Latest news with #StarsofTomorrowShowcase
Hamilton Spectator
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Stars of Tomorrow celebrates a half century of talent
Over 400 people attended the 50th annual Stars of Tomorrow Showcase on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The free event was held in honour of Michelle Farmer's Studio of Dance and Modelling's 50th anniversary. Located in Ohsweken, it's one of the longest running First Nations-owned and operated talent studios in Canada, and for five decades now, Farmer has dedicated her time to empowering thousands of Indigenous youth through the art of dance, modelling and performing. Hosted by Gary Farmer, Michelle's older brother and a well-known film and television actor, the evening featured a line-up of performances from several musicians as well as Nova Scotia born comedian, Janelle Niles. In all, the night was stacked with 27 dance performances from Michelle's competitive teams as well as her recreational dancers. From jazz to tap, hip-hop and ballet, performers of all ages had the opportunity to show off their talent throughout the nearly four hour event. While introducing the competitive mini team large jazz group, Gary noted that Michelle's students' hard work and dedication often pays off at competitions throughout the U.S. 'Michelle's got about 65 dancers in the whole school this season, and 30 of them are competitive dancers,' he said. 'That means they travel around North America to compete in various festivals and events, so that's quite an accomplishment.' In between the dances, there were two modelling demonstrations and five different video presentations, as well as a vocal performance by Adalyn Miller. The nine-year-old junior singer delivered a rendition of 'Defying Gravity' from the hit Broadway musical Wicked. Keeping with the broadway theme, the young musical theatre group performed 'Maybe' and 'It's the Hard-Knock Life' from the musical, Annie. As well, the adult jazz group later performed to 'Cell Block Tango' from Chicago. Ange Hart and her aunts, Marcia Davis and Cynthia Monture, were just a few of the attendees there to support their loved ones and celebrate Michelle's 50th anniversary. 'We've been coming to this for 40 years now, so we're really glad to be here again,' said Davis. 'It's great, everyone is just killin' it out there,' added Hart. 'I'm really happy that I could come out and see my family dance. During intermission, Gary sat down with Michelle for a short interview. The two discussed how she got her start in dancing and modelling, her journey to becoming a teacher and creating her own studio, her pursuits of a professional career in dance, as well as potential ambitions in regards to creating her own Broadway-style musicals. Before resuming the showcase, Gary brought up Sherri-Lynn Hill, the 59th elected Chief for Six Nations of the Grand River, as well as Councillor Greg Frazer, to say a few words. 'We're here today and I'm just amazed at the quality of the production; I can just see the dedication and how much work and effort has gone into putting on a production like this,' said Frazer. 'I really commend you Michelle on all that you've done for our community. It's amazing that we can keep our young children active, interested and dedicated. …On behalf of the Six Nations Council and the Chief, we'd like to give Michelle a little plaque of excellence for the 50 years that she's put this on.' Six Nations of the Grand River musicians, Derek Miller and Lacey Hill, also performed during the show. The two sang several original songs including 'Colorado Springs,' 'Delphine' and 'Can't Get You Out of My Head.' As well, Six Nations singer-songwriter, James Wilson, also performed for the crowd. The 28-year-old sang his original song, 'Good Life,' along with a cover of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' and The Animals, 'House of the Rising Sun.' Kimberly De Jong's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at .
Hamilton Spectator
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Indigenous talent to be celebrated at Stars of Tomorrow
Indigenous talent will be on full display during the 50th annual Stars of Tomorrow Showcase, which will be held at the Sanderson Centre for Performing Arts, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The free event is being held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Michelle Farmer's Studio of Dance and Modelling, the longest running Indigenous-owned talent studio in North America. For five decades now, Farmer has empowered over 5000 Indigenous youth through the art of dance, modeling and performing. The showcase will be hosted by Gary Farmer, an Indigenous actor and musician, and will feature a line-up of performances from comedian, Janelle Niles; Derek Miller, a two-time JUNO Award winning singer-songwriter and guitarist; and Six Nations musicians Lacey Hill and James Wilson. Naturally, it wouldn't be a showcase without putting the spotlight on local talent. Multiple generations of Michelle's dancers and models will all be there to pay tribute not only to the studio's founder, but to celebrate the overall strength, style of Indigenous people and their creativity. 'We're not just celebrating a dance showcase,' said Michelle. 'We're celebrating 50 years of Indigenous brilliance, mentorship, and community. This is for all the students, families, and supporters who believed in our vision and kept the fire going.' On Tuesday, January 14, Erin Monture, a volunteer with the Studio, shared a bit more information to the Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council. 'Michelle Farmer's Studio of Dance and Modelling has won numerous National Championships in Niagara Falls, New York City, Ohio, Myrtle Beach and California,' Monture told councillors. 'Models have graced the stage on various runways, and students have landed leading roles in mainstream television and movies.' She also provided a bit of Michelle's background and what led to her long career as a dance teacher. 'She began dancing at the age of two and moved to Six Nations at 12 years old. She was told by several dance studios that there was nothing more they could teach her that she didn't already know,' said Monture. 'She went to Toronto for lessons throughout high school and she also took training in Chicago, and did 13 consecutive years in New York City where she was able to audition for the Radio City Rockettes. She always remembers the teacher telling her that 'it didn't matter if you had a small studio in a strip mall, or on the third floor of a building, you can produce powerful dancers no matter where you are.' For 50 years, she's been doing that out of her basement.' Noting that the showcase would coincide with Six Nations Community Awareness Month, she wanted to be able to adapt it as a free event for everyone. 'We do share a common goal when it comes to support and development for the community,' continued Monture. 'Michelle Farmer's Studio of Dance and Modelling provides a safe place for our children, our youth and our adults to feel empowered, to build our self esteem, express our emotions, positively impacting our physical, mental, emotional and social development.' Overall, she said that the event wasn't just about celebrating Michelle's business, it was about celebrating the entire Six Nations community. 'Even though she's a business owner, she doesn't profit from any of this,' said Monture. 'This is a showcase of our community members; our youth, our teens, our adults, you know? It's us who benefit from watching this.' Kimberly De Jong's reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at .
