Make An Impact: Challenge Yourself

From an early age, training and performance opportunities took Michael across North America,  including Las Vegas, Florida, San Diego, as well as internationally in Poland. He grew up training  in many styles of dance such as, Ballet (Vaganova Method), Jazz (ADAPT Syllabus), Tap (ADAPT Syllabus), Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, and Hip Hop. Michael was a graduate with honours  specializing in Dance from the Performing Arts Program at O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational  Institute, where he was immersed into creative process, composition, and improvisation. Later,  Michael went on to refine his training, and received an Advanced Diploma from The School of  Toronto Dance Theatre’s Professional Training Program, a conservatory education with a  concentration in contemporary, modern, and ballet dance styles. 

Michael has had the pleasure of dancing professionally with various companies such as, Opus  Dance Collective, Tiger Princess Dance Projects, Human Body Expression, and has performed in  many annual industry events including Toronto’s Choreographer’s Ball, Hit The Floor All-Star  Showcase, charitable events and fundraisers, fashion shows, multiple full length shows, virtual  concerts, corporate events, and many dance film and digital concept pieces. Michael has been  fortunate to work with prominent choreographers including; Peggy Baker, Michael Caldwell,  Roberto Campanella, Jeff Dimitriou, and Christopher House, as well as assist Rosemary James,  Ashley Schofield, and others. 

Currently Michael is a teacher with Kaeja d’Dance, and continues to lead creative residencies  and workshops in various school settings, ranging from Elementary and Secondary schools, to Post Secondary Educational Institutions such as Toronto Metropolitan University. Michael has presented his own choreographic work in festivals such as, SummerWorks Performance  

Festival, and has worked as assistant chorographer on events such as TKFW (Toronto Kids  Fashion Week). Michael has had the honour of choreographing for World Performers Canada, a  team that represents Canada at the Dance World Cup in Europe. He continues to guest  choreograph and teach at studios across the Greater Toronto Area, as well is on faculty at  conventions across Canada.  

Alongside being a highly sought-after dancer, teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator, Michael is also a signed model, and actor. Michael can be found in numerous magazines, and online  publications, as well has been featured in an art gallery, and on billboards internationally. His  film and television credits include numerous shows and commercials such as, Ginny and  Georgia on Netflix, Global News Morning Show, CAMH, and many others.  

Michael is thrilled to be joining the panel this weekend, and looks forward to sharing his  knowledge and passion for dance with each and every one of you!