Dare To Dance Company

COMPANY 2007

In 1998, Dance Saskatchewan Inc. introduced the Dare to Dance Company. Each year since then, Dance Saskatchewan Inc. has offered a selected group of dancers the opportunity to work in an "industry like" setting to produce an entertainment package. Everything from the audition to the rehearsals educates dancers about working in the dance industry. The entire Dare to Dance show will perform in Saskatoon on October 6th, 2007 and at a Pre-Show event entitled "A Taste of Dare to Dance" - in North Battleford on September 30th, 2007.

The Company concept has been extremely successful with many alumni going on to work for the Walt Disney World Co., Disney Canada, and Saskatchewan Express to name a few!

In 2006 we were thrilled to introduce a second company called the 'Young Company'. Dancers between the ages of 10 & 15 experienced working in the professional world with top-notch artistic direction and beautifuly designed costumes.

This select group of dancers from both companies will once again work with dancers from all over the province as well as several choreographers. (check out Guest Choreographers!)

Click here to view press release announcing The Company to view other press releases visit the 'What's New' Page!!

Dare To Dance Company 2007 Group Photo

BIOS

The Company

	Ashley Berrns,Saskatoon Ashley Berrns has been an avid dancer for over 15 years. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Modern, as well as other styles throughout her career. She is teaching for her third season at Rhythm Works Dance Studio in Shellbrook, and also is the Artistic Director for Lanigan Dance Dynamics. Ashley has danced with many Saskatoon studios, most recently with Juliette’s Dance Centre, as well as has trained with renowned choreographers at conventions across Canada and in New York. She has also performed with the Dare to Dance Company and for the Queen, in the Lieutenant Governor’s Centennial Gala. Ashley has studied in both the R.A.D. and C.D.T.A. and began her A.D.A.P.T. Teachers Course this summer. Ashley has been recognized with many awards for her performances, as well as her choreography. She is pleased to be a part of Dare to Dance, and thanks Dance Saskatchewan Inc. and Annie Wood for helping to promote dance in Saskatchewan, and giving dancers these great opportunities to further themselves in dance. Enjoy the show!
	Megan Daniels Megan Daniels is excited to be a part of the Dare to Dance Company this season. She began her dance training in Saskatoon 18 years ago with Yvonne Jaspar at Jaspar Academy of Dance. Her immense love for performance and dance was greatly inspired by Yvonne and at 15 she moved to Winnipeg to further her passion in the professional program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. While in Winnipeg, Megan had the opportunity to perform for HRH Queen Elizabeth II as well as work with some prestigious teachers and directors including: Stephane Leonard, David Moroni, Josee Garant, Eva Edvokimova, Galina Yordanova, Arnold Spohr, Andre Lewis, Evelyn Hart, and Bruce Monk. After completing the Professional Division, she moved into the RWB’s Apprenticeship Program where she had the opportunity to work and preform with the RWB company. She is currently living in Saskatoon and working towards a degree at the U of S. Megan would like to thank Annie, Stevie, and Annette as well as the good folks at DSI for making wonderful opportunities like D2D possible. Shout outs to the VIPs: Ma, Pa, G’rents, lil Kesled, Irwin Meyer, and of cours CS; you all deserve medals for putting up with me, but thanks cause I could never do it without you! Love you all!
	Aleesha Day Aleesha is 17 years old and from Wynyard. She started dancing at the age of 4 and is a member of the Wynyard School of Dance. Aleesha is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, hip hop, musical theatre and lyrical. This year she will be taking her Advanced Jazz and Intermediate tap exam in CDTA. Also she will be taking her Grade 8 Ballet exam in RAD. Over the years Aleesha has attended many dance competitions where she has received many high mark awards and scholarships. She has also attended numerous dance camps including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Intensive and Pacific Coast Dance Fest in Minneapolis. When she’s not dancing, she is involved in her school’s yearbook; is the SRC Social Convenor and loves to spend time with her friends. She would like to thank her mom for all that she has done for her; she could not have accomplished all that she has without her support. Aleesha has a passion for dance and has hopes of pursuing it as a career. This is her first year in the Dare to Dance Company and she is thrilled to be a part of it. Big thanks to all who came to watch the show.
