Alison Deighton

Research Analyst

My favourite memories at DSi were hanging out back stage at competition and recital. Before we went on stage we would all do our good luck rituals: lucky dances in the wings “pinging”, good luck pinches from miss Wendy, and eating way too much candy that one time before small jazz.

I currently live in North Vancouver with my boyfriend and dog. My favourite things to do in North Vancouver are lagree, yoga, and hiking. I graduated from UBC in 2016, where I was on the UBC dance team. I am currently working as a research analyst at Broadstreet Health Economics and Outcomes Research.

Alison Pate

U of C Commerce Student

My favourite memory from DSi was spending Saturday’s at the studio for competition rehearsals, getting to do what I love with my favourite people.

I am currently studying at the University of Calgary pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management. Luckily, I’m able to walk over to the University theatre during competition season to catch some numbers and I am always amazed at the talent of the dancers and the creativity of the teachers. I’m very grateful to have been a part of team DSi!

Alison Ward

UBCO Psychology Student

My favourite DSi memory is when some of our groups went to Edmonton to compete in Dance Power. We stayed in the same hotel and the first night we went to the hotel gym and pretty much went insane on the equipment and ate as many green apples as our bodies could tolerate.

I graduated from DSi in 2016, and am now about to enter my third year at University of British Columbia Okanagan studying Psychology. I’m also continuing my dancing by being a teacher and treasurer of the Urban Dance Club at the university.

Amanda Grenier

HR Manager

My favourite memories from my years spent dancing and teaching at DSi are the simple, everyday moments. Laughing uncontrollably backstage at competitions, practicing dances in lobbies, hallways, and each other’s houses, and inventing new steps during class were some of my happiest memories from my school years.

After graduating from high school and DSi, I moved to Vancouver to complete my bachelor’s degree at UBC and I now work there as the HR Manager for the Department of Medicine. I love living in BC and exploring around my city as well as travelling as much as possible!

Betsy MacDonald

MRU Business Administration Student

DSi taught me many lessons that I continue to exercise today and it has left me with some of the best memories. Firstly, learning to be punctual for class or the door would get closed and you would have to do the walk of shame into class. Secondly, having to remember various dance numbers and costumes pieces especially if dances were back to back. Lastly, school teachers always knew when competition season was coming because we warned them we wouldn’t be in class on various occasions. Missing class for competition was always fun because we got to walk around U of C or downtown Calgary in our hilarious musical theatre costumes. One year I was the mummy in our character ballet competition, ‘Night at the Museum’, my mom had made this amazing costume out of ripped up sheets and when I walked around downtown people stopped to stare and take pictures. Another year for ballet recital, as a class we decided since Miss. Wendy loved Curious George we would have monkey costumes resembling Curious George. This was one of my favorite costumes out of my eleven years at DSI. DSI is a wonderful community where you learn to be organized, strive to be a team player and build up confidence for yourself. Through the hard work and dedication from each and every teacher I have gained and become my most confident self.

Currently, I am in my third year at Mount Royal University taking my Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, while also working in downtown Calgary at an oil and gas service company.

Bridgit Grundling

Senior Accountant

Favourite DSi memory: Too many to pick just one! One of my most favourite memories was when I had to do a quick change in between competition lines and my copper and black skin tight crop top for our small jazz line “Joy,” got stuck and I couldn’t get it off! I had about 1 minute before I had to get back on stage and had to get a couple moms and Gillian Abbott to quite literally, peal it off, almost having to cut it off of me. That, and cuddling up with Cassandra Allred, 7/11 5 cent candies and her “Big Star” sweater every Saturday between competition practice on the couch.

After graduating I attended the University of Victoria where I completed my BSc and pursued a career in accounting as a CPA. I’m currently living in North Vancouver, working as a Senior Accountant in Assurance at KPMG LLP and married to my amazing husband Chris!

Cassie Grose

Ryerson University Performing Dance Student

My favourite DSi memory is hard to choose because looking back all of my time there was so magical. I think Saturday mornings with my friends and Miss Sarah hold a special place in my heart. For me those early mornings of laughter, movement, and teamwork were something I looked forward to all week.

Life after DSI is fortunately still full of dance! I go to Ryerson University in Toronto for Performance Dance and I am training and creating everyday. I am going into my third year and I love dance more than ever. Without DSi I would have never have had the foundation of training and love for this art form to pursue my dreams.

