Catching Up With EDC Alumni In 2025
We got in touch with some of our recent EDC alumni who pursued post secondary dance training to see what they’ve been up to, and to check in with how growing up as an EDC dancer has impacted their careers in dance!
Ava Rietveld
(Toronto Metropolitan University Dance Program, class of 2027)
Tell us about how your dance experience at Elements shaped your dance career post-grad?
Elements has provided me with great training that set me up for success in my pre-professional training. Not only was I able to grow my technique at Elements but I also learned so many valuable life skills like time management, respect, working in community and kindness which have all served me well in my current training program.
What is some advice you would give the younger dancers who hope to pursue a career in dance one day?
I would say to just believe in yourself and GO FOR IT!! I remember feeling so scared because there are so many unknowns but I am so glad that I followed my intuition because so far this has been the best experience ever. Moving away for dance also allows you to meet so many amazing people! Just remember to work hard every day because one day it will all pay off.
What are three skills outside of dance technique that you learned through dancing that have helped you in your post-grad life?
When I look back on my years at EDC I think that the most valuable skill I learned was self motivation and how to work hard. With the help of all of my amazing teachers at Elements and the supportive community that they created I was able to push myself to improve everyday. This has helped me motivate myself in my pre-professional training and I am able to continuously push myself in any class that I am in. Through my time at EDC I also learned that it is okay to bring your emotions into the room and it should not be something that is left at the door when you enter class. This has helped me a lot because sometimes life can get a little overwhelming but I have learned that I am able to use all those emotions to fuel my dancing rather than suppress them.
What part of the dance industry is different than you expected?
Once I settled in Toronto I realized that the dance industry there is smaller then I had imagined and everyone knows everyone. I am learning that it is really important to show the best version of myself and try my best in any environment that I am in because I never know what connections the choreographer/teacher might have with other individuals in the dance world which could lead to job opportunities in the future.
Ashlynn Poworoznyk
(Harbour Dance Centre ITP 2024/25, Source Dance Company 2023/24):
Tell us about how your dance experience at Elements shaped your dance career post-grad?
Elements played a huge role in shaping my dance career and is where I truly discovered my love for dance. I started assistant teaching at Elements when I was thirteen, and working alongside the instructors taught me so many valuable skills—like how to structure a class, manage different behaviors, and keep things fun and engaging, just to name a few. I now teach my own classes in Vancouver and I honestly don’t think I would have had the confidence to turn teaching into a career without my experience at Elements. The instructors were (and still are!) my biggest inspirations when it comes to dance.
Beyond teaching, Elements provided me with a safe space—a home where I could explore my individuality and develop my artistic voice. I feel like I grew a strong sense of identity during my years at the studio, which helped me navigate the professional dance world, where there are so many unknowns at the start. I’ll always hold my time at the studio close to my heart, and I’m so grateful for the incredible people I got to dance with along the way. Elements will always feel like home to me.
What is some advice you would give the younger dancers who hope to pursue a career in dance one day?
If I could give any advice to dancers looking to pursue a career after graduation, I would say don’t be afraid to connect with the dance community and put yourself out there. At the end of the day, no one remembers what you placed in a competition, but people remember how you made them feel. Things like work ethic, attitude, and kindness go a long way, and it’s not always about your talent. If you have the passion and drive to make dance your career, it’s possible! I’d also say, don’t be shy about meeting new people, whether it’s at a competition or a convention, because you never know when your paths will cross again. The dance world is big, but it’s also pretty small, and I’ve been lucky to build so many amazing friendships post-grad with people I used to see all the time at dance events around the city!
I know it can feel overwhelming when you first step into the industry, but I promise it gets easier. Along the way, you’ll meet so many people who will support and guide you. Also know that there are many different paths you can take and countless dance-related jobs out there, so you don’t have to commit to one specific thing right away. You’ll figure out what you love (and what you don’t) as you go. Enjoy the journey and trust the process!
What are three skills outside of dance technique that you learned through dancing that have helped you in your post-grad life?
I would say that time management, teamwork, and communication are three skills outside of dance technique that have helped me in post-grad life.
What part of the dance industry is different than you expected?
One thing about the dance industry that surprised me was how much freedom you have when learning choreography in a class setting. A big part of class is “playing”—meaning you have the space to make individual choices within the choreography and really make it your own. Choreographers often give you a basic structure to follow, but it’s up to you to experiment with things like performance quality, musicality, dynamics, and intention. I’ve always been someone who likes structure and control, so it was a big adjustment for me to let go a little and be okay with not looking exactly like the person next to me.
Riley Labait
(Harbour Dance Centre ITP 2024/25, Source Dance Company 2023/24):
Tell us about how your dance experience at Elements shaped your dance career post-grad?
Elements shaped me to be who I am today in the dance world because of the training but also Elements taught me truly to just dance like nobody is watching. Whenever I am dancing in a class or an audition I always pretend nobody is watching and just dance for me !! So I would say Elements truly taught me to just dance for me.
What is some advice you would give the younger dancers who hope to pursue a career in dance one day?
Truly you have to believe in yourself ! I think what really kept my motivation was believing everyday “I will be a professional dancer one day” and I also feel that helped with my motivation when I was feeling down or burnt out because I know deep down I have to go to class to make connections and grow my training. One thing I will say is never say “maybe I can” .. always say “I can and will do this” !! You will get so many no’s before you get a yes and that’s ok.. I learned that everytime I get a no that means something bigger and better is coming for me in this huge world. What wants to find you will find you and you will get that yes when it is FOR YOU. I also would like to add that when auditioning for things sometimes you could be the best dancer in the room but maybe you’re blonde and they need a brunette so never take it personal when you get a no.
What are three skills outside of dance technique that you learned through dancing that have helped you in your post-grad life?
DISCIPLINE
Discipline has really helped me in the dance industry as when I have a day off work I always try to go take a class. Discipline has always helped me with my life choices
Example: my friends wanna go out and I have classes the next day .. well sorry I CANT because I need to be on my A GAME tomorrow.
TEAM PLAYER
Team player for sure in dance when working with a team but ALSO for work as I am always trying to help people out to have a smooth night when we are crazy busy. Everybody has a ROLE to play to have a successful team and it won’t be as successful if not everyone is doing their part.
CONFIDENCE
Confidence 100%. Ever since I was the striking age of 6 I would put on shows in my grandparents living room because I loved to he WATCHED by everyone and anything. I feel like confidence has helped me to walk into a room and just be ME. Confidence has helped me in stressful situations but my confidence has helped me get through anything and be successful
What part of the dance industry is different than you expected?
Definitely how hard it is to make real connections with choreographers you’re taking class from. I feel like you either have to be the most amazing dancer in that room or very dedicated to that one class the choreographer teaches. I feel like it is different for me because at Elements I was SOO close with all my teachers and they felt like family but now I have learned that it’s super hard to get to know the choreographers when there is 30 + people in the room.. so I feel like you really have to put yourself out there whenever you are in the room with that choreographer, always say thank you at the end of class and be GENUINE.
Want to have your own EDC adventure?
Contact us! We can set up a tour for you, and let you get to know a little bit more about us!