Olivia was one of our Volunteer Dance Education Assistants, working with our Education Manager to organize student applications, send acceptance letters, and coordinate our summer programs admissions. 'I really enjoyed volunteering with BJC because it allowed me to be working in a dance environment.'
Olivia has quite a longstanding relationship with dance, having begun her ballet training at age 4. 'I was exposed to many different dance styles such as jazz, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, pointe, and Russian Ballet.' After completing high school, she attended Concordia University in Montreal and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance. While in Montreal, Olivia had the opportunity to choreograph for and perform in the Bouge D'ici dance festival in 2011 and 2012.
When asked to describe herself, Olivia says 'I like to be busy and always have something to do.' Her work schedule is a testament to this busybody temperament - she performs and works with TDC Entertainment and teaches youth dance and fitness classes with You Got Dance. In addition to her dance work, she recently launched her own knitwear business, Knit 1 Purl 2 - Handmade Designs by Olivia. While the city deals with heat waves this summer, Olivia's mind will be fully winterized: 'This summer I plan to knit as many scarves, headbands, and accessories that I can.'
Olivia is moving onto a position with Canadian Children's Dance Theatre. We thank her for all the hard work she has done for us and we wish her the very best in her new role.