My movement journey began at the age of five with my first ballet class. Throughout my youth, I immersed myself in various dance styles including ballet, tap, and hip hop but my main love was competitive jazz, which I danced until age 16. In 2007, I discovered pole dancing where I quickly fell in love with the Classique style and was introduced to floorwork. . My adoration for both styles afforded me the opportunity to work as a Feature Performer Dancer from 2014 -2017 and though nowhere near the level I once was while dancing professionally full time, I still enjoy pole and especially floorwork. Following my retirement from full-time feature dancing in 2017, I embraced burlesque. This radically accepting, intersectional, feminist art form has reshaped my understanding of community, and joy through movement. Sharing myself on stage and celebrating my body has been transformative. Appreciating how my body moves and takes up space has brought new joy to movement for me. Watching other performers do the same has been equally inspiring, reaffirming how movement nourishes both body and soul. Beyond my passion for dance and movement, I have a deep love of learning. In June 2020, I graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts Double Honours in Psychology and Philosophy. However, like many others, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted my life’s course. Instead of pursuing further studies in a PhD or law degree as planned, I reevaluated my path and found solace once again in movement. During this time of change, movement became a stabilizing force in my life. In 2021, I earned my Spin Instructor Certification, followed by certifications in Barre, Pumped Up Fitness, and Advanced Spin. Today, I am a certified fitness instructor through CanFitPro, specializing in spin (Level I and II with AIT), barre (BarreAbove), and strength training (PumpedUpFitness). I am also a Certified Personal Training Specialist, a Healthy Eating Coach, and Fascial Movement Specialist. But through it all I remain deeply involved in the burlesque community, continuously training with instructors across North America and performing here and there. My vision for BodyJoy Wellness is inspired by my teachers and mentors in academia, fitness, dance and burlesque. My greatest hope is to share the joy and transformative power of movement with you and as many people as I can. Let's share some joy!