Dancing with the Stars
There are a lot of things I can do to push myself out of my comfort zone, but Latin dancing is my first pick for sure. Performing and dancing have a soft spot in my heart and I will always have the fondest memories of ballet – but when the opportunity came up to choose a style of dance that I was completely unfamiliar with, I immediately grabbed it, because I love a challenge!
When I was younger, I spent 15 years training in classical ballet. I then went on to graduate from Cegep Montmorency with a degree in dance. Dance is such a beautiful way to express yourself, move your body and keep active – I think that’s why now, as an adult and mom of 3, I will always find time to work out, exercise, go out and dance the night away – it’s just in my DNA. I need to move.
In my early 20s I did a 4-year stint as a cheerleader for the Alouettes. Rigorous training and a lot of wear ‘n tear on the body, but again, I just loved dancing so it was probably the best job I ever had! I thought that with my extensive ballet and dance background, learning the Cha Cha would be a cinch, but holy! One does not relate to the other… at all!
I am dancing the Cha Cha with the professional Latin dancer Vincent Corriveau. I am performing for the non-profit Just for Kids Foundation to benefit the Montreal Children’s Hospital. So many friends and acquaintances have danced for Dancing with the Stars in the past and they all say the experience was incredible and so far it’s been super fun. Even though I had sprained my ankle a couple months ago and had to slow down on the rehearsals, I get in the groove instantly when I hear the music or walk through the moves in my head.
Dancing to raise money for the Children’s Hospital is super meaningful to me. I remember when my daughter was born, we spent a lot of time at the hospital because of her Hip Dysplasia. She had to wear a harness for 23 hours of every day for a few months (we only took it off for bath time!). She was always cranky about it, and honestly, it was really hard as a first-time mom to do so many of the ordinary things like breastfeeding or whatever, but the hospital staff and doctors were so helpful.
Also, while I was pregnant, the doctor found Hydronephrosis grade 3 inn her kidneys during an ultrasound. While she was in-utero it was small, but once I gave birth, it increased in size. She had a test done, she was treated, and she is now, as you all know, healthy and thriving. At each hospital visit, I remember looking around and counting my blessings – my daughter was healthy and would be fine, but some of the cases I saw… well, I am just so grateful.
When my second daughter was only 2 months old, she was hospitalized for a week because she got Meningitis. Thank goodness we found it in time, because with Meningitis, even the difference of a few hours can save a life. We spent 7 nights and days by her bedside, praying and again counting my blessings that the staff and doctors at the hospital take such great care to tend to our children. There are even volunteers who go to the hospital to hold crying babies for those parents who work or have other siblings to take care of at home. It’s incredible.
With a family of three young kids, there have been no shortage of hospital visits. Between pneumonias and other minor incidents, we’ve had our fair share. Most recently with my youngest – an intense and traumatic code-red experience, and again, just watching how amazing the staff are and how much love and care they give to the children, but also to the parents – it’s truly incredible!
My love of dance probably makes up for a tiny portion of why I am excited to take part in Dancing with the Stars. The real reason is because I want to pay back all the support our family has received from such an incredible institution. I am so happy to be a part of the DWTS family and raise funds for our very own Montreal Children’s Hospital.
On February 3rd, please come show your support and cheer me on at the JFK Dancing With the Stars fundraiser- get your VIP tickets here! I would love to have you there to honour this meaningful cause.
If you are unable to make it but would like to support Just For Kinds Foundation, click here to learn more… and donate!
Photography by Patricia Brochu