I knew from a young age that dance would always be a part of my life, and it became a top priority for me that led me to some fantastic opportunities and experiences. I grew up competing as a dancer, and wanted the feeling; joyous and free, to be something I could always experience by being a part of the performing arts world. During my high school years and thereafter, I was introduced to what it was like to be a teacher, and seeing students feel the same way I did about dance. The most rewarding feeling is recognizing a student's struggle, and then celebrating the triumph when they master a challenge they've been working on.

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Through growing up as a dancer, continuing on to get my bachelor’s degree in dance, and then years later going back to school for Arts & Entertainment management, I feel like I’ve gotten to immerse myself in all sides of the industry. I’ve worked in studios in both the USA and Canada, and been around a very competitive based studio, and a performance based studio. I think picking up values and ideas along the way has given me the confidence and molding to make Launch Dance Center a safe place for kids to feel like they belong, and to share their passion of dance. 

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The families have been the best and most rewarding part of my first year. I do feel like I’ve really created a family at the studio, and given new opportunities to these kids. The previous owner was more ballet focussed, and that created a really strong base for my studio, but because I came from a competitive and more commercial world, I am able to bring those styles and opportunities into Launch Dance Center. I want my students to feel supported, encouraged, and special. I love the relationships I have with all of them, and by far has been the highlight and reason for what I do. Sometimes that takes patience, as there are lots of personalities. I feel fortunate that the transition has been really smooth, and lots of people have been receptive to what I do. I think a piece of advice in my particular situation would be to stick to your gut. The experiences that I’ve had in my life gave me a really strong idea of what I wanted to bring to a studio, and I was overthinking about pleasing the current clientele, and sometimes doubted my own vision. Time and time again, my choices were well received - and I should have never doubted myself and I’m glad I stayed true to who I was, and how I want to run my studio.