Catalyst "The 5th Element" - The Guys of EARTH and AIR

Holding it down in Earth and being the gust of wind in Air, JJ Gerber’s diverse dance training spans many years. From ballroom, to breakdancing, to jazz, hip hop and stepping, JJ has been part of may dance groups performing in Times Square NY, the Rogers Centre in Toronto, and being featured on the Juno award winning Toronto Mass Choir's CD ‘The Live Experience’.

He is the face of Splinter for the Christian kids band ‘God Rocks’ (Crossroads TV), and currently dances with the number one step team in Canada “Black Ice” where he has been featured on BET's Spring bling, Much Music's New.music.live., the Grey Cup half-time show, the movie ‘How she move’ with Tre' Armstrong, and the 2010 Winter Olympics.

From music videos with Kardinal Offishal, Solitaire, Aleesia, Alex J Robinson and shows with Nicole Arbour, Travis Wall, Kirk Franklin, to providing dance coaching to celebrities including Justin bieber, Jully Black, comedian Russell Peters, Aiden Church (Dream Girls, Lion King), JJ continues to constantly push boundaries in his work.

Now pushing his singing career to the next level, he has performed with various artists including Shawn Desman, Jeff Madden (Frank Valli in the Toronto production of Jersey Boys), Yvan Pedneault (Rock of Ages) and Reverse.

Completing a Math degree at Queen’s University with the hopes of becoming a Math teacher doesn’t seem to stop Kristian Dalisay from pursuing his love for dance. From simply watching music videos and youtube in high school, his love for dance grew more during his years at Queens University where he danced and taught classes with the FLOW dance Club.

Kristian has worked with the Toronto group Artists in Motion performing at many large events including ‘Bazaar’, ‘Breaks, Beats & Culture’ at Harbourfront, ‘Project Dance’ for Pride weekend, and ‘World Partnership Walk”. He has appeared with Canadian artists Danny Fernandes, Nicole Arbour, Alyssa Reid, and most recently Kirk Franklin.

A strong freestyler, Kristian continues to experiment and grow in all aspects of dance as he trains in as many styles as possible. He is set on discovering a better understanding of not only dance as an art, but himself as an artist. Catch Kristian in Earth and Air at The 5th Element.

Powerful and energetic dancing in Earth and Air, Hollywood brings his own flavour and personality to the stage – thereby inspiring others to do the same. As Hollywood always says "Success lies on the other side of fear" It is because of living this motto both onstage and offstage that he truly shines in Catalyst production “The 5^th Element."

One of Toronto’s most exciting entertainers, Hollywood has found ways to bring his own creativity and style of dancing to videos, stages and the big screen. His greatest achievements thus far including working with the industry’s best Choreographers Fatima Robinson, Rich & Tone, Jamal Sims, AJ, and Michael Rooney.

You have seen him in the blockbuster music "Hairspray" where he plays the character of “Stooie”, or on the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” as both a dancer and a choreographer’s assistant. He is the only contestant in history of the show to achieve this in the same year.

As a Choreographer he has created exciting and groundbreaking routines for various entertainment arenas including Much Music, BET and MTV, short films, corporate events, tours and videos. You can catch him work begin featured with the likes of The Dream, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and a number of Canadian and international artist like Divine Brown, Kelis and Lauren Pritchard.

Dancing through Earth and Air in The 5^th Element, Shavar "Caution" Blackwood’s dynamic performances have been seen across the Toronto stages during Choreographer’s Ball, Kumba Festival, Talent Defined, The Bazaar, Dance Ontario Weekend, and International Dance Day.

Taking his skills on screen, Shavar was recently a Top 14 Finalist on Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada where he worked with top choreographers including Sean Cheesement, Melissa Williams, Luther Brown, Mia Michaels, Lil C, and Black Mcgrath. He has also danced on the Family channel Show “Naturally Sadie”, was a lead in the Jacksoul music video “All You Need”, and has performed for artists such as Divine Brown, Cascada, Mcfly, an George Nozuka.

Always challenging himself both mentally and physically, Shavar is training in Ballet, Contemporary, and Ballroom with Cadence Progressive Ballet while also creating hip hop pieces that take audiences on a journey to experience dance in one of its most rawest, purest and original forms.

In time, Shavar would like to create a world for dancers that craves creativity and inspires success by understanding dance not just as an art but a way of life. On his way to becoming Canada’s most versatile and dynamic dancers/choreographers, Shavar incredible talents are honed in Catalyst “The 5^th Element."

