Rachel Silver Maddock

Contemporary Arts master's student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

Rachel Silver Maddock (she/her) is an independent dance artist, choreographer and arts writer guided by artistic curiosity. Currently pursuing her M.A. (Contemporary Arts) at SFU, she lives and works on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations as a settler of British and Icelandic descent. Her work explores the relationships between individuals, the land and each other in the complex environment that is called Canada. Rachel holds a B.A. in Visual Culture & Performance Studies from SFU and a Diploma of Dance Studies from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, London, UK. She has written for local publications including The Dance Current, Dance International, Dance Central, SADMag and The Georgia Straight. She has presented choreography and performed with artists and companies locally and in the UK since 2013. Rachel's movement practice is nourished by somatic and improvisational techniques, including the influence and work of local artists Peter Bingham, Helen Walkley, Natalie and James Gnam, Deanna Peters/Mutable Subject and Olivia Shaffer. She sees the body as a site of investigation, tool of expression and mysterious archive.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

SCA's central location, close connection with the dance community and performance studies department made it the most appealing option.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

My research is primarily in dance studies. I'm investigating the exciting, elusive quality of live performance that creates moments of resonance in the viewers, asking what makes moments "stick" in our memory, and looking at how different performance spaces stimulate the senses.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Performance, Memory, Embodiment

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

Writing art and performance reviews keep me thinking critically about my research and inspires new queries.

Have you been the recipient of any major or donor-funded awards? If so, please tell us which ones and a little about how the awards have impacted your studies and/or research

I am grateful to have received SSHRC funding, which will allow me to relocate some energy away from working towards my dance and writing practise.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Take study breaks! That's often where the ideas happen... away from the desk.

Additional Links

• LinkedIn
• My Personal Website