Dance has been a part of my life since I was 11, taking kids hiphop classes in Toronto until I graduated highschool. My dance journey continued at university in Kelowna, where I joined the Latin Dance Club and got my first taste of salsa, bachata, and rueda de casino. I loved it so much that I joined the student board of directors in 2012, and began teaching both as a lead and a follow in 2013 when I was elected president. While my passion has shifted now to kizomba and urbankiz, I still teach Latin dance classes and joyfully partake in Latin dance socials.

Kizomba came into my life when salsa+bachata festivals in western Canada began having small kizomba floors and bringing in a few instructors in the early 2010's. I dabbled, but it wasn't really until the late 2010's that I really started connecting fully with the dance and the music. I feel that these dances are incredible and magical in that they can join two people in the most intimate way, yet the moments (although not the memories) are ephemeral and can simply just be a dance.

I had been accustomed to leading Latin dances, so it was only natural I began leading kizomba and urbankiz. Having the opportunity to be creative with interpreting the music and guiding the conversation of these dances with my partners is super fun. And I believe wholeheartedly that dance should be fun no matter what! I have been a taxi dancer for the Victoria International Kizomba Festival, attended festivals across Canada, and some in the United States. It's a great way to meet people from all over the world!

What's also important is for community leaders and instructors to provide safe spaces for dancers, whether that's on a dance floor, in a community group chat, or in a conversation. My leadership role with the university club lead to my desire to get involved with the SBK non-profit organization in Kelowna. I was on the board for 6 years, sitting as president for two of them. While I have now passed on the organizing torch to others, I continue to teach, volunteer, and actively participate in nurturing the community that turned me into the dancer that I am today.