Performance Dance: Post Grad with Millina Fletcher
Performance at The Creative School focuses on preparing our graduates with a range of skills they can use to succeed in any industry. For Performance Dance, students train in multiple forms of dance, including ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, West African, street styles and partnering. Additionally, students receive opportunities to collaborate and perform with highly acclaimed guest artists and arts organizations. With graduation on the horizon, we are focusing on the different paths our students take upon graduating.
This week upcoming Performance Dance grad Millina Fletcher shares some of her favourite moments from her time in the Dance program! 
One incredibly exciting prospect I'm looking forward to post-graduation is embarking on my virtual teacher training program starting this summer. Securing a spot in this part-time teaching program at the University of Ottawa has been a major achievement for me, as the program takes place in my mother tongue, French. Not only does this program match my passion for education, but it also offers me a stable path to meet the challenges of a career in dance. My goal is to teach in elementary schools once my dance career takes a step back, allowing me to pursue my passion for education alongside my dream of a dance career, while maintaining a sense of stability and accomplishment in both areas. I look forward to the journey ahead, taking advantage of the opportunities and experiences that await me!
Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh
My time at TMU has been a unique journey, marked by the challenges of starting the program during the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioning to a more normal school year in my third year. Despite the initial hurdles, I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with many choreographers who were so crucial to my evolution within the program. Hanna Kiel stands out as one of these formative figures, particularly memorable for her guidance and attention to detail during the process for my first live performance at TMU (pictured above and below). Her dedication to pushing each member of our group to excel resulted in a truly magnificent piece, and I am forever grateful for the experience.
In addition, the improvisation classes offered as part of our curriculum were undeniable highlights of my journey. The freedom and spontaneity of improvisation has always brought me immense joy and a deep sense of liberation. Perhaps what surprised me most during my time at TMU was the extent of self-discovery and artistic growth I experienced. While I initially felt limited by the notion of dance as my sole focus, I became aware of a deeper passion and connection with the art form. This revelation has given me new self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment, affirming that dance is a path that resonates with my true self and brings me true happiness as I have progressed through the program.
I have a deep love for dance, far beyond what I had originally imagined. The program opened my eyes to the joy I find in creating dance on film and exploring choreography, aspects I never thought I would enjoy as much as I do now. Before this journey, these were areas I hadn't explored or considered, assuming they wouldn't resonate with me. However, through the immersive experiences of the program and the opportunities to delve into different dance forms, I discovered new dimensions of creativity and expression that have sparked a passion within me. It's a testament to the transformative power of exploration and stepping out of one's comfort zone, leading to unexpected discoveries and a deeper appreciation of the art form.
Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh
Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh
Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh