just dance! | Spring 2017 | Vol 5 | Issue 3

readers share their summer 2017 dance plans p16-17

Spring 2017 | Vol. 5 | Issue 3

Vancouver International Dance Festival: what, why, when, where & who pages 24-28

Vivian Hicks is On the Cover & In the Spotlight

Learn about V’ni Dansi Canada’s only Métis/ Contemporary dance company

Meet theisticPDrireoctor

RWB Art André Lewis

bridge schools

what they are & why attend?

+ We revisit the importance of a good sleep justdancemagazine.com PMA #42721520

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INThISISSUE

Features: Bridging the Gap Between High School & a Professional Dance Career ...................... 10

by Andrea Albanese Vancouver International Dance Festival: Exposing & Celebrating Dance.............................................................. 24

by Heidi Turner

in every issue: Publisher's Letter...................................................................................... 4 In the spotlight: Vivian Hicks................................................................. 6

by Lori Straus Dancing DIversions............................................................................. 14 just dance! Wants to Know...What are your plans for summer 2017?..................................................................................... 16 Meet The Pro: AndrĂŠ Lewis..................................................................... 18

by Jillian Groening History of dance V’ni Dansi................................................................ 21

by Andrea Loewen Balance FACT: Canadian kids are not getting enough sleep!......... 29

by Racquel Foran just dance! Directory............................................................................ 30 Cover Photo: Spotlight dancer Vivian Hicks // Credit: Kathy Spence Portrait

Spring 2017 | just dance! 3

FromThepublisher

A

s I sit at my desk and look out my window at mounds of snow— something relatively unusual for Greater Vancouver—it is difficult to remember that spring is just around the corner.

But regardless of which groundhog prediction you believe, spring activities will start occupying your calendar sooner than you think.

Here in the Vancouver area we will be wrapping up winter and welcoming spring with more than five weeks of non-stop dance performances and presentations right across the city.

The Chutzpah Festival is celebrating its 17th year of bringing internationallyacclaimed dancers, musicians, comedians, and theatrical artists to Greater Vancouver. Taking place from February 16 to March 13, this year offers six different dance troupes performing a total of 18 nights. Among them Vancouver’s Shay Kuebler/Radical System Art premiering the final full length Telemetry, as well as Vancouver’s Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg and Italy’s Silvia Gribaudi world premier of Empty.

Swimming. Pool. And, for the first time ever, the festival is offering a 5-Show Dance Pack, making it more affordable to see all the performances!

The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) is also celebrating 17 years of bringing international, national, and local performers to Vancouver area stages. The festival runs from March 1 to 25 and will feature performances by 14 different dance troupes, and workshops and master classes with renowned professional from companies like Kaeja d’Dance, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Compagnie Virginie Brunelle, as well as festival directors Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi. Turn to page 24 to read Heidi Turner’s article about VIDF, learn more about the festival and what motivates Bourget and Hirabayashi to keep it going.

Also at this time of year, high school seniors start to seriously think about what they are going to do after they graduate.

4 just dance! | Spring 2017

For those considering a professional career in dance, the options can be overwhelming. On page 10, Andrea Albanese explains what a bridge school is, introduces you to some Canadian options, and provides information about why this might be a good transitional choice. I highly suggest taking the time to read this article if you are undecided about your dance future.

I of course am always thrilled to share the enthusiasm and success of Canada’s up and coming young performers. This issue is no different.

On page 6 we introduce you to our Spotlight dancer, Vivian Hicks.

Performing since she was three years old, and already making a name for herself as a young singer, Vivian has lots of great advice for our readers about following your dreams and not listening to the haters.

I am also pleased that History of Dance has returned this issue with an interesting article about V’Ni Dansi, Canada’s only Métis/Contemporary Dance Company.

Founding Artistic Director Yvonne Chartrand’s dedication to preserving and sharing the stories of the Métis through dance is an inspiring reminder of how Canada’s diversity makes this a special country.

And in this issue’s Meet the Pro, Jillian Groening interviews RWB Artistic director André Lewis. Involved with RWB for most of his adult life and at the helm for 21 years, Lewis has definitely left his mark on the Canadian dance scene. With 43 years of experience under his belt, I encourage you to read the article to learn more about the man, as well as savour the advice he offers.

Finally, I would like to wish all the young Canadian dancers competing this season excellent experiences and performances. Remember, you should be your only competition. Do your very best, try and improve on your last performance, and learn from your mistakes. If you do this, you are a winner!

Keep dancing!

34A - 2755 Lougheed Hwy Suite 212 Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9 justdancemagazine.com facebook.com/jdmagazinebc Publisher & Managing Editor Racquel Foran racquel@justdancemagazine.com General Inquiries info@justdancemagazine.com Art Director (Ad production, layout, & image submission guidelines) Laura Bellis laura@justdancemagazine.com Advertising Sales info@justdancemagazine.com Contributing Writers Andrea Albanese | Racquel Foran Jillian Groening | Andrea Loewen Lori Straus | Heidi Turner Contributing Photographers David Cooper | Réjean Brandt Jessika Hunter | Hiroyuki Kawashima Gary Morin | RJ Muna | Yukiko Only Chris Randle | Michael Slobodian Kathy Spence

just dance! magazine is available for $14 per year (4 issues) To subscribe visit justdancemagazine.com Please return undeliverable addresses to: 0970200 BC Ltd. 1220 Gabriola Drive Coquitlam, BC V3E 1G3 Tel: 778 239 9194 Publication Mail Agreement No. 42721520 Copyright © just dance! magazine 2017: Material appearing in this publication may not be reproduced in print or electronically without written permission of the publisher, and without proper credit given. Editorial viewpoints and opinions do not necessarily reflect the view of the publishers.

Advertising and Photo Submissions: Ads must be submitted as a PDF or a high-res TIFF file.

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inthespotlight

Hicks

by Lori Straus

6 just dance! | Spring 2017

performing since her mother, Alley, posted a video online of her singing at age 3. Now 13 years old, she’s won numerous scholarships, has been a Mini Pop Kid since she was 10, and has worked across the continent. “I love just making a perfect turn, or just dancing and seeing people smile when I dance,” she says.

If Vivian’s rocket ride to fame has shown one thing, it’s that you can’t make a career in the performing arts if you’re not ready for change; and Vivian has had to make some tough decisions for her career.

Vivian’s first studio was Strictly Dance, located in her hometown of Georgetown, ON., just outside of Toronto. “They’ve been my home since, like, forever,” she says.

All images: Kathy Spence Portrait

is in the Spotlight

Vivian Hicks has been

s

{INthespotlight}

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She learned a lot there, but it eventually became clear to her that she needed to leave to grow. So, she enrolled at Canadian Dance Company (CDC), Allain and Dawn Lupien’s studio in Oakville, ON. (Allain and Dawn are the parents of Isaac Lupien, who plays Eldon on The Next Step.) It was a move she never regretted, but she also keeps very close ties with her old studio.

“Leaving my studio was hard,” Vivian says. “But I spread my wings and doors opened for me. The best part? My old studio is still my home.” And so much so, in fact, that her tap teacher, Holly, visited the family on Christmas Eve. Success and the fame that followed, have not been all easy. Vivian had two unsuccessful Mini Pop auditions because she was too short, before finally making it on her third audition.

