Student Profiles & Testimonials

	Joanie Audet Joanie discovered dance and theatre at Curé Antoine Labelle High School in Laval, Quebec. She subsequently completed the three year Professional Training Program at Le Conservatoire de Danse de Montréal and then moved to Toronto to attend the School. Joanie is known for her curiosity and engagement as a compelling improviser, her fearless dancing, wonderful performance qualities, and her great work ethic. She has been a dedicated volunteer assistant teacher for the children in the School’s Young Dancers’ Program. Read Joanie's full bio here.
	Freya Sargent Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A., Freya trained in ballet, contemporary jazz, flamenco, and classical voice before attending the School. Her curiosity and drive pushed her to also train at the Bates Dance Festival in 2009 and TransFormation in 2010. Freya is considered by faculty to be a sensitive improviser who grasps complex concepts, a strong and intelligent dancer with great energy and an articulate physique, and a superb mover. In Freya’s words, “I think it is wonderful that the School is focused on training contemporary dancers, but along the way, the program offered such a wealth of information I feel that I have developed skills that are applicable to more than just contemporary dance.”
	Jarrett Siddall Born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Jarrett trained in Ukrainian dance technique and in 2006 joined the renowned Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. He also trained and performed with Citie Ballet in Edmonton. To explore contemporary dance, he enrolled at the School and, immediately identified by faculty as “energetic, committed, and with the potential for a stellar career in dance”, was nominated for, and became the 2010 recipient of, the prestigious Hnatyshyn Foundation Developing Artist Grant in contemporary dance. The jury was impressed by his strong athleticism and ability to convey nuance and subtlety in exploring grace and emotion. Jarrett says of faculty at the School, “they push you and truly want you to succeed”.
	Sam Xu Sam grew up in Scarborough and Markham, Ontario, and began his early training in ballet and jazz at The Dance Institute. After completing the musical theatre program at Wexford Collegiate School, Sam discovered contemporary dance, and in 2004 he joined the Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre. At the School of TDT, Sam was noted for his energetic physicality, his great imagination, beautiful and powerful movement qualities, and his engaging presence. In Sam’s words, “The School allowed us to be expressive in our own ways. We weren’t afraid to share our opinions with teachers. The program is unique and rewarding and the School prepared me for the professional world”.

Check out some of our alumni profiles here.