Choreographer
Izabela Zawadzka
(She/Her)
Izabela Zawadzka is a highly accomplished dancer, teacher, choreographer, culture manager, movement therapist, and internationally certified BlackRoll® trainer. She graduated from the General Ballet School Feliks Parnell in Łódź and the University of Music Fryderyk Chopin University of Warsaw. Izabela has performed as a soloist and dance teacher at Mazowsze State Folk Song and Dance Ensemble and the Kielce Dance Theater, in addition to lecturing at the University of Music F. Chopin in Warsaw and the Private School of Dance Art in Białystok and General Ballet School in Łódź. Additionally, Izabela is a co-founder of the UNITED LIMBS, and coordinator of the Kalejdoskop Festival in 2021. Izabela has garnered recognition for her choreographic work, winning national competitions and presenting her works at various international dance festivals. Additionally, she studied Gaga at the Suzanne Dellal Center in Tel Aviv and completed the BlackRoll® Therapy medical and self-massage trainer course.
Performers
Lavender Wong
(She/Her)
Lavender Wong started her dance training in Chinese Classical Dance and is currently in her fifth year at the University of Calgary, pursuing a combined BA degree in Dance (concentration in Dance Production) and in East Asian Language Studies (concentration in Japanese). Lavender has performed in works choreographed by Linnea Swan and Rufi Oswaldo and has worked as a camera operator for works by several artists including Marie Forcier, Melanie Kloetzel, and WM2 Dance Co. As a dance filmmaker, she was awarded by festivals including WildDogs International Screendance Festival and Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival. Lavender is excited to be part of Ballet Bodies YYC In Motion III this season.
Shayla Waschuk
(She/Her)
Shayla Waschuk is an emerging dance artist, performer and choreographer who strives to emphasize intricate movement as a source of expression. She has recently graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with Distinction. While progressing through her undergraduate degree, Shayla performed in choreographic works of Melanie Kloetzel, Wojciech Mochniej and Meghann Michalsky. With her prominent style being contemporary dance, Shayla had the opportunity to train with Ember Dance Company. Shayla is ecstatic to continue exploring her journey as a dance artist, in hopes of expanding her performance and choreographic opportunities. She is also excited to be joining Ballet Bodies YYC In Motion III this season.
Juliana De Francesco
(She/Her)
Juliana De Francesco, a Mohkinstsis (Calgary) native, has a rich background in competitive dance. A recent graduate of William Aberhart High School, she is skilled in various dance styles, including jazz, contemporary, and ballet. Throughout her dance career, Juliana has received numerous scholarships and accolades, such as awards for "Incredible Artistry" and "Something So Special." This fall, she will be attending the University of Calgary, where she intends to continue both her academic and dance endeavours. Juliana has participated in conventions like The View and Acrobatique and enjoys teaching dance, climbing, and choreographing in her free time.
Emily Losier
(She/They)
Emily Losier is an emerging dance artist and graduate of the University of Calgary’s BFA program with a Major in Dance and a Minor in English (summa cum laude, 2022). Emily has danced and trained internationally with Nuova Officina della Danza in Italy, and nationally with Corps Bara Dance Theatre, HealingMOVES, W&M Physical Theatre, TRAction, and Public Welcome. Emily has staged contemporary dance work for Arts Commons, Springboard Fluid Festival (Redux Series, Physical Therapy Cabaret), and IGNITE! Festival (site-specific, interdisciplinary). Emily is an independent artist and collaborator and is excited to join Ballet Bodies YYC In Motion III this season.
Jaidyn Bloemraad
(She/Her)
Jaidyn Bloemraad is a second-year student at the University of Calgary, pursuing a combined degree in Dance and Kinesiology. With a strong foundation in competitive dance from a young age, Jaidyn has gained extensive experience in various styles, including Contemporary, Tap, Lyrical, Jazz, Acro, and Ballet. Her passion for dance has opened doors for her to perform across Canada and even as far as Greece, earning awards that have shaped her into a versatile and well-rounded dancer. Grateful for the mentorship of dedicated professionals, Jaidyn’s love for dance extends beyond performing; she is passionate about choreography, teaching, and inspiring children to cultivate their own love for dance. She remains deeply connected to dance through her studies and teaching practice and is excited to perform with Ballet Bodies YYC for the first time!
Mikaela Widdup
(She/Her)
Mikaela Widdup is an emerging dance artist and current undergraduate student at the University of Calgary studying Dance and Sociology. She began her foundational dance training at Footworks Dance Academy in her hometown in Northern Alberta. She then continued her dance training at York University in Toronto, where she was immersed in the dance community and participated in several artistic collaborations. Mikaela has completed her ballet exams with the Royal Academy of Dance as well as Acrobatic Arts and Spectacle Blue Aerial Arts. Mikaela has recently completed professional Jazz training with DJD and has also trained with artists in Vancouver, New York, and Los Angeles. She currently works as an independent artist and enjoys sharing her passion by teaching at various studios throughout the city.