Katie Simpson - Royal Winnipeg Ballet - 2nd Soloist

"Before joining the Royal Winnipeg Ballet school full-time in grade 7, I discovered my love for dance at Stages School of Dance. I took classes here for seven years, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, hip hop & company. 


Throughout those years I formed amazing friendships through numerous classes, competitions, year end shows and trips, notably including a trip to New York City to see Broadway shows and take classes from Broadway performers. This experience with Stages led me to my deciding moment of pursuing my passion. While standing in a dance studio at Juilliard, at only the age of 8, I first expressed my desire to be a professional dancer. 


There were many instructors over the years that not only taught me dance, but also helped instil in me discipline, patience, perseverance, camaraderie and artistry that continues to be a foundation that I utilize to this day, as a professional dancer with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.


I would highly recommend Stages school of dance to any young people who may be interested in trying dance classes. For me it was not only a fun and rewarding after school activity but ended up being a springboard to an exciting career!


I would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Sheri, Miss Sally, and all of the other teachers that I worked with throughout the years for allowing me to express myself through the art of dance, and more specifically ballet, and helping me to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a professional dancer."


- Katie Simpson

Katie Simpson - Image Belongs to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Martina Loesch - Stages Dancer and Company Member since 2014

 "I like dancing with Stages school of Dance because they’ve given me the opportunity to embrace my dancing skills and the arts.

I’ve learned so much from all my dance teachers and I’m grateful for all their hard work, when it comes to making dance fun for everyone. Stages gave me the opportunity to express myself through movement and I enjoy it with all my heart."

- Martina Loesch


    "Stages has and always will be my home away from home. I danced at Stages from 5 years old, until 15. I was blessed with ten beautiful years under the guidance of Miss Sheri Green. She facilitated a space where dancers become family, the studio becomes a home, and where dance becomes your passion.

   My training there was the best I have experienced in my whole career, and set me up to succeed. I continued to become a professional dancer as I teach at studios, and dance with two companies in Calgary Alberta - Encorps Dance Collective and Ballet Bodies YYC.

   I cannot express enough gratitude towards Sheri, the teachers at Stages, and my fellow dancers as they shaped me into who I am. What is special about Stages is the community we have. I know that I can reach out and have support from the instructors and students whenever, sharing and helping one another.
 
 Some of my favorite memories are when we did competitions. Doing solos gave me a sense of individuality and creativity through movement. I love the attention to detail that Miss Sheri always has when it comes to the dance pieces. She makes everyone feel and look good in their dancing. I try to embody this when I teach my own students. I am a lucky dancer to have been taught at Stages, it is a rare thing to find such a supportive space in the dance world."

- Chantelle Marlatt, Encorps Dance Collective

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