Rhythm and innovative flow: In discussion with Kevin Lau

On a cool, crisp day in the early weeks of January, Turn Out Radio host and producer Nicole Inica Hamilton sat down with Canadian‑Chinese dancer and artist Kevin Lau, for a discussion about creative exploration, innovation, and personal reflection. Having found a steady rhythm and balanced approach to his artistic course, Lau also shared his excitement for what the new year will unveil.

[Hamilton]: As the new year commences, have there been discoveries for you about your inner resonance, and personal rhythm?

[Lau]: As I look ahead to 2026, I’m filled with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and genuine curiosity. This past year has taught me so much about timing and patience — how every season of a career offers its own lessons, and how important it is to release the pressure of trying to recreate past highs. Instead, I’m learning to meet each new project as its own experience. It may sound a bit sentimental, but I truly believe everything serves a purpose and nothing is wasted. Whether it’s the thrill of performing for large audiences or the quiet moments of stillness and self‐reflection, each experience prepares me for what’s next. Reflecting on my relationship to dance over the years, has been eye‐opening. Early in my career, I pushed myself to the absolute limit and overthought every decision. Now, after six years of working professionally, I’ve found a steadier rhythm — a more balanced approach to my artistic growth. I’ve learned to focus on what I can control and trust that the rest will unfold as it should. That mindset has brought me a tremendous sense of peace as I continue navigating an ever‐changing industry. With that foundation, I’m excited to seek out opportunities in 2026 that will challenge me artistically and expand the way I see movement,  choreography, and collaboration. I’m eager to work with artists who inspire me, push the needle forward, and open up new perspectives on what dance can be!

[Hamilton]: What are some foundational concerns, or curiosities that guide your interests and practice?

[Lau]: Being a dancer and performing artist, my drive to take on new projects and collaborations comes from a deep commitment to authentic storytelling, intentional direction, and continuous artistic growth. Whether I’m diving into an intensive research process for a stage production or stepping onto the set of a music video, I always return to one guiding question before saying yes to a project: Will this move the needle forward? That question holds a lot. For me, it means seeking work that challenges me — work that expands my technique, broadens my understanding, and pushes me beyond what I already know. I’m especially energized by collaborating with artists who have more experience than I do. As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. I genuinely thrive under pressure and in environments that stretch me into unfamiliar territory; it reminds me that there is still so much more to learn. Equally important is the wellbeing of the work environment itself. I believe wholeheartedly that great people create great work. When there is mutual respect, trust, and harmony among collaborators, the creative process becomes richer, and the final product inevitably reflects that shared energy.

“To chase something, you’ve got to keep moving.” 

Kevin Lau

[Hamilton]: Emerging themes of creativity, risk, and innovation are of great interest to you. Can you share examples of recent works that have ignited these interests?

[Lau]: Yes, absolutely! Since 2023, I’ve been dancing with the Canadian touring company, Côté Danse, in their production, Burn Baby, Burn, led by former National Ballet of Canada Principal Dancer and choreographer, Guillaume Côté. The creation period unfolded over several months, and since then we’ve toured the work throughout Québec, Ontario, and even Germany. The piece explores themes of climate change and humanity through an intensely physical, hour‐long performance. It has pushed me to my limits both technically and artistically, all while engaging with a narrative that feels deeply relevant. In Los Angeles, I’ve also been part of projects that sparked new creative energy. One of the most meaningful was performing as a guest artist with Entity Contemporary Dance in their full‐length work in honor of all the times I wasn’t myself in 2024. The piece investigates the ways we filter or distort our bodies and behaviors to persuade, protect, or assimilate — ultimately asking, “What is authenticity, anyway?” As a third‐generation immigrant, that question resonated with me on a personal level. I’ve experienced the pressure to shift between personas to fit into different spaces, so being part of a work that confronted that impulse felt incredibly grounding. Entity cultivated a rehearsal environment that was genuinely safe and welcoming, thus making the experience more impactful. More recently, I danced in Bon Iver and Dijon’s music video for their song, “Day One”, filmed in Hollywood and featuring Jacob Elordi and Cristin Milioti. It was a true full‐circle moment. Growing up as a contemporary dancer, Bon Iver’s music was a staple in the studio — it shaped so much of my early movement vocabulary. To go from training to his songs, to performing in one of his videos, felt surreal in the best way!

[Hamilton]: As an LA based artist, you shared that you also perform in Canada as a company member of Côté Danse. What upcoming works are you pursuing in Canada and the U.S. in the coming year?

[Hamilton]: As we close, what is a personal statement, or philosophy that shapes your pathway forward?