This week, I had the opportunity to travel to Winnipeg with artist Inez Jasper to perform at the Aboriginal People’s Choice Music Awards. I was so excited about this opportunity for a couple of reasons. I recently moved from Winnipeg to Vancouver and hadn’t been home since the end of June, so I was excited to get back and see some friends and go back to the studio I last taught at. The second reason I was so pumped for this gig was something I never imagined would happen. I used to go to concerts at the MTS Centre all the time (this being the venue for the awards show). I used to watch and think to myself how amazing it would be to perform on that stage in that arena like the dancers I saw behind Justin and Christina. And then, it happened. I got to be one of those dancers! I also got to share the experience with 3 other amazing dancers from Vancouver, one of them also originating from Winnipeg as well.

The two days was a whirlwind. We flew into Winnipeg together and checked in to our hotel and then proceeded to have an evening rehearsal in one of the hotel’s ballrooms. It was a fairly early night because we had a rehearsal on the stage at the arena the following morning. Friday morning hit and we were shuttled to the arena. Walking in was so surreal for me. I looked at the stage which was lit up and looked exactly like the awards show stages and podiums you see on TV. Then I looked at all the empty seats and couldn’t believe I was here. The rehearsal on the stage happened and it all hit home. I was going to be living my dream in my home city. That night, the show was to begin and we were second on the performing list. We got backstage and met some of the other nominees and performers. Suddenly, we were backstage in a circle saying a little prayer before going on stage. The floor director brought us up to the stage to load up while they handed out an award. Wow. The rush was unbelievable. We were all pretty nervous I think, but as soon as the music kicked in (“Make You Mine”), we just let loose and had a blast on stage dancing to a great track with a great artist.

Inez Jasper (center) with Tyrell (far left) with the other dancers performing at the MTS Centre.

After our performance we got to sit in the audience and watch the rest of the awards ceremony. It was the coolest experience to see the whole show come together and watch all the cameras zoom by through the audience capturing reactions to awards and the like. The other performers smashed it as well and even when they announced nominees for categories, I got goosebumps.

From left to right: Moses Asher Christen, Tyrell Witherspoon, Lorne Cardinal, Danielle Benton, Kirstyn Konig

I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this year and have so many people to thank for them. Thank you to Jeff Dimitriou, the choreographer for this performance. Thank you to Inez for being the coolest person to dance behind. And of course, thank you to my supportive boyfriend Patrick who has been there for the roller-coaster that has been my first 6 months here. I wouldn’t be here without you. Xo.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin