WHAT WE DO
Second Stage Dance was created with the intention of creating a sustainable solution for competitive dance costumes.
Our mission is to collect, repurpose and supply costumes for dancers in need. We make it our mission to share the joy of dance both locally and internationally.
Dancers-Be sure to shop our merch for your competition needs, all proceeds support our programs.
To learn more about how it works check out our FAQ or book a call with our Director.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARISSA | FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Starting dance at the age of 4, Marissa is a Kitchener-Waterloo native who spent over a decade immersed in the competitive dance world. Since then, she went on to explore a career in the media arts, graduating with a degree in Journalism from Toronto’s Humber College. Now she has re-emerged into the competitive dance scene by combining her love for performance and reporting as an emcee for the Canadian-based Phoenix Dance Competition.
As an artist at heart, Marissa loves to apply her ability to creative problem-solve with entrepreneurship. With a love for dance and sustainability, she is on a mission to see a shift in the global dance community to one that is more affordable and eco-friendly.
NICOLA | VICE-PRESIDENT
Nicola is an independent choreographer, dancer, and instructor who has received two Dora’s for her work among several other nominations. Most dancers recognize her from teaching at Toronto professional development scene contributing her expertise at programs like George Brown Dance, Ryerson (now Toronto Metropolitan) and Sheridan College. She represents Canadian Actor’s Equity Association choreographers on the DCFI committee, is an artistic advisor for Moonhorse Dance Theatre, and sits on the Expect Theatre’s Board of Directors.
As a passionate performer with a longstanding love for dance, Nicola is on a mission to see the increase of inclusion with dance, along with sustainable initiatives started within the local community.
ADAM | DIRECTOR
After Co-Founding Toronto-based theatre company Bald Ego Theatre; Adam went on to work across Europe and North America as a Writer, Director, Designer, and Technical Director. He has written for and served as an assistant director for Robert Lepage. Most notably he has worked alongside numerous theatre productions ranging from A to G houses, to the notorious Stratford Festival contributing original works that involved collaborating with multi-disciplinary talent: dancers, actors, musicians etc. He has also served on the Board For Toronto Arts Council.
Adam’s passion for accessibility in the arts and vision for a sustainable economy contributes to his role on leading Second Stage Dance.
SARAHI | DIRECTOR
Originally from Saltilly, México, Sarahi started her dance training at the age of eleven. With a strong foundation in ballet technique, she holds many professional performing credits that also include neoclassical works like Diving into the Lilacs by Yuri Possokhov and Bruch Violin Concerto by Clark Tippet. Today, Sarahi is still very active in the Toronto dance scene as a performer and teacher. She has since danced with The Canadian Opera Company and is currently part of the Faculty at George Brown College, York University, and InStudio. If she is not teaching or performing, she can be found at The Fifth Dance–a drop-in dance studio she co-founded that’s found in the city’s East end.
Sarahi’s experience with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen taught her the importance of outreach and accessibility in dance. Through her leadership, she wishes to expand the impact that Second Stage Dance can offer and contribute to artistic development amongst the global dance community.