Making moves: Sudbury Secondary students get creative with guest choreographers

Dance students at Sudbury Secondary School are making bold moves with guest choreographers who are bringing fresh perspectives, professional expertise, and even more creative energy to the classroom.

Mother-daughter duo Andrée and Gabby Guenette will spend approximately 12 hours working with students, beginning with a modern and contemporary dance workshop.

Over the coming weeks, they will also guide a select group of dancers in preparing an original contemporary piece for a spring competition and the school’s annual Let’s Dance production set for May 27, 2027.

“Sudbury Secondary School is committed to providing exceptional learning opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction,” said Principal Heather Downey. “Through our renowned Arts Education Program and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Arts and Culture, students collaborate with guest artists, explore new techniques, and discover diverse approaches to creative expression.”

“Learning directly from skilled professionals elevates the student experience,” said Arts Education Program Leader and SHSM Lead Sarah Viljanmaa. “These opportunities introduce students to new artistic perspectives, push their creative boundaries, and offer a glimpse into the professional world of dance.”

The Sudbury Secondary School Dance Department has a longstanding tradition of welcoming guest artists into its studios – recognizing the important role these collaborations play in developing versatile, well-rounded dancers.

“Working alongside professionals encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, adapt to new artistic styles, and build the confidence and communication skills essential to their growth as performers,” said dance teacher Sarah Viljanmaa. “We are thrilled that Andrée and Gabby Guenette are sharing their talents and look forward to seeing their creative collaboration with our students come to life on stage this spring.”

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Media Contact:

Sarah Viljanmaa
Arts Education Program Leader and Specialist High Skills Major Lead
Sudbury Secondary School
[email protected]
705-674-7551 Ext. 6843