"As a Canadian coming to LA I felt very welcomed by the dance community. I was able to take more classes in a day, than I could have taken in a week at home. I made friends and connections. LA started to feel like home and knew this is where I should be. The problem is that without a US Work Visa, I was a visitor and couldn't get work. So I spent over a year building a case to obtain permission to work legally in this country. With the support of many in the dance world, including MashUp, I received my Work Visa on January 1, 2012. To achieve a goal that you set so long ago seems almost surreal. This gives me the potential to work and that is something I didn't have before. LA IS home now!"

"I love coming to MashUp rehearsal and learning new pieces. I love the feelings that go along with starting on a brand new piece. It's always a little nerve-wracking at first, but I love slowly getting into the routine and making the moves familiar on my body! My other favourite part of rehearsal is getting to see my fellow company members. This is such an amazing group of women and I always love being surrounded by them and their talent!"

When did you decide that you wanted to be a professional dancer?

For me, it wasn't deciding to become a professional dancer that was difficult, it was figuring out how to make that happen. Growing up in Canada opportunities for professional careers, were limited and in the city where I lived, almost non-existent. I had the opportunity to attend the dance program at Central Memorial Performing and Visual Art High School in Calgary. This program introduced me to a world of dance I hadn't seen before. When I graduated from high school I was also able to travel across Canada with Triple Threat Dance Convention. I was able to assistant working dancers and choreographers - the world of professional dance started to become more real. When it came time to pursue my career I knew I would have to make a move! I packed up and moved to LA in hopes of beginning a career where there was more diversity and options!

"I would have to say my favourite and least favourite part of class is the same thing... strengthening and technique. While you're doing it, it's painful and difficult. That makes me love it though, because you know you are becoming a stronger athlete. I enjoy being challenged because that's when you grow!"

  

Who is your artistic hero or inspiration?

Honestly, I can't narrow down my inspiration to just one single person. I believe that you can learn from everyone and anyone can be a form of inspiration. But to be a little more specific, I would have to start by saying that my studio dance teacher Karen Wice has always had my back and encouraged me to be the best that I can be. I wouldn't be the person and dancer I am today without this amazing woman. My day to day inspiration is the amazing choreographers that I have the pleasure of taking class from, and performing for. I am also constantly challenged and amazed by the dancers that I have the opportunity to dance beside and train with. This list wouldn't be complete without talking about my mom. She has ALWAYS been there for me, every single step of the way. Through the good news and the bad, she keeps me humble and supports my dream fully.

What is your dream job or dream role?

Now that I am in LA I plan to audition, train, network... get myself out there and work in the industry! I have hardly touched the surface of the dance world and want to keep growing and learning. I don't know that I want to narrow down my exact dream job at the moment. All I know is that it will involve my dancing and performing... do what I love to do most! I ultimately have a goal of being able to support myself with a career in dance!

I want to go to EUROPE! I have never been and it my dream to go there. My mom and I have had a Europe trip on our minds for years and it would be an absolute joy to be able to travel there and perform with the company!

Why do you love concert dance?

I love concert dance because I love the presence and energy the live audience gives you. It always seems like a bit of a lottery when you are performing live in front of a big group of people. If you make a mistake or something doesn't go as smooth as it usually does, you need to adjust and make it seamless. Concert dancing is exciting, vivacious and unexpected!

"I believe I can learn from every situation. Dance comes from the music and movement. The mirror helps us perfect the details of movement, but it shouldn't be where it begins. Musicality is the most important quality of a dancer. Listening to the choreographer and the music is critical. This way you can put the movement into your body and feel it come together. Only then will it be what it should when you look in the mirror."