ANAIS (she/her)
Anaïs is a multifaceted-artist with haïtian decent. Mainly active in the street dance and queer ballroom communities of Montreal, she expresses different mediums of art. Her art serves as a medium to connect to her roots and heritage. Her aim is to discover more of the richness of afro-descendant cultures while seeking self-discovery.
As a kinesiologist, she is a lover of movement, health and cultivating empowerment in the world. She views the body as a powerful entity, which allows us to elevate our potential. It is a mission of hers to help others rise and be empowered through movement, the reason she founded EMPOWERED MVM. She also cultivates a high sense of community, leading her to co-found and co-direct Ballroom 4 Community, an organization serving to outreach and elevate LGBTQIA+ youth in Montreal through Ballroom culture.
She loves to create, innovate and dare, in various ways; through intentional projects that bring value to the world.
What is the most important detail in your practice?
Owning our power. Whether through empowerment, representation, feeling our bodies, confidence, artistry, health, play… Finding a medium of expression to re-own our power in a society that constantly tries to shove it away. I love to break barriers, co-create and take part in other people’s visions. May we keep expressing, creating and moving intentionally so we can free someone else to do it too. A bit revolutionary? Sure…But what can I say, I am an artist.
Photos by and/or for Achraf Terrab, Bianca Desjardins, Eddy Lee