	Kara Dubyk Kara is 18 years old and has been dancing for 13 years under the direction of Tracy Sotnikow at Footworks Dance Studio. Most recently Kara has received training in Ballet at La Danse in Saskatoon. This is Kara1s first year as part of the Dare to Dance Company and she is very grateful to be working with such talented directors and dancers. Kara has won numerous awards in many dance competitions across Saskatchewan and Alberta. She has been a scholarship winner for her student- choreographed lyrical pieces for the past four years. Kara1s love for dance granted her the opportunity to meet and dance with the Pussy Cat Dolls. In the next year she plans to travel to London, England, where she will attend dance workshops. She would like to thank her friends, family and teachers for their overwhelming support throughout her dancing career.
	Jenelle Garchinski Jenelle is sixteen years old and has danced since the age of 5. She attends Studio One RP. Dance in Saskatoon. Her dance forms include: jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, pointe, and hip-hop. Jenelle has won numerous awards for her dancing. She attends many competitions and dance workshops. This summer she attended Tremaine in Vegas for the second time. Jenelle has danced in Europe, America and Western Canada. When Jenelle is not dancing she likes to spend time with friends and family, pole vaulting, and relaxing. After D2D is over, Jenelle is very excited to be performing with Moscow Ballet as a guest dancer for a show in Saskatoon. Jenelle would like to thank Dance Sask for helping with the dance community in the province and putting on D2D every year. Also, she would like to thank her dance teachers, parents, family, and friends for their continuous support!
	Shireen Hampton Shireen Hampton is 18 years old and is a first year student at the University of Saskatchewan. She has been dancing with La Danse School of Dance since she was five years old, and has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theatre, hip hop and modern. This is Shireen’s first time in the Dare to Dance Company and she is very excited and honoured to be a part of it! Throughout the years she has competed across Canada, and attended many workshops including Tremaine Dance Conventions and Triple Threat Dance Conventions. In the spring of 2007 she received two Triple Threat scholarships which she plans to use this fall in Saskatoon and Vancouver. Shireen was also part of the Saskatchewan Centennial Gala where she performed for Her Majesty, the Queen. Shireen would like to thank her whole family for always supporting her dancing in every way possible. She would also like to thank Annie Wood and Jill Reid for organizing an awesome company! Thank you for coming tonight and enjoy the show!
	Chelsey Kerry Chelsey started her dance career over 14 years ago and she is pleased to be back for her eighth season as a Company Member with D2D. Over the years she has competed throughout Canada and the United States, where she has won numerous awards and scholarships. She has attended professional summer schools at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada and the Habour Dance Center, Vancouver, B.C. The summer of 2006 was special, touring Europe with the Dance Saskatchewan Troupe, performing for Canada House in Trafalgar Square, Dance and the Child International, in The Hague and the International Music Eisteddford Llanglollen, Wales. As part of Saskatoon’s Centennial celebrations, Chelsey performed in the Dance Ensemble - Layers - Friendship Park sculpture symposium. During Saskatchewan’s Centennial year, she was honored to perform for Her Majesty in the Lieutenant Governor’s Celebration of the Arts. Working with Annie Wood has been amazing; you are a wonderful teacher, mentor and friend. I need to thank my parents and my Nana and Papa, I know that you are and will always be my biggest fans. Wish you were up here tonight dancing with me Jillian. Dance Sask. and RBC, thank you for believing and supporting us in dance. Last but not least, to the D2D Company, “break-a-leg.”
