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.