MEET THE TEAM
A Family of Creativity
SHAY SMITH
CREATIVE DIRECTOR • OWNER • CHOREOGRAPHER
My name is Shay, proud founder and operator of the LA Viragos.
I started dancing in my younger years, with big dreams of growing up and being a superstar! I have experience in hip hop, jazz, lyrical, modern, and a little bit of ballet. Hip-hop is my specialty, being the main hip-hop choreographer for over 3 years at Urban Beat Dance Studio I continue to fall in love with the history and art that goes into the hip-hop community daily.
I’m extremely passionate about dance, being able to create, and tell a story through body movement, amazes me.
I love every aspect that goes into a performance. The costumes, makeup, hair, props, lighting, timing, and choreography. Teaching in an outlet for me to share my creativity and motivate me to continue creating daily. All my students, and team members are the reason I continue to thrive.
By starting the LA Viragos dance crew, I wanted to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere, for all types of unique individuals. To make history in a small city called home. I am proud to call all my dancers my family, and even more proud to say I’m apart of it!
TAPANGA CARGILL
Dancer
My name is Tapanga and I have been dancing for 16 years. Doing various genres, such as ballet, tap, hip hop, lyrical, pointe, jazz and many more!
Joining this group has really given me a new found confidence in myself as a female, and has given me a great opportunity to make new friends on our journey! Dance had always been a huge passion of mine, and being in an environment that is healthy and positive is super important, that’s what the LA Viragos is all about!
TREVOR NIXON
Dancer
I work full time as a community support worker. I started dance in 2000 at Canadian Rocky Mountain Cloggers, where i danced for 11 years. I competed in many competitions across the united states. After CRMC I took Dance and choreograhpy to a 35 level at Chinook Highschool. I choreograhped a few dances for two of our dance shows. I’m super happy and blessed to be returning to my first love. Dance.
COURTNEY THOMPSON
Dancer
My name is Courtney, I started learning how to dance in 2006, and continued on until 2012. I have experienced modern, lyrical, jazz and hip hop which was my favourite.
I’m beyond thrilled to have started dancing again, and I’m happy to be able to dance as a LA Virago.
ADORA BALL
Dancer
My name is Adora, and dance means a lot to me.
It is powerful,meaningful, and impactful. I love how dance makes me feel and the connection it brings through the music to the audience.
I have been dancing since I was little, competed for many years but abruptly had to stop due to some life changes.
For a group to be created to bring back the dancer in us has truly been a gift from above.
The community of La Viragos has been more than welcoming, fun, and something I am so glad to be apart of.
Can’t wait to for the future with this team :)
SARAI GREENING
ASSISTANT • DANCER
My name is Sarai, I am currently working in the Law Enforcement field.
I love to dance. I have 14 years of ballet experience. I love learning new dance types such as swing dance, country, jazz, lyrical and hip hop.
I am so grateful to be part of the LA Viragos, as it brings me a feeling of connection; that I have a place where I have a group of woman that bring each other up, and support one another. This is an amazing group of woman and I am so grateful to be able to call them family.
LIV LITTLE
Dancer
I am a self taught dancer, As a child I would watch So You Think you Can Dance and practice the moves in my bedroom after the show. I was a cheerleader in High School and the Captain and choreographer for my Senior years squad. I have years of experience in Musical Theatre working with some wonderful choreographers that brought my movement to life. Finding the LA Viragos is a blessing and I am grateful to have found a family that brings the beat back into my heart.
LOUISE BRUCHET
Dancer
Hey! My name is Louise MacPherson-Bruchet I’m a college student taking criminal justice program dreaming of being a police officer.
I have been dancing for 13 years, i started my dance journey at joys dance factory here in lethbridge. I have done most genres of dance like tap,jazz,ballet,hiphop and musical theater. My 3 strongest styles of dance are tap, jazz, and hip-hop. Being a part of this team is bringing my love of dance back! I`m so grateful to be welcomed into this great team and to be a part of a family again
BROOKLYN STUCKART
Dancer
My name is Brooklyn, I’ve been dancing since I was 5 doing all styles at two local dance studios in Lethbridge.
I’m born and raised here in Lethbridge and so excited to be able to continue my love of dance. I enjoy many other hobbies besides dancing; I bake, cook, game, and am a proud cat owner. I’m so excited to be apart of this fantastic team and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
HANNAH SHAKESPEARE
CHOREOGRAPHER • DANCER
Heyooo, my name is Hannah Shakespeare and I am one of LA Virago’s newest team members. This is my first season with the LA Virago’s and I’m so amped to be a part of this group. I started dancing when I was four, and it very quickly became my main passion. I am trained in almost all styles, but Hip Hop and Contemporary are my favourites. I grew up dancing competitively and I love to attend a variety of dance conventions all around Canada. I’m the most talkative person you’ll ever meet, but I love how I can always find a way to visually express myself through the art of dance. Outside of dance, I am a Community Support Worker. I love to work with clients with diverse abilities and those who are unhoused struggling with mental health and addictions.
TARYN KRYZANOWSKI
Dancer
My name is Taryn, and I’m currently studying at the University of Lethbridge to earn my bachelors degree in Health Science. To me, dance is a form of self expression which brings out my confidence while also allowing me to have fun. I have always had such a strong passion for dance! Throughout my life I have learned various styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and a bit of hip-hop as well. Since graduating high school I had always wanted to get back into dance and being a part of L.A Viragos has allowed me to do so. As a member of the team I am excited to build connections with such a strong and positive group of people.
KYLEE CRITCHLOW
Dancer
Hi! My name is Kylee. I started dancing when I was 6 years old up until I was 14. I thought that my passion for dance had died until I found the LA Viragos where I learned that my passion was far from gone. I have two cats the I adore with my whole heart. I love animals as well as writing and reading! I’m so excited to see where this team takes me in terms of personal growth and confidence!
HANNAH HYNES
Dancer
Hey!! My name is Hannah, and I have been dancing for sixteen years. Growing up I tried every style of dance I could, but my favourites would have to be hiphop and jazz :)
I am very excited to see where this team will take me and the memories I will make.
JAYMI MACKENZIE
JAZZ COACH • DANCER
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Curious to learn more about our team?We want to hear from you! Email us today!