(For parents who had their childhood in the 1980s, the original Mini Pops was a British production that lasted on television for one season. This one is

Canadian and has been around since 2004. It focuses on tours, music videos, and albums.)

Now Vivian gets to dance and sing to

Vivian is a talented musician, singer, and dancer.

family-friendly versions of pop music, make music videos, get styled up (which she loves), and tour.

Being a Mini Pop also increases her presence online. Whether related or not, her own online popularity also began to spike. And we’re not talking small numbers here: Vivian’s Instagram account has 379,000 followers and most of her pictures and videos get at least 100,000 views now. She has just over 26,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel, which may seem small compared to her Instagram account, but the video for “#DISS,” a song she wrote and sang herself, has garnered over 300,000 views in just four months.

Moreover, the views she gets on her Mini Pop Kids videos can go well over 100,000.

Spring 2017 | just dance! 7

{ IN t h e s p o t l i g h t } Sadly, however, social media can be a cruel place, even for talented young performers like Vivian. One video, a fun group performance she did on City’s morning show in Toronto, Breakfast Television, has 2.9 million views. And yet people wrote comments like “That is the worst ducking video ever!” and “That wasn’t very good.” One even felt compelled to write that they hate Vivian.

Unfortunately, that isn’t even the worst she has experienced. She once got a message that Alley could only describe as “disturbing.” Vivian was going to a meet-and-greet, and a person wrote, “I’m going to kill you in five days.

Watch your back.” Vivian saw it and showed it to her mother. Alley has been instrumental in coaching her daughter on how to deal with bullies like this. For starters, she told Vivian not to respond, because people will take photos of the exchange and exploit it.

But Vivian can’t respond to every post anyway, precisely because she has so many followers. And it’s those followers who step in. “They all defend her,” Alley says.

“She doesn’t even have to say anything.”

When she’s faced with online bullying, Vivian has two options: continue following her passion, or let herself be held back by people who have nothing better to do than put down others. She

musical.ly, and famousbirthdays.com

chooses option one and refuses to let her

lists Vivian as a musical.ly star with over

passion be ruined by these bullies, so she

950,000 fans.

moves on.

Vivian keeps herself busy with diverse opportunities. She played the lead role in CDC’s production of Hairspray, has modelled dancewear, travelled to LA for fashion shows, recorded two

Over the past two years, she has also been involved with Bullies Reality Foundation, a non-profit organization put together by stars from various reality TV shows. Its mission: to bring an end to bullying.

commercials, and she writes her own

She has also opened for Sarah Blackwood

music. She also loves creating videos for

from Walk Off the Earth, and Zaya at a

V ivian h as adv i c e f o r o t h ers wh o g et m ean c o mm ent s o n l i n e : “There’s better things to worry about than about some person hiding behind their phone and saying mean things to you. Because that’s just rude, obviously. Don’t worry about it. Don’t take it personally, and be yourself, because that’s the best you can be, to be honest. Because that’s just mean if people are saying that through their phone. It’s totally different through a device than if you’re saying it to a person’s face, because I highly doubt they’ll say it to your face.”

8 just dance! | Spring 2017

{ IN t h e s p o t l i g h t } concert for Friends for Harmony, an Ontario-based non-profit whose mission is to enhance social harmony and mental wellness using music and the arts.

Your head is probably spinning as you try and picture an average week for Vivian. She admits herself that she’s not even sure how she does everything, and yes, school has been an issue for her. Because of all her commitments, Vivian has missed a lot of it, sometimes entire units of a subject. Her mom stepped in and arranged with Vivian’s school for her to be in a special arts program in grade 8.

best thing for my daughter? […] This is her passion. She’s always wanted to do this.”

Who knows what changes await Vivian.

But it’s that readiness to embrace change that has helped her boost her young career. She encourages other young dancers to do it, too, even if it’s something as hard as moving to another studio.

"Keep doing what you love. Try different things. One opportunity leads to another."

But starting in high school, another big change is around the corner for Vivian: she’ll be homeschooled. Vivian hopes to be able to finish her homework faster so she has more time for music. “It’s bittersweet,” she says. “I won’t see my friends as often, but I’ll get a lot more downtime. I’m excited, but I’m also nervous and stuff.”

For Alley, it’s about helping Vivian accept opportunities that won’t be around forever. “What should we do? What’s the

“Definitely go,” she advises, “because it could be a better chance for you, and you need a better space. If you’re thinking about leaving, then you obviously want different choices and different people to teach you different stuff. If you’re thinking about that, you should do it and just go for it.”

Her advice for other kids dreaming big? “Keep doing what you love. Try different things. One opportunity leads to another.”

Vivian is proof that you can go after your dreams if you embrace change to help you overcome your hurdles. With that attitude, we are sure there’s nothing but an open road of opportunity ahead of her.

Spring 2017 | just dance! 9

Bridging the Gap Between High School & a Professional Dance Career

Arts Umbrella dancer Kyle Clarke Choreographer: Aszure Barton

b y A n d r e a Al b a n e s e

G

raduating from high school is both a milestone and a crossroads for all teens, however if you’re a dancer you are graduating not only from academic school, but in most cases, from your pre-professional training program. The question is, are you ready to jump into a professional career? The short answer is that many dancers are not, for a variety of reasons.

Graduating from a pre-professional program doesn’t necessarily mean that you have attained an advanced level of technical proficiency, physical strength, or expertise. Dance in Canada is not regulated by any official governing body which means the quality and consistency of content, instruction, and facilities can vary widely. The exception being schools accredited by a dance society or governing body such as the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), or the Cecchetti Society.

Even if you have graduated from a prestigious training facility, transitioning from being a student who dances four

10 just dance! | Spring 2017

Fortunately, the current trend in the professional dance world favours a well-trained, technically proficient, and physically strong dancer who is well prepared for the rigours of a professional career. Many companies and artistic directors have found that hiring teen dance phenomes right out of school can be impractical as they tend not to be physically mature enough, or able to dance full-time without getting injured.

Even advanced dancers graduating from well-known academies may take a year or two to attend a post-secondary bridge program, join a company as trainee or apprentice, or take a college or university program to further develop their technical and/or performance skills.

This additional training is a positive move for the health, wellness, and longevity of a dancer and reflects an industry that sees the value in nurturing a dancer’s career in the long-term.

For dancers considering a professional career a bridge program is an excellent option in terms of affordability and the range of programming available. Bridge programs offer dancers extended training in technique; health and wellness classes; professional development; performance opportunities, but most importantly, the time to develop the strength and stamina necessary for a professional career.

Costs range from $4000 to $16 000+/ year for tuition PLUS accommodation, transportation, meals, and incidentals.

Admission is by audition (in person/DVD)

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS Bridge/Post-Secondary programs are offered by established dance schools and are usually one or two years of full-time classes that complement and

extend a dancer’s pre-professional training to help transition to a full-time dance career. Check out the Victoria Academy of Ballet, Canada’s National Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and Arts Umbrella Dance.

