"As a dance artist I am interested in embodying my own and other creators’ artistic visions while constantly pursuing my development in technique and artistry. I enjoy performing and expanding the limits of my body and mind. In my practice, I use a cross-training approach, combining somatics (Feldenkrais, Itcush method), dance technique classes, and circus training."
Anastasia Evsigneeva is a contemporary artist, dancer, contortionist, and educator of Russian origin, based in Montréal. Working across contemporary dance and circus, she explores the body’s expressive possibilities through an interest in the grotesque, experimentation, and physical extremes. Her practice encompasses cross-training, performance, film, collaborative creation, and teaching.
A 2019 graduate of the Professional Program of the School of Contemporary Dancers in Winnipeg, with a BA Honours in Dance, Anastasia performed in works by choreographers including Jennifer Mascall, Davida Monk, and Marc Boivin. Her development as an independent artist was further shaped by several seasons of residency and mentorship with Robin and Edward Poitras at New Dance Horizons, deepening her approach to creation, performance, and production.
In 2020, she founded Moving Roots as a meeting place for her dance and circus practices and for collaborations across music and visual art. Its first production, Moving Roots: Reflections, which she produced and co-directed with Anna Protsiou in 2022, received support from the Canada Council for the Arts and included the premiere of their short dance film TANGLED.
Since moving to Montréal in 2025, Anastasia has immersed herself in the city’s dance and circus communities through workshops, artistic exchanges, and collaborations. This chapter includes her work with Lorenzo Serafino on Dante Inferno, which later evolved into VVVVV, and the creation of Medusa.
Teaching is an integral part of her artistic life. Having practised contortion since 2012, Anastasia draws on her training with Serchmaa Byamba and Samantha Halas, alongside ongoing workshops and her own movement research, to coach contortion and hand balancing. Her teaching is grounded in an understanding of anatomy and body mechanics, with progressive conditioning that develops the strength and control to support greater mobility. She places care, injury prevention, and longevity at the centre of this demanding practice. Passing on knowledge and witnessing her students grow in confidence and ability is a lasting source of satisfaction.