ROGER SINHA

ROGER SINHA

• Montréal, Québec 
• Contemporary dance, Indian dance, improvisation 
• Career Pathway: music 

Roger Sinha was born in England to an Armenian mother and Indian father and moved to Canada as a child in 1968. After graduating from The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, he founded Sinha Danse in Montreal in 1991, blending Indian and contemporary dance. He began playing music a decade ago and started writing two years ago. His company, Sinha Danse, has been around for 33 years and has toured national and internationally. 

ROGER’S STORY

“Ten years ago, I discovered music. It was the didgeridoo. That was followed by discovering the RAV drum and hand percussions. But my main interest was in the music software Abelton where I can create and recreate endless possibilities of sound combined with my live playing. A DTRC grant allowed me to work with a certified Abeltontrainer for over 40 hours. This training allowed me to combine my music with my dance. I also occasionally play in bands and often go to music jams and open mics. The grant I received was a parallel pathway grant, so I continue to dance. But the music allows me to combine dance and sound. I want to work as a solo multi-disciplinary artist. 

I am a late starter in music. One can be self-taught in music and music software but the time to surf various websites and YouTube videos to learn one’s craft is not ideal. With my Abelton trainer, we were able to identify what I wanted to do and within a short time, we were able to execute it and create a workflow. Without the grant, I doubt I would have been able to do this. 

 The DTRC’s counselling support enabled me to consult with a therapist. It was 2020 and I was thinking of leaving the profession. I am happy I stayed. The parallel pathway retraining grant keeps me in the game.  I am 65 but I still need to keep creating.” 

DTRC’S SUPPORT 

• Counselling 
• Skills Grants 
• Retraining (Study) Grant