Denna Thomsen grew up in Omaha Nebraska, later receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado State University. She moved to California in 2007 to pursue a professional dance career and gained a spot with Hysterica Dance Company, founded by Kitty McNamee. In 2012, Alma Ha’rel gave Denna her first break acting and dancing alongside Shia Labeouf, in Fjogur Piano by Sigur Ros. She soon became infatuated with the commercial side and later danced beside Madonna, David Bowie, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Florence + The Machine and SIA. With the rise of musical artist, SIA, in 2014, Denna began to assist Ryan Heffington on all future endeavors and more including Lorde, The OA, Kenzo Fashion Show, Mascots, and Homepod, directed by Spike Jonze. She has recently choreographed a scene from the new movie, Booksmart, and has been recognized for her work in the known Apple commercial, “SWAY.” Denna will next be spotted as an actress alongside Finn Wolfhardt and Mackenzie Davis, in an Amblin Entertainment film called “The Turning”, directed by Floria Sigismondi.



Show Notes: 

• How she found her love for dance and choreography
  
• Applying the structure and discipline of her practice to navigate through the contemporary dance world, and life in general
  
• Triggers for inspiration
  
• Continuing a writing practice as a way to inform dance, and other aspects of creativity
  
• Butoh Dance AKA The Dance of Darkness
  
• Poor accreditation, and mistreatment of dancers in the entertainment industry
  
• Challenges in sustainability that face contemporary dancers/choreographers
  
• Pushing through fear to become what you were meant to be
  
• Releasing tension through physical activity, and emotional vulnerability

www.dennathomsen.com

Posted 03.28.2020