Shaniece Phillps | VIBE Spotlight

This is VIBE Spotlight: a weekly series that celebrates and shines a light on VIBE Arts’ roster of talented artists. Each Monday, our Instagram and website feature a different VIBE Artist and provide a look into their craft. Stay tuned and get to know the diverse talent that makes up our organization and community with #VIBESpotlight.

On this VIBE Spotlight, we’re shining a light on Shaniece Phillips, a dancer on the VIBE Arts Emerging Artist roster. This spring and summer, Shaniece has led some of our dance and movement program offerings for children, youth and seniors. She is also one of the artists in the third cohort of our RBC Desire Lines Program.

VIBE: What has been one of your greatest accomplishments to date?

Shaniece: One of my greatest accomplishments would have to be becoming the artistic director of Culture Shock Toronto, the team that used to teach me dance in high school. Such an amazing full circle moment.

VIBE: What has been one of your favourite moments while being on the VIBE roster?

Shaniece: We’ve all been sitting behind screens for the last year. Through VIBE programming like Beyond 3:30, it’s been such a privilege to help people reconnect with their bodies and get moving, even if it’s only 30 minutes.

VIBE: Is there anything you are currently working on that you would like to share?

Shaniece: I’ve been rediscovering the things that inspired me to dance in the most innocent and natural ways when I was a kid. I want to continue exploring these old inspirations and am excited to create from this space.

VIBE: What are some of your future goals? 

Shaniece: To travel and perform on stages across the world.

 

VIBE: What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned thus far?

Shaniece: We need each other. There is healing in connection. We can heal through community.

 

VIBE: What changes would you like to see in Toronto’s Art community?

Shaniece: Art is not neutral. Our choices and what we create has impact.

Support Shaniece: @_shaniecephillips_

Stay tuned for more VIBE Artists on VIBE Spotlight