Time management and learning how to organize yourself. Your teamwork skills and being confident with yourself.

Yes, I completed a two-year diploma program in Dance Performance, and I am currently dancing in a production called “Inanna the Rising Goddess” which is full-time rehearsals from February to April and the final show being performed and recorded in Toronto in April.  Once the Canadian performance is complete there will be an opportunity for an additional contract to travel and perform in Malta and perhaps other areas of Europe.  I still engage in an assortment of regular dance classes, and I still do auditions.

I have kept in touch with a few of the girls. Moving so far away from your hometown and focusing on the future changes things. 

I miss being able to have a second home, you realize how much time you spend at the studio with everyone until you graduate and then that’s no longer a part of your daily routine. I also miss competing, that is something I wish I could still do!

Since graduating from EDC, I took a gap year to save up some money and I have been attending the University of Victoria to study psychology! The campus is so beautiful and the program is so interesting with the best professors. The move was definitely a great experience and I met so many amazing new people. After I finish my year at UVic I plan to transfer over to the University of Calgary to pursue a degree in dance! I have always considered pursuing dance and I just couldn’t get it out of my head so I am following my gut and doing what I love 🙂 I will definitely miss the beautiful island and the people I met but unfortunately, they do not offer a dance program at UVic.

The 3 top things I learned from being a dancer that has carried over to my adult life are time management skills, the importance of pursuing your passion, and the importance of community. As I danced quite a bit when I was in high school, I quickly learned how to balance my school life, social life, and dance life. Although it was tricky sometimes, I now know how to balance all the things I am doing in my adult life! Balance is key and to learn this at a young age really benefitted me with the transition to adulthood. I have also learned that pursuing what you are passionate about is so extremely important for your well-being. For example, when COVID-19 first hit and all in-person activities were shut down, I felt so lost. Saying this, by dancing in my free time and participating in zoom classes, dance really saved me in that dark time. Keeping up with things you are passionate about is just as important as anything relating to overall health. Things that keep you happy should be prioritized, and for me, that is dancing! The EDC community has really taught me that having strong connections to the ones around you is an extremely important life lesson. I have formed so many bonds with friends, teachers, little dancers and more. It is great to know that I had a strong team behind me while dancing at EDC and it has taught me that I really value a strong community, therefore I always prioritize building and exploring new bonds with anyone I get the chance to. Community is so important and I am so fortunate that my EDC family has shown me this. 

I keep up with dancing pretty frequently since graduating. As I said, dancing is what I am passionate about and it is what keeps me happy so I enjoy dancing on my own time making up combos, keeping my technique in check, and stretching. What I will say is that I really miss dancing with my team!

Since graduating, I have stayed in touch with quite a few of my friends from EDC. I have made life-long friendships dancing at EDC and I plan to foster those and build on those for years to come 🙂 We definitely need an Alumni reunion soon though!!

The biggest life lesson I have learned from growing up as a dancer is never to doubt yourself. You can do anything you put your mind to! As someone who has struggled with self-doubt, I just remind myself of everything I have accomplished over the years, most of those things being dance-related. There were many things that I thought I couldn’t do and although some of those things were really tough, as long as I put my mind to it and worked hard for it, I accomplished it. This doesn’t just have to apply to dance-related things, but all things in life! I know many people who also struggle with self-doubt, especially young dancers and although it is natural to feel nervous about trying new things, I have learned that the best thing you can do is trust yourself and set the self-doubt aside. To this day I am still working on this in my everyday life, but growing up as a dancer and having supportive teachers and classmates behind me has really aided in how far I have come. 

The biggest part about EDC that I miss is the Friday night classes. Although these were my longest nights at the studio, all my favorite classes were on Fridays and it always seemed like everyone in the studio was present. It was great to see everyone at the end of the week and just have some fun with all my friends in my classes. Fridays were always the highlight of my week and I really do miss those nights. 

If I could tell my younger self one thing it would be SLOW THE HECK DOWN!! I was always so worried about the future that I never really enjoyed the present to its full potential. Now I look back and wish I could go back to the nights I spent at the studio with all my friends and teachers. I would say I took those times for granted especially now because I don’t get to see the people I danced with nearly as much. In the moment, being at the studio felt normal and I do feel like I should have cherished it more while I had the time. So for all the younger dancers that still get to go to the studio every night, take it all in!! Because one day it won’t be a part of your regular routine and you will miss it like crazy, just like I do. I am so thankful for the time I spent at the studio, where I am now, and all the lessons I learned from being a dancer but I just can’t help but miss it sometimes. 

I have been attending the U of A for my Bachelor’s of Education in French. I’m currently in my third year. I have also been tutoring students in French as well. 

No, I haven’t. It’s been hard to find the time. However, I would like to start tapping again. It would bring be a lot of joy. 

I have not unfortunately. Because I moved away it has been hard to keep in touch and I have made new friends. I’m now focusing on my future and creating connections that will support me throughout the years. 

Dance taught me that expressing yourself is essential. It helps you to sort out your emotions and connect with others in a different way. It truly helped me to be the emotionally intelligent person I am today. 

I would say all the people, the atmosphere was always fun.