Cristina Bucci

Sisu is a new work-in-progress solo danced and choreographed by Cristina Bucci. This inaugural work was incepted during her artist residency in Sointula on Malcolm Island, established by Finnish immigrants, and introduced her to the concept of "Sisu." This Finnish word embodies the act of doing what is necessary in the face of insurmountable obstacles, drawing from an inner reserve of power, courage, determination, and strength of will. This ethos became the work's driving force, channelling her personal history and connection to the island's legacy.

Choreographer/Performer: Cristina Bucci

Cristina’s career has spanned the globe, affording her the unique opportunity to contribute to diverse projects. Her commissions include Lamondance Company (Canada), Yarita Yu Ballet (Japan), International Dance Seminar (Brazil), and KMA Dance/Orchestra (Japan). She has danced works by Tentacle Tribe, Alexandra Spiceya Landé, RubberLegz, Vee Ms Vee (Val Ho), performed with Avant Garde Dance (UK) and participated in esteemed festivals, including the Vancouver International Dance Festival, CypheFest International Dance Festival (Yukon), Guelph Dance Festival (Ontario), Seattle International Dance Festival (US), Dance in Vancouver, Indian Summer Festival, Blend Animation Festival, Vancouver Street Dance Festival, Bass Coast Music Festival, and Dancing on the Edge.

In 2014, Cristina co-founded OURO Collective to advance the public’s appreciation of street dance culture. Alongside OURO, she has co-created over ten works and received Dance Victoria’s Chrystal Dance Prize to collaborate with Rauf “RubberLegz” Yasit to produce a short film and full-length dance work entitled 7y98D. The short film premiered on NOWNESS and has been screened at film festivals: Lago (Italy), Mignolo (USA), Cinedans (NL), TANZAHOi (Germany), and Greensboro (USA).

As a dedicated educator, Cristina has spearheaded numerous outreach and youth initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of artists. She served as the assistant director of the hip hop/funk dance training program SOULdiers, collaborated with Kidsafe, Share Dance (New Works), Power of Dance (The Dance Centre), and is a board member of community space, Bridge and Enrich Lives Society. Her outreach programming has reached across the Pacific Northwest and Japan, and she has developed dancer wellness workshops as a registered holistic nutritionist.

Looking ahead, Cristina is embarking on a new chapter in her career, focusing on developing her repertoire as a solo artist. She is working on a new solo piece, Sisu, and a full-length dance work set to premiere in Vancouver in 2025.