Biographies for Participating Artists. on the MOVE conference—28 January 2011
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Shannon Litzenberger is a Toronto-based dance artist, writer, director and arts
advocate. She holds a BFA in dance from Ryerson University and an MA from York
University. In her 10+ years as a professional artist, she has worked with some of
Canada’s most dynamic voices including David Earle, Michael Greyeyes, DA Hoskins,
Susie Burpee, Heidi Strauss and David Pressault, among others. Currently, she is
collaborating with award-winning choreographer and director Marie-Josée Chartier on
the creation of a new work on the theme of ‘Home’.As a writer and advocate, her work in
arts policy has contributed significantly to shaping sector-wide advocacy strategies and
policy positions on behalf of the arts and culture community. She is the former Executive
Director of the Canadian Dance Assembly, and a founding member of Canada’s
Performing Arts Alliance. In 2010, she was named the first-ever Metcalf Arts Policy
Fellow.
She is the author of the blog ‘The Arts Policy Diaries’.
www.shannonlitzenberger.com <http://www.shannonlitzenberger.com/>
EMERGING ARTISTS PANEL
Amanda Acorn
Amanda Acorn is a contemporary dance artist, based in Toronto. She is the co-founder of
the Toronto Dance Community Love-In, an organization offering training and advocating
for artists in the community. She is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing
Arts and The School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s Professional Training Program.
Supplementing her professional training, Amanda has pursued a diverse path, training
with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, an independent study in Montreal in 2005, in Europe at
the Impulstanz Festival in Vienna and with anoukvandijk dc, in Amsterdam. For the last
three years, Amanda has been busy collaborating and performing with the collective,
Octamerous, alongside colleagues Emily Law and Brodie Stevenson. She has performed
as a part of the DSW Dance Lab in Calgary for choreographers Helen Husak and Jason
Stroh. Upcoming interpretive projects include work with Susie Burpee, Helen Husak and
Julia Male. Amanda has performed in several dance films and music videos for Katie
Stelmanis and Tegan and Sara.
Ryan Lee
Independent Dance Artist Ryan Lee was born and trained in London, Ontario. Ryan
graduated from Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Dance,
under the direction of Nadia Potts. He has been fortunate to have the opportunity to
work with renowned choreographers; Emily Molnar, Stepĥen Pier, Tino Segal, Robert
Glumbek, Roberto Camaplella, Meneka Thakker, Darryl Tracey, D.A Hoskins, Darcey
Callision. Ryan has also been able to work with such companys as Proartedanza,
Toronto Dance Theater, Keaja d'Dance, Anandum, Larchaud Dance Project and The
Chimera Project. Ryan is an in demand teacher throughout the Greater Toronto
Area and his work as a choreographer has taken him to Western Canada and parts of
Northern Ontario.
Biographies for Participating Artists. on the MOVE conference—28 January 2011
Ofilio Portillo
Actor, dancer, and choreographer Ofilio “Sinbadinho” Portillo is the artistic director of
street dance company Gadfly .His talent and drive led him into landing lead roles in
feature films “Turn The Beat Around”,“Beat The World” as well as working in the movie
“Camp Rock 2” along side The Jonas Brothers. He can be seen in commercials for Virgin
Mobile and WarChild foundation. He worked as assistant choreographer in the hit TV
show “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”. He has performed on stages
internationally and worked with artists such as Kreesha Turner, Feist, and Jully Black. He
has showcased his skills on many of the aspects that a dancer may aspire. Yet, he is more
thankful for the experiences and people he has encountered. Now he sets himself into a
mission to share his talent, energy and mindset to inspire others to dream, believe and
achieve.
Krista Posyniak
Born in Kamloops, BC, Krista Posyniak dove into the dance world at age four. After
intensively studying ballet with Ballet Ouest in Montreal and Paula Groulx in Edmonton,
she entered the Professional Training Program at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre.
