The Dance Ontario Awards Committee (Emily Cheung, Newton Moraes and Jennifer Watkins) is pleased to announce that Tristyn Murray is the newest recipient of the Jacque Foesier Youth 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.
15 year-old Tristyn Murray was nominated by her teachers Heidi Schofield Owner, The Oakville Academy for the Arts and Rachael Lutes, Head of Dance/Drama at Cawthra Park Secondary School. Tristyn is a talented and accomplished young contemporary dancer, currently attending the Regional Arts Program at Cawthra Park SS and performing with Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre in their 2023/24 season. In addition to being a member of the Oakville Academy for the Arts award-winning competitive dance team, Tristyn helps inspire children who are recipients of Jump Start, Big Brothers/Sisters and the Pinball Clemons Foundation for at Risk Youth funding at the After School Program.
“Much more than her personal journey in Dance, Tristyn shares her dedication and passion as an assistant in classes and camps all year long and has for many, many years. Tristyn is competent, comfortable, and compassionate in making Dance a universal exploration of physical activity, fun and friendship. We love having this talented and beautiful soul as part of our community. “
Heidi Schofield, Owner Oakville Academy for the Arts
“It is rare in a teaching career that you meet a student who is not only talented but also incredibly kind and humble. What strikes me about Tristyn is how she cares deeply about the people she works with as much as the product that they create together. She demonstrates attention to detail but also makes time to forge meaningful relationships along the way.”
Rachael Lutes, Teacher, Head of Dance/Drama Cawthra Park SS
We look forward to highlighting Tristyn Murray’s achievements at an award ceremony at Dance Ontario DanceWeekend’24.
Catch her performance with Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre on Sunday January 28th at 1:55pm.
Congratulations Tristyn!