Success Stories

We are happy to share the success of our former dancers. They have gone on to work with international companies such as "Holstebro Dansekompagni” (Holstebro, Denmark), “Batsheva Dance Company” (Israel), "São Paulo cia de dança" (Brazil), "Divinadança" (Brazil), "Nordhausen ballet" (Germany), "Theater Osnabrück" (Germany), "Halle Opera House" (Germany), "Grazer Oper" (Austria), "Tanzkompanie Der Oper Graz" (Germany), Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, "Wen Wei Dance" (Canada) and Gainesville Ballet (USA), 45 Degrees and Cirque du Soleil (Montreal) among others.

During my ongoing time at Lamondance, I’ve been given the space, environment and opportunities that have allowed me the ability to grow my own artistic desires as a dancer, and prepare me with technical abilities that will be required in my development for a career in the arts. Additionally, I find myself feeling very grateful that I have had the chance to participate in a prominent and established program that is close to home.

 During my third year, I have been presented with the privilege to work alongside the Lamondance professional company and the training program. This is allowing me to collaborate and create with other dancers who I admire as role models, as well as be a role model myself to new dancers in the program. Along with that, I am able to connect and network with other professionals in our community to open more doors in my career.

As my training comes to an end, I excitedly anticipate my career and the opportunities that may come my way.

With that, reflecting on my training, I have grown in my confidence, giving me the privilege to discover my own artistry and grow in many other aspects of my life.

 For me, Lamondance has rewarded me with skills and expertise that are beyond valuable, and will continue to shape me as a dancer, an artist and a person.

Paris Litnosky - Seasons 13, 14 & 15

Everyone talks about how amazing it is to work with Lamondance because it makes you an incredible professional, working with many amazing artists. And that’s true, but Lamondance is more than that, speaking from my experience: Lamondance has changed my life; it has elevated me in the field of contemporary dance. It has made me a skilled professional with a wealth of experience. It has shown me how important it is to understand others’ stories and admire how people tell their stories through their bodies. It’s hard to explain how the environment at Lamondance transforms us for the better. Today, I am a recognized teacher and choreographer in my country. I have taught classes in more than ten countries and judged at national and international festivals. With my work, I obtained the highest score at the World Ballet Competition in contemporary solo in 2022. I have had two choreographies invited to the final gala of the YAGP, and I have won the Excellence Award at Danzamerica. I always pass on everything I have learned at Lamondance. I am very grateful, and without a doubt, I know it was the best experience of my life.

Afonso Junior Gomes - Season 9 and 10

Photo by Isa Bianor

Throughout my two years at Lamondance, I grew so much as a dancer and really stepped my skills up to the next level. This is what helped get me to where I am now with the confidence to back it. During my training I received many great opportunities to work with so many amazing choreographers and teachers and I was able to learn so much from all of them. Lamon is truly unlike any other program and I am so grateful for everything it has taught me.
I am currently dancing professionally with Ballet Kelowna under the direction of Simone Orlando which has been amazing, and I know that without my two years at Lamon, this would not have been possible.   I highly recommend Lamondance to anyone looking to prepare themselves as a professional dancer.

Ashley Rabinovitch - Seasons 11 and 12

"It's funny how we look back and see how we have changed, learned, and grown in more than just movements, but also in how to behave in the dance world and in all possible environments in life. Lamondance changed my way of thinking, dancing, and my perspective on life. It was a challenge being there, and also the best moment of my life. Making friends and learning how to become a professional, not just as a dancer, but as a person, has made me the person that I am today, and is still shaping the person that I want to be in the future. Today in Brazil, my way of dancing inspires other people. Thank you, Lamondance, for three seasons of a lot of research and work with good professionals. I look forward to what is coming."

Paula Pacheco - Seasons 8, 9 and 10

My time at Lamondance opened my eyes to the world of dance and began to help me discover the artist I want to be. The faculty always reminded us we are constantly growing and changing. They gave me a family of like minded people, each one so kind and helpful, constantly pushing each other to explore movement and new ideas. Our directors, choreographers and teachers did more than they knew. They became our mentors and friends over the 2 years I was there. Creating such amazing connections and networks within the community that I will always be thankful for. Of course none of this would have been possible for me if I hadn't been so fortunate to receive the BIPOC Scholarship from Lamondance. It was the reason I was able to attend the program and continue my pursuit of dance. My time at Lamondance shaped me like no other, it was a very important chapter of my life. One I will always be thankful for. I am currently dancing professionally with Ballet Kelowna under the direction of Simone Orlando which has been amazing.

Mackye White - Seasons 12 & 13 | Contemporary Training Program