Our Company Members

Megan Au​

Physiotherapist
Simple Pleasure: Sunshine, hugs, wine.
Megan began dancing in ballet classes as a toddler, then added jazz, tap, contemporary and musical theater in her teenage years, as well as Highland Dancing in University.   Having rehearsals and classes (even via zoom) with PushPULL helped Megan survive through the past 2 years.  A member of PushPULL since 2017, Megan is thrilled to dance with this amazing group of human beings.  Thank you J, E, L, & H for your love and support!

Claire Borts

​Family Physician
Simple Pleasure: Dance, music, scotch, sunsets, friends and family
Eleven years ago, Claire’s best friend, Naomi, inspired her to join PushPULL, and Claire has been with the company ever since! She has been especially grateful to have this wonderful dance community as a consistent source of joy and support over these last two years.  She sends thanks to MLP 1&2, her NYA’s, JC&O, and SJSJ for all their love and support. Also to Michael, Elisabeth, and Benjamin for making life one big dance party!  Love you!

Elizabeth Bowker​

Litigation Lawyer
Simple Pleasure: Fresh bagels
One of the original members of PushPULL, Elizabeth is trained in ballet, contemporary, and jazz and has dabbled in musical theatre and competitive ballroom. She has been choreographing for various dance groups for several decades. Elizabeth thanks her PushPULL family for their continued friendship and Tim, Graham and Derek for the pandemic walks through the ravines to pick up fresh bagels. 

Steph Campbell​

Consultant in Workforce Transformation
Simple Pleasure: Diving into fresh water
In 2007 PushPULL took a chance and welcomed Steph, with little experience beyond kitchen dancing, but with passion and a commitment to learning how to dance, and she is forever grateful.  Steph then spent over 10 years dancing with PushPULL. She also had the not-so-simple, but awesome pleasure of choreographing for 4 years.  After a brief hiatus she is thrilled to be back with her dance friends. While on her hiatus, Celeste (3) and Brialle (1) joined her family. The girls are already showing their love of movement and dance. Not a great dancer but her greatest supporter, Elad, made returning to dance an easy choice.

Hwei Shien Chang​

Clinical Quality Associate Director
Simple Pleasure: Sleeping in
A founding member of PushPULL, Hwei Shien is a lover of all forms of dance and movement. She has choreographed musical theatre, tap, and Chinese classical pieces with the company, and enjoys the creative outlet it provides. A mother of two boys, Hwei Shien spends the rest of her free time either chasing them around the house, or trying to get them off their electronic devices. Big thanks to Jamie for the continuous support - never could have made it this long without you.

Angela Cooper

Behavioural Science Consultant
Simple Pleasure: Wedge of cheese 
​Angela has been involved with dance in every city she’s lived in, beginning at the age of three. Originally from Vancouver, she’s performed everything from ballet to hip hop, and also trained in traditional Thai dance in Bangkok. In Chicago, Angela co-founded and taught at Glenwood Dance Studio, which brings dance classes to adults to the local arts community. In Toronto, she’s been pleased to be part of PushPULL's warm and welcoming dance company since 2017. 

Liz Garrett

Winery Manager
​Simple Pleasure: Nature, cats and dogs, DQ Blizzards, music
Liz initially danced with PushPULL in the 9th, 10th, and 11th seasons, then rejoined the company for virtual performances in seasons 17 and 18. She started dancing ballet when she was 6, and over the years she has also danced a variety of dance forms from modern to hip hop to contact improv. Liz has participated in Quinte Ballet School professional summer programs. She has also completed a Dance Studies Certificate in the George Brown College continuing education program. She is grateful to have had the chance to dance with creative PushPULL choreographers and dancers again this season, outside of a traditional studio set up, to be able to take part in the magical process of making dance films

Mary Goldman

Graphic Designer/Screenwriter
Simple Pleasure: Nature walks with my husband, Michael,and our dog, Sammy.
As a teenager Mary studied jazz, tap and ballet at Roland and Romaine. She went on to study fashion and graphic design, while continuing to dance at Les Ballet Jazz and Metro Movement. She raised a family, jumped into acting and booked jobs in film, TV and live theatre which led her to screenwriting. Mary is extremely grateful to PushPULL and her fellow dancers for the wonderful experience of dancing and choreographing. 

Puck Graafland

Sr. Volunteer Services Officer
Simple Pleasure: The sound of the wind blowing through the trees
Having moved to a new city and country, Puck has been so very happy and grateful to have found such an incredible opportunity to perform with PushPULL. Being able to dance with fellow enthusiasts and rediscovering the creative thrill of choreography has provided her with a dancing home. The members’ dedication and professionalism keep on exciting her every year. Thank you to my Jonas and Céline for your everlasting support.