Catalyst "The 5th Element" AIR

Jennifer Simic breezes though Air in The 5^th Element. A Randolph Academy graduate and International Student Alumni of Broadway Dance Centre (New York), Jenn’s credits include Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company’s Encore (New York Musical Theatre Festival), The Wizard of Oz (Fallen Rock Productions), The Shift (Toronto Fringe Festival), Footloose, Into the Woods, Lion in the Streets, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines. Film/TV: A&E Biography, MTV Canada, and Bravo!FACT.

You can see Jennifer transform from the struggle she encounters in Water to the flying freedom of Air. She thanks Catalyst for the opportunity to share and explore movement with a refreshed focus and intention in The 5th Element.

Featured in Air and Earth, Esie Mensah’s refreshing performance lights up the stage in The 5th Element. Esie performed in the original premier in May 2010 and Catalyst is happy to welcome her positive energy, presence, and thrilling dance moves back to the production at The Toronto Fringe Festival.

A dance vocabulary ranging from Hip Hop, African, AfroHouse, World Pop, Jazz, Dancehall and Stepping., Esie is a graduate of Commercial Dance Studies at George Brown College. With an extensive and growing resume, she has appeared in the Walt Disney film “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”, shows for Divine Brown opening up for Backstreet Boys, Deborah Cox, Anjulie, and Flo Rida at the Much Music Video Awards,. She has also been featured in videos by Cascada, Lauren Pritchard, Divine Brown, Carl Henry, Addictiv, Dru, and Grammy Award winner Nelly Furtado.

She has competed and placed within the top 100 dancers on SYTYCD Canada Season 1 and 2, has performed on stage with the hit South African musical Umoja! , and is also the choreographer for World Vision Canada’s “The Other Side of the River” a new youth musical emerging across Canada.

Ma-anne Dionisio from Miss Saigon recommends Catalyst "The 5th Element"

Ma-anne Dionisio from the hit broadway musical "Miss Saigon" hangs with Cat Jae at the Dora Awards and tells you all to come out and watch "The 5th Element" at the Fringe Festival between July 6-16th.

Ma-anne saw the show last year and was incredibly touched by the performance given by Catalyst and encourages everyone to come out to experience it themselves.

Congrats on your Dora nomination Ma-anne! She is now off to NYC to star in yet another Miss Saigon production.

Catalyst "The 5th Element" FIRE (or as we like to say "FIYA;)

Co-Artistic Director Janet L. Castillo talks about her Element.

Michele Rivera is the fierce flame in the Fire Element. Diversely trained with a strong emphasis on Brazilian Samba, Salsa, and Hip hop, Michel’s passion for dance is rooted in the belief that everything in life is possible with hard work, determination, and dedication.

A graduate from the George Brown College Commercial Dance program, you can see her dancing in music videos and shows for Canadian recording artists such as Shawn Desman, Ray Robinson, Brian Notice, the world’s sexiest comedian ‘Nicole Arbour’ and Billy Newton-Davis. She has been featured in the Bollywood film “Thank you” and has performed for several corporate events for high-profile companies including Miss Latina Canada, Diesel, Casino Rama, TD Bank, and Calle Ocho Gala in Miami Florida. From competing in salsa congresses worldwide, to dancing with the Toronto Argonauts Cheerleading Team, to dressing up in beautiful costumes with Samba Brasil Entertainment, Michele is a force in the industry and continues to spread her knowledge and passion for dance to as many people as she can.

A fearless ninja in the Fire Element, Sarah Tumaliuan is always pushing boundaries in the artistry of dance. Recently winning a dance battle and getting crowned “Bonnie” in Bucc and Flvr’s dance battle “Bonnie and Clyde”, Sarah is representing Toronto to the fullest. Before landing back in Toronto, she studied at Queens University, performing and teaching for Queen's Dance Club and Flow Dance Club.

Exploring dance through many styles, she has most recently zoned in on urban street styles including hip hop , house, waacking and jazz funk. She continues to share the stage with Toronto’s finest including Gadfly Dance Company, Lenny Len's Flavor Shop, Flip the Script, Koresthetic, and The Conglomerate, where she has performed for Pride Week, Monsters Dance Convention, Bazaar, and the Manifesto Festival.

A limitless dancer and choreographer who continues to train with the industry’s best in Montreal, Los Angeles and New York, Sarah constantly pushes her athleticism and artistry as a dancer. Now thankful to be part of such a dynamic production, Sarah is eager to share her journey across the elements in Catalyst show “The 5^th Element.”

The last member to join Catalyst in “The 5th Element” production, Natalie Poirier’s hard-working ethic, commitment and drive sets the tone for Fire. Opening up the element in her comeback, she joins the ninjas in their determination to overcome from the emotional depths of the Water.