She performed and taught workshops as a member of flux, a graduate outreach project for
elementary and secondary students, developed by The School. Krista has been an
assistant and teacher for the Young Dancers’ Program at the School of Toronto Dance
Theatre since 2005. Krista had the privilege of working with gifted choreographers Tedd
Robinson and Susie Burpee at la B.A.R.N. in August 2009. As an independent Toronto
dance artist, she has performed in works by Mor Bar-Zakai, Susie Burpee, Jennifer
Dallas, Jasmine Graham, Kate Nankervis, Eroca Nicols and random acts of dance. Krista
co-founded The Creative Republic, a collective generating performance opportunities for
artists in Toronto.
Apolonia Velasquez
Originally from Montreal, Apolonia’s dance training and passion for different dance
styles has allowed her to be part of several stage and commercial projects. She was
featured in commercials for So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Bell, Nike and
Virgin Mobile. She has also worked on stage and in music videos along artists such as
Katy Perry, Shawn Desman, Massari, Eva Avila, Cory Lee, Thunderheist and Denosh.
She has performed, battled, and competed internationally. Renowned for her stage
presence, freestyle skills and versatility she also stands out for her unique choreography.
As Artisitc Director of Canada’s first contemporary urban dance company she brings
together a carefully crafted blend of contemporary and urban dance influences. She is a
passionate dancer, choreographer, and educator, thankful to have learned and exchanged
with some of the most trust worthy professionals out there, and is eager to share her
knowledge and savoir-faire with others.
Biographies for Participating Artists. on the MOVE conference—28 January 2011
NETWORKING LUNCH WITH ESTABLISHED ARTISTS
Nova Bhattacharya (Performing and Interpreting)
Dancer, choreographer, teacher, writer and consultant Nova Bhattacharya trained in
bharatanatyam with Menaka Thakkar. She was a member of Menaka Thakkar and
Company appearing as a soloist and company member for many national and
international tours. Since embarking on an independent career she has appeared in the
works of a number of companies including Peggy Baker Dance Projects, Kaeja d’Dance
and Fujiwara Dance Inventions. In 2008 she established Ipsita Nova Dance Projects, the
company’s repertoire includes creations from Bhattacharya, Peggy Baker, Mika
Kurosawa, Dana Gingras, José Navas, Menaka Thakkar and Laurence Lemieux.
Bhattacharya’s choreography has been commissioned by the Canada Dance Festival,
Cahoots Theatre Projects, Dusk Dances, Toronto Dance Theatre’s Four at the Winch and
Theatre Direct Canada. An impassioned advocate for dance Bhattacharya is currently cochair of the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, serves on the advisory of the South
Asian Dance Alliance and is the Chair of the Toronto Arts Council Dance Committee.
Shawn Byfield (Financing Your Work)
Shawn Byfield has the distinction of receiving a Dora Award for his expert dance
choreography in "i think i can" (LKTYP) Recently, Byfield had the honour of being
nominated for a Gemini Award. He is a veteran of TV & film; an internationally
renowned tap dance & hip hop dance instructor and Owner and Director of Byfield
Dance Experience (BDX) in Toronto. A few film and TV credits include: Turn The Beat
Around, HAIRSPRAY, Blues Brothers 2000, Taal, Bojangles, Confessions of a Teenage
Drama Queen, The Music Man, The Juno Awards, Slings & Arrows, Royal Canadian Air
Farce, Instant Star; and commercials for Best Buy, The Bay, Got Milk, Rogers Video,
Zellers, Rogers On Demand, McDonalds and Joe Fresh. Byfield has a 20 year history of
teaching master classes across Canada, in Israel and the UK, and now offers inspiring
classes
for
beginner
adults
to
professional
dancers
in
Toronto.
(http://www.ShawnByfield.com)
Janet Castillo (Working Abroad)
Janet L. Castillo is a multi-talented choreographer, performer, instructor and
entrepreneur. Her vigorous training and work has taken her from Toronto to NYC, LA,
and Europe. Passionate about her craft and making a difference through movement and
dance, Janet’s fire and energy inspires and touches audiences around the world.