Celeste Love

Registered Nurse

My favourite DSi memory was getting junk food on our breaks during Saturday competition practice, sitting around and laughing until we peed ourselves (okay I was the only one who couldn’t hold it).

Life after DSi has been crazy! I have moved to Red Deer Alberta, just graduated nursing school and I am currently working at the Red Deer Regional Hospital as a registered nurse on the palliative oncology unit. The only dancing I do is in my house while I cook in the kitchen but I think I still got it.

Cloe Solanki

Family Medicine Resident

One of my favourite memories from the time I spent at DSi was the team cheers that we did before going on stage. Those unique and silly cheers always calmed my nerves but also made me feel like I was part of a cohesive team.

I am now living in Victoria where I am doing my Residency training in Family Medicine. I still enjoy taking the occasional dance class but have also picked up some other interests including practicing yoga, hiking and painting.

Corrissa Thompson

DSI Dance Teacher/Assistant Operations Manager for Acrobatic Arts

My favourite DSi memory is the people I danced with, specifically in Senior Musical Theatre. Our little friend group danced in the same Musical Theatre class for years with Miss Amanda, and it was always my favourite day of the week when I got to go in and hang out with the crew. I specifically remember doing High School Musical and us all laughing basically the whole time until the day of the show. On show day we all cried after as a few of us were graduating and it was the last time we would do an in class performance together. We had a lot of inside jokes build up over the years and I really miss those classes.

For me there is no life after DSI, only life after graduating from dancer to teacher. Since graduating I have completed my Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies through the Royal Academy of Dance and I am working to become fully certified in the ADAPT, Jazz and Tap Syllabus and the Acrobatic Arts, Acrobatics syllabus. I am also currently working as the Assistant Operations Manager for Acrobatic Arts, when I’m not at DSI that is!

Courtney Blackshaw

Medical Care Coordinator

I probably would not have picked this when I was young, but in the very first year that DSi was open I was enrolled in Tap, just the one class. And I was the shyest little girl back then. I remember Miss Wendy asking if anyone would be interested in taking the Al Gilbert Tap exams and my mum (also a Tapper) signed me up. When exam time came around I had to go to another studio to take my exam because DSi was not yet a big enough studio to bring the examiners to us. When I walked into the exam I was the only DSi student and I was also the only one in bright turquoise bodysuit, everyone else was in black. I was so mortified that I stuck out so much, especially being so shy! It’s funny now, but was horrible at the time (See picture attached)

Since leaving DSi I have completed diplomas in Personal Training and Nutrition and earned my bachelors degree in Exercise and Wellness from Arizona State University. I have continued to dance off and on including competing in Ballroom while at University. I currently work as a Medical Care Coordinator providing Executive Medical Assessments to Calgary’s Upper level Executives. I am also in the process of planning my wedding which is just a few short weeks away now. I’m also hoping to start a family fairly quickly and would eventually like to go back to school to further my education.

Courtney Wilson

Sports Chiropractor

My favourite DSi memory was becoming “Miss Courtney” as an understudy and then ultimately being given the opportunity to teach dance. It was so much fun working with the little dancers every week! Life after DSi has brought me to Huntington Beach, California where I work as a Sports Chiropractor! Dance continues to be a part of my life now as Dr Courtney instead of Miss Courtney, helping dancers heal from and prevent injuries!!

Hannah Ferrara

Western University Medical Sciences Student

My favourite memory at DSi would be having the opportunity to teach at the studio. Having such a great group of co-workers who were also my role models when I was growing up allowed for such an amazing experience. There is nothing like being part of a team who is so passionate about bettering their students and being part of their students’ lives!

Currently I am a student at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario studying Medical Sciences.

Hayley Lynch

Registered Social Worker

There are too many incredible memories to count, but if I had to narrow it down, my most fond memory is when Miss Heather awarded me the Most Promising Ballet Dancer award during the recital June of 2000. I will never forget the profound impact that her recognition had on my drive to dance—specifically with my passion to pursue ballet. Miss Heather inspired me to continue working on turning out my feet, pointing my toes, squaring my hips, and having fun throughout it all.

