Six emerging Canadian artists chosen to receive mentorship and kick start their new works will showcase their final pieces at this weekend's festival taking place in Toronto at this year's CanAsian Dance Festival. The Festival supports traditional dance art forms as well as original Canadian dance forms by putting on performances throughout the year for the Canadian public. We had the chance to chat with one of the artists showcasing her work, Tomomi Morimoto from Montreal.

How did you get into dance?

Born in Tokyo, I began my dance career at a very early age. In 1998, after 10 years of figure skating and 12 years of ballet, I joined Company EAST as a lead dancer and physical theatre performer for six years. It was while on a world tour with the company that I discovered (and fell in love with) the city of Montreal.

An emerging choreographer, my artistic practice is influenced by an interest in the convergence of Eastern and Western approaches to movement and aesthetic. I draw on my training in ballet, figure skating, physical theatre and contemporary dance and blends these with elements inspired by Butoh, creating a unique language that is intricate, primal and highly physical. More information can be foung on my website, www.tomomimorimoto.com

How does it feel to be one of the chosen emerging artists for the CanAsian Dance Festival?

When I was contacted about this special project, I was thrilled. I am grateful to have this challenging and exciting opportunity.

What was the experience like working with Elizabeth Langley?

It has been great! Elizabeth has tremendous experience in dance, and working with her pushed me in challenging ways, which opened me up to many new insights. Again, I am grateful to have had this opportunity.

What can we look forward to at this weekend's Festival?

I myself haven't seen the other five choreographers' new works yet, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing them. I believe we are each pushing our own limits with these new works, and I hope the audience will enjoy the diversity of dance from six different choreographers.

How important is it to promote Asian aethetics through dance in Canada?

I am interested in human nature when it is stripped down to its primal level. To reach that level, each culture has its own way of getting there. To expose our differences is to expose the richness of what we all share beneath these layers of culture and history.

What makes you “want to dance”?

It's always there.