Highlighted television and film appearances include “SYTYCD” Las Vegas finalist
Season 3, “Making it Big, The Latin Grammy’s, The Drop, Jammx Kids TV Special,
Take the Lead, Honey, Dance Moves, and the Toronto Show. She has worked with
superstars Jennifer Lopez, Christina Milian, Jojo, Queen Latifah, Cedric the Entertainer,
Hip Hop Legend Kurtis Blow, Canadian Idol ‘Gary Beals’ and more. She has been
featured in projects for Much Music, MTV, Macy’s, The Bay, MAC Cosmetics, and Asia
Entertainment. Along with her entertainment credits, Janet is the Founder and Co-Artistic
Director of Catalyst the Company, a fresh Toronto dance company showcasing an
eclectic taste of movement. In May 2010, they self-produced their show "The 5th
Element" and raised money for Free the Children Artsbound Initiative. The 5th Element
Biographies for Participating Artists. on the MOVE conference—28 January 2011
will be showcasing in the Fringe Festival in July 2011. Along with her partner Natasha
Powell, she has created Catalyst Bootcamp, a unique program geared towards assisting
aspiring professional dancers to reach for their ultimate dreams.
Check out
www.catalystthecompany.com
Ray Hogg (Agents and Commercial Work)
Ray Hogg received his formal training at Ryerson University Theatre School’s Dance
Program. Upon leaving Ryerson, Ray joined the Danny Grossman Dance Company,
performing as a soloist in most of their award-winning repertoire. In 1999 Ray joined
CORPUS, with whom he toured Canada, Europe and cable TV (4 Square) as the
immensely popular Captain Krankovitch (a role he created for them in 1999). After
spending five years as a concert dancer, Ray decided to embrace his first love - musical
theatre. He moved to Stuttgart Germany to perform as Plato/MacAvity in Andrew Lloyd
Webber’s Cats, and has since appeared in such shows as: Kiss me Kate, Jesus Christ
Superstar, Dreamgirls, Seussical, The Producers, Evita and for the Stratford Festival,
Oklahoma, South Pacific, and most notably My One and Only. Ray has also been on the
dance faculty at George Brown College teaching Modern, Jazz and Performance
repertoire since 2004.
Michelle DeBrouwer (Teaching)
Michelle De Brouwer was first introduced to formal dance training at the town hall of the
farming community Ridgetown Ontario. Since jumping into her first ballet class at 3 yrs
old Michelle has not stopped dancing. She graduated from the University of Waterloo
with an Honours Degree in Dance. Michelle then cut off her bun and moved to Toronto
to continue her dance training at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Michelle is a
certified teacher with a teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance. Currently
she is studying for her teacher certification with the Society of Russian Ballet. Michelle is
an enthusiastic dance educator. She has taught in various studios and schools throughout
Toronto and for the past 8 years she has taught workshops in several public schools for
the National Ballet Company’s outreach program. Michelle is thrilled to be the founder
and director her own dance school - Swansea School of Dance for the past 10 years.
Shannon Litzenberger (Associated Careers)
Shannon Litzenberger is a Toronto-based dance artist, writer, director and arts advocate.
