Young Artist of the Week: Irene Deros, Discó Queen

 
How many of us dream of packing up all our belongings and heading off into the great unknown to chase after glory and total artistic emancipation? Sure, the premise might bear striking resemblance to dance films like Center Stage, Fame or even local heartthrob Nico Archambault’s soon-to-be-released Sur le rythme, but it’s also the story of throngs of aspiring singers, actors, dancers and other assorted movers & shakers bold enough to take that leap.

One of them is Montreal born-and-bred Irene Deros, aka Discós, who traded comfort and stability (i.e. a marketing job at local vegan handbag and accessory maker MATT & NAT) for a life of full-blown creative hustle in what’s arguably the most cutthroat city in North America, New York.  

And how has this dance wunderkind fared so far? Well, after years of training in styles as varied as voguing, waacking, house (her performer moniker is Discós, after all), floor barre, hip-hop and contemporary, and training at such legendary NY schools as DNA (Dance New Amsterdam) and Peridance Capezio Center, let’s just say Discós is one happy (and busy) camper. Having recently returned from Australia, where she taught vogue classes, choreographed for and performed with The Crystal Ark at the Sydney Opera House, she’s on a quick stopover in her hometown before heading off to Berlin next week to pursue her latest creative ventures. 

 

 

If you could have your pick of any artist, dead or alive, as a mentor, who’d top your wish list?
Willi Ninja. I practice Vogue, and it would be a blessing to have him here today to share his knowledge on this dance form that has traveled internationally. Luckily, there are many in NYC who teach, such as Archie Burnett, Cesar Valentino and Benny Ninja.  With all that is spoken about the legendary Willi Ninja, I wish I could dance with him today.

 

Best art blog to peruse when you’re waiting on set?
made-blog.com

 

Reviews: a gratifying experience or a hard-to-stomach reality?
As long as someone has something to say, I’ve done my job.   

 

A material essential to your creation?
MUSIC.

 

The business of art: do you embrace it or object to it?
I am all about the underground world of art.  Whatever is not commercial I tend to cling to.  Yet, at some point it all becomes business.  So you have to embrace it, but stay true to what you do. 

 

An artist that makes you lose your ground?
Most of the singers that I hear on popular radio today.

 

Andy Warhol: artistic visionary or dilettante?
Visionary.  He embraced what pop was and the celebrity world and introduced it into his art.  He made his art pop(ular), so it can be loved by the pop(upation).

 

Your favourite artistic current?
Street art. Because most of the time it’s produced in a limited time frame, due to the illegality of it. It can be viewed by anyone and everyone, not specifically those who follow the artist. Street art is part of the environment.  

 

If you could curate an exhibit of any kind, who would be the first 3 artists you’d want on display?
Alexander McQueen, Marina Abramovic, Willi Ninja.

 

You know an artist has gone too far when…
They take any opportunity to create any type of work even though it’s not aligned with who they are.

 

Hey Mr. DJ, put my record on, I want to dance to… 
Whitehorse by Jessica 6.  I can’t get enough of it.

 

 

The golden rule of clubwear fashion?
Make a statement while being comfortable in order to be able to dance and let loose. 

 

Club attire that’s been relegated to your back closet?
Miniskirts.  Like I said, I need to be comfortable enough that I can dance dance dance.

 

In terms of clubs, who’s your old flame, who’s your new prospect?
Taking into consideration that I have been travelling for a while and will continue to do so, I would say my old fling is NY’s Sullivan Room.  My new prospect is Club Berghain in Berlin. As for Montréal, I am just looking for loft parties where dancing is the main priority.   

 

Nightclub paparazzi: first-rate annoyance or conveniently free photography?
Conveniently free photography. Nowadays any picture taken will be virtually displayed.  Thank you Facebook.

 

People who raise the roof when they’re in total musical bliss are…
Ignorant to what dance can be.

 

An idyllic club night ends with…
Doesn’t end. It keeps on going and going and going.

 

Your sacred ritual?
Have my morning latte at a neighbourhood coffee shop.  No matter which city I find myself in. 

 

Your favourite object?
My male and female voodoo dolls from Dominican Republic that were gifted to me by my friend, Jarina De Marco.

 

Your favourite place?
Watching the sunset in Santorini. 

 

Your strength? 
I find comfort in the uncomfort.

 

Your weakness?
I find comfort in the uncomfort. 

 

Montreal is…
Where my heart is. 

 

 

 

Check out Discós’ work in The Crystal Ark‘s The City Never Sleeps