I am now a Registered Social Worker working as a Mental Health Counsellor. After living in a couple different provinces and countries, I have wound back up in Calgary thanks to finding my hubby on local soil. When not working, I practice yoga and still see my DSi family on a regular basis, who I have known for 20 years now! On a good night, I can still break out a fouetté or two.

Isabella Alatorre

DSI Dance Teacher/U of C Health and Society Student

My favourite DSi memory is when Miss Ashley would be teaching us a new combo in Hip Hop and everyone would be so into it. It was an evening class and we would turn the lights off so we would all just dance it to the fullest with awesome songs and choreography. I graduated from DSi in 2018 and I am now starting my first year at the University of Calgary majoring in Health and Society. I am still involved in the art of dance as a teacher with the wonderful DSI Staff! I plan to complete my studies and sharing my knowledge and passion for dance with the young ones!

Jenna Meehan

Esthetician

My favourite memory of DSi was always competition time. To me there was nothing as exciting, as learning the newest creations from the amazing team of teachers we had.

Since DSi I’ve gotten my diploma in Esthetics, moved to Airdrie, gotten married, and I have an almost 3 year old daughter named Aurora, who is starting at DSI for the 25th anniversary season!

Jocelyn Robertson

Chartered Professional Accountant

It is so hard to pick a favourite memory from my time at DSi as there are so many amazing memories, and friendships that I developed through my time spent at the studio. I have amazing memories from trips to Lethbridge, Disney Land, and Las Vegas, however, one of my favourite memories is performing my final number at my final recital. The number for our graduation group that year was “Heroes and Friends”, and it was really the most perfect song as all of us girls in the number had grown up with each other at the studio (and are still in touch 10+ years later). I remember performing and seeing Miss Wendy & all of the amazing teachers in the curtains, some of whom had known me since I was 5 years old, and who I was lucky enough to spend rehearsal time with for my numerous solos, duets, trios, and lines throughout the years. It was a very full circle moment, that makes me tear up just thinking about it!

After leaving DSi, I took a year off to travel to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. I then attended the University of British Columbia, while also participating in a part-time dance program, before transferring to Trinity Western University, where I graduated with my Bachelor of Business Administration, with a specialization in Accounting. After graduation I got married, articled at a Big 4 accounting firm, and obtained my CPA designation. We have recently been lucky enough to expand our family, and have a little girl, whom I cannot wait to sign up for dance classes at Dance Spectrum!

Karly MacPhail

DSI Dance Teacher/Owner of Studio 85 HIIT and Yoga

My favourite memory is a dance trip that we took to New York City… without our parents! We just had Miss Wendy as our chaperone and we had SO much fun! I don’t even remember which dance competition we were at, but I sure remember gallivanting around the Big Apple with my best dance friends, making memories that will last forever!

Life after DSi: Now, I am a studio owner just like Miss Wend, my role model. It’s not a dance studio; however, it’s a yoga and fitness studio in Aspen Landing, the SW part of Calgary.  “Studio 85 HIIT and Yoga” is my dream and would have never happened without my DSi family and everything that I learned… or for that matter, everything I am still learning ;). That’s right, I still teach Tap, Contemporary, and Conditioning at DSi and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kassidy MacPhail

Mechanical Engineer Masters Student at Columbia University

Favourite DSi Memory: Too many to choose from.. a few favourites were tap Olympics, eating A TON of pixy stix before going on stage and then almost dying after the dance was over, jumps and turns, and of course 7/11 slurpees.

Life After DSi: Last year I graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in Boston, MA. I now live in New York City and am working on getting my Master’s degree from Columbia University. I hope to use my experience as a dancer and knowledge in biomechanics to pursue a career path in product design in sports medicine, designing and creating products for medical procedures and injuries as well as whatever else comes my way!

Kate Brown

UVic Bachelor of Science Graduate

The entirety of my childhood and teenage years were spent at Dance Spectrum, and I could not be more grateful for that. I attribute so much of who I am to DSi. It’s been six years since my time there, and I continue to carry forward the friendships, life skills, and memories from DSi into my adult life. I often find myself reminiscing and missing the feeling of stepping on stage with my dance family. I remember my last competition performing with seven of my best friends; we started our pre-performance ritual as we always did by singing our made up cheer, hugging, and trying to stifle our giggles in the curtains. But, as soon as the music started, all eight of us had tears streaming down our faces knowing that it was the last time we’d share the stage together. For those three minutes, the audience and judges disappeared and I’ll never forget how full my heart felt in that moment.

