Growing up in a strict dance community meant that I stared at myself in the studio mirrors all the time. And I always through they were really damaging. So, when I had a dance studio of my own, I tried to make time to face away from the mirror so that I could help students really feel the proprioception of their bodies in space, rather than an image. People ask about my daughter and if she'll dance…. bc it's in the family!

This morning, I’m on my way to NYC (including Lincoln Center - a world leader for opera) to seek some inspiration on a bit of a creative retreat. At the train station, I saw the wonderful Jackie Short - who is on her way to celebrate her late partner Mike at the The Rubies - Canadian opera awards for outstanding contribution to this beautiful art form. I didn’t really like opera until I began teaching opera students how to move on stage. I fell in love with this sometimes silly & over the top, sometimes deeply profound, nuanced art form immediately. Mike was one of the greats - a world renowned opera director. I was so lucky to learn from him (& Jackie - they were always a team). Today felt fitting to share with you my ode to my mentor. The following is some grief writing from the day of his celebration of life which we celebrated in the spring of 2024.