Age: 17

1. When and how did you get started practicing your art form? 

I was inspired to start classes by trying (and failing) to imitate the dancers while watching Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. Eventually, I realized that if I wanted to actually learn how to do ballet I would need a little help, so I started classes with Miss Lucienne when I was five-years-old and have studied at Place des Arts with her ever since. 

2. Who is your role model and why? 

Jeannine Haller. I grew up watching her perform at recitals and following her journey through Place des Arts into the National Ballet, so she has always inspired me and been someone I look up to. She has shown me that with hard work and dedication, someone from a less recognized community can achieve amazing things.

3. What motivates you to continue to learn this art form? 

 I can’t really pinpoint exactly what motivates me to continue ballet, but there are a multitude of factors that contribute to it. I believe it is a combination of the amazing people I have met through ballet, the way I can express myself through dance, how in every class I can push myself and make myself better, and maybe most importantly, the joy and exhilaration I feel when dancing. All of these things together create amazing experiences where I work incredibly hard for months in class, but when its time to perform, I can let go and enjoy the euphoria of the performance, confident that I am doing my best.

4. How does winning this scholarship help you achieve your goals? 

I am going into university next year, and this will allow me to continue coming to Place des Arts by lessening the financial pressure. This will help me achieve my goal of pursuing musical theatre because I will be able to maintain my level of ballet and dance while developing other triple threat skills at school. 

5. How has your teacher helped you achieve your goals? 

 Lucienne has helped me in so many ways. Not only is she an incredible ballet teacher, helping me develop my ability to a level that I didn’t think was possible, but she is also so supportive and teaches me so much outside of simply ballet technique. She has given me so many life lessons and helped me through so much, I would not have the dance ability nor the mindset to pursue my dreams without her.

6. Tell us your favourite memory of Place des Arts.  

My favourite memory of Place des Arts ironically does not take place at Place des Arts. My favourite memory is the 2018 Year End Dance Recital. There was such a feeling of community backstage as I and the people in my classes laughing as we frantically changed our makeup, hair and costumes between dances. Wishing each other luck before going onstage, congratulating each other after great performances and crying together at the end of the recital because one of us was graduating and leaving for Toronto. All added up to an amazingly fun, fulfilling and yes, a little bittersweet experience that I love looking back at. 

7. How has studying at Place des Arts inspired you?  

Stepping into Place des Arts is like entering a separate world of self-expression and contentment. It is so inspiring to be able to work in a place where there is so much creation and learning constantly happening around you. Hearing people learning their instruments, peeking in on whatever is happening in the LPS and seeing the art in the foyer all add to the environment and fills me with anticipation for what I am about to learn, create and express in my own classes. Even if I am here for a technique class, it makes me so much more determined to give my all and develop myself to my full potential. 

8. Describe how you feel when you come to Place des Arts.  

Place des Arts is like a second home to me (really living up to its motto!). I am here five days a week, usually straight from school, and I feel completely comfortable and at peace when I am here. Stepping into Place des Arts is like entering a separate world of self-expression and contentment. I know that I will work hard, have fun, get better, be around people who share my passions, and for at least a while, forget any worries or stress from life outside, and that is incredibly calming and fulfilling.