Trainee/mentorship programs are offered by professional dance companies and can be structured as an extracurricular class in conjunction with core training, as a parttime paid program, or as full-time training with the company. These programs vary widely and can be found in both ballet and contemporary dance companies.

Check out Lamondance, Modus Operandi, Alberta Ballet II, and SQX Dance.

Apprenticeship programs are offered by professional dance companies as a short-term trial contract to train with the company. Time as an apprentice allows dancers to transition safely to the physical demands of full-time dance by attending class, rehearsals and sometimes performing. Apprentices are usually paid (not well) and sometimes receive a shoe allowance. Check out Ballet BC, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ballet Jörgen, and the National Ballet of Canada.

University/college programs offer academic credentials (Certificate, Diploma, BA/BFA and MA/MFA) and range from one to four-plus years. Program concentrations vary and admission is based on an audition and various academic requirements. Check out SFU, Ryerson, George Brown College, York University, University of Calgary, and Concordia.

EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS There are post-secondary/bridge programs throughout Canada with varying costs, concentrations, disciplines, and outcomes. Consider the following when researching programs: • Does the focus and objective of the program meet your needs, your level of expertise and your goals?

Arts Umbrella/M. Slobodian

to six hours daily to a professional who dances seven to nine hours daily plus rehearsals takes time and careful guidance.

FOR SALE!

DANCE STUDIO IN BC INTERIOR  a solid operating business for over 10 years  outstanding reputation within the community and surrounding areas  great clientele and staff  tap, jazz, modern & ballet offered  recreational and competitive classes

For more details visit: https://bcstudioforsale.wixsite.com/bcstudioforsale Serious inquiries please contact studioforsale@shaw.ca Victoria Academy of Ballet's Bridge Training Program students: L -R Top Row: Emily Faris, Seiji Suzuki, Ayana Hirakawa, Jianna Neufeld, Miki Takahashi L-R Bottom Row: Airi Miyata, Yuka Otsuki, Nanae Tokumatsu

• What is the curriculum? What is taught besides dance/repertoire?

• Are there performing opportunities?

How much time is spent in rehearsal?

• Where is the program? Where do students live?

• Is it affordable? Don’t forget about housing, transportation, clothing, food, insurance, cell phone etc.

RNB DANCE

604-980-3040 • info@rnbdance.ca • www.rnbdance.ca Contact us today for Information on Recreational and Competitive Programs including…

- Summer Intensive Half Day Program - Summer Camps Audition by Appointment - Fall Schedule - 15+ hours in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Pointe, Lyrical, Variation, Cirque, Conditioning and more…

- Touring and Performance Opportunities available - Workshops and Master Classes

• Does the program qualify for RESP funding?

• What about food? (This is a big deal especially if your parents have been making your food!)

• What are the facilities like? The flooring?

• What is the expertise, qualifications, and experience of the instructors? Are there guest teachers?

• Are there associated health and wellness staff? (Physiotherapist, massage, chiropractor, Pilates, yoga etc.)

• Will you receive a degree/diploma?

Victoria Academy of Ballet/David Cooper

• What are the requirements for admission? (Stringent requirements are not a bad thing as it can reflect the quality and level of programming.)

• When are the auditions? (This is important as they are often quite early in the school year.)

• What have program graduates done professionally? What professional development is offered? Is the school or program prestigious and wellconnected professionally?

Spring 2017 | just dance! 11

VAB Students Yuka Otsuki and Seiji Suzuki

VAB students Emily Faris, Seiji Suzuki,and Jianna Neufeld

VAB student Yukiho Kiriu

S c h ool

Lo cat i o n

W e bs i t e

Description

Cos t s *

Victoria Academy of Ballet: Post-Secondary Bridge Training Program

Victoria, BC

victoriaacademyofballet. ca/post-secondary-bridgeprogram

The Bridge Training Program is an Tuition: $9,500 accredited full-time two-year classical ballet diploma for dancers who have graduated from their pre-professional training but are not yet established in the professional world.

August – June with mandatory attendance at summer school.

Arts Umbrella Dance: Vancouver Community College (VCC) and Arts Umbrella (AU) Dance Diploma

Vancouver, BC

artsumbrella.com/programs/ dance/post-secondary

This full-time two-year accredited diploma program encompasses advanced dance training* with concurrent academic classes.

Students must also apply and be accepted into VCC. *It is possible to attend the dance portion only (the ‘Graduate Program’) though no diploma is awarded.

Tuition: $10,000 (approx.)

Harbour Dance Centre: Intensive Training Program (ITP)

Vancouver, BC

harbourdance.com/theintensive-training-program

The ITP is a part-time (20-25 hours/week) multi-disciplinary program to transition intermediate and advanced dancers into a career in the performing arts.

Contact info@ harbourdance.com for current tuition.

Lamondance

North Vancouver, BC

lamondance.com/training/

This part-time (16-20 hours/week) 10-month multi-disciplinary training program allows dancers to work with original choreography in a professional company setting. Dancers attend for up to 3 years.

Tuition: $4,000

Modus Operandi

Vancouver, BC

outinnerspace.ca/mo/ program/curriculum/

The full-time 4-year (somewhat flexible) Core Program focuses on contemporary dance and developing as a professional dance artist.

Summer School is recommended for first year students.

Tuition: $4,750

Canada's National Ballet School: PostSecondary Program (PSP)

Toronto, ON

nbs-enb.ca/ProfessionalBallet/Post-Secondary

The PSP is a full-time 1-2 year program (based on the dancer’s need) that provides a supportive transition from student to professional dancer.

Summer school is mandatory as it is the second part of the audition process.

Summer school: $2,100; $4,500/ boarding Boarding: $14,000; $30,000 (if available)

Royal Winnipeg Ballet School: Aspirant Program

Winnipeg, MB

rwb.org/school/professionaldivision/programs/aspirantprogram

The Aspirant Program is a full-time 2-year program for advanced classical dancers transitioning from student to professional dancer.

Summer school is mandatory as it is the second part of the audition process.

Tuition: $5,200 Summer school: $1,800

School of Alberta Ballet: Professional Graduate Program

Calgary, AB

schoolofalbertaballet.com/ uploads/pdfs/2015-16%20PG_ ABII_Handbook_RevAug%207. pdf

The Professional Graduate Program is a full-time 1-2 year program for dancers transitioning to a professional career and/ or those hoping to enter the Alberta Ballet II company.

Summer school is mandatory as it is the second part of the audition process.

Tuition: $15,400 Boarding: $23,500

12 just dance! | Spring 2017

*Costs are approximate, contact schools for exact pricing.

Victoria Academy of Ballet/David Cooper

(Programs run September-June unless noted otherwise)

l o o h c S r e m m u S 2017

Summer programs with instruction in the Russian (Vaganova) ballet method.

Ages 6 -18 years OneDance@shaw.ca

SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES 2017 Ages 8 to 21

Queen Elizabeth Theatre balletbc.com | ticketmaster.ca gold season sponsor

Community BalCony sponsor

Hotel SponSor

Arts Umbrella Dance offers summer programs for ages 8 to 21. Programs include ballet, pointe, men’s work, pas de deux, contemporary, jazz, modern, and more.

