Conversations with the Body
The GRAND
Oct 20 & 21, 8:15 PM
Free with registration
Please note that this performance contains nudity
2 performances each night - 15 minutes in length, run back to back with a 5-8 min reset in between.
Performance 1 | 8:15-8:30
Performance 2 | Approx. 8:35-8:50pm
A combination of set choreography and task-based improvisation, Conversations with the Body is an outcome of being with oneself and making decisions without the assistance of others. It is a work in progress that explores the beginning layers of what it means to embody one’s desires.
Show Credits
Performer & Choreographer: Ashley Mae Johnston
Special Thanks to LEÑA Artist Research and Residency Centre
Featured Artists
Ashley Mae Johnston · Creator/Performer
Ashley Mae Johnston 미리 is a contemporary dance artist based in Calgary, Alberta. She completed her B.Sc in Kinesiology with a Minor in Dance in 2021 and has since continued to pursue her professional training internationally, with a focus on floorwork and partnering techniques.
Ashley performed in, directed and choreographed the film 'Seen' (made in collaboration with R. Arran Brownlee) which was presented at the Wild Dogs International ScreenDance Festival (2022) and the 12th Korean Film Festival Canada (2025). Their collaboration continued as Artists in Residence at Sparrow Art Space in Calgary (2025). Ashley recently performed as the deuteragonist in the film ‘Crystal Clear’ (2025) directed by Braden Dereniwski which was presented as part of a Western Canada tour with musicians Karl Hirzer and Josué Valdepeñas. Figure modelling with photographer Kevin Stenhouse is another large inspiration to Ashley’s practice and artistic values, which celebrates the beauty of the nude female form. She has also experienced working with a larger cast during her time with WM2 Dance Company (3 seasons) and W&M Physical Theatre (1 season).
Ashley premiered her self-choreographed solo so close at the Springboard Fluid Fest 2024 and was selected to perform at the Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers Showcase 2025 (this performance unfortunately did not happen due to scheduling conflicts). Ashley’s work explores her relationship to being a woman and is rooted in the female body as a source of power. Her work celebrates female sexuality and pleasure.