​Margaret Hoogeveen

Writer/Editor, Educational Publishing
Simple Pleasure: Seeing my doggo’s happy, waggy tail
Margaret (aka Marni) exercised her passion for dance only after her wee children began creative movement classes, oh, so many years ago. Consequently, for her, it is especially sweet that PushPULL accommodates dancers of all ages, stripes, and persuasions. Where else could she stretch herself, both literally and figuratively, with dancers half her age? It is both an honour and a joy to create with such accomplished dancers and choreographers and such warm human beings.

​Amy Hu 

Hospital Quality Lead
Simple Pleasure: Dumplings, noodles, and all kinds of food
Amy is grateful to be part of the PushPULL dance family since 2016 and to perform with such incredibly talented friends. When not dancing, Amy can be found chasing a toddler on the move, practicing being in the moment, and enjoying her simple pleasures.

​Laura Kyswaty

​Actor/audiobook director/founder Dance Like Nobody’s Watching 
Simple Pleasure: Walking in my neighbourhood with my dog
Laura is thrilled to be dancing with PushPULL for her 13th season, even more so because we get to dance in person again! She started dancing when she was 4 years old and has been dancing off and on ever since, completing her degree in Dance at York along the way. Her biggest wishes this year are for peace, love and lots of hugs in the world.

​Amanda Laszcz

​Workforce Development Program Manager 
Simple Pleasure: Mother Nature 
Amanda has loved dance since she was a little kid, her first experience in a class was at the local Legion dancing to a Christina Aguilera song (yes, she still remembers the moves!). Since then, her taste in music has expanded and passion for movement has grown larger. She has always loved how free modern dance makes her feel but enjoys exploring all kinds of styles. Amanda is thankful she gets to move with so many phenomenal dancers every week.

​Caren Leinwand​

Service Manager & Coach 
Simple Pleasure: Tea time 
Dance has always been a part of Caren’s life. Around the age of 5, she started tap dancing recreationally and then competitively, adding jazz, musical theatre, modern and ballet to the mix. PushPull has been a way to explore new styles of dance and connecting with friends. After a long  break from her first few seasons with PushPull in the late 2000’s, Caren is excited to be dancing here again (albeit virtually) and hopes you enjoy the show. Love to Dan, Jeremy, Ez and the entire family for the love and support always.

Koren Lui​

​Pharmacist
Simple pleasure: A day with absolutely no plans: nowhere to be, nothing to get done
Koren is one of those odd-balls that had a late start to dance but decided that it should be the thing that fills every spare moment of her life. She was officially introduced to dance at 18, intending for it to be cross-training for martial arts. She quickly jumped ship… She has danced with PUSH PULL since 2015, and is looking forward to many more seasons!

​Lainie Magidsohn

Wedding Officiant & Nia Instructor
Simple Pleasure: Needlepoint
Lainie has danced since she could walk and is astonished to find herself still immersed in dance all these decades later. She has studied ballet, jazz, modern, and folk dance, as well as contact improvisation. As a Nia Instructor, Lainie shares the joy of movement with humans of all ages, genders, body types, and abilities. As a mother of four, Lainie knows the vital role dance plays in her own emotional well-being. Find Lainie at www.lainiemagidsohn.com.

​Agapi Mavridis

Lawyer
Simple Pleasure: Falling asleep on the couch.
Agapi has been dancing for as long as she can remember. She began Greek dancing at the age of five, and has continued to dance with several Greek communities and Greek folk dance groups. Agapi held the position of Director of the Kefi Greek Folk Dancers of Manitoba in 2016-2017, and has taught Greek folk dance groups in both Toronto and Hamilton. Agapi is also trained in ballet and tap as a child and teen, and is beyond happy to be dancing again (outside of folk dance) thanks to PushPULL.

​MaryLynne Meschino

Interior Decorator/Designer
Simple Pleasure: Sharing a good laugh with a loved one.
MaryLynne is one of the original PushPULL members and has had the pleasure of dancing in every season since the company’s beginning.  She has kept up her dance training during the pandemic, taking online contemporary and ballet classes, but nothing compares to being back to dancing in person again with her beloved PushPULL friends.

​Naomi Midanik

Marketing Director, Student 
Simple Pleasure: Reading while floating in a lake, pool, or bath 
Naomi has been a member of PushPULL since 2010 after she stumbled across the company by chance and auditioned on a whim with little frame of reference - a lucky coincidence!. She is thrilled to be dancing on stage again after a long hiatus involving two maternity leaves, a back injury, and a pandemic. When she is not working her day job or playing the “boo” game with her two kids, Naomi is studying to become a registered psychotherapist. Thank you Mike for all the double bedtimes!! 

​Geneviève Roots

​Law Student
Simple Pleasure: Curling up with a good book and any snack within reach
Geneviève trained in Ottawa before joining the Quinte Ballet School of Canada in Belleville, Ontario, where she graduated from the Professional Training Program. She is trained in Vaganova and Cecchetti syllabi, as well as contemporary, modern, jazz, hip-hop, flamenco, and character dance. She has completed her BSW and MSW degrees and was previously working in youth mental health. Now, she’s following another dream and is in law school. This is Geneviève’s fifth year with PushPULL and she’s cheering everyone on from the wings!