	Jennifer Kjargaard Jennifer is fifteen years old and is currently in grade ten at Bishop James Mahoney High School. She has been studying dance for twelve years now and dances at Juliette’s Dance Centre where she is working on completing her Advanced One RAD ballet exam. This is Jennifer’s first time dancing with the Dare to Dance Company, and she is grateful to take part, especially with all of these talented young dancers. She enjoys exploring many kinds of dance styles such as ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern tap and hip hop. Jennifer competes all across Saskatchewan and has received many awards and scholarships throughout the year. She has been participating in many dance conventions such as Triple Threat, Sean Cheeseman, and Tremaine Dance Convention in Las Vegas. This past summer she attended the Banff Dance Training Program. Jennifer would like to thank Dance Saskatchewan In. and everyone involved with the Dare to Dance production for this opportunity. She would also like to say thank you to her teachers, friends and loving family for their continuous support as she pursues her dreams.
	Danée Lalonde Danée Lalonde is 16 years old and has been dancing for 12 years, most of the years under the instruction of Jacalyn Froehlich of the Nipawin School of Dance. She studies dance in the areas of Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Modern. Over the years Danée has won several scholarships at various competitions in Saskatchewan including Dance Saskatchewan youth ambassador for the year 2007, Triple Threat and Fayez 1 summer workshop. She also completed her elementary ballet exam in the spring of 2007. Danée was part of the young company in last year’s Dare to Dance show and is thrilled to be part of this year’s Dare to Dance company for the first time. Danée would like to say thanks to Jacie for all her encouragement, help and inspiration. Thank you to her parents, sister, family and friends for all their sipport and always being there. Special thanks to Dance Saskatchewan Inc. and Annie for this great experience. Last but not least, she would like to thank Annick for being a big support and a great friend.
	Nicholas Lydiate Nicholas Lydiate is 17 years of age and from Saskatoon. He originally began his training at the age of 4 in England with Judy Habbits. At the age 7 he came to Canada and has been training at Juliettes Dance Centre in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and Hip Hop ever since. He has attended professional summer programs at both the National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. This is Nick’s fourth year in the company and he is thrilled to be a part of this year’s Dare to Dance. He would also like to thank Annie, Annette, Stevie and all the guest choreographers for making it an unforgettable experience.
	Karsen Marshall Karsen Marshall is 15 years old and has been dancing for 12 years, training in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip-hop, pointe, and modern. She has danced with Footworks Dance Studio, Diane Will Dance Studio, and currently at Brenda’s School of Baton and Dance. She is proud to have danced in Dare to Dance twice before, as well as performing for the Queen at the Saskatchewan 2005 Centennial Gala. Dance has always played a very important role in Karsen’s life, as she has made many friends along the way and had many valuable experiences. She says it’s another great way to express her love for dance. Karsen would like to thank everyone who made this possible.
	JT Papandreos JT is 16 years old and has been dancing since the age of 6 at Saskatchewan Express Musical Theatre (Regina) under the instruction of Megan Alfano. He studies jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, and musical theatre. He is thrilled to be a first time member of the Dare to Dance Company. This past summer, JT auditioned and was selected to dance in the 2007 Summer Tour of Saskatchewan Express. This was an amazing experience for him and it made him realize how much he loves to perform. JT has had many achievements throughout his past years as well as competing in numerous competitions where he received many overall high mark awards and scholarships. JT is currently taking CDTA Jazz and Tap exams and RAD ballet exams. He has a deep passion for dance and is so happy to work with dancers that all feel the same thing. He couldn’t be more excited to be involved in the Dare to Dance Company this year and to have the opportunity to work with Annie Wood as well as the amazing cast of talented people. JT would like to thank his family, his dance teacher Megan Alfano and his colleagues for all their support and guidance over the years. Lastly, JT would like to thank Annie Wood for the awesome opportunity to perform with the Dare to Dance Company.
	Sarah Rospad Sarah has been dancing since the age of nine under the instruction of Jacalyn Froehlich at Nipawin School of Dance. Now at 18, she has entered her first year of Commerce at the U of S and has recently moved to Saskatoon. This is Sarah’s third year with the RBC Dominion Securities Dare to Dance Company and she is very excited once again to be here. She has successfully completed her CDTA Advanced tap and jazz Exams, her RAD Grade Seven and Intermediate ballet exams, and has won numerous awards throughout her dancing years. Last summer Sarah was part of the company that performed in London, Wales and the Netherlands. This spring she had the opportunity to dance with the Pussycat Dolls. In the future she would like to pursue her passion of dance and photography. Sarah would like to thank all the people involved with Dare to Dance, RBC Dominion Securities, Jacie, and of course Mom, Dad and Jill. Enjoy the show!