Media SPONSORS

More information and registration at

Support for Ballet BC haS Been generouSly provided By

dancer Peter Smida. Photo michael Slobodian.

artsumbrella.com/isdi Spring 2017 | just dance! 13

dancingdiversions

baa-lerina

Hint: How do most studio level dancers spend their spring season? ta cttoniimpe SCRAMBLE ANSWERS: at competition 14 just dance! | Spring 2017

Sharing Dance Day 2017 In 2017, our great country is celebrating 150 years of confederation and we encourage everyone to show your national pride and get out and celebrate and participate in the many events taking place across Canada.

Among them, Canada’s National Ballet School’s (NBS) Sharing Dance Day, one of 38 Canada 150 Signature Projects. To celebrate the 150th anniversary, NBS are inviting Canadians to learn and perform a choreographed dance. Sharing Dance Day 2017 kicked off January 19 and leads up to a series of dance performances taking place in major cities across the country starting on June 2.

Four Canadian choreographers representing distinct genres of dances, cultural backgrounds, and geographic locations in Canada have collaborated to create the unique work; Kimberly Cooper (Calgary), Eugene Baffoe (Winnipeg), Tracee Smith (Toronto), and Roger Sinha (Montreal). There will be free open rehearsals, rehearsal videos, and toolkits available for Canadians of all ages and abilities to learn the choreography.

Free Rehearsals will take place in major cities across Canada beginning in February including: Calgary: Every Saturday at Wildflower Arts Centre, and every Wednesday at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks Winnipeg: Every Tuesday at Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Toronto: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at NBS Halifax: North Preston Community Centre (days TBA) For detailed information about rehearsal locations and times, and ways to get involved visit: nbs-enb.ca/SharingDance/Sharing-Dance-Day-2017

#sharingdance

Schools, dance studios, and community organizations are encouraged to register at sharingdance.ca to access resources to learn the choreography and plan their own Sharing Dance Day event.

Sharing Dance Day 2016

Joke source: jokes4us.com/miscellaneousjokes/dancingjokes.html, bottom image: nbs-enb.ca/Sharing-Dance/Sharing-Dance-Programsv

Unscramble the letters to reveal the answers.

bunny hop

s Yw n W o r d L S c r a m b lA e o

dance What kind of ? do rabbits do Answer: the

To learn more about DCD, find out how you can contribute, and plan your visit, go to their website dcd.ca.

call What do you ? a dancing lamb Answer: a

Canadian Dance History Tucked away on a busy Toronto street one of Canada’s great dance pioneers is doing more than her part to preserve the vast and important history of dance in Canada. Miriam Adams, with her husband Lawrence, founded Canada’s only dance museum Dance Collection Danse (DCD) 30 years ago. The museum is a pioneer in collecting and preserving Canadian dance legacies. They have a vast collection including 450,000 documents such as publicity materials, photographs, personal journals, playbills, correspondence, clippings, scrapbooks and scores; 7,700 oral history interviews; 2000 moving image recordings; 800 books on dance; 1,000 costumes, backdrops, props and artifacts; and 1,500 posters, prints, paintings, and costume designs.

k

In French, epaulement literally means “shouldering.”

In ballet, it refers to the position of the shoulders, head and neck.

How do hens dance? k to chic

épaulement (ay-pohl-MAHN)

Dancing funnies Answer: chic

dance Definition

Dates July 3rd to July 28th Junior and Senior programs.

For more info and registration visit www.balletvictoria.ca Paul Destrooper - Artistic Director - www.balletvictoria.ca

Spring 2017 | just dance! 15

just dance! wants to know: Sponsored by:

Evangeline F.

Age:9

Counterpoint Dance Academy, Calgary, AB

ainsliewear.com orders@ainsliewear.com Canada & US 1.855.310.4555

There are so many things I want to do this summer! Number 1 on my list is to go to Fusion Dance Camp in BC. Number 2 isn't really dance but I get to use my dance skills, it' s a Platform and Springboard diving camp in Calgary. And number 3 is something I did last summer and had so much fun, it is a circus camp where I live in Okotoks and we work on really cool things like silks and hoops in the air!

Brea F.

Age: 12

The DanceLAB Coquitlam, BC

My dance plans for summer 2017 are to go to different dance workshops around Vancouver and Seattle and take classes from top choreographers in the industry. I am also planning to go to the Dance Awards in Las Vegas and hopefully go to DancerPalooza in August!

Respond to Win!

For Summer 2017 just dance! wants to know: How do you overcome challenges? Send us: your response, a photo of yourself, along with your name, age, and the name of the studio where you dance and the city it is located in, to info@justdancemagazine.com by April 27th, 2017.

All respondents are automatically entered to win a FREE one-year subscription to just dance! magazine and this pretty zip front bodysuit with Victorian Garden print from the Ainsliewear spring collection.

16 just dance! | Spring 2017

Sophia M.

Age: 10

Needham School of Dance Strathroy, Ontario For summer 2017, I will be joining some of my dance sisters and brothers in summer camps at our dance studio. I love them because they have a different theme each week.

W hat are your plans for summer 2017?

Brooklynn C.

Age: 11

Studio89, Spruce Grove, AB My plans for this summer include a family trip to Osoyoos , followed by 5678 Dance World Cup Competition in Whistler, BC. I also plan to relax and hang out with my friends.

Petra I

Age: 13

Turning Point Dance Studio, Castlegar, BC For summer 2017 me and my friend are thinking of going to a Vancouver dance school, and for sure I am going to work on my new dances!

Calynn L.

Age: 14

Shumka School of Dance, Edmonton, AB My plans for summer 2017 are to attend a 7- or 10day camp at Shumka. If I fundraise enough money, possibly go to Ukraine and dance at an International Dance & Cultural Festival in Lviv. Attend a contemporary/ballet camp in Edmonton. Finish another diamond dance in Ice dance. And spend some time at the lake. A busy summer doing what I love!

Jenna M.

Age: 16

J.D's Fabulous Feet, Red Deer, AB

Mia F.

My summer plans include attending local summer camps (J.D's camp), and DancerPalooza. I dance as much as I can over the summer!

Age: 12

Counterpoint Dance Academy, Calgary, AB This summer I would love to attend the Fusion Dance Camp in BC to help improve my technique and to get the opportunity to work with many different choreographers in all styles. For the rest of the summer I plan to spend it cross-training doing things like swimming or rock climbing because I find it really helps to strengthen my port de bras in ballet. Spring 2017 | just dance! 17

meetthePro

Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Artistic Director

André Lewis

b y J i ll i a n G r o e n i n g Tucked away in the prairie city of Winnipeg, Manitoba is one of the country’s longest running classical ballet companies. A hub for both creation and training, Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) fills an important role in the small dance community. Overseeing operations at this bustling arts centre is Artistic Director André Lewis.

Known as much for his inspiring pre-show chats and charm as he is for exploring new ideas in contemporary ballet, Lewis has been the leader of the pioneering dance company since 1996 and connected at the ground level for 43 years—most of his career.

Founded in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally, the RWB holds the title as longest continuously operating ballet company in North America. Beginning under the title of The Winnipeg Ballet Club, the grassroots organization focused on accessibility and training, bringing classical dance to the people of the growing metropolis. There was also a focus on touring, spreading the beauty of classical dance to the small farming communities outside of the city.