DSi nurtured my love of dance, and is the reason I try to find opportunities to dance whenever I can. From joining the dance team during my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Victoria, to dancing for hours at a fellow DSi alumni’s wedding, dance will always have such a big place in my life and heart.

Katelyn Kowalski

Dance Teacher in New Zealand

My favourite DSi memory? How on earth do you narrow it down?!? Performing “Miss Julie’s Nightmare” for our first pointe class recital number, and having Miss Julie appear in her dressing gown on stage!!

I currently live on a sheep farm in New Zealand, and am a qualified dance teacher, teaching Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Modern, and Barre Fitness full time at a local dance studio.

Katie Henry

Bluestar Engineering

Thinking back on my time at DSi one of the fondest memories I have is getting ready for competitions in the spring. It was always my favourite time of year spending the days with my teammates, getting into costume, and showing off all of our hard work from the winter.

I completed my BSc undergrad at the University of Western Ontario, and after graduation travelled to Australia for three months. I have been at Bluestar Engineering for 2 years now and will be running my second half marathon in September.

Katie Yarn

Content Manager

Looking back at my time dancing at DSi, I fell a lot. On stage, in class, off props, I was quite a clumsy kid. My favourite DSi memories are the times I stood back up. I felt so supported by my studio and my team that every time I fell, I knew I was working hard, giving it my all, and I had the strength to get back up.

Since graduating from DSi in 2014, I can’t seem to leave. I currently teach at Dance Spectrum and I feel so lucky to be apart of the DSI dream team. I am currently pursuing a Bachelors of Communication at Mount Royal University majoring in Information Design. When I’m not at the studio or studying, you can usually find me with my dance friends, taking a yoga class, golfing or spending time with my beautiful nephews.

Kelsey Blair

Stay at Home Mom

My favourite DSi memory is when we went to Las Vegas for a dance trip. It was during our last summer before we all went our separate ways for university. It was the best way to end dancing at DSi!

I went to university, got a degree in psychology, backpacked through Europe, worked as a land administrator in an oil and gas company and got married. Now I’m a stay at home mom to a baby girl!

Kelsey Lynch

Program Manager and Genetic Counsellor

My favourite DSi memory is when my mom took me to DSi just before Miss Wendy opened the new location in Coach Hill (over two decades ago). I still remember Miss Wendy’s warmth and enthusiasm giving us a tour around the “blue studio”. Little did my 9-year old self know, DSi would become my second home.

I am a Program Manager and Genetic Counsellor in Vancouver, BC for a research program for families with premature heart disease. I have a passion for travelling, running and ginger beer. And I still love to dance!

Kendra Steele

Dalhousie University Microbiology/Immunology Student

My favourite DSi memory is all the special events throughout the year like pajama week at Christmas and being a part of the first annual DSI tap olympics during my last year at the studio.

I am currently completing a degree in Microbiology/Immunology at Dalhousie University.

Lauren Painchaud

UBCO Kinesiology Student

My favourite DSi memory is when it was combo week in jazz enrichment and Miss Sarah would turn the lights off in the purple studio while we danced the combo. Everyone was able to connect to the music, choreography and energy in the studio. It was one of the best feelings ever!!

I graduated from DSi in 2016 and am entering my third year of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan come fall 2018. At UBCO I am a dance teacher and executive member of the Urban Dance club!

Lian Kwong

UBC PhD in Biological Oceanography Student

I have so many fond memories from my time at DSi, it is difficult to narrow it down to just one. From the countless hours spent rehearsing with my favourite people in the world leading to uncontrollable silliness, to the sense of satisfaction felt after having just executed a new move, to Dairy Queen ice cream cakes. Inevitably, the most memorable thing for me is the unconditional love and support that I felt from all my teachers and fellow dancers during my time at DSi. The friends that I made at DSi stuck, and we have continued being friends regardless of having left 10 years ago.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s High School in 2008, I worked the DSI front desk for 2 years while attending the University of Calgary. I then transferred to the University of Victoria in 2010, where I completed a BSc in Marine Biology. I moved to Vancouver and worked as an Environmental Consultant for two years before heading back to school in 2015 to do my MSc in Biological Oceanography. I finished my MSc in 2016, and decided to pursue my PhD, also in Biological Oceanography at UBC. These experiences have been amazing, I’ve travelled to remote places in British Columbia, and I’ve worked in the middle of the Pacific Ocean studying the small critters in the ocean. Regardless of the amazing experiences I have had since I left, I always miss the happy days of dancing every evening of the week and all-day Saturday.

