Director

SONICA GUJRAL, DIRECTOR

How it all began…

Sonica has been dancing since she was 3 years old, training in ballet, musical theatre, creative, tap, jazz, stage, hip hop, and modern/contemporary dance. Dancing gave her the opportunity to compete and perform at festivals and events throughout the lower mainland. In her teenage years, her true love for dance knocked her off her feet, and she knew she had to continue no matter what. She spent her teenage years volunteering her spare time at the Shadbolt Centre of the Arts hosting the summer KidzArt Camp, Spring Break Camps, the Rhododendron Festival, Youth Week, Discovery Days, Christmas Celebrations, and assistant instructing modern and ballet classes. Sonica has been employed by Burnaby Parks and Recreation for over 10 years. After excelling as an assistant instructor, Sonica was given the opportunity to teach theatre at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and dance in the community; programs such as hip hop, theatre exploration and acting classes at various elementary schools in Burnaby.

Sonica took her new found appreciation and interest for theatre, and auditioned for the Theatre Diploma Program at Capilano College. She was in the program part time as it became difficult to do so much at one time! Sonica hopes to go back to school and finish off the program and perhaps further her studies in this field. This program has provided the knowledge and confidence to stage manage and assistant direct many shows put on by the Senior and Junior Theatre Company at the Shadbolt Centre; including The Wizard of Oz, The Nutcracker, Shakespeare by the Slice, Wind in the Willows, and Alice in Wonderland.

Opening up her own dance studio to give everyone a chance to experience the joy it has brought her has been Sonica’s dream since as far back as she can remember. In 2001, she opened the door to her garage and taught one student - and fell in love with the whole idea of having students under her wing! Her class-base grew over the years, and she hired her first instructor in 2002. Her business has been growing ever since, and she was able to move into a building which entailed 6 dance studios, 3 music rooms and a full staff; music, dance, acting and office administration. “Dancin’Stars & HighNotes School of the Performing Arts” offers classes in dance, music and acting for all ages and levels!

Current Projects!

Sonica is proud to announce all of the amazing accomplishments her students have ventured into and completed in the past few years. In 2009, Dancin’Stars students auditioned for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and had 2 groups audition for the Hip Hop World Championships.Beginning in 2007 and continuing today, she has had students featured in movies, productions, music videos, television, commercials on Shaw TV, and in multi-cultural and other special events including the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). Because of all the support she has received throughout the years, her number one priority is to give back to the community. She is always inviting student teachers in to learn from her and her instructors, volunteering at local schools in need by providing dance programs, and putting on performances at community events.

She always has new and exciting projects running through her mind, and loves to take risks and challenges! Although her life revolves around her pride and joy, Dancin’Stars., she still finds time to work for the City of Burnaby, teaching and assisting dance and acting with children of special needs. Sonica is honoured to be known as a mentor and leader by her students and members of the community. She was nominated as a finalist for both Business Person of the Year 2004 (Sonica Gujral) and Small Business of the Year 2004 (Dancin’Stars) by the Burnaby Board of Trade.

The most satisfying part of her job is watching a student work and grows to their full potential. She is grateful and proud of all her students, and welcomes new faces with open arms.