Katie Wertz (she/her), is an emerging professional dance artist and choreographer based in Smithers, BC on unceded Gidimt’en/Wet’suwet’en territory. Katie studied in the Arts Umbrella Professional Dance Program in what is known as Vancouver, BC in 2012. During her time there, she trained in classical ballet technique and repertoire, contact improvisation and contemporary dance. She brought her professional pursuits back to her home community of Smithers, where she continued her journey through rigorous self-training and mentorship with Monica Kapelar (Ontario Ballet Theatre (Toronto, Canada), Wayne Barbaste Dance Company (Paris, France), commercial shows and television) and Myriad Dance Projects (“The River” 2018-present, “Micro Portraits” 2020-2021, “Into the Current” 2014-2016) . 

Since 2019, Katie has been working in performance, leading community workshops and developing her choreographic voice through mentorship with the Bulkley Valley Concert Association (Smithers, BC). Through ongoing support from the BVCA, Katie has had the privilege of engaging in rich exchange and relationship building with local artists and community members. As well, artistic development opportunities across communities including a remote residency, artist exchange and short process film with All Bodies Dance Project (Vancouver, BC), leading a two-part youth workshop with Tara Cheyenne Performance (Vancouver, BC), and performing “Tricoter” choreographed by Julie Lebel (Vancouver, BC). Greatly informing and shaping her practice, Katie’s process of engaging in the local community has been one of increased connection and collaboration.

Katie’s artistic lens now deepens around an exploration of land/body relationship and response to stimuli through various improvisation structures. Improvisation tools create an exciting and abundant container in which she can experience play, vulnerability and a visceral discovery of self. She continues to be inspired by the dynamic landscape and water that moves through the territory, and the understanding that all embodied movement is dance.