Lisa-Anne Bruce

Accountant

Picking a favourite DSi moment is nearly impossible!  DSi was my childhood!  I started at Dance Spectrum in 1994, at the age of 6 and happily grew up there. My first love was tap but as I grew older, with Miss Wendy’s encouragement, I added Jazz and Ballet to my pastimes.  One of my favourite memories, spans the first year I took ballet.  Miss Heather was so funny and outgoing, she made ballet so much fun! We laughed a lot in that class. Something that I starting taking “because I had to” quickly became my favourite time of the week.

I am the proud fur-mama to two beautiful Weimaraners, Diesel and Tulo.  Life is all about them, my husband Tim, my family and friends. I have graduated from SAIT with an applied degree in business and completed my CPA CMA.  I have travelled to Mexico, the South Caribbean, parts of Europe, Costa Rica, Vietnam and Indonesia.  I have been a bridesmaid (more times than I care to count), I’ve been the best friend, the party planner, the partier, been tattooed, became an Auntie, a two-time cancer survivor, and married the love of my life. And through it all you can still find me tap dancing in my kitchen.

Lizzie Ryman

Calgary Stampede Princess/Police Officer

I came to DSi in my final year of high school. As I had never changed studios before, I was quite nervous going into a new environment, especially so late in my dancing career! My favourite part of being in the DSi family was how welcome each and every single person made me feel right from the beginning. Both dancers and teachers alike, made me feel as though I had been with them for years, and I couldn’t have picked a better place to spend creating my final year of dancing memories!

Following my graduation year, I went to Mount Royal University and have recently graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice Studies. In 2017, I took a year away from schooling to represent the Calgary Stampede as one of the 2017 Calgary Stampede Princesses. Little did I know how much my previous dancing skills would come in handy while having to teach everyone I met a few of my favourite country line dances! I have recently applied to the Calgary Police Service, and plan to have a long and successful career within the Police Department.

MacKenzie Horn

Research Assistant in Clinical Neurosciences

When my parents took me to dance class at DSi for the first time at three years old, little did any of us know that the foundation and life skills I was going to learn would still be impacting me in my twenties and will continue to for the rest of my life. Each day I walked through the doors of DSi for the next 15 years as a dancer, I was inspired by the incredible role models I had as teachers. It was also a place where I developed lifelong friendships. Several of my greatest childhood memories were at DSi. Whether it was blue studio and back photo shoots, double header competition weekends or doing across the floor to the Katy Perry remix, DSi taught me what it meant to be a part of a team. Not just any team, but one that was rooted in support for each other and a fierce love of dance.

My passion for dance and movement compelled me to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics degree at St. Francis Xavier University, which I completed this past April. I continue to be fascinated by the human body and mind, which has led me to my most recent work as a research assistant in clinical neurosciences in Calgary. In the future, I hope to go to medical school to become a pediatrician. DSi taught me that whatever I chose to do in life had to be filled with passion and dedication, which I believe impacts each and every moment of my life. I will always be grateful for DSi, my home away from home.

Marena Macdonald

UofC Kinesiology Student

Out of the many years I danced at DSi, my favourite memory has to be the feeling you get when you are dancing onstage with all of your friends that you have grown up with. I have so many amazing memories from growing up at Dance Spectrum.

I am currently studying Kinesiology, majoring in exercise and health physiology at the University of Calgary. I am also currently the VP academic for the undergraduate Kinesiology Student Society, and volunteering for a few other programs throughout the year.

Meghan Reading

Content Marketer/Photographer

There are so many great memories to choose from but being crazy energetic dancers backstage before competition was definitely a highlight. We had the strangest rituals to get ourselves hyped up which typically included some very interesting dance moves and (of course) pinches from Miss Wendy. Holidays were always a wonderful time around the studio. We would take a break from technical training or competition choreography to dress up and create the cheesiest, most hysterical combinations.

After going to University in the Okanagan, I now live in Vancouver working in content marketing and can usually be found with my camera in tow. I like to think that DSi’s handbook and website were my first officially “published” photographs.

