After auditioning and rehearsals for Le Grand Continental at the Luminato arts festival, it was time to start moving into performance mode. We had a beautiful night for our dress rehearsal. The sky was clear, the temperature comfortable and our energy could not be contained!

Because we were performing Le Grand Continental in a public space, our first time on the ‘stage’ at Nathan Phillips Square gave us an early taste of what it was like to share this dance with an audience.

I was incredibly lucky that the audience included my two sisters, Shannon and Suzie. They were there beaming at me from the stands and taking tons of pictures!

Our choreographer, Sylvain Emard, was pleased! We were ready for opening night. The experience was spectacular!

I will hold these moments and this experience in my heart forever. And if every the music comes on, I’m sure to jump into Funky” and “Caravan” without hesitation and smile knowingly at “Ima” and “Boogie.” Each number a mood that caresses my soul and reminds me of the power of Le Grand Continental – this summer, this city, this dance.