The annual Best of Richmond features individuals who live and/ or work in Richmond to help make it one of the best communities in which to live. This year the Richmond News interviewed 10:
Currently serving as 'City of Richmond’s Branscombe House Artist-in-Residence’, Krystal Kiran is a Punjabi-Canadian interdisciplinary performing artist and educator whose body of work explores "third culture" identity and the arts as healing practices.
As a performer, Krystal began her professional performing career as a dancer at the PNE at age sixteen. She made her Broadway debut three years later in New York City in the original cast of “Bombay Dreams.” Since then, she has toured internationally in stadiums as a featured singer alongside Grammy and Oscar Winner composer AR Rahman, performed on a variety of theatre stages across North America (including Mirvish, Shaw Festival and Arts Club) and several film/television credits as an actor, dancer, choreographer, director and producer.
A certified yoga, Pilates and meditation instructor, Krystal 'healing arts' practice explores a variety of movement modalities by bridging her Indian heritage and all other aspects of her training and professional experiences. She is committed to cultivating inclusive spaces and cross-cultural allyship through the arts, and is particularly passionate about working with youth.
What do you like best about Richmond?
The people. I’ve been meeting and getting to know so many interesting and kind humans from different communities as a beautiful byproduct of this residency. The community we’ve been building at Branscombe House continues to get lovelier by the day.
How do you stay healthy in Richmond?
I love going for runs in Steveston. I tend to take little dance breaks and have shot a few dance & movement videos in the neighbourhood. They are up on the @branscombehouse IG. These dance runs make me feel healthy physically, mentally & creatively!
What's your favourite area of nature in Richmond?
I have still yet to discover this and am open to suggestions!
What song best describes Richmond?
I believe music is the sound track of our lives. This artist residency brought me here, and a piece that I recently performed at the Richmond Arts Awards will be a very fond memory I have of creating and rehearsing classical Indian choreography in Branscombe House. It is a Sufi Qawwali song called “Man Kunto Maula” sung by Abi Sampa. I feel it represents the diversity of Richmond as I’m experiencing through my residency.
Where in Richmond do you like to take out-of-town guests?
Nanaksar Gurdwara and International Buddhist Society. They are both stunning structures and sanctuaries of peace.
What is one of Richmond's hidden gems?
Branscombe House. It is a beautiful space, you can feel its history. To be doing wellness and arts practices here is a unique experience. My intention was to make programming as accessible and inclusive as possible, but also diverse in offerings. There’s programming for all ages and it’s free (thanks to the City of Richmond.) Come visit!
