Sudlebs
www.20somethingsudbury.ca
sudleb
mitchell
jackson
20SS: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
MJ: My name is Mitchell Jackson and I am a choreographer, dancer and entrepreneur.
I started dancing at the age of 15 in the performing arts program at Sudbury Secondary
School. At 16, I joined Happiness is...Dancing and danced competitively for 2 years. After
graduating from SSS, I moved to Toronto to take the dance program at George Brown College
and pursue a career involving dance. Sharing my passion for dance with my students and
peers is what inspires me to grow and evolve in the dance community. I now teach over 1000
students every single week. Almost every weekend I am travelling to teach master classes all
over North America. I am absolutely in love with what I do and I love that I get to share that
with dancers all over!
20SS: What influenced you to get into dance?
MJ: I always knew I loved the arts; I had never really pushed myself to actually try something
new. When I had the opportunity to attend a performing arts school I took advantage of the
programs they offered. I decided to audition for the dance program at Sudbury Secondary
with little to no dance experience. After getting accepted I still wasn’t convinced it was exactly
what I wanted to do. After a year of training and being inspired by all of the amazing teachers
and dancers in the program, I knew I was on the right path.
20SS: Who is your biggest role model?
MJ: Wow, that is an extremely hard question. I have so many influential people in my life.
I have to say though that my parents are my biggest role models. They have taught me how
to balance everything throughout my career, which I know would have been very difficult
without their guidance.
20SS: You are the owner/director of On The Floor, how did this
come to be?
MJ: Around 2 years ago my best friend Lisa Hupe and I decided to start up a dance competition
and convention. We never thought we would be where we are today. So far, On The Floor has
sold out at every location and has quadrupled its events since the premier year. The success
from the company has been everything we have ever dreamed of and more. Not only have we
created a company that gives opportunities to dance communities all over North America, but
we are also working with Sick Kids Hospital and this year we have helped raise over $30,000
alone!
20SS: You are from Sudbury but currently living in Toronto, what
do you think is the biggest difference between the two cities?
MJ: That is a question that people often ask me. I strongly believe that Toronto has more
opportunities for someone in the dance industry. One thing that is sure, all of the studio
dancers attend the performing arts high schools in Toronto for extra training. This is where
Sudbury is lacking. It is very unfortunate that only a handful of the dancers training at
studios do not attend Sudbury Secondary, this amazing state of the art facility. The Toronto
arts community is much larger, but feels so much more connected because everyone works
together.
20SS: Is there room for improvement in Sudbury?
MJ: Of course! There is always room for improvement everywhere. I think Sudbury needs to
develop a stronger arts council and get people involved that can make a difference and keep
it growing.
20SS: What has been your biggest accomplishment so far?
MJ: I would have to say some of my biggest accomplishments involve On The Floor. The
company has brought me all over the world teaching master classes and choreographing for
different companies and studios. This past fall I also directed and choreographed my first
show, which was a gala in support of Sick Kids hospital. I am also so grateful that I have had
the opportunity to train and work with so many dancers in Toronto who are now dancing for
Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and appearing in TV shows such as The Next Step.
20SS: Plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in ten years
– where do you see dance in ten years?
MJ: I definitely want to keep expanding my business, take dance to the next level in
Canada, work more with up and coming artists and choreograph my first tour...or maybe even
a music video. I hope dance will continue to be everywhere positively impacting people’s lives.
20SS: If you hadn’t chosen this career, what do you think you
would be doing?
MJ: I was always an outdoors kid growing up so I think I would be doing something in the
landscaping field. I am really happy I found dance, I get to follow my dreams and do what I love
to do, every single day.
20SS: Something people might not know about you…
MJ: I’m obsessed with cars.
https://www.facebook.com/otfdance
http://www.onthefloor.ca/
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