Dance Ontario’s Awards Committee has selected Zachary Seto as the recipient of the 2019-20 Jacque Foesier Youth Dance Award. This annual award seeks to recognize exceptional young dancers ages 19 & under who are not only pursuing excellence in their craft but go above and beyond making a difference in the lives of others and/or contributing to the dance community.The Award is named after Jacque Foesier, long-time Dance Ontario Board member and dedicated dance teacher who made significant contributions to the dance community in the province.
14-year old Zachary Seto was nominated by Ashey Watts, Director of the Watts School of Dance in Mississauga and Rachael Lutes, Head of Dance/Drama at Cawthra Park Secondary School. For more than eight years, he has trained in Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Acro and has won awards in numerous dance competitions and was offered automatic placement on the World Performance Team to travel to Spain and Portugal and traveled to Mexico as part of the Five Star Team. Early challenges have instilled a resilience and sensitivity towards others that he extends through his teaching at drop-in contemporary classes at the studio as well as through informal tutor/assist at Cawthra Park SS.
“It has been a pleasure to teach Zachary over the years, and I am so proud to have watched him grow and develop into the eloquent, genuine, determined and passionate dancer he has become. He truly has been a gift to my studio, and I look forward to see him evolve in his adult career” Ashley Watts
“Zachary truly exemplifies what it means to be a passionate, committed, and determined student” Rachael Lutes
.
We look forward to highlighting Zachary Seto’s achievements at an award ceremony in the new year.