Current:

Intimacy Coordinator-in-Residence for Dance/Film Collective, The Dietrich Group.

Current project: I am Marilyn film series

Intimacy Qualifications:

Intimacy Directors & Coordinators - Consent-forward Artist Certificate

Theatrical Intimacy Education - Best Practices, Foundations of Race, Intimacy, & Consent, Intimacy Coordination for Film & TV

York University - Current Ph.D. thesis on intimacy and power in dance spaces

ACTRA member since 2007- Over 15 years of experience on set, familiar with hyper-exposed scene work and Respect on Set Workshops

The Red Cross - Psychological First Aid Certified: Helping Others Certificate number 102318870, valid through 2031

Canada Council for the Arts - Respectful Workplaces in the Arts Certificate

Practitioner of somatic abolitionism and MA in Cultural Studies with focus on Embodiment and Biotech Arts

Academic bio:

Mila Volpe’s research focuses on the broad areas of embodiment, power dynamics, aesthetics, and sexuality. Specifically she is interested in supporting artistic productions through intimacy direction and coordination, looking at how to best stage vulnerability and/or sexual material through trauma-informed, consent-forward, and choreographic communication. She is a dance/movement psychotherapy practitioner and is interested in somatic cueing while directing movement and learning different movement observation and analysis systems. She is currently grateful to play and steward land on the unceded territory of the Wabanaki confederacy. 

Academic Qualifications:

York University - Ph.D. Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies | Consent-based Performance | Current Program

The National Centre for Dance Therapy - DMT Certification | Alternate Route ADTA | 2018

Goldsmiths, University of London - MA Cultural Studies | Embodiment & Biotech Art | 2011

York University - BA Fine Arts Cultural Studies | Dance & Music Ethnography | 2009

Awards & Distinctions;

Juliana Lau Dance Therapy Award | 2019 & 2020 Recipient
Susan Crocker and John Hunkin Scholarship in the Fine Arts | 2019
Goldsmiths International Postgraduate Scholarship | 2011
Dean's Prize for Excellence Faculty of Fine Arts Merit Award | 2009
Harry W.W Rowe Arts of America’s Bursary | 2009
Recognition of International Experience, York University | 2008
JP Bickell Foundation Award Kondor Fine Arts Award | 2008

]Research Activity & Presentations:

Published Journal Articles:

Mila Volpe (2023) Return to the Body, public journal. Issue 67: http://www.publicjournal.ca/public-67-return-to-the-body-reversus-est-ad-corpus/

Mila Volpe (2021) Music’s Powers: Embodiment & Flourishing with Taylor Swift, Contemporary Music Review, 40:1, 60-77, DOI: 10.1080/07494467.2021.1945228

Mila Volpe (2012) Monsters Inc: Bread, Circus, and Botox, Nyx: A Noctournal, Issue 6.

Speaking/Conferences:

Dance as Renewal. Moderated panel for Dance and the Child International. Dancing into Communities 2022 conference. York University and Brock University, online.

Holistic Dance Education. Moderated panel for Dance and the Child International. Dancing into Communities 2022 Conference. York University and Brock University, online.

On Breathing. Guest lecture to DANC 2320 Kinesiology. 2021. York University. Toronto, Canada.

FIELDWORK’ . Digital Studio Showing by The Dietrich Group. Mediated panel discussion with artists from 6 countries and the Artistic Director DA Hoskins. 2021, Toronto, Canada.

Transitioning Commonses: Beyond the Institutional Between. Panel discussion mediated by VK Preston (UofT) and Mary Woehrel (York U). Dance Studies Association, 2019 Conference, Dancing in Common, Chicago, IL.

Case Study: Dance Movement Therapy in DD/ME (Developmentally Delayed/Multiple Exceptionality) classrooms. Conference Presentation. The National Centre for Dance Therapy, 2018 Cohort, Alt. Route, Montreal, Canada."

Choreography:

The Dance Experience student projects, instructor and guide for DANC 1500, York University. Toronto, Canada. 2018-present.

Capitalist Duets with Public Recordings. Public Performance presented as part of The Theatre Centre’s 2016 season. Toronto, Canada.

American Gods. Season 1, Episode 109. Principal Role, Actor Body 10. New Bedford Productions ltd. 2016 & 2019.

Professional Experience & Community Work

Boston Children’s Foundation | Endorsed Rainbowdance® Practitioner | 2020–Current

Dance and the Child International | Executive Board Member | 2020–Current

Dance Movement Therapy Association in Canada | Executive Board Member | 2018-2021

Harbourfront Centre | Integrated Media Specialist for performing arts and cultural programs | 2011 – 2017

CINARS Biennale | Arts Presenter for CulturePort, Harbourfront Centre, supported by CCA | 2018

Goossun Art-illery’s HamletZar: Overseas | Assistant Project Manager to company Director Vahid | 2012

Bellows and Bows Ethnomusicology Project, Memorial University of NFL | Editorial and Research assistant to professor Sherry Johnson

InTensions Electronic Scholarly Journal, York University | Assistant to the editors, Alberto Guevara and Elysée Nouvet