These choreographers are making the invisible visible through dance

In this episode of Q, host Tom Power speaks with acclaimed choreographers Orr Schreiber and Bobby Jean Smith about their collaborative creative process, their upcoming world premiere 'Procession' with the National Ballet of Canada, and how dance serves as a profound medium for inner expression. The duo, who are both dancers, partners, and parents, trace their artistic bond back to their time at the Bacheva Dance Company in Tel Aviv, where they were both trained in Ohad Naharin’s revolutionary Gaga movement practice. They discuss how Gaga dismantles traditional performance expectations by encouraging dancers to listen to their bodies and move from instinct rather than external validation. Their work is deeply rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and the idea of making the invisible—emotions, subconscious impulses, personal histories—visible through movement. They describe their rehearsal process as intentionally chaotic, designed to reveal rather than impose, allowing dancers to contribute their own voices and experiences. The conversation explores the emotional depth of their work, the challenges of balancing artistic vision with collective input, and the intimate fusion of their personal and professional lives. As they prepare for their debut with Canada’s National Ballet, they emphasize that the dancers are not just performers but co-creators whose presence and humanity shape the final piece.