After a four year hiatus, the MOA brought the brilliant opera, Bizet’s Carmen to the stage. Helmed by the incomparable director Brian Deedrick and Maestro Ty Paterson, the opera was an absolute sellout success! So proud to have been the Choreographer for this show. The Artistic team also included Fight Director – Jacquie Loewen, Asst. Conductor -Eve Legault and Repetiteur – Tad Biernacki. A HUGE Thank-you to Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO of MOA and Sheldon Johnson – Director of Production

Photo Credits: R. Tinker

Kudos to the entire cast including:

• Carmen – Ginger Costa-Jackson – Outstanding Lead who totally embodied the role
• Don José – David Pomeroy
• Escamillo – Daniel Okulitch.
• Micaëla – Lara Ciekiewicz.
• Morales/Dancairo – Johnathon Kirby.
• Zuniga – Giles Tomkins.
• Frasquita – Lara Secord-Haid.
• Mercédès – Barbara King.
• Our AMAZING Ensemble
• Kid’s Chorus led by Carolyn Boyes

Once again I’m pleased as punch to be the dance partner for the prolifically talented and absolutely pleasant participants of Virden’s production of The Music Man (don’t you just love alliteration?). As guest choreographer I have the privilege of working with an artistic and production team which is beyond compare. Thanks especially to Music Director, Michelle Chyzyk, and Director, Dean Munchinsky for inviting me into your musical theatre family once again. And as Marian the Librarian & Harold Hill once said…”There was love all around, but I never heard it singing…Til there was you.” I send my sincere love to the entire cast, crew and everyone involved with Virden’s stellar production. I look forward to “76 more”.

There’s a new dance program in town!  Dancing with Parkinson’s Toronto, under the direction of Sarah Robichaud has joined forces with Tim Hague from Winnipeg’s U-Turn Parkinson’s group to bring the much anticipated DWP program to our city. As their inaugural instructor, I am thrilled with the opportunity to share my love and passion for dance with a community that is so vibrant. If you want to join us on Tuesday mornings, please check out http://uturnparkinsons.org

In the meantime, watch this great video and see if you can keep yourself from joining along….

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1468337933930291/?s=single_unit&__cft__[0]=AZXkk9aJxzzjeXQR7ornkrkGpXc-y13Oto-BEZiSc-uuj34Eedf6Q_Nfapu5cc4LYNp1ZpRc_0cCHYA0rYd4EVpEY5iqTgo00Py31iaeQnBArkkMLL0LsR4uaN3OpwSSML7yorF-ZeOIsu23grPUr9_aJE_5Rv97BmWMsR0nLwe7xOUZcXNxjAAYraDPaMH1r4E&__tn__=H-R

This summer I had the opportunity to create an original piece of choreography for my All Abilities Dancers.  Director Brandon Defoot from the organization Peoples First Canada filmed a documentary about the deinstitutionalization of MDC in Manitoba and treatment of individuals who live with disabilities.

Performed to Winnipeg artist Begonia’s beautiful song , “The Other Side, the scene offered a window into the struggles of disabled Manitobans and their to desire move forward with strength and positivity.

Manitoba Possible and I look forward to the world premiere at the Human Rights Museum in the new year.