An unexpected performer:

The turning point from an after school activity to a full career pursuit was at 15 when I traveled to LA over summer break. Fresh faced, excited, nervous - there I was, in one of the meccas of the industry. After that trip, I spent almost every spare moment in a studio. I sought out training opportunities in Vancouver, watched countless videos and graduated high school early so I could train and audition full time. I turned down a contract offer from a cruise line and started with the Goh Ballet.

Two years later I found myself back in LA with my duo partner; auditioning for a spot in EDGE Performing Arts Center’s Scholarship Program. After what seemed like the most important audition of my life, I stood in a circle in front of some of the greatest teachers and choreographers in the world. The list would be published online at 10pm. So on the couch of our AirBnb, I refreshed the page:

MY NAME WAS NOT UP ON THAT LIST

I came back to Vancouver knowing I was so close. Not only did I conquer a grueling audition, I made my face and name known. This gave me drive to find the next open door.

Like most dancers, I started teaching and choreographing - it gave me constant reminders of why I loved dance in the first place. In my second year as an instructor and choreographer, I won the Seattle YAGP Outstanding Choreographer award. Yet I wanted to be on stage performing too, so moving forward, dancer first, choreographer second - doors continued to open.

Time went on and I did BG for film and TV, apprenticed for the response. and booked a few music videos in Vancouver. During the fall of 2015, I got a call for the film Center Stage: On Pointe. Less than a week later I was in studio rehearsing with new and familiar faces led by choreographer, Monica Proenca. A month flew by, Director X knew what he wanted and we were happy to deliver. I remember very clearly leaving set after wrapping and feeling overjoyed.

Fast forward a few months - standing in a classroom about to start a class, my phone starts ringing - Kissimmee, Florida. My heart starts racing and forgetting that I’d auditioned for Disney Cruise Line again. I would be moving to Toronto for two months of rehearsal and embark on the Fantasy for seven months - I accepted. 10 contracts later, multiple roles as a dancer, now swing; 2024 marks my 8th year working for DCL. Now living full time in Toronto, still dancing, singing too and pursuing acting for commercial/ film and TV. Who knows what’s next but I hope you’ll come along for the adventures.