A diverse dance background, she has trained in many forms including Hip hop, Break Dancing, Acro , Jazz Funk, House, Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet. To date, she has performed with many amazing Toronto companies including Evoke Movement Dance Theatre, Gadfly, and OIP dance Company. You have caught Natalie showcasing her versatile talents in the Get Up and Dance TV Show, Dove’s latest commercial, a recent Bollywood movie, with Candy Coated Killahz on Much Music Live, and Toronto shows Women in dance, The Rivoli, and Choreographer’s Ball.

Get ready for some burning heat in Fire.

Catalyst "The 5th Element" WATER

An original Cat, Tiff Mak is a multi-talented performer and choreographer who is classically trained in Cecchetti ballet with a flare for break dancing. Creating powerful and unforgettable pieces for "The 5th Element", Tiff believes in the freedom of movement, and maneuvers from the air to the ground with elegance and strength.

Credited for her unique fusion of dance forms, she has performed and choreographed in live-staged productions for extreme martial arts group, Team 2Xtreme, and in film and tv for "The Rick Mercer Report", Disney’s “Frenemies,” and Masia One’s music video “Return of the Bgirl.”

Tiff Mak’s passion for the arts is also expressed through her music. She is an up-and-coming recording artist/songwriter who debuted at the all-female showcase, Honey Jam 2010. With the summer release of her latest track “All the Lies,” she displays that her passion for expression exceeds all limitations.

This Cat will be ripping the stage up in all of the Elements with a solid feature in Water and Fire.

Catalyst "The 5th Element" EARTH

Catalyst Co-Artistic Director Natasha Powell talks about her Element.

Jasmyn Fyffe awakens the Earth dancers with her African and contemporary-inspired movement, setting the stage for "The 5th Element" production.

A force in the Toronto dance scene, Jasmyn has performed, choreographed, and produced many sold-out concerts and festivals including DanceWorks Series, Junction Arts Festival, The Science Center, Evolution of Gospel Music, The Rivoli, CUSO-VSO Dance for the World Benefit, An Open Dorr - Blue Ceiling Dance Production, Irie Music Dance Festival, Project Dance Toronto, Bazaar, Women in Dance, Dance Ontario, and Fresh Blood 2009 and 2010 (The Chimera Project). She has performed in the touring musical UMOJA and recently

featured in Grammy award-winning artist Nelly Furtado's music video "Night of Young" and Vision Entertainment's program "The Seven Deadly Sins".

Whether earning awards for her solo work, getting commissioned by Schools and Churches, or training and teaching in Toronto and abroad, Jasmine is currently thrilled and blessed to be dancing with Catalyst for the Fringe Festival and anxiously awaits the chance to perform "The 5th Element"with such an amazingly talented cast.

Catalyst is seeking Toronto’s “NEXT Dance Group” to be showcased at The Toronto Fringe Festival!

YES! You read correctly! Catalyst is looking for Toronto's NEXT Dance Group!! We are challenging all Toronto dance groups to come up with their best dance performances for a chance to be the opening act for our show "The 5th Element" being presented in the Toronto Fringe Festival July 6-16 at the Bathurst Street Theatre. This is an AMAZING opportunity to showcase your talent in one of the city's biggest festivals and to work with a professional cast!

All you have to do is upload your video to our Facebook Page "Catalyst the Company" and/or send us a digital video to torontonext@catalystthecompany.com and let us know why you think you are a "Catalyst". We are looking for dancers of all backgrounds and all ages that are super creative and have the skills to get any audience on their feet!

You have until June 30th and we will be announcing the Winner on Canada Day!! Check out the video message for more details!!

Sneak Peak of FIRE at Night of Essence: SHE ROCKS!!

This summer has been a hot one so far!! So many things going on in the city and it's all amazing! Our girl Kay-Ann Ward is the Founder and Creative Director of an event called Night of Essence. Its an evening dedicated to celebrating the best in dance, and other performance arts in the city!! The first installation "She Rocks!" is taking place this Sunday June 12th at 6 Degrees Venue! If you're a fan of Catalyst, then come get a taste of FIRE! It's dynamic, it's athletic, and it's sexy! You don't want to miss this!

See you on Sunday!!

STOMP Urban Dance Competition & Showcase This Weekend!!

After 10 years, The Stomp Urban Dance Competition and Showcase is alive and kicking!! It all goes down this weekend, Saturday June 4th at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts starting at 1PM.

Almost 400 young people will be performing an eclectic array of dance styles from stepping to hip hop, dancehall, krumping, jazz, contemporary and ballet.

Check out these pointers and tips to help you be a standout crew this weekend!! Good luck everyone! Catalyst will be there in full support!!