ABOUT ME
Celina Lee Surniak (she/her/hers) is based in Los Angeles, CA and specializes in physical storytelling. Her primary love of movement came from martial arts and sword work. After spending several years working as a stunt woman and stage combatant, she discovered her love for choreography and coordination in the same field. Celina has a keen eye for keeping people safe while also making them feel powerful and strong. When she started coordinating and choreographing much more volatile content, she decided that pursuing more education in the realm of trauma informed care and mental health awareness was of the utmost importance. This is when she discovered the realm of Intimacy Professionals and Choreography.
Celina began her journey with Intimacy work in 2018 with IDI (Intimacy Directors International) under the instruction of Tonia Sina, Siobhan Richardson, and Alicia Rodis. Over the next six years, she would fall in love with this profession and relentlessly study and work within the realm of intimacy choreography- and other necessary fields (i.e. mental health awareness/diversity and inclusion, etc.). Celina has studied with IDC since its inception, under the tutelage of additional amazing instructors and Intimacy Professionals who are a part of this organization. In addition to both IDI and IDC, Celina has also become a certified Crisis Advocate with a specialization in working with survivors of SA and DV in Los Angeles- for whom she provides real time crisis intervention and support.
The core of all of Celina’s work- whether it be intimacy or fight/stunts oriented- is consent based and collaborative. She loves to find creative solutions to any given set of circumstances and create a container where performers and production team members have the space to work safely and confidently. She believes in celebrating humans when they are discovering what their boundaries and needs are. Celina will champion for their safety, whilst creating collaborative and confident art.
Think we would make a great team for your next project?
Feel free to contact me below.
What was it like to work with me?
a quick look
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CONTEXT
A meeting with the director/production to gather the following:
What is needed by the project? What is the director’s vision? What should be communicated to the talent?
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CONSENT
Communicating with the talent to see where their boundaries are and developing language for the work ahead.
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Choreography
Choreography will be implemented, in collaboration with the director, to ensure safety and clear storytelling.
Land Acknowledgement (Los Angeles, CA)
While much of my work takes place across various regions around the United States, I want to specifically acknowledge Los Angeles and that much of my work occurs on the traditional lands of the Tongva (also referred to as Gabrieleño), Tataviam, & Chumash peoples. These lands, which include the Los Angeles Basin, were stolen from these Indigenous peoples through centuries of colonization.
The process of colonization, displacement, and systemic erasure continues to impact Indigenous Peoples today. These communities, their culture, and their connection to the land have persevered, despite the ongoing justice.
To learn how you can support Indigenous peoples in Los Angeles today, including efforts towards land return, preservation, and justice, please visit and/or donate to the following resources: Indigenous Resources/ Advocacy
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