Meghann Grenier

Queen’s University Mechanical Engineering Student

When I think about my favourite DSi memory the first thought that comes to mind isn’t a Diamond Award or Overall Score, but rather the year we took home the “Honourable Mention” at a competition and couldn’t have been more happy. We paraded the trophy around, even though it didn’t represent a top mark. This was the moment I realized that my dance friends are the real trophy.

I am currently finishing up a final work term in Calgary for my degree in Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University. I will be graduating in the spring of 2019 and then who knows what will come next! But no matter how much time we spend apart, when I see my dance friends it’s like we never left!

Michelle Grenier

Registered Nurse/DSI Dance Teacher

I am unable to pick just one favourite memory, but an event I looked forward to every year was the Understudy Christmas Party for all of the student teachers. It was always an exciting, activity filled day during the holiday season that I got to spend with my dance friends and teachers. It included all of my favourite things: Christmas, fun, and my DSi family!

DSi has been my second home for over 20 years now. After graduating as a dancer, I didn’t go far… I joined the teaching staff! I am so blessed to be able to keep DSi a part of my life while I pursue my career as a Registered Nurse!

Morgan Pack

Dance Teacher at DSI (and other a few other places too)

Favourite DSi memory: when we got flowers after completing our intermediate exam, I was so nervous and excited at the same time!

Life after DSi: pursued CBTS from the RAD and had the privilege of having Miss Julie be my mentor for the program.

Nadia Rimes

U of L Financing Student

My favourite DSi memory is Friday nights having Musical Theatre and Hip Hop back to back. All of my dance friends were in the same class and we got to spend time together dancing and laughing. After class we would walk over to Pizza73 to get pizza and 7/11 to get a slurpee!

After graduating from DSi I spent a year volunteering as a student teacher with DSi. I am now a full time student at the University of Lethbridge Calgary Campus, Majoring in Financing.

Natasha Brandt

UWS Chiropractic Medicine Student

Dance Spectrum was my second home for 19 years, 6 of those amazing years spent as a DSi teacher and staff member. My favourite memories from DSi were my years spent teaching, and sharing my love of dance with so many young dancers who were eager to learn.

While teaching at Dance Spectrum I finished my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology, and after my years of teaching moved to Portland, Oregon to complete my Graduate Degree in Chiropractic Medicine and get a second Bachelor’s Degree in Health Science and Human Biology. I can’t thank Team DSi enough, and even though I am working on a new chapter in my life, I know DSi will always be my home. I will graduate as a Doctor of Chiropractic in the Summer of 2019, and although I will miss Portland, I can’t wait to be back in Calgary.

Olivia MacDonald

Registered Nurse

Passion for what you love, confidence and teamwork are just a few of the life skills I learned through my 13 years of dancing at Dance Spectrum. When I walked through the doors of DSi at the age of four, I was a shy and quiet little girl. With the caring guidance, commitment and dedication of the amazing teachers and understudies at DSi, I gained the confidence and courage to pursue what is important to me. Dance no only teaches you how to shuffle, chassé and plié, but also instills the importance of a strong work ethic, organizational skills and determination.

After high school I attended Mount Royal University to pursue a degree in nursing. I graduated in December 2017 with my Bachelor of Nursing Degree and passed my NCLEX to receive my Registered Nurse designation. I am currently working on a cardiology unit at the Foothills Medical Centre.

Paula Brandt

UofC Bachelor of Science Student

My fondest DSi memories come from my performances. Whether we came offstage laughing, crying, or somewhere in between, I was always proud of what my team and I had put out there. I don’t think I will ever forget the sound of the audience at our last competition or the sight of a standing ovation at our final recital.

I am currently enrolled at the University of Calgary working to earn a Bachelor of Science with a major in physics, and potentially a second degree with a major in biology. In the future I hope that this will lead me to a career in biomedical physics where I can develop more effective cancer treatments. As well as keeping up with my studies, I have designed the main parachute for a student designed rocket and become an executive for the Physics and Astrophysics Student Association. I hope to continue to dance my way through life and stay in touch with my DSi family as the years pass.

Rebecca Slater

Honours Animal Biology

My favourite DSi memories are the first competition Saturdays of every year. The excitement that comes with beginning a new competition season is unforgettable.