She holds a BFA in dance from Ryerson University and an MA from York University. In
her 10+ years as a professional artist, she has worked with some of Canada’s most
dynamic voices including David Earle, Michael Greyeyes, DA Hoskins, Susie Burpee,
Heidi Strauss and David Pressault, among others. Currently, she is collaborating with
award-winning choreographer and director Marie-Josée Chartier on the creation of a new
work on the theme of ‘Home’. As a writer and advocate, her work in arts policy has
contributed significantly to shaping sector-wide advocacy strategies and policy positions
on behalf of the arts and culture community. She is the former Executive Director of the
Canadian Dance Assembly, and a founding member of Canada’s Performing Arts
Alliance. In 2010, she was named the first-ever Metcalf Arts Policy Fellow. She is the
Biographies for Participating Artists. on the MOVE conference—28 January 2011
author of the blog ‘The Arts Policy Diaries’. www.shannonlitzenberger.com
<http://www.shannonlitzenberger.com/>
William Yong (Creating and Producing)
William Yong was trained at the London Contemporary Dance School in England and
was admitted to the Master of Arts with distinction. In the last year of his MA study, he
was sent alone for his secondment to study with the Nederlands Dans Theatre 1 in the
Netherlands. Previous dance companies he worked with included Wayne McGregor's
Random Dances, Matthew Bourne’s Adventure in Motion Pictures, Toronto Dance
Theatre, CORPUS, Theatre Rusticle, Fila 13 and many others independent
choreographers. William has performed in eleven dance films including his latest film 'To
Fly or Fall' directed by Kathi Prosser. He was also profiled in an episode of the Bravo TV
documentary ‘Freedom’ as a choreographer. Currently William is the artistic director and
choreographer of Zata Omm Dance Projects (www.zataomm.org). Zata Omm's latest
production Frames was premiered at the Enwave Theatre in Toronto. William is a
double Dora Mavor Moore Award nominee. His 2009 nomination was for 'Outstanding
New Choreography' for Frames. Zata Omm is working on two new productions Eight
Ways From Mara and SKOW that will be premiered in 2011.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Elizabeth Chitty (Contracting and Professional Standards)
CADA-ON Executive Director Elizabeth Chitty has 35 years experience as an arts
professional and has directed arts service organizations at the national, provincial and
regional levels. She has worked in policy development or arts management in artist-run
centres and provincial and municipal governments. She was amongst the earliest
graduates of the Dance Department of York University and has a Certificate in
Alternative Dispute Resolution. She taught Creative Process at The School of the Toronto
Dance Theatre from 1991-2007 where she developed a pedagogy influenced by her work
as a facilitator and instituted the Choreographic Workshops. She has many published
texts, most recently in Caught in the Act: Canadian Women in Performance 1970-90,
published by YYZ Editions. She continues an interdisciplinary art practice and is
performing text and video with a commissioned chamber music work composed by Rose
Bolton and presented by Gallery Players of Niagara in January 2011.
Keith Davidson (Contracting and Professional Standards)
Keith Davidson is the Business Rep. Manager for Canadian Actor’s Equity Association.
Keith is a long-time employee of Equity and after a number of years as Business Rep.
Manager he assumed the role of Director of Business Rep. Services in the summer of
2010. Keith has negotiated and administered many of Equity's agreements including the
Alberta Ballet Agreement, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Agreement, the National Ballet
Agreement and the Canadian Dance Policy. He continues to work on Equity's dance
portfolio as well as supervising the Business Representative Department of Equity.
Biographies for Participating Artists. on the MOVE conference—28 January 2011
David Hope (Money Matters)
David Hope is the Executive Director of The Actors’ Fund of Canada. Prior to joining the
Actors’ Fund as Executive Director, David was Development Co-ordinator for the Arts
Foundation of Greater Toronto. His background in campus and community radio
includes stints as Station Manager at University of Toronto Community Radio, board
member of the National Campus and Community Radio Association and Administrator
of the Radio Access Network of People with Disabilities. David has served as a
consultant to the Black Film and Video Network. In 1995 he travelled to Côte d’Ivoire,
West Africa as a volunteer with Canadian Crossroads International’s cultural exchange
program. He has been a mediator and trainer with St. Stephen’s Community House
Conflict Resolution Service and is a Certified General Accountant.
Sarah Lochhead (Networking Your Connections)
Sarah Lochhead is the founder and Artistic Director of Simcoe Contemporary Dancers –
a professional dance company based in Simcoe County ON. She has performed
contemporary dance independently and with HNM Dance Company, the York University
Dance Ensemble, Menaka Thakkar Dance Company and Collective HEAT. Lochhead
studied dance at University College Chichester in England and is a graduate of York
University’s BFA honours dance program. She is also an active member of the Barrie
Arts & Culture Council and the Seasonal Programmer for recreational dance programs
for the City of Barrie.
Dwayne Stevenson (Contracting and Professional Standards)
Since joining the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA or Equity) in 2009,
Dwayne has worked as a Business Representative with a focus on Dance. With a
background that includes stints as a professional fire fighter, corporate communicator,
training and experience as a professional actor, Dwayne is quickly learning about the
unique challenges Canadian dance artists face.