Driven by excellence, connected by community

For 17 years, dance was my foundation and anchor. It instilled in me perseverance, time management, discipline, and resilience by teaching me how to push through fatigue, embrace constructive criticism to help me improve, and to balance intense training with school, work, and life. I was able to apply these skills to my academics, helping me succeed despite a busy schedule. When given the opportunity, I discovered the responsibility and joy of leadership: mentoring younger dancers, fostering teamwork, learning that true teamwork means listening as much as leading, and encouraging my fellow teammates to achieve our common goals. The strength of our team was particularly evident during the pandemic, when, used to spending many hours together in the studio, we continued to train from home and found time to catch up online. Dancer’s Burlington was critical during this period, sustaining my mental wellbeing during lockdown by organizing classes and opportunities to bond with our teammates, such as team game nights. Through experiences like competitions, recitals, company sleepovers, and celebrations the studio created a sense of belonging and helped me cultivate friendships that will last a lifetime. This studio was more than just a place to train and achieve personal growth; it was a community that shaped my understanding of dedication, empathy, and showing up- not just for yourself, but for others.

Beyond technical and life skills, dance gave me a voice. Through performances tackling themes like mental health, loss, and societal issues, I saw how movement could tell stories in a different way than words alone. And when hardship touched our dance family, I witnessed the power of art and this community to heal and unite. Dancer’s Burlington instilled in me the importance of community, whether fundraising for causes close to our hearts or organizing outreach at underserved schools, we learned to use our voices to improve accessibility and create space for others. Leading a dance event at a resource-limited elementary school was particularly transformative, as it reminded me that dance isn’t just an activity supporting healthy living, but a gift: an outlet for expression, a source of confidence, and a community that empowers. For me, a young woman, the studio’s culture of solidarity left an indelible mark. Here, I saw women championing one another, advocating for equality, and proving that strength and grace aren’t opposites- they’re partners. These lessons in mutual support and advocacy remain a core of who I am. At the studio, I have cultivated lifelong friendships, and although we may no longer be close in proximity, I know we will always be there cheering each other on, just as we did when performing.

To the teachers who challenged me to be better, the teammates who became family, and the studio that taught me to stand tall: thank you. Dancer’s Burlington didn’t just teach me to dance; it taught me to rise, to lead, to believe in the power of community, to speak for myself, and always stay true to my values- for that, I am forever grateful.

Where are they now?

I completed my Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences with a specialization in Biomedical Science at Queen’s university. During this time I dedicated my time to studying and research in mental health and cancer-related fields, but continued dancing in and choreographing for a dance charity event, held to raise money for charities local to Kingston, Ontario. Following my undergraduate studies, I transitioned into the Master of Health Science in Medical Physiology program at the University of Toronto, where I learned about the translation of research, and continued my research endeavours into metabolic health. I’m currently concluding the program through a summer internship as a Digital Healthcare Optimization Coordinator. I’m hoping to continue working in the healthcare space, advancing patient care, promoting health and wellness, and improving accessibility in the system.

I cannot express how much this studio has done for me. Not only were they constantly by my side as a dancer, motivating and pushing me to new heights, but they were also there in all aspects of my life. This studio did more than teach me how to point my toes and plié, they taught me life lessons that I have carried with me to this day. I was taught how to be a strong, independent young woman, to speak up for myself, and to take every opportunity that comes my way. I can wholeheartedly say that without Dancers I would not be where I am today.

Dancers is where I found my love for dance, and I can now pass on all my passion and knowledge to the next generation of young women. Dancers is far more than a simple dance studio in Burlington. It is a second home, a community, and a lifelong family that I am beyond lucky to be a part of.

Where are they now?

I graduated from McMaster University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science, Honours Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour and a minor in Indigenous Studies. I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Development, Disorders, and Clinical Practice at the University of York in England. While abroad, I continue to share my passion for dance as a guest teacher at SK Dance Fusion and a guest choreographer for the York Dance Company.