Introducing the Amazing Eight

Introducing Made in BC's network of Dance Outreach Coordinators!
This stellar team from around the province creates tailor-made dance outreach activities, such as workshops, residencies, talk-backs and other initiatives that fit the unique communities where they live. We’ll be hearing from them on this blog throughout the year, so we've asked each coordinator to send a photo and bio as an introduction!

Anna-Marie Carstens, Kitimat
"I took recreational ballet lessons as a child in South Africa, but I am not a dancer. I have always been passionate about dance as an art form and I enjoy sharing this passion with others as a dance outreach coordinator. I think it is very important that children should see and appreciate contemporary dance, therefore I try to create dance opportunities through workshops in local schools and the community. I feel strongly that dance should be a part of every child's education. A few workshops sponsored by Made in BC - Dance on Tour in order to promote contemporary dance even grew into a small "dance school" in Kitimat. When children want to see a dance performance, they bring their parents too and that is how we build audiences."

Miriam Colvin, Smithers
Miriam is an independent dance artist based out of Smithers, BC. She works to integrate dance in its many forms into community; collaborating to make meaningful art with dancers, visual artists, musicians and people who just love to move. Working as the MiBC Dance Outreach Coordinator has inspired her to scheme creatively to invite her community to engage with contemporary dance in new ways.

Margaret Gobie, Kelowna
Margaret received a BFA in performance from the University of Alberta, and quickly moved behind the scenes as a director and producer of live theatre. She has worked across the country and is an avid fan of theatre, dance and film. She currently works in Public Programs at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna, programming the theatre, education and outreach aspects of the Centre.

Anna Haltrecht, Salt Spring Island (Photo by David Borrowman)
Anna has been dancing all her life and teaching dance and movement for over 35 years. She has been active with the Salt Spring dance community since her arrival on the island in 1986, and is always busy calling people's attention to Dance On Salt Sping including the many Made in BC events & the popular “Lobby Dancers”.




Jewel Jerstad, Prince Rupert
Jewel was born and raised in Prince Rupert and is actively involved with many aspects of the Arts community.





Cailea Lorette, Prince Rupert
Cailea Lorette has been involved in the Arts since she was 3 years old, as a performer and currently as a modern dance advocate. "I believe that deep down, everyone urns to be artistic and creative and its become my job to figure out how to tap into that."



Helene McGall, Courtenay
Helene McGall has been proud to work with MIBC since its inception. Working with the outstanding leadership of Deb Renz, Sid Williams Theatre Manager, the Comox Valley has hosted contemporary dance workshops, seminars, talk back sessions, open sessions, and developed a blog, not to mention ongoing local Shaw TV interviews and newspaper advertising.

Lisa McLeod, Terrace
Born and raised in Terrace, Lisa’s family was one of the first to settle the Skeena Valley town. Her love of the arts and dance has grown as her daughters have grown, dancing, singing and participating in Musical Theatre. Facilitating performance arts through community involvement has become a very rewarding and enriching part of her life.