These ideals — training, accessibility, and community outreach — remain at the root of Lewis’ vision for the company.

Growing up in Gatineau, Québec, Lewis found dance through his sister. She was a ballet student in Ottawa, ON and her school was presenting a production of The Nutcracker. In a situation familiar to all dance communities, the show was in dire need of more male dancers.

Young students were asked to reach out to family and three of six Lewis brothers ended up in the production, with only Lewis continuing on after the final curtain.

Patti Caplette and André Lewis, 1996.

18 just dance! | Spring 2017

“He was keen on talking about [our career paths] and we conversed by letters, of which I still have to this day,” recalls Lewis. They often discussed the

RWB Marketing

However, Lewis wrestled with his relationship with dance when he was young, pausing momentarily to pursue gymnastics. It was through guidance from his uncle that Lewis persevered. The uncle was a dancer in Sweden, and the two of them would frequently write letters to each other.

{meetthepro} difficulties of forging an occupation in dance. “If you don’t quite have some of the physical, emotional, and mental assets it can be a big challenge, but it can be a lovely career also.”

One year, Lewis and his fellow dance student friends decided to make the trek to English-speaking Canada to attend a summer training program at the RWB. Lewis took a liking to the prairie community, to the intensive work ethic, ambition, and artistry alive in the small city, so he stayed.

THE GALAXY’S LARGEST SELECTION of

Before joining the company, Lewis trained under David Moroni for four years, who was an esteemed performer with the company and founder of the RWB School Professional Division.

“He was a fabulous teacher,” Lewis says of Moroni. While a student, Lewis had to hustle to make ends meet. “I was not on the family umbilical cord anymore, I was on my own and I didn’t speak much English. But I figured it out.”

Joining the company in 1979, Lewis had the opportunity to perform in many seminal works produced by then Artistic Director, Arnold Spohr. The Ecstasy of Rita Joe, based on the play by George Ryga, being one of them.

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Evelyn Hart and André Lewis, 1996.

at e yo u r o w n d

esig n!

580 JOHNSON ST, VICTORIA BC . 250-388-7022

www.BAGGINSSHOES.COM

Lewis’ knack for organization and leadership steered him towards administrative tasks, such as managing scheduling, casting, and teaching ballets, all the while training and performing with the company full time. There was 17 years of this office vs. studio-life tango before his combination of talents lead him to the role of artistic director.

Experience Dance Camps – July 10 – 14, July 17 – 21, 2017 Ages 3– 5 yrs, 6-12 yrs Arts in August Intensive – August 14 – 25, 2017 Ages 6 yrs and over

Working through significant financial strain, Lewis got the company back on its feet by rebuilding repertoire and focusing on local talent. Commissioning school alumni and resident choreographer Mark Godden to create works such as Dracula and The Magic Flute, the company engaged audiences with intriguing new ideas that contained big name draws, as well as the quality to keep audiences coming back.

Always contemplating how to improve, Lewis understands that a firm foundation is the key. “David Moroni used to say ‘first the cake and then the icing’,” Lewis recalls. This expression is not only

201 – 15505 Stony Plain Rd. NW Edmonton AB Phone: 780-443-0226 dancetheatre@shaw.ca www.edmdancetheatre.com

Spring 2017 | just dance! 19

{meetthepro} André Lewis

André Lewis’ Tools for Success: A strong technical base comes first: “Build your foundation to which you can add artistic elements.”

Passion: “It’s important to have the passion for it, because [professional dance is] not an easy job to get into.

I tell my daughter this every day that I can.”

Pursue your goals: “Follow your dream.

I did, surely against my parents better judgement at the time.”

Don’t give up: “If it is your dream, don’t give it up so easy. Stick with it. Try to push for it.”

relevant to the goals of a major classical ballet company, but also in regards to training and building technique.

During his time as artistic director, Lewis has grown the company and audience outreach by honouring their roots — giving opportunities to students and emerging local talent — and expanding the definition of ballet one unique collaboration at a time.

Now the father to a daughter who is hoping to make a career for herself in the world of professional dance, Lewis often finds himself reflecting on his own career decisions and impulses.

“Today, more so than yesterday, people are disenchanted,” Lewis explains. “I think you should always stick with it. That would be my advice.”

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Réjean Brandt Photography

Never forget your audience: “People with the physical assets that are required of classical ballet training— legs, feet, turnout, épaulement—also must be able to reach out to the audience, to bring them onstage with you.”

b y A n d r e a Lo e w e n

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’ni Dansi, meaning “come dance” in Michif (Métis language, a blend of Cree and French), is Canada’s only dance company that combines Métis and contemporary dance. To fully express both styles of dance, V’ni Dansi has two arms: The Louis Riel Dancers, who perform and teach Métis dance (known as jigging), and the contemporary dancers who perform new works steeped in Aboriginal storytelling.

“I call it Indigenous Contemporary Dance, because there are influences from the First Nations and Métis, so there’s a broad spectrum of inspiration,” says Yvonne Chartrand, V’ni Dansi’s Founding Artistic Director.

With a career as an award-winning jigger, dancer, choreographer, teacher, and artistic director, Chartrand’s first experience with dance came surprisingly late in life, at the age of 25. A Fine Arts student at the University of Winnipeg, she encountered a dance company one day and was transformed.

V’ni

“At the university, in the main room, there was a stage and Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, was doing a performance,” she says, remembering the experience, “I was just blown away.

I didn’t know bodies could do that.

Then I went to my drawing class, and my teacher asked for volunteers to go watch the dancers and draw them, and I jumped up to see them again, they were amazing. I don’t know what it was, I was so inspired by what I saw and all I could think is ‘I want to do that.’”

At the same time as she encountered Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, Chartrand began learning Métis dance.

“We were raised in a lot of small towns where there was no Métis people, so there was no Métis dance,” she says, explaining why she never engaged with jigging earlier in life. “It wasn’t until we moved to Winnipeg and my older sister got into a Métis dance group, that I joined.”

Gary Morin

Dansi: Telling Aboriginal Stories Through Contemporary Dance Spring 2017 | just dance! 21

{ h i s t o r y of d a n c e }

Jigging Competitions Friendly competition is a big part of Métis dance, with annual festivals and competitions for dancers across the country. As with the “crooked” music of the Red River Jig, each region looks for something slightly different in its dance, and so dancers must find out what the judges are looking for to succeed in competition. Points are awarded for different traits, such as keeping your steps low to the ground, ensuring that all movements are traditional, and stepping in a way that you sound like a horse.

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22 just dance! | Spring 2017

As with many Aboriginal cultures, dance and music is central to social gatherings for the Métis.

Just as the Métis culture blends French and Aboriginal practices, jigging is also a merge of these two backgrounds.

With music that blends Celtic and French sounds, the dance is a series of fast-moving steps that can be done in groups, pairs, or solo and is related to Irish or other European folk jigs.

One unique feature of Métis jigging, however, is the music. It may sound at first like a straightforward dance tune, but it does not always maintain a steady 4/4 beat and is played differently region to region, leading many to

23

RD

call it “crooked” music. Dancers must listen very closely to make sure they maintain the beat.

