1. How old were you when you began dancing and where did you dance?

Well, when you’re lucky and born Filipino, dance is designed into your DNA. However, while dancing was something that felt natural to me, I was a late bloomer into training. From 13-18 I attended a high school that valued and supported creative electives. It was also a school that was competitive in dance school competitions. I trained with Lucie Landriault and rotating featured dance teachers at Fleetwood Park Secondary mostly in Hip Hop with elements of ballet/jazz foundations. When I moved to Toronto later in life, I started taking heels classes at Underground with Kaela Faloon and Lauren Lyn around 2016-17 and when I returned to Vancouver I took dance heels series similar to femme from 2017-2019. I was also a GOGO dancer in the queer club scene until I moved to the Okanagan in 2020. Throughout the years I have partaken in many floor work, drop ins, burlesque and hip hop workshops and intensives to stay dancing!

2. What is your roll with Femme Fatale?

I am the Instructor in Vernon, where I have the pleasure of teaching new and experienced dancers in Heels dance and choreograph class pieces. I am also a part of the Femme Burlesque troupe that travels twirling our tassels around the Okanagan.

3. When you aren’t shaking your booty in Femme, what is your favourite style of dance?

Hip Hop is where I feel the most grounded as a dancer, it’s where I naturally lean to. I have to shout out floor work too, because I love to roll around and squish my body all over the floor.

4. If you could be any animal what would you be and why?

I honestly don’t know. 10 years ago I would have said giraffe or elephant and now I’m having decision paralysis. Maybe a butterfly, something that transforms and breaks free. I imagine I’d like having the wind blow against me as I flounce from place to place.

5. Would you rather eat only your favorite food for the rest of your life or never eat it again?

I’d be more than happy eating sinigang na baboy (Filipino Sour Pork Soup) for the rest of my life, no questions asked, but there has to be rice!

7. What is your most embarrassing moment on stage?

While I can’t think of a moment on stage that felt mortifying enough to remember. I did fall down the stairs coming off the stage in heels in front of a crowd!

8. What is your favourite Femme Fatale memory?

I love the buzz backstage when the dancers are preparing themselves to put on a show, the vibe and energy is so high its hard not to be excited!

9. When your not dancing what are you doing?

Well, I am always dancing, making new costumes or rhinestoning, I do dabble in things outside of dance like Drag, though they are still related :P  I’m a project manager and community organizer by career, and work with Youth, BIPOC and Queer communities to create  and advocate for safe and inclusive spaces and programming. I am also a garlic farmer during the spring summer season, and on occasion, chase, ride and care for horses :) I like to call that range, baby!

10. Why have you chosen to dance with Femme Fatale Dance?

It’s nice to spend a longer course of time with students who can get the chance to develop their dance and showcase it to their world. I appreciate the opportunity babes in class get to be seen and perform.