Meet Adriana Villi | Filmmaker/Actress/Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adriana Villi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adriana, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Much of my adult life I have been torn going back and forth from a “practical” non-artistic path to a creative life and career. I always seemed to have one foot in and one foot out. I found it difficult to try to balance working 9-5 and still fully pursue my artistic passions. Although I was blessed with a job that I really enjoyed with great people, I felt like part of my soul was dying a little bit more each day.

One day, a good friend dragged me to an acting class (after having abandoned that part of myself for years) and I came alive again. I realized that if I didn’t fully give myself over to pursuing my artistic career, I would regret it for the rest of my life. Shortly after, I made a plan to leave the traditional workforce so that I could have the flexibility I needed to build my creative lifestyle. It has not always been easy, but the amount of joy that it fills me with is what keeps me going.

For me, being an artist isn’t a career choice. It’s a calling. I am compelled to do it so as to feel I am living in my true purpose.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Years ago in my Meisner class, I wrote a monologue that asked this question: “What if I unleash wild-fire-of-a-woman that’s inside? The passion, the love, the joy, the pain, the fullness of my heart, the compassion… the salsa dancing, coconut bra wearing, writer, and actress that I am?”

Through my various creative outlets I feel like I can satisfy all these deep parts of myself. As artists we have that need for expression. I guess you can say I wear a lot of hats. I’ve been latin dancing since I was a kid and I’ve been a professional Hawaiian and Tahitian dancer for the last 15 years with The Hawaiian Dance Company in Toronto.

I’m a storyteller through and through. I love to write, act, direct and having recently co-produced my first full length feature film “Virgins by Choice” I found out that I really enjoy producing as well! I co-wrote the film with Sonia Suvagau and I am really proud of the work we’ve been able to accomplish.

The story is about two heartbroken best friends who vow to give up sex for a year to focus on their healing. Of course, once they make a promise like that, all the right people start to show up! This makes it difficult to try to keep the pact and threatens the survival of their friendship. The film explores themes of heartbreak, bisexuality, narcissistic abuse, shame, love, faith and healing. We’ve even started a YouTube channel called “Virgins by Choice” where we dive deeper into these themes.

It was a vulnerable undertaking, the process of creating and then acting in these roles: and it is one that has changed our lives. Our hope is that watching the film would be a fun but also healing experience just as it was for us in its creation.

I’ve always loved collaborating as part of the artistic process. It was such a gift to work with my best friend on a project that we both poured our hearts and souls into. Many people are shocked to find out that we co-wrote, co-produced, co-directed and co-starred in the film and that we are STILL friends! When you have that much love and respect for someone, finding solutions to any differences in opinion is not difficult. It’s a true testament to what can be accomplished when women work together in collaboration rather than in competition.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Toronto is great for city lovers and foodies. You can get almost any type of cultural food made authentically and deliciously! The city is filled with cool neighbourhoods to explore and things to enjoy but here are some of the highlights.

If my friend were visiting we’d kick things off with a cruise around the Harbourfront. It’s such a relaxing way to take in the city skyline.

One afternoon, we’d wander through Yorkville, grab a coffee, do some people-watching, check out some of the shops and then have a delicious Italian dinner at Dimmi. This is one of my favorite spots for great pasta in a cozy setting – the patio is a great option too.

For a fun night out, we’d hit up Lula Lounge for salsa dancing and live Latin music. The energy there is amazing and even if you’re not much of a dancer, watching the band and the dancing is so much fun.

One morning, we’d start the day with breakfast at The Grenadier Café in High Park, then rent bikes and explore the trails. After the ride, we’d walk over to Caked Coffee for the best chai latte in the city – iced might be the better choice after all that riding around!

We’d definitely grab drinks one evening at Lavelle’s rooftop patio and soak in the beautiful city views.
Another night, we’d make our way to Queen Street and catch some live music at Drom Taberna. It’s got an artsy eclectic vibe and the music never disappoints.

And of course, I wouldn’t be a proper tour guide without taking them up the CN Tower. I feel like even though it is touristy, it’s a MUST for a first-timer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am so grateful for all the love and support of my family who always have my back and have given me the courage to follow my dreams. This Shoutout goes to them, to my coach Robyn Kay Pilarski and to my partner in filmmaking “crime” Sonia Suvagau.

In 2016, when I walked into The Robyn Kay Acting Studio, I didn’t know that my life would be forever changed. I would not be the woman I am today if it wasn’t for my coach Robyn. She has impacted my life in such profound ways that it’s hard to even begin to describe. In my years at the studio, I feel like I was resurrected from the dead (if you can excuse my dramatics: after all, I am an actor). Sometimes life makes us feel like we need to hide our true selves so we become small and we dull ourselves down to fit into society’s boxes. Robyn excavated beautiful core parts of me that I had buried and brought me back to my authentic voice. She is no ordinary coach. She cares so deeply for each one of her students and goes above and beyond. She teaches the Meisner technique in a way that is uniquely her own and it transformed my acting and my life.

This brings me to another person that has been instrumental in my creative life. In my time at the Robyn Kay Studio, I met Sonia Suvagau who has not only become one of my absolute best friends, but also my creative partner. I’m so grateful to be on this journey with her. She is one of the most generous souls I’ve ever met, a true light and a champion for those she loves. Working together has been so much fun and better than I could have ever imagined. What we have started to build is really special and I’m so excited to experience the unfolding of our shared dreams and for the many projects we will “birth” together in the future!

Website: https://www.virginsbychoice.com

Instagram: @adrianavilli

Facebook: @adrianavilli

Youtube: @virginsbychoice

Image Credits
KAM SYLVESTRE
April Francisco
Robyn Kay Pilarski