The NostalgiaDance Summit | The Final Bow
The View from the Wings
Community. Artistry. Legacy. "For over twelve years with the Dance Summit, and the many years of Burn the Floor that came before, my role was to build a stage worthy of Alberta’s talent. As the organizer, I have spent a decade in the wings, witnessing the backstage jitters, the last-minute pep talks, and the triumphant bows of thousands of dancers. This festival was never just about the scores; it was about providing a professional, nurturing space where studios could come together as a community. My mission was to ensure that every teacher felt supported and every student felt celebrated. As we take our final bow this year, I carry with me a deep gratitude for the music, the movement, and the memories that have filled the Hinton Foothills." |
The AdjudicatorThe Perspective from the Desk
Honest. Fair. Kind. "My journey in dance spans over four decades—a life lived in the studio, on the stage, and behind the scenes. From my own years of international training and performance to the technical rigors of professional examinations, I have seen dance from every possible angle. But perhaps my most vital 'training' came from being a dance mother to three daughters—witnessing the dedication required to move from a first class to a professional career. As a teacher of thirty years and an organizer of twelve, I understand the weight of the moment when a dancer steps onto the stage. For the past decade, I have brought this collective experience to the adjudication desk. My philosophy is simple: Your best is always enough. I believe in an adjudication process that honors the grit of the rehearsal and the grace of the performance. I provide feedback that is rooted in professional standards but delivered with the heart of a mentor. Every dancer deserves to be seen, understood, and encouraged." |
The HeritageStories from the Ridge Grit. Restoration. History.
"My life has always been about the preservation of beauty—whether it is a perfectly executed pirouette or a century-old brick. At the Ridge, I am turning my curator’s eye toward the land and the 1904 history of the home we are restoring. Lodge & Legacy is a journal of that journey. It is a space where the grit of restoration meets the grace of heritage. Just as I taught my dancers that 'your best is always enough,' I am approaching this project with the same patience and respect for the process. Here, I document the stories etched in stone and the quiet legacy of a life lived in the foothills. I invite you to follow along as we uncover the past to build a meaningful future." |