​Sarah Schryburt

Teacher
Simple Pleasure: Enjoying a cup of coffee on the porch in the sun
Sarah was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario. She owes her love of the stage to the Royal City Musical Productions, where she sang and danced her way through multiple shows on the River Run stage. She moved to Toronto for what was supposed to be a one-year teaching contract. That was more than 12 years ago! Now Sarah calls East York home, where she lives with husband, Danny, and two busy little boys, Harvey and Evan.

​Erika Sicard  

Customer Service Director
Simple Pleasure: Good music and sunshine on my face.
Erika is a latecomer to the world of dance, although her love for it started back in the 80s while watching and reenacting Michael Jackson music videos with her sister. Since then, she briefly explored the salsa dance scene, but discovering PushPULL is what truly gave her the dance bug! This is Erika’s 17th season with the company, 16th as a member of the company Executive Comittee and 14th as a choreographer. Special thanks to her boys at home for their continued love and support. 

Daphne Simon

Lawyer
Simple Pleasure: Kitchen parties with good friends
Daphne is happy to be back performing and choreographing in-person. Dancing in her living room on Zoom was fun…. for about 18 months. Still holding a passion for dance, Daphne is ever more grateful for the PushPULL friendships that were created and sustained along the way, even when dancing together was put on hold during the pandemic. Daphne has been an active member of the PushPULL Board of Directors and is so thrilled that we, as a company, are able to dance and perform together again.

​Kelly Slate

Lawyer 
Simple Pleasure: Watching the clouds roll by with a good glass of wine and nothing else to do. Or dancing.  
Back 18 years ago, Kelly was one of the original founders of PushPULL Dance and was the Artistic Director for Toronto for the first 13 years. Dancing since she could walk, Kelly danced her way through high school, university, and law school; but then found there was nothing out there for dancers at heart to keep dancing once pursuing other careers. She founded PushPULL for that reason and they have become her second family. She is thrilled to be back onstage again in person! She thanks her at home family and is very happy her twins have also captured the love of dance. 

​Lisa Sorensen

Secondary School English, French, Dance Teacher
Simple Pleasure: The smell of BBQ, sitting by the water on a summer day, a good murder mystery novel
Lisa started dancing at the age of four and has only looked back once. She took a break for almost ten years until she discovered PushPull in 2006 and rediscovered her love of the stage.  It has been an odd couple of years, but it feels good to be back in a studio and on stage moving again.  Love and hugs to mom and dad for all of their support, even if it’s only virtually this year.

​Abigail Tulloch

Corporate Lawyer
Simple Pleasure: Reading a good book under a tree.
Abigail has been a member of PushPULL since 2010, and founded PushPULL's  Ottawa company in 2014 where she served as Artistic Director before returning to Toronto. Abigail trained primarily in ballet (R.A.D.), since the age of 3 (joining Trish and Liz B in the studio!), though during her university years she traded her pointe shoes in for track spikes to run competitively. She counts herself lucky to be part of an incredibly inspiring dance community.

​Trish Tulloch

Pediatrician
Simple Pleasure: Sunsets, flowers, summer days at the beach
Trish started dance classes at age 5 and has trained in ballet, jazz and modern dance. She is thrilled to be performing again with the company and grateful for such an amazing community of dance friends. Thank you to the incredible people who continued to extend their love and support particularly over the past few years….and to Kaleb & Keira xo

​Katrin Urschel

University Lecturer and Greeting Card Designer
Simple Pleasure: Origami, baking, and smelling and eating those freshly baked goods 
Katrin started dancing ballet at the age of 8 in Germany and slowly expanded her range to include jazz, contemporary, ballroom, ... Having seen PushPULL perform in 2008, while she was visiting from Europe, she swore to join the company if she ever moved to Toronto. She has now been a member since 2013. Thanks to Anthony, Gilbert and Emil for letting her keep doing this, and to the company for the friendship and support!

​Laura Wells

Assistant professor in Chemical Engineering
Simple Pleasure: A warm, fresh cup of coffee in the morning before anyone has woken up
Laura has been dancing on and off since the age of 4! She loves all forms of dance and her favorite is tap. She continues to dance in local classes or online. The pandemic has given her an outlet to perform again - through videos.
PushPULL Dance is a company of non-professional adult dancers from a variety of backgrounds, who share a common passion for dance through performing and enhancing our individual dance repertoires. ​

Toronto

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Ottawa

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The members of PushPULL Dance would like to acknowledge with humility and respect that we dance on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Mississauga, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat peoples, as well as on the unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin territory.  We acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa peoples.  We honour and recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit, as well as all First Peoples worldwide. As with all things meaningful, words matter, but actions matter more. Let these words be a reminder of the work that is still to be done.