Nac Dance With Cathy Levy

In this second of three episodes, Emily Molnar speaks about the difficult decision of leaving Frankfurt Ballet, as she was turning 26, to branch out on her own. After contemplating quitting dance altogether, she chooses to become a principal dancer with Ballet BC where she interprets many roles, guided by then artistic director John Alleyne, including Puck in the production of The Fairie Queen. Emily talks about her work as an independent choreographer for, among others, Alberta Ballet, Ballet BC, and Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and the tricky process of creating commissions. She mentions her collaboration with Gioconda Barbuto to make and perform the duet Lifelines, and describes the huge influence of her mentor, Canadian dance icon Margie Gillis. In 2009, Emily accepts the artistic directorship of Ballet BC at a time when the company’s financial difficulties have brought it to a halt.