Please stop talking so my head can talk focuses on what it means to move with a neurodivergent and queer body, mind, and spirit with acceptance. During our research process, we will be using our childhood toys to explore the feeling of being a child again knowing who we are and how we identify now.

Oksana Augustine is a queer emerging contemporary dance artist/teacher/choreographer, based on the unceded and occupied territories of the Sḵwx w̱ ú7mesh, xʷməθkʷəy ̓əm, and səl ̓ílwətaʔ Nations. As a graduate of Modus Operandi, they have spent time in rehearsal process with OIS, Shay Kuebler, Khoudia Toure, Chimerik 似不像 Collective, Okam’s Racer, Co.ERASGA, Zahra Shahab, and many others. Oksana’s work as a choreographer focuses on neurodivergence, gender, pleasure, spirituality, and sensation, and has showcased their work in 12MM, Boombox, Chalk It Up!, The Happening Accelerate 4.0 alongside Kate Franklin, and is the choreographer for Chlopczyca directed by Anais West.

Alder Sherwood (he/they) is a movement artist residing on the unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and Selilwitulh Nations. Receiving his post-secondary training through Modus Operandi, they have had the privilege of working with and learning from fantastic artists including Tiffany Tregarthen, David Raymond, Kate Franklin, Josh Martin, Lisa Gelley, Zahra Shahab, Francesca Fewer, Hayley Gawthrop, and many others. As a trans person who is navigating the experience of physically shapeshifting while working in a medium that requires deep connection to the body, Alder’s practice is currently focused on his desires to playfully expand boundaries, tell effective stories, and approach the unfamiliar with tenderness.