50p
Inspiration is a Ms Staples' Staple
What would Svetlana do? a sign asks us dancers, as we walk into the dance studio. Signifying work ethic, Svetlana Zakharova acts as an inspiration for the dancers; whether striving to master our triple pirouettes, stretching vigorously until all three splits are achieved, or even just improving our technique, Svetlana reigns the classroom. There are many more dancers on the Dance Wall of Fame — Martha Graham (Modern), Possesum Paul (Indigenous), Willi Ninja (Hip Hop), Harper Watters (Ballet) - and they all symbolize different incentives, ultimately adding to the energy of the studio. This energy is fueled by inspiration, exploration and motivation thanks to the wall, but more importantly, thanks to a new member of the Brentwood staff: Dance Teacher, Ms Amy Staples.
The wall was started by Ms Staples in order to “show many different styles and ethnicities in reference to dance”. Ms Staples goes on to explain that “ballet, contemporary and jazz is not the only focal point on the board as I believe it is a form of systemic racism to view and promote European styles of dance as the most important because many cultures have many styles of dance equally as valuable and enriching”. This progressive outlook on dance sparks a unique atmosphere of diversity and passion for growth and learning in the dance studio.
Starting in Lethbridge, Alberta, Ms Staples has had an impressive professional dance career training at Royal Winnipeg Ballet, OSDI, and Ballet Victoria. Additionally, she has worked for Ballet Victoria, Lamondance in North Vancouver, and she will be performing with Danceborne Arts in Melbourne, Australia this summer. We have the pleasure of welcoming her into the Brentwood community where she explains that her focus is to “not only teach dancing to the students at Brentwood, but to teach the students to appreciate and understand dance as an art form”.
Dancers are fully aware and pleased of the positive changes that Ms Staples has integrated into the dance program at Brentwood. “Miss Staples has focussed on pushing each dancer uniquely to better our technique and challenge us with new styles and forms of dance” commented Blanca G, Allard ‘21. The Assistant Dance Captain goes on to express her gratitude for “the new experiences and changes”. Dance Captain Alice S adds that “Miss Staples' background of being a professional dancer while going to University has inspired us to work hard in and out of the studio.”
During all the busyness of Brentwood, I have found dance to be a space of peace within chaos; it’s a place where I feel grounded, liberated and encouraged. When I need that extra push to sustain my grit, I look up at the wall asking myself, like Ms Staples: What would Svetlana do? I stare at the plethora of dancers on the wall who achieved excellence, awed at their pointed toes, stage presence, and originality. Then, finally, I turn to look at the inspiration before me, teaching my dance class.
Zosia S, Hope ‘21
The wall was started by Ms Staples in order to “show many different styles and ethnicities in reference to dance”. Ms Staples goes on to explain that “ballet, contemporary and jazz is not the only focal point on the board as I believe it is a form of systemic racism to view and promote European styles of dance as the most important because many cultures have many styles of dance equally as valuable and enriching”. This progressive outlook on dance sparks a unique atmosphere of diversity and passion for growth and learning in the dance studio.
Starting in Lethbridge, Alberta, Ms Staples has had an impressive professional dance career training at Royal Winnipeg Ballet, OSDI, and Ballet Victoria. Additionally, she has worked for Ballet Victoria, Lamondance in North Vancouver, and she will be performing with Danceborne Arts in Melbourne, Australia this summer. We have the pleasure of welcoming her into the Brentwood community where she explains that her focus is to “not only teach dancing to the students at Brentwood, but to teach the students to appreciate and understand dance as an art form”.
Dancers are fully aware and pleased of the positive changes that Ms Staples has integrated into the dance program at Brentwood. “Miss Staples has focussed on pushing each dancer uniquely to better our technique and challenge us with new styles and forms of dance” commented Blanca G, Allard ‘21. The Assistant Dance Captain goes on to express her gratitude for “the new experiences and changes”. Dance Captain Alice S adds that “Miss Staples' background of being a professional dancer while going to University has inspired us to work hard in and out of the studio.”
During all the busyness of Brentwood, I have found dance to be a space of peace within chaos; it’s a place where I feel grounded, liberated and encouraged. When I need that extra push to sustain my grit, I look up at the wall asking myself, like Ms Staples: What would Svetlana do? I stare at the plethora of dancers on the wall who achieved excellence, awed at their pointed toes, stage presence, and originality. Then, finally, I turn to look at the inspiration before me, teaching my dance class.
Zosia S, Hope ‘21