The most well-known of Métis dances is the Red River Jig, which is thought to have developed in the 19th century when the Métis had settled along the Red River, near the current city of Winnipeg. The Red River Jig is considered by many to be one of the most challenging Aboriginal dances, with dancers performing a series of what are called “quick” and “fancy” steps in succession, for 20-30 minutes in one dance.

Passed along by memory, Métis dance has transformed over time. Traditional jigging is quite formal: the women wore dresses and intricately beaded cummerbunds and the steps were low to the ground and fast. More contemporary jigging involves high-stepping in outfits that look like square dance costumes and shoes that have clickers, like tap shoes.

After her introductions to both contemporary and Métis dancing, Chartrand immersed herself in dance.

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Chris Randle x2

The Louis Riel Dancers

{ h i s t o r y of d a n c e } training, followed by an apprenticeship and mentorship with the Karen Jameison Dance Company, and Paula Ross, pioneer of modern dance in Western Canada.

Chartrand’s end goal was always to start her own dance company.

“I knew when I first saw Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers and started taking classes that I would have a Métis company and do jigging. I could already see that I could do both, and so I thought I would be a dancer, a teacher, a choreographer, and have my own company. I saw what Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers were doing and I thought ‘I want that, that’s what I want to do.’”

So she did.

The first piece that V’ni Dansi created told the story of Métis leader Louis Riel. Called A Prophet and a Poet, the dance drew together the poetry and prophecies of Riel that had so shaped Chartrand and the Métis people.

Since then, V’ni Dansi has gone on to create nine contemporary productions, telling the stories of Métis women, warriors, and more.

Working in partnership with other artists, including storyteller and historian Maria Campbell, Chartrand has used V’ni Dansi to share previously unknown stories of Métis history and people.

Eagle Spirit

Working during the day, she would take evening classes with Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers, later moving to Toronto to study the Martha Graham technique, and then to Vancouver for alignment-based foundational training.

Along the way, she attended workshops and competitions for Métis dance and began learning more about Métis history

and stories that would later inform the work of V’ni Dansi.

Finally, at the age of 33, Chartrand decided that she could not wait any longer. Not knowing how she would pay tuition, she auditioned for the Main Dance professional training program in Vancouver and was accepted. She spent the next two years in full-time

L o u i s R i e l : A Pr o p h e t & a P o e t Louis Riel was not only a political leader to the Métis people, but a prophet who made many predictions. In 1885 he prophesied that “[his] people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.” It was in 1985 that Yvonne Chartrand began her work as a dance artist.

It was this prophecy that helped Chartrand continue her work when things got tough and motivated her to continue to tell the stories of the Métis from her own perspective, including V’ni Dansi’s first piece, A Prophet and a Poet.

In the past seventeen years, Chartrand has taught and performed, fostering young artists and providing opportunities to Aboriginal dancers that may not have otherwise existed.

The company founded Vancouver’s Riel Day Festival, performed with the 2010 Olympics, and has toured the country, performing and collaborating with artists across Canada. In 2011, Chartrand was awarded the Victor Martin Lynch-Staunton Award from The Canada Council for the Arts, an award given to artists considered to be outstanding in their mid-careers.

Looking ahead, Chartrand says she has about five more big ideas to turn into contemporary pieces. “That’s going to take about fifteen more years.

I would be about 70, so that might be a good time to start thinking about passing the torch.

Spring 2017 | just dance! 23

SAND, LINES Ballet, dancer: Brett Conway

Vancouver International Dance Festival:

Exposing & Celebrating Dance The Vancouver International Dance

the festival will once again bring a wide

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24 just dance! | Spring 2017

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OURO Collective

Thursday, May 18, 2017 7pm EVERGREEN CULTURAL CENTRE | 604-927-6555 | evergreenculturalcentre.ca Now visit us at the end of the Evergreen Skytrain line!

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26 just dance! | Spring 2017

“We noticed that most local Vancouver companies were annually presenting their home seasons, and they were selfproducing,” says Hirabayashi. “It was difficult to get presenters to come from eastern Canada to Vancouver for just one company’s performances. It was difficult for Vancouver companies to get any additional opportunities to perform the works they created. So, we wanted to start the festival to increase support for other Vancouver companies in getting more attention and opportunity for exposure.”

In addition to not getting exposure for Vancouver performers, Bourget and Hirabayashi said they were struck by the struggle to get international performers to come to Vancouver, because the city was often not on the Canadian tour roster. Audiences in Vancouver were missing out on the opportunity to see works created by performers from the United States, Europe, and even eastern Canada. Bourget and Hirabayashi also wanted to expand the local audience for contemporary dance, which did

OURO Collective/Jessika Hunter, bottom: Hiroyuki Kawashima

Dairakudakan: Paradise

not have a high profile, even among Vancouver audiences at the time.

The festival has been successful enough that it now encompasses a variety of venues throughout Vancouver, including the Roundhouse Performance Centre, the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, the Scotiabank Dance Centre, Studio 1398 on Granville Island, and the Woodward’s Atrium. In 2014, Kokoro Dance, the Vancouver butoh company, was awarded the Woodward’s Heritage Building not-for-profit space. Now known as the KW Basement Production Studio, the space will also host VIDF performances. To encourage audiences to check out new forms of dance, tickets for performances at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall allow audience members access to three performances for the price of one ticket.

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Guest Teachers Roberta Bierman Caara Cridland Reid Friedl Ariel Fuoco Zac Vran

“The festival has been successful in putting Vancouver on the international dance map,” Hirabayashi says. “People in dance now know about Vancouver and where it is. And I think we’ve been successful in increasing the size of audience for dance in Vancouver.”

But the festival has not solved all the issues associated with dance in Vancouver. Bourget points out the support for dance in Vancouver is still lower than in other areas of Canada. And although the VIDF is popular enough to run for more than three weeks, sometimes having a long festival brings about issues of its own.

The VIDF mandate includes all forms of contemporary dance, although it started out as a butoh festival. Bourget and Hirabayashi look for performances in a wide range of styles that move them and often choose site-specific work, such as butoh performances on Wreck beach, or dancers playing basketball in an atrium.

Ultimately, they try to see as many of the performers beforehand as possible, either locally or through travel. If they see performances they feel would work well with the festival, they reach out to the performers to see if the performers would be interested in being part of VIDF. And Bourget and Hirabayashi have no shortage of applicants for the festival. Hirabayashi says they receive applications almost daily from dance companies around the world who want the opportunity to perform at VIDF. As part of its mission of increasing the profile of local performers, the VIDF is part of the Canadian Network of Dance Presenters (CanDance), which has a mandate of supporting the creation and distribution of contemporary dance across Canada. Some of the performers at VIDF come through the CanDance network.

Although the festival has been going for 17 years, the producers say they still have to work hard to keep it running. The audiences may be growing, but dance in Vancouver still does not have the same support as in other cities. As to the future of VIDF, Bourget says that they focus on keeping the festival going.

“We would like the festival to be established well enough that it can become part of the artistic fabric of Vancouver,” Bourget says.

