Unscripted. Unstaged. Josh Beamish.
Q: If we were introduced at a party – what are the three things you would be excited to share about yourself?
I’d definitely be excited to talk about my recent relocation to New York City and that I haven’t been this inspired and content in years. The energy of this city aligns perfectly with my objectives and values. I finally feel like I’ve found where I belong.
You’d probably also comment on my prematurely grey hair, after which I’d let you in on the fact that I started going grey at age 13. I’d also probably be excited to tell you about my favourite espresso places in every city I’ve traveled to.
Q: If we checked your nightstand, what books would we find you reading right now?
No books… Grant application guidelines would be the closest I get to books these days, but I usually read those in pdf form.
Q: If we checked your computer, what favourite sites would be bookmarked?
Comingsoon.net, AwardsDaily.com, Facebook, all of my email accounts, and DanceNYC. I’m a not so closet movie lover and I check Oscar prediction and movie news sites daily. I even make my own movie awards at the end of each year. I’ve done this since 1998, when I awarded Best Picture to Pleasantville.
Q: How did you come to do what you do – was there a defining moment you can tell us about?
My mom is actually a ballet teacher, which is how I started dancing. From an early age I demonstrated an interest in choreography and just followed that path naturally to directing a dance company. After seven years of running a full-time company in Vancouver, I elected to shift my focus back to project work. I’ve relocated to New York where I will continue to create work in partnership with the MOVE: the company society based back in Vancouver. I’m excited to bring new American collaborators to Vancouver audiences and to see my choreographic identity grow and develop as a result.
Q: When it comes to marketing, is there a particular campaign or a poster, advertisement, or promotion that made a significant impact or that stands out in your mind?
Interesting question, I loved the marketing campaign for Alberta Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet a few years back. The posters were gorgeous and somehow they made me think that I liked the ballet before I’d even seen it. I also think that Sean Farrell and Chito Yoro, at NG Farrell Marketing, have done a really great job with our campaigns since 2009. I like when a company develops a marketing identity, but each new show really takes on a life of its own within the promo. They’ve been great at finding that balance.
Q: Lastly, what inspires you?
Music, the people I meet, the people I see on the subway while I’m listening to music, my dancers, movies, images, odd things people say, love.