	Amy Rusheleau Amy is seventeen years old and has been dancing since she was 6. This is her second year being a member of the Dare to Dance Company. She has trained with the Performing Arts Warehouse and the National Modern Dance Theatre Company. She has competed and performed many times with both studios. In 2005, Amy was a member of the dance company for The Lieutenant Governor’s Centennial Gala, at which her Majesty the Queen was present. During the summer of 2006, through Dance Saskatchewan and support from the community, Amy had a chance to travel to Europe and perform with a company comprised of contemporary and powwow dancers. On this trip, they performed in Trafalgar Square in London, at the daCi conference in The Hague and The Eisteddfod Festival in Llangollen, Wales. Later that summer, she traveled to Toronto with the NMDT, where they performed at the fFida festival. Amy has been extremely fortunate to have had the training and opportunities that she has experienced through dance. She would like to thank Dance Saskatchewan and the Dare to Dance artistic staff for this opportunity to further her love for dance and sharpen her Instincts. Thank you to everyone who has supported her in dance, especially her parents and instructors. Put your instincts to the test tonight. Enjoy the show!
	Linea Ruszkowski Linea is 17 years old and will be graduating this year from Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert. This is Linea’s first year with the Dare to Dance Company. She has been dancing since the age of 5 in the disciplines of ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap and hip hop. Linea has been a company member of the National Modern Dance Theatre for the past three years. She performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth in Saskatchewan’s Centennial Gala. Last summer she attended fFida International Dance Festival in Toronto where she danced with her company under the direction of Barb Jones and Chrissy Mascho. A big thank you to Dance Saskatchewan Inc. and Annie Wood for giving her the opportunity to dance beside so many great performers and work with the renowned guest choreographers. Linea would also like to thank her family for their ongoing support. Enjoy the Show!
	Erin Sheppard Erin is 16 and thrilled to be a part of this year’s Dare to Dance. Dance is her passion and she has been studying with La Danse School of Dance for the last 12 years. She studies Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz and Hip Hop under the direction of Hazel Ann Stark, Linda Erickson, and Heather Myers. Erin has challenged herself at numerous dance competitions and won several awards in North Battleford, Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Red Deer. She has attended many summer dance camps including the Vancouver Tap Society and the Tremaine Dance Convention in New York. Erin is grateful for this opportunity to work with so many talented people!
	Danielle Shmyr Danielle is seventeen years old and has been dancing since the age of four. She trains under the instruction of Paulette Puetz at the Melfort Dance Centre in ballet, pointe, hip-hop, lyrical, jazz, and tap. Throughout the year, Danielle attends several dance competitions and workshops around the province. She has had many achievements throughout her past years of dance where she has received awards and scholarships. She was involved in the Northern Lights Production in La Ronge two years ago, and last year was her first year in the Dare to Dance Company. She would like to thank her family and her dance teacher, Miss Paulette, for their continued support. Also, a big thanks to Dance Saskatchewan for giving her the opportunity to work with amazing choreographers and pursue her love of dance. Danielle is thrilled to be back this year and hopes everyone enjoys the show!