Since leaving DSi, I have completed an Honours Animal Biology degree at UBC, and am now working to become a Veterinarian. Although I currently live in Vancouver, I still manage to pull out my tap shoes for a class every now and again!

Sara Marshall

Marketing Professional

It is so difficult to pick only one of my favourite memories at DSi, I had so many memorable experiences with friends that I will hold onto for a lifetime! One of my absolute favourite memories includes our love for Britney Spears. Our obsession with Britney varied between bothering Miss. Wendy to let us lead warm-up to a classic Britney jam or insisting a Britney hit would make the perfect jazz large group number!

After graduating from DSi, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Marketing at the University of Calgary. Following my graduation from the U of C in 2017, I have found new loves in the form of travelling and social media tactics. These days I can be found planning my next trip or working as a Marketing professional in the Calgary corporate community. Although I have moved on from DSI and acquired new passions, my first love will always be dance and the amazing memories I created at DSi!

Sara Pijanowski

Western University Kinesiology Student

I am so grateful for my many years spent dancing at DSi. I am lucky to have had so many wonderful people to look up to growing up and am extremely thankful for the amazing memories I made along the way. While I can’t pick just one favourite, I will always miss long Saturday competition rehearsals, rushing to make up Christmas dances, and having team naps on the old futons.

After graduating from DSi, I moved out East to pursue an education in Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. I am very lucky that dance has fostered in me such a passion for learning about the body, which has encouraged me to complete my Honors Specialization in Exercise and Fitness Prescription. I continue to take dance classes in university and make movement part of my every day. I know that dancing at DSi taught me so many valuable lessons that I apply every single day, and for that I am eternally grateful. With my degree, I hope to foster the same passion for movement in as many people as possible.

Sara Stephens

Queen’s University Mathematics and Statistics Student

It is so hard to pick just one favourite DSi memory! I loved every moment that I spent growing up at Dance Spectrum. I would have to say my favourite ‘memory’ each season was the first competition Saturday. It was always so exciting every year to hear our music for the first time and start new competition routines.

I am currently pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Statistics at Queen’s University and hope to pursue graduate studies or Actuarial Science in the future. DSi has definitely played a large role in shaping me into the person that I am today. I’m still very close with the friends I made at Dance Spectrum and I know that my dance friends will be some of my best friends throughout my life!

Sarah Vigna

DSI Dance Teacher/BA and Masters in Psychology

I have so many amazing memories from my time at the studio! As a dancer some of my all-time favourites were Competition Saturdays, “ping-circles” backstage at competition, follow the leader across the floor, Miss Wendy’s good luck pinch, backstage butterflies and that feeling once you step on stage, breaks between classes where you have the best chats with dance friends, watching Miss Karly’s tap solo rehearsals (and I could do every step even though I didn’t tap), dance trips to LA, NEW York and Orlando, and of course Shooting Stars Recital from the excitement in the Dressing Room before the show right to that end pose of finale!

DSi has been such an important part of my life. Since finishing my dancing at the studio, I have had the pleasure of being part of DSi’s teaching staff. Next year will be my 20th year of teaching for this amazing studio. I have learned so much from my students and am amazed at how they have impacted me as a person. Over the years, I have pursued other interests completing my BA and Masters in Psychology at the University of Calgary. Though I loved my time working with children through Counselling, DSi has always remained number one in my heart. Most recently I have added “Mommy” to my list of jobs. It is most certainly the most rewarding experience so far, and I must say that being “Dance Mom” all these years has really prepared me. I have found a great balance between teaching and home life, and feel so lucky to continue doing what I love.

Shannon Lynch

Registered Nurse/Graduate student at Dalhousie

Favourite DSi memory: There are too many to pick just one! I have to say being constantly reminded to “tuck in the po-po”, and “whack it back” will stay with me well into my 80’s. The excitement of competition season was electrifying. Ballet exams were made tolerable by teachers who took extra time to secure buns, and fix pointe shoe ribbons. Jazz classes were never complete until one of us had kicked so hard that we ended up on the floor. I loved it all!

Life after DSi: Nowadays, I am in Halifax, working as a Registered Nurse. I am in graduate school at Dalhousie working towards my Nurse Practitioner. I still take ballet classes recreationally. I love ballet, pilates, and running! I’m always excited to see where my travel adventure will take me (suggestions, anyone?!)!