Meet Showcase Choreographers: Lavender & Shayla
Lavender Wong
Lavender Wong began her dance training in Chinese Classical Dance and is currently in her fifth year at the University of Calgary, pursuing a combined degree of BA in Dance (concentration in Dance Production) and BA in East Asian Language Studies (concentration in Japanese). Lavender has performed in choreographic works by Linnea Swan and Rufi Oswaldo, as well as in Izabela Zawadzka’s work for the Ballet Bodies YYC showcase In Motion III. She also took part in Melanie Kloetzel’s state-based work as part of the Springboard Fluid Festival. Beyond performance, Lavender has worked as a camera operator, capturing works by artists such as Marie Forcier, Melanie Kloetzel, and WM2 Dance Co. As a dance filmmaker, her work has been recognized with awards from festivals including the WildDogs International Screendance Festival and the Toronto Lift-Off Film Festival. Lavender’s personal connection to Asia motivates and excites her to continue exploring the relationship and possibilities between movement and East Asian languages and cultures.
Shayla Waschuk
Shayla Waschuk is an emerging dance artist, performer and choreographer based in Calgary, Alberta, known for her emphasis on intricate movement as a source of expression. She has recently graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with Distinction. While progressing through her undergraduate degree, Shayla performed in choreographic works of Melanie Kloetzel, Wojciech Mochniej and Meghann Michalsky. With her prominent style being contemporary dance, Shayla had the opportunity to train and perform with Ember Dance Company. She has staged and performed in contemporary dance works for Springboard Fluid Festival, Staying with the Trouble Cabaret and This Colour Green: Art in the Anthropocene. She also performed in Izabela Zawadzka’s work for Ballet Bodies YYC showcase In Motion III. Passionate about growth and creative exploration, Shayla is excited to continue expanding her artistic voice and exploring new creative horizons.