	Jordan Storoschuk Jordan Storoschuk is 18 years old, and this is year second year in the Dare to Dance company. Dance has been her passion since the age of three, and the foundation and home for her training has been at Juliette’s Dance Centre in Saskatoon. For 13 years, she has worked with Madame Juliette and Meagan Mcgratten training in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, and hip-hop. Jordan has competed in numerous competitions in Saskatchewan, winning awards and scholarships in solos, duos, and many groups. She attended workshops in Estevan, working with R.A.D. examiner Lynette Kelly, Sean Cheeseman Summer Workshop, and Triple Threat, and was accepted into the Quinte Ballet School summer program twice. She also attended the Banff Dance Training Program for two summers. Jordan has obtained her Advanced 2 ballet exam this past spring and attended the Harbour Dance Centre Summer Program. She is honored and privileged to be working with a wonderful company of dancers who represent an individual part of Saskatchewan’s talent. She would like to thank Annie Wood for this opportunity and Jill Reid for all her hard work at Dance Saskatchewan. Most importantly she would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her dance career and always being there for her, and also a thank you to Meagan Mcgratten and Juliette Perrey-Perez.
	Lucia Trischuk Lucia is 17 years old and a grade 12 student at the Yorkton Regional High School. She has been dancing since the age of 4 and studies ballet, pointe, tap and jazz at Dance Innovations, Ukrainian dance with Troyanda Ukrainian Dance Ensemble and piano with Mrs. Thelma Gillis. She has performed in many school musicals and community musical productions. Lucia had the opportunity to be part of the Winnie the Pooh Friendship Day Cast produced by Disney in Winnipeg. It was an honor for Lucia to dance before the Queen at the Lieutenant Governor’s Saskatchewan Centennial Gala in 2005 and this past summer to be part of the company that was chosen to perform before Princess Ann during the Royal visit to Saskatchewan. As a member of the Northern Lights Company initiated by Dance Sask., she had the opportunity to perform in LaRonge. Other highlights included traveling with Dance Saskatchewan to perform in London England, attending the daci Conference in The Hague and performing at the children’s festival in Wales in 2006. She enjoys teaching a class in tap and jazz at Dance Innovations as well as a novice group at Troyanda. Lucia would like to thank Dance Saskatchewan, Annie Wood and everyone involved with this show on and off stage. She is grateful for the opportunity to once again work with a fantastic artistic director, great choreographers and the wonderful cast of talented people.
	Chelsey Zelizney Chelsey Zelizney began dancing at the age of seven and went on to study jazz, ballet, musical theatre and modern but specializes in street jazz, hip hop and lyrical. This is Chelsey’s third year with the D2D Company as she participated in 2003 and 2005. Some highlights of Chelsey’s dance career include the Lieutenant Governor’s Celebration of the Arts Gala, being a Youth Ambassador for Dance Saskatchewan for 2005-2006, obtaining a dancer role in a commercial for SaskTel in April of 2006 and becoming the Senior-Runner Up for the Saskatchewan Youth Talent Search in 2006. Chelsey has won such awards as highest scoring soloist, most outstanding hip hop performer and adjudicator’s choice of senior level dancer. This twenty year old from Saskatoon currently is an instructor for the third year at both Saskatoon School of Dance and defSOL Productions. She has a strong passion and excitement for dance and loves to share it with those around her. She would especially like to thank Ms. Annie Wood for sharing this passion and giving her this amazing opportunity and experience that will last a lifetime.

Dare To Dance Young Company 2007 Group Photo

THE YOUNG COMPANY

	Mercedez Carlson, Melfort Mercedez is 13 years old and has been dancing since she was 6 under instructor Paulette Puetz, at the Melfort Dance Centre. Mercedez has loved dancing from the very first day and because of this passion has won numerous scholarships and awards. In the 2006/2007 dance season Mercedez won Outstanding Song & Dance 12 & Under, CDTA SK Soloist and ALL Around Soloist Jr & Sr. - Dance Olympus Convention, to name a few. She has also begun her second year as teacher’s assistant at the Melfort Dance Centre. Mercedez takes paino and voice lessons to support her dream of becoming a professional dancer/performer - a triple threat! She is very excited to be a part of The Young Company and wishes to thank Annie and Dance Saskatchewan Inc. for this fabulous opportunity. Mercedez would also like to thank Miss Paulette, her dance buddies and her family for their continued support and encouragement. Enjoy the Show!