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Dancer: Cassia Slager, Pro Arte’s CatchingART Company Photographer: Sco� � Pamela McFarlane

“I think one of the problems is having a four-week festival,” Hirabayashi says. “It doesn’t help in getting presenters to come.

They want to see more in a compact period of time. And the audience size in Vancouver isn’t the same as Montreal, where they can have five shows on the same day and all sell out.”

Spring 2017 | just dance! 27

Canadian Talent Showcased at

VID F

In addition to the stellar international performers, the Vancouver International Dance Festival showcases many performers from Vancouver and other parts of Canada.

Among them: Virginie Brunelle, a Montréal choreographer and dancer who investigates human connections to each other in To the pain that lingers, at the Vancouver Playhouse, March 16 to18 at 8:00 pm.

Deanna Peters Mutable Subject, a Vancouver-based dance group that will perform Dancers Playing Basketball March 5, 12, and 19 at the Woodward’s Atrium at 2:00 pm. All performances are free.

“It can live on and other people might take it on. It is a challenge in this world for artistic practices to be valued and survive and thrive.”

For people who love contemporary dance, or are interested in learning more about it, VIDF offers an opportunity to take in a magnificent selection of world-class works to find performances that resonate with them. By making some shows free and others a lower price, the VIDF ensures people of all economic means have the chance to take in a performance, making dance as accessible as possible and possibly growing the size of the audience.

Meanwhile, those who would like to can take part in dance workshops and master classes. These classes offer dancers the opportunity to learn from national and international artists. Among the classes offered at the 2017 VIDF are master classes with Kaeja d’Dance, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Kitt Johnson, Compagnie Virginie Brunelle, Dairakudakan, and Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi.

The class with Bourget and Hirabayashi is free; all others are $25, although there are discounts for some dance students.

“It’s a jam-packed four weeks of Vancouver and international dance,” Bourget says.

VIDF runs from March 1 to March 25, 2017. Visit vidf.ca for more information or to purchase tickets. Tickets can also be purchased from the box office at 604-662-4966. Those who wish to can volunteer for VIDF in exchange for performance tickets.

28 just dance! | Spring 2017

Kaeja d’Dance, a contemporary dance duo from Toronto made up of Karen and Allen Kaeja that creates site-specific works. They will be performing the west coast premiere of lifeDUETS at the Roundhouse Performance Centre from March 9 to11 at 8:00 pm.

Kinesis Dance somatheatro, a Vancouver-based contemporary company that combines live performance with multimedia, text, and original musical composition.

They will perform the world premiere of In Penumbra from March 2 to 4 at 8:00 pm at Scotiabank Dance Centre. The performance is also a celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary.

KTL Company, a Vancouver-based urban dance company, which is offering free performances at the Woodward’s Atrium, March 5, 12, and 19 at 3:00 pm. KTL collaborates with urban dance choreographers in Vancouver and trains dancers in urban dance and freestyle.

Molly McDermott, a dancer based in Vancouver who performs Kai Kairos, a butoh work choreographed by Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi. Kai Kairos will be performed from March 9 to11 at 7:00 pm at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall.

OURO Collective, a Vancouver-based dance collective influenced by hip-hop and focused on pushing the boundaries of street dance performances. OURO will perform PACE, a mix of breaking, hip-hop, and contemporary dance, at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall, March 23 to 25, at 7:00 pm.

Matthew Romantini, a performer from Toronto who explores the intersection of dance, yoga, and voice. Romantini performs Crumbling, a solo choreographed by Barbara Bourget that explores the desire to rise above the mundane, from March 9 to11 at 5:00 pm at Woodward’s Production Studio.

Yayoi Theatre Movement Rob/Jane/Kim, a collaboration between Rob Kitsos, Jane Osborne, and Kim Stevenson. Death and Flying, which will premiere at the festival, is inspired by poet Max Heinegg and examines how objects, gestures, and images connect us to our family. Death and Flying is performed March 16 to18 at 7:00 pm at the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall.

Yayoi Theatre Movement, performing “Okuni” - Mother of Kabuki, a 70-minute production exploring the dancer who started the kabuki movement in the 1600s. Yayoi, a Vancouver company, performs nine days from March 1to10 at Studio 1398 at various times.

For more information on any of these performances or the performers involved, visit vidf.ca.

performing Okuni.

Yukiko Only

Jay Hirabayashi and Barbara Bourget.

Jamieson/Grenier, a contemporary collaboration between Karen Jamieson and Margaret Grenier performing light breaking broken which explores the personal journey of the two reconnecting with language, culture, and identity. light breaking broken will have its world premiere at VIDF and can be seen March 23 to 25 at Woodward’s Production Studio at 5:00 pm.

FACT: Canadian kids are not getting enough sleep! b y Racq u e l F o r a n If the title of this article caught your attention, then we have done what we intended. We want to wake our readers up to the fact that they are sleep deprived and it is having a negative impact on their health and well-being.

For the first time in 2016, the ParticipAction Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth took a close look at the relationship between sleep and physical activity. The report gives the sleep indicator a grade of B because well over half of children and youth meet the new Canadian sleep recommendations. On the surface this might appear to be a relatively good grade, but upon closer examination, it is clear there is a lot of room for improvement.

The new Canadian 24-hour Movement Guidelines recommend that children between the ages of five and 13 get between nine and 11 hours of sleep per night; youth between the ages of 14 and 17 should get eight to ten hours a night.

Studies show however, that 21 per cent of children and 28 percent of youth are not getting the recommended amount of sleep. Thirty-three per cent of children, and 45 per cent of youth have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep at least some of the time. And 36 per cent of 14to 17-year-olds sometimes find it difficult to stay awake during the day.

Additionally, those who are getting enough hours of sleep might not be getting a good sleep. Cutting your hours of sleep short to accommodate extracurricular activities and homework during the week, and then oversleeping on the weekends to make up for it doesn’t have the same restorative impact on the body as having a regular, consistent sleep schedule.

Why does this matter? Because more and more research is showing that lack of sleep threatens the academic

success, health, and safety of our children and youth. The ParticipAction report references a recent review that included 592,215 children and youth from 40 different countries. The review concluded that short sleep duration was associated with excess body weight, poorer emotional regulation and academic achievement, and lower quality of life/ well-being. Sleep deprivation impacts people differently.

It can lead to hyperactivity, short attention span, and impulsiveness. Problem solving and verbal creativity can be a struggle. Sleep also impacts hormone levels, and a lack of it has been associated with increased risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

The report also notes that sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour have interactive relationships. For example, being physically active promotes good sleep, whereas excessive screen time can disrupt sleep. And, being tired from lack of sleep can reduce physical activity levels, which in turn is associated with increased screen time in children. Put another way, those who spend the day running around, sleep better, and those who sleep better have more energy to run around.

The good news is that there are ten easy steps you can take immediately to improve your sleep health.

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

Balance

• Avoid going to bed hungry, but also don’t eat heavy meals right before bedtime • Develop a relaxing bedtime routine: reading, meditation, bathing, soft music • Turn off cell phones, tablets, computers, and televisions (if possible, make your bedroom technology-free) • Don’t have pets in your bedroom Getting a regular good night’s sleep is only one part of living a healthy life, but it is an important one. Having a restored and refreshed body and mind will go a long way to helping you succeed in dance, school, and work. Don’t deprive yourself!

