Director
Raised in the lower mainland, Nicole is now based out of Prince George where she is a dance instructor and choreographer. Nicole’s training began in Burnaby at Spotlight Dance Centre as a little girl. She graduated and did some work with Quixote Films, Global Television and Universal Studios. Nicole continued dancing in Vancouver and performing for the Vancouver FMA Awards and for Vancouver Fashion Week as well as shows in Portland, Oregon and Seattle. Nicole worked with The Source Dance Company and Modus Operandi before deciding to move to Northern British Columbia. In Prince George, her education and training continued at Judy Russell’s Enchainement Dance Centre. Nicole has since won several awards from local festivals and has developed a comprehensive ballet focus with a contemporary consciousness.
