I Believe

Michelle's lifelong passion for dance began in her hometown in Southern California, where she trained extensively in various dance styles, focusing primarily on the Vaganova method of classical ballet. After performing with several regional companies in California, an injury led her to pivot her career. She channeled her expertise in Jazz, Tap, Modern, and Vocal Music into a new path, spending the next decade dancing across the United States and Europe. Among her most cherished experiences were her five years as a Radio City Rockette, performing in Equity productions such as The Will Rogers Follies and Annie Get Your Gun, and working as a fire-eater alongside Penn & Teller in Las Vegas. Michelle also performed in a unique specialty act blending pas de deux and acrobatics. This was her most treasured role, as it introduced her to her husband, a former professional singer.

Since joining the Youth Ballet in 2008, Michelle has become a cornerstone of the organization, stepping into the role of Artistic Director in 2013. She also serves on the Board of Directors as treasurer for DACI Canada. Michelle remains deeply committed to expanding her knowledge, sharing the joy of dance, and inspiring young dancers to pursue their dreams. She is forever grateful for the unwavering support of her husband and their two sons.

Nona graduated from the U of R in 1984 with a BFA in Theatre, focusing on performance.  After graduation she performed at The Globe and was a member of their School Tour.   She also performed at Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon and as a member of a Persephone musical tour.  After marrying her husband who was a member of the RCMP, she realized that performance was not a realistic future, so she went back to the U of R and completed her B.Ed in the newly formed Arts Ed. program.  She taught high school in Saskatchewan and  Manitoba and then landed her dream job in Ottawa teaching high school drama.  She is very proud of the many successful plays and musicals that she directed. Singing has always been a very big part of her life and despite being behind the scenes for many years she is thrilled to be able to collaborate with her beautiful daughter-in-law in “I Believe”.