• Expose yourself to bright sunlight (or light) first thing in the morning

To read the complete ParticipAction

• Avoid caffeine (soda, coffee, tea, chocolate) after noon

Children and Youth visit participaction.

• Exercise during the day

card/2016.

• Ensure your bedroom is in sleep mode: dark, quiet, and cool

To learn more about the new Canadian

• Have a comfortable mattress and pillow

participaction.com/en-ca/thought-

Report Card on Physical Activity for com/en-ca/thought-leadership/report-

24-hour Movement Guidelines visit leadership/benefits-and-guidelines/5-17 Spring 2017 | just dance! 29

ACADEMIES, SCHOOLS & STUDIOS All-4-Dance all-4-dance.com dancewtme2@gmail.com Cloverdale, BC Armstrong Dance armstrongdance.ca info@armstrongdance.ca 250 546 0308 Armstrong, BC Arts Umbrella artsumbrella.com info@artsumbrella.com 604 681 5268 x0 Vancouver, BC Boswell Dance Academy boswelldance.com info@ boswelldance.com 604 522 4424 New Westminster, BC Centauri Arts Camp centauriartscamp.com info@centauriartscamp.com 416 766 7124 Wellandport, ON (camp location) DanceFX dancefxmapleridge.ca dancefxmapleridge@gmail.com 778 232 0868 Maple Ridge, BC Dance Theatre Performing Arts edmdancetheatre.com dancetheatre@shaw.ca 780 443 0226 Edmonton, AB

Defy Gravity Dance Company defygravitydance.com office@defygravitydance.com 604 294 4677 Richmond, BC Encore Dance Academy encoredanceacademy.ca office@encoredanceacademy.ca 604 468 7400 Port Coquitlam, BC

Fusion Dance Company fusiondanceco.com info@fusiondanceco.com 604 459 8200 Pitt Meadows, BC OneDance Creative Art Centre onedance.ca onedance@shaw.ca 604 987 8747 North Vancouver, BC

Pro ArtĂŠ Centre proartecentre.ca info@proarte.ca 604 984 ARTE (2783) North Vancouver, BC PULSE dance centre onthepulse.ca 604 474 3466 info@onthepulse.ca Port Coquitlam, BC RNB Dance Academy rnbdance.ca info@ rnbdance.ca 604 980 3040 North Vancouver, BC Royal City Youth Ballet royalcityyouthballet.org rcyb@telus.net 604 521 7290 New Westminster, BC Spiral Dance Co. spiraldance.ca info@spiraldance.ca 604 541 2800 White Rock, BC Tri-City Dance Centre tricitydance.com info@tricitydance.com 604 523 6868 Coquitlam, BC Victoria Academy of Ballet victoriaacademyofballet.ca 250 590 6752 Victoria, BC

Visit our website for direct links to listings’ websites: justdancemagazine.com

30 just dance! | Spring 2017

COMPETITIONs, Conventions & Workshops 5678 Showtime 5678showtime.com info@5678showtime.com 604 945 7469 Cadence Dance Finals cadencedancefinals.com info@cadencedancefinals.com Ontario The Hollywood Summer Tour thehollywoodsummertour.com info@thehollywoodsummertour.com 1 818 574 8365 Los Angeles, CA Northern Stars Dance Competition northernstarsdance.com info@northernstarsdance.com 905 901 2370 Oakville, ON

danceCraft dancecraft.ca dancecraft@shaw.ca 604 590 1733 Surrey, BC En Pointe Enterprises en-pointe.com info@en-pointe.com 1 866 491 9019 Forever Dancewear foreverdancewear.com info@foreverdancewear.com 604 770 0703 North Vancouver, BC Jazz Ma Tazz Dance & Costume jazz-ma-tazz.com jazzma@telus.net Abbotsford: 604 855 9166 Maple Ridge: 604 466 0861

Photographers & Videographers

Showtime Dance Promotions showtimedancepromotions.com info@showtimedancepromotions. com 250 768 7202

Gemini Visuals geminivisuals.com info@geminivisuals.com 604 312 6330 Surrey, BC

Star Talent startalentdancecompetitions.com Surrey, BC

TMM Dance tmmdance.com hello@tmmdance.com 1 855 734 3556

Toronto Dance Teacher Expo torontodanceteacherexpo.com danceattackworkshops@gmail.com 519 365 0272 Toronto, ON

Performing arts retailers & SUPPLIERS Ainsliewear ainsliewear.com orders@ainsliewear.com 1 855 310 4555 Avalon Dance Shop of Canada avalondance.ca info@avalondance.ca 604 874 2461 Vancouver, BC Baggins Shoes bagginsshoes.com 1 866 224 8257 (warehouse/online) 1 250 388 7022 (retail location) Victoria, BC

Professional companies Ballet BC balletbc.com 604 732 5003 Vancouver, BC Ballet Victoria balletvictoria.ca info@balletvictoria.ca 250 380 6063 Victoria, BC

Services Dancin' at Sea dancinatsea.com 800 742 5053

Theatres Evergreen Cultural Centre evergreenculturalcentre.ca 604 927 6550 Coquitlam, BC

Home of the 2016 Performing Arts BC Festival winners for levels: Ballet I Ballet II Ballet III Youth America Grand Prix Seattle 2017: Winner of the Outstanding School Award 1st in Ensemble 3rd in Senior Classical Ballet

2017 Senior Summer Intensives Bleiddyn del Villar Bellis Artistic Director Fellow & Examiner CSC-CICB Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma

General Program Summer Intensive July 31-Aug 18

Ages 13+ No Audition Required

Professional Training Program Summer Intensive July 31-Aug 25 Ages 12+

By Audition Only

Option to continue on for the 2017/18 year, combining academics and dance.

Homestay available.

Comprehensive scholarship and bursary program for selected applicants.

Registration now open!

victoriaacademyofballet.ca/ summer-programs/

Post-Secondary Bridge Program Aug 2017

Two year diploma in Classical Ballet designated by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Private Training Institutions Branch.

Spring 2017 | just dance! 31

Royal City Youth Ballet Company Society presents

RCYB is a leader in training young dancers in the performance skills they will need to excel in the performing arts.

Don’t miss this opportunity to develop your skills as a dancer, training with world-renowned teachers and other dedicated dancers.

Aug 14-20, 2017 at the Anvil Centre

777 Columbia St, New Westminster

& NAPA Dance Studio

511 Columbia Street, New Westminster

Ballet Repertoire • Pas De Deux Contemporary • Musical Theatre Special Boys’ Classes All levels from Juniors to Seniors Classes will be conducted under the watchful eye of our Artistic Director, Camilla Fishwick-Kellogg from Los Angeles California, and our Executive Producer, Trisha Sinosich-Arciaga

There will be a presentation on the last day of summer school, followed by

auditions to be a part of the company, and next year’s Nutcracker tour!

(Auditions are for dancers age 7 and up)

Register early, as space is limited For more information: email: rcyb@telus.net

w w w . r o ya l c i t y y o u t h b a l l e t . o r g