“A Day in the Life” with: Vancouver Performing Artist Alexis Fletcher

Alexis Fletcher grew up in the Comox Valley, tumbling between dance, gymnastics, musical theatre, and horseback riding. But everything clicked when she joined the youth company Dancestreams—at 14, she knew dance was it. She pursued her post-secondary contemporary dance training at Arts Umbrella and, in a full-circle moment, landed a contract with Ballet BC right after graduation. That kicked off 15 years with the company, where she worked with some of the most exciting choreographers in the world.

It was also where she met Sylvain Senez—first a dance partner, then a life partner. They married in 2012 and, by 2015, started creating together. After Alexis’ time as an Artist in Residence at Ballet BC, she and Sylvain launched Belle Spirale Dance Projects in 2023. Their vision? A deeply collaborative platform supporting original, heart-driven work by both emerging and established artists.

Belle Spirale is a 2023/24 Chrystal Dance Prize winner and a current Artist in Residence at Chutzpah! Festival and Dance Victoria. As a freelancer, Alexis has also danced with Re:Naissance Opera, zoe | juniper, Wen Wei Dance, and Dance//Novella. But at the heart of it all, she remains committed to creating meaningful, risk-taking work that connects people.

Alexis Fletcher
Favourite photo shoot with a favourite photographer, Cindi Wicklund, in my Grandview/Woodland neighbourhood.
Alexis Fletcher
Pre-Show speech at The Dance Deck 2024 (our grassroots, outdoor summer series that Sylvain and I host in our backyard every summer). Sylvain and I are partners in art and life and we are lucky to do everything together with so much laughter and joy amidst the very hard work! Photo by our dear friend and essential part of Belle Spirale, Jon McRae.
The spiral symbol which started it all…. Now gracing our company logos and found in many places around our property, including here on the gate which leads into our backyard. Photo by Jon McRae.
In creation for a Belle Spirale’s new project with Kevin O’Day and Alba Nadal, captured here at the beautiful Arts Umbrella studios by Jon McRae. Next phases will take place in Terrassa, Catalonia!
In creation for UNIVERSUS – Belle Spirale’s upcoming world premiere at Vancouver Playhouse. Shown here in a new work by Fernando Hernando Magadan, with Justin Rapaport. Photo by the esteemed Michael Slobodian.
Ariana Barr and Justin Rapaport in tech rehearsals for my new creation, Everything and Nothing, which is featured as part of our new show, UNIVERSUS, March 21 – 22 at Vancouver Playhouse. Photo by Michael Slobodian.
Alexis Fletcher
A favourite moment in the sunlight… captured by Jon McRae.
Alexis Fletcher
Some of the incredible artists I am blessed to be creating with. Marisa Gold, Will Jessup, Brenna Metzmeier, Juan Duarte and Justin Rapaport in my new work, Everything and Nothing. Photo by Michael Slobodian.

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Which ’hood are you in?

Commercial Drive. I love this area of the city for its residential feel, vibrant restaurants, cafes and parks, and the eclectic, engaging population with so many artists living here!

What do you do?

I am a contemporary dance artist, choreographer and producer. Myself and my husband, Sylvain Senez, are the Founding Artistic Directors of Belle Spirale Dance Projects. We create, perform and produce original works for both main stage venues in Vancouver and on tour, as well as produce an outdoor and grassroots summer series in our backyard called The Dance Deck.

What are you currently working on?

We are currently in creation for our new performance, UNIVERSUS, which will premiere at Vancouver Playhouse, March 21 – 22. UNIVERSUS features 2 new pieces – one choreographed by me, and one choreographed by renowned choreographer Fernando Hernando Magadan. The show features 8 incredible Vancouver-based dancers and we would love to see you there!

Chutzpah! is the Creation and Presenting Partner. Universus is presented in partnership with VIDF (Vancouver International Dance Festival) and New Works Dance. More info at Chutzpah! Plus Spring Edition

Where can we find your work?

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