This week I spoke with Heidi Keller-Phillips of Motus Dance Theatre. Since its inception in 2003, Motus has become one of Indy's finest modern dance companys.

Are you a native Hoosier?

I was born in Boston where I also attended Boston Ballet School. I continued my training at Butler University and at Laban Centre in London.

What made you want to become a performer?

Born that way… on stage by the age of 3

If you hadn't become a performer, what might you have done professionally?

Massage Therapist… We at Motus actually all have day jobs, unlike other modern dance troupes around. I specialize in pregnant clients and massage them right through labor and delivery. I just helped welcome another baby girl to the world last week.

What are some highlights from your dance carrer?

When I was a ballerina I did the classics that everyone knows… Swan Lake, Nutcracker, yada yada. It's different with modern dance you are part of someone's personal vision today and I have been everything from a sister, to a goddess in red floating down the canal, a fish, from part of the ocean, to just another really important body in a sea of many.

Of all the projects on your resume, what are some of your favorite?

I really enjoy the process of site specific work. I performed with Butler International Theatre project and Elan Theatre in the catacombs underneath the City Market. And 3 months after giving birth to my son I put together a site specific piece of my own in the foyer of the Wheeler called Pardon my Partum. I think those 2 are my most favorite, recently.

Name you favorite artist

Twyla Tharp was one of the first modern choreographers to cross over to my former -bunhead- sensibilities to allow me to notice and draw me over. The Upper Room is one of my favorite pieces of all time.

What's the last thing you saw that had a big impact on you?

The movie, Once.

If you could swap places with one person for a day, who would it be?

My son. It would make be a better person to really remember what its like to be 3.

Tell us about your most recent production?

Kin was our most recent show, performed as part of the Fringe Festival. It was a twisted portrait of a bizarre carnival-esque family dynamic.

What was unique about the development and rehearsal process?

The collaboration. You don't usually see 2 choreographers/ directors co-create a show like this, meaning one that is one vision, one story… not just 5 different pieces put on the same bill. It was also heavily collaborative with Stung Tongue Productions, who did the music.

What is on the horizon?

We are currently rehearsing some rep for an event benefit called Strange Fruit, for the organization, At Your School, Oct 27th at the Wheeler. We will create a site specific piece for Wine Wednesday, 1st Wednesday in November. First Friday at the Harrison Center in December, we will collaborate with Kyle Ragsdale.

"Spotlight on..." is a continuing interview series