I am the founder and director of Pulse Ontario Youth Dance Conference. I have a team of volunteers which include elementary, secondary and university dance educators as well as professional dance artists who are committed to helping foster relationships, partnerships and networking opportunities and experiences through our Pulse Ontario Dance Conference. The conference is held at York University every 2-years--hosted by the Faculty of Dance. The 3-day conference is designed for secondary students to learn side by side with their dance teachers. The conference includes over 36 different dance workshops to choose from representing the diversity of Dance in Ontario. There are 2-evening of live dance performances showcasing our professional dance community on the stage. Additionally on the last evening we have a curated dance film festival which showcases Canadian dance films as well as international dance films. Our program also includes keynote speakers each night. In the last 3 conferences we have had Peggy Baker, Lata Pada and Rex Harrington speak at our conference. Registration for the next conference begins in January 2012. The upcoming conference dates are May 13th-16th, 2012.

I believe there are many opportunities for people to engage in arts-based activities in Toronto. I believe that the arts plays a vital role in developing strong communities. It allows us to access a part of our humanity and to share it in the context of community. Human innovation is the key to our success as a society as we move into the 21st century. It is in this incredible capacity for invention, and innovation that truly makes us human and allows us to connect to our humanity.