PHOTO : KAROLINA TUREK
BIF NAKED
The punk icon on how training in musical theatre helped her music career
I can ’ t say I ’ ve ever had formal training in what I do now …… But I did study ballet from the age of four years old until I was 17 . In fact , my first dream in life as a young child was to become a professional ballerina , but once I was cast in the grade five school play as Goldilocks in Goldilocks and the three Bears , it was all over : I wanted to become an actress .
So , my formal training was pursued by the time I entered university and in my first year embarked on a degree in theatre . Then I quit to join a band . Went on tour not planning to become a professional singer at that point , but looked at it as an exercise in “ musical theatre .” Who knew that my training in dance and theatre would serve me so well in my professional life all these years !
Because the truth is , I ’ m not just a vocalist but rather a performer . That ’ s my truth . I use comedy in my shows , too , but never had really any formal training .
So , if I could give any advice to a young person who wanted to pursue a career in music , I would always suggest a well-rounded education or experience that included some dance training and even acting , because your life on the stage will utilize every single aspect of performance .
PHOTO : JANIS JEAN
VICTORIA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC ’ S STUDENTS IN A MUSIC TECH LAB
54 CANADIAN MUSICIAN