	Cayla Ellis, Battleford Cayla’s passion, for dance began nine years ago at Annette’s School of Dance in North Battleford. Cayla has received numerous awards, and scholarships at various competitions. For the last two years she has been selected to be one of Dance Saskatchewan’s youth ambassadors. She danced in Celebrating Saskatchewan under the Northern Lights, Dare to Dance 2006, and will also be dancing with the Moscow Ballet in November. Cayla would like to thank Annie and Dance Saskatchewan for letting her be apart of this great experience! Enjoy the show!
	Jaelyse Gorchuck, Saskatoon Jaelyse is 13 years old and has been enjoying dance in her life since she was 3. She trains at Brenda’s School of Baton and Dance, taking classes in ballet, pointe, lyrical and jazz. Jaelyse is honoured to be a member of The Young Company again this year. The memories and friendships made while rehearsing and performing in Dare to Dance are invaluable. The opportunity to learn from, and work with Annie Wood, the Rehearsal Assistants and guest choreographers is amazing! Thank you Dance Saskatchewan and RBC Dominion Securities.
	Kayla Ireland, Saskatoon Kayla is 12 years old, currently in grade 7 at St. Peter School. This is her first year participating in the “Dare to Dance” show. She is beginning her 10th year of dance. Kayla has been training at Pure Energy Dance Co. for most of her dancing life. She studies in jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, and musical theatre. Kayla has also spent the last 8 years baton twirling with the Saskatoon Myracles Inc. She has achieved numerous awards and scholarships in both baton and dance. She has participated in the Triple Threat Dance Convention where she received a tuition scholarship. She wishes to thank many people starting with her dance family, Coralee McNarland, Kari-Ann Puderak, Donna Fehr, Sarah Nolan-Downs, and Rachel Neville for helping her realize her love of dance. Her coaches, Myra Kirk and Cindy Labrash, for teaching her how to reach for the stars. Her Mom and Dad for their unlimited love and support. Her sister Chloe, and her grandparents for everything they have done and for always being there, and last but not least, Annie Wood, and Dance Saskatchewan for giving her this exciting opportunity to show all of you what she lives to do.
	Jennifer Kopp, Humboldt Jennifer is 15 years old and currently in grade 10 at Humboldt Collegiate Institute. She has been dancing since the age of six at Jacquie’s Dance Academy in Humboldt. Jennifer attends many competitions and conventions, and has received many scholarships and awards for her dancing. She had the opportunity to attend a number of exciting dance camps this summer and has been Youth Ambassador for Dance Saskatchewan the past year. Jen won the opportunity to travel to Toronto for Dance Fuzion where she enjoyed many new and exciting dance techniques. She is extremely enthusiastic about dance and loves to share the power of dance with everyone she meets. Jennifer would like to thank her parents for all they do for her, including putting her through all her amazing years of dance and dragging her all over the country to do what she loves. She wants to give a special shout out to her teacher, Jacquie Huck, for always believing in her and never letting her down. She loves you guys! She appreciates everyone who took the time to come and watch the show and wishes that you all have a beautiful time.
	Tyler Layton-Olson, Saskatoon Tyler is 14 years old and hails from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. He began his training with the Veselii Dancers in Nipawin under the direction of Shauna Kuzon. In 2001, after relocating to Humboldt, Tyler continued to his Ukrainian dance training with Humboldt School of Dance [HSD]. HSD was a multidisciplinary school. The experience of dancing with a club that offered mainstream dance forms introduced Tyler to other styles of dance, and enticed him to try other styles. That year Tyler found his true calling, so with infectious energy and a great deal of personality, Tyler began taking classes in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theatre, hip-hop, modern, and song-dance. Tyler has had the opportunity to attend the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Division Summer Intensive Program. He is now a part of DK Dance Visions dance studio. Tyler has been part of the Dance for Life Company 2005, The Celebrating Saskatchewan Under the Northern Lights Company in 2005 and the Dare to Dance Company 2006. Tyler has had the pleasure of working with the likes of Danny James Austin and Faye Rauw. He would like to thank his Mother, Annie and Jill for this opportunity.
	Kassandra Lestrat, Saskatoon Kassandra is 14 and entering her tenth year of dancing. She now trains at Pure Energy Dance Co. in tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, musical theater, pointe, lyrical, and will be starting contemporary this year. Kassandra loves to dance and immerses herself in every dancing opportunity she can get. She dances Monday to Friday 5 - 9, and Saturdays she is an assistant at her studio. In the future she’d like to become a professional dancer or a prima ballerina. When those careers are finished she’d like to become a dance teacher. Kassandra would like to thank her mom and dad and her teachers for all the support throughout the years. Kassandra Lestrat is honored to be in The Young Company this year.
	Delaney Lindgren, Watrous Delaney is 15 years old and started to dance at the age of 4. She studies at the Watrous School of Dance, under the instruction of Nadine Riehl and Mandy Yee-Sellar. She takes classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical and hip hop, as well as RAD and CDTA exam classes. Delaney attends numerous competitions throughout the year, where she has won several awards. Delaney is thrilled to be part of the Dare to Dance Young Company and thanks Dance Saskatchewan for this amazing opportunity. Delaney would like to thank Nadine and Mandy for their support, guidance and friendship. A special thank you to Nadine, who has been her teacher since she put on her first pair of ballet slippers at age 4, for her never ending encouragement and inspiration. To her family, thank you for supporting her passion for dance and helping her reach her dreams!
	Mallery McGrath, Leroy Mallory McGrath is 15 and resides in LeRoy. She has been dancing since age three. Her first studio was LeRoy School of Dance, where she was taught by Pat Gabel and Brandy Austin. For the past three years, Mallory has been dancing in Humboldt at Jaquie’s Dance Academy under the instruction of Jacquie Huck. Mallory is doing her grade 7 ballet exam in the spring and her elementary tap in the fall. She is also taking intermediate foundation ballet and pointe and advanced jazz. As well as dancing, Mallory plays piano and will be taking her grade 8 piano and grade 2 theory exams. Mallory would like to thank her parents for helping her with dance and supporting her for so many years.
	Kenadi McLaren, Drake Kenadi McLaren is a shy, happy, funny, 12 year old girl who hails from a farm near Drake. When she isn’t dancing at the Lanigan Dance Dynamics studio you could find her playing volleyball or making her family and friends laugh. She has one sister Krishia, who’s 14 years old and is entering her third year at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Krishia is a great inspiration for Kenadi and they are very close. Kenadi would like to thank her parents, Kerri and Duane for their support, her past and present dance teachers for their knowledge, and for passing on the love of dance to her, she’ll be forever grateful. Kenadi is so happy to have been chosen by Annie Wood to be in The Young Company and is looking forward to many more Dare to Dance opportunities in the years to come.
	Courtney Odelein, Quill Lake Courtney is 14 years old and lives in Quill Lake. She has trained at the Quill Lake School of Dance since she was three years old. Kylie Redl-Gosselin has been teaching her tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, ballet and musical theatre for the past seven years. She is working on her Intermediate levels in Jazz and Tap through the ADAPT program. Courtney also Highland dances with the Quill Lake Club and medal tests with them. Ballet training has taken her to Jaquie’s Dance Academy for exams this year. This is Courtney’s first year with The Young Company and she is excited, amazed and grateful for the opportunity that Dance Saskatchewan has given her. Thank you for allowing her to work with such amazing choreographers and dancers. To RBC, thanks for your generous support. To the unbelievably talented choreographers, thank you for sharing your love of dance. To Dad and Mom, my brothers, Grandparents and instructors, thanks for your encouragement, support and love!!
	Makenna Sheppard, Saskatoon Makenna, 13, has been dancing with La Danse School of Dance in Saskatoon since she was 3 years old. Over the past 10 years she has studied Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical and Hip Hop under the dedicated direction of Hazel Ann Stark, Linda Erickson, and Heather Myers. Makenna has been involved with Marian Gymnastics and Saskatoon’s Children's Choir where she performed for Her Majesty at Saskatchewan’s Centennial Gala. She has competed in dance competitions and received recognition and awards throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta. She has attended the Tremaine Dance Convention in New York as well as a recent tap workshop in Vancouver. Dare to Dance is a powerful learning opportunity and Makenna is honoured to be a first time member of The Young Company!
	Kelly Tildago, Saskatoon Kelly Tidalgo is 14 years old and has been dancing for 11 years. She trains at Pure Energy Dance Co. studying ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, lyrical and contemporary. Kelly is thrilled to be in the “Dare to Dance” production as part of The Young Company for the second time. She was also chosen this year to be one of the dancers needed to perform for the Moscow Ballet’s Production of Swan Lake in Saskatoon coming in November. Kelly would like to thank everyone at Dance Saskatchewan Inc. for this amazing experience. She would also like to thank her family, friends and the Pure Energy family for their continued support and guidance.
	Tatum Wildeman, Leroy Tatum is 15 years old and is from LeRoy. She has been dancing since she was three years old. She credits her training to LeRoy School of Dance, as well as where she presently trains, in Humboldt at Jacquie’s Dance Academy under the instruction of Jacquie Huck. Tatum is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Song and Dance, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. She has completed her grade 6 ballet (RAD), elementary jazz and grade four tap (CDTA). Tatum has competed in many competitions throughout the province. Over the years she has won numerous scholarships and awards. She has also attended many dance conventions and workshops such as LADF in Las Vegas, Dance Fusion in Toronto, 5, 6, 7, 8 Showtime and Triple Threat. Tatum also attends local and studio workshops. In Tatum’s spare time she plays hockey, and her team won the Female Midget A 2006-2007 Provincial Title. Tatum also takes singing lessons and participates in local Music Festivals. Tatum wants to thank her parents and her sister for all the help and support with dancing. Tatum is very excited to be a part of The Young Company 2007 and wants to thank everyone who was a part of this wonderful experience!
	Teah Zielinski, Saskatoon Teah is 11 years old and dances at Kristy’s Dance Fusion in Saskatoon. She started dancing when she was 3. Teah is thrilled to be part of The Young Company of Dare to Dance 2007. Teah would like to thank her dance teachers and dance buddies for all of their support and help. She dances ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and musical theatre, and does ballet (R.A.D.), tap and jazz (ADAPT) exams. She received a “pre-intermediate student of the year scholarship 2007,” from her studio. She participates in the Triple Threat dance conventions; first she won a one-convention scholarship in Saskatoon and then a 2nd place junior scholarship in Edmonton. Teah took part in the Be Discovered dance convention, and won a scholarship to New York in December. When she isn’t dancing she is doing gymnastics, track, SLC (Student Leadership Council) or playing piano or oboe at school. Teah represented Saskatchewan at the National Historica Fair this summer in Lethbridge. Any opportunity that she gets to dance, she takes. Dancing is her true passion and her favourite thing to do. She would like to thank her mom; Lynette, dad; Len and sister; Mylandra for all of their support with dance. Teah would also like to thank Dance Saskatchewan, the teachers and all of the dancers she met during this amazing experience!
	Mikaela Zolinsky, Saskatoon Mikaela is 14 years old and has started her first year of high school at St. Joseph’s. She continues to train in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and pointe from the La Danse School of Dance and has been doing so for the past 10 years. Earlier this year she was fortunate to attend the Tremaine Dance Convention in Chicago on a scholarship she had attained when she traveled to New York the previous year. In July of 2008 she will attend a convention in Las Vegas. Mikaela enjoyed her training at the Vancouver Tap Festival in 2005 and would like to go back again soon. She has achieved many awards and scholarships in dance competitions within the province. She is thrilled to be part of the Young Company for the second year. It is most rewarding and very exciting to be working with Annie, her assistants, guest choreographers, along with all the dedicated dancers. She would like to thank Dance Saskatchewan for giving her the opportunity to work with such great choreographers. She would also like to express her gratitude to her dance teachers for their guidance, as well as her family and friends for their continuing support and encouragement. Thanks to all and enjoy the show!