LORYNN CRAWFORD
Dancer, Performer
Dancer Lorynn Crawford has a philosophy. “Dance is about finding your passion, about embracing music and movement and storytelling in a remarkable way,” says Crawford. “Dancers are so special for the entertainment and happiness they can bring to their audiences.” Her passion for dance began at age three. Over the years, Lorynn has danced many types of dance but if she had to choose a favorite, it would be ballet. At 15, Crawford has already realized every dancer’s dream. “I got accepted into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Summer Intensive Program two years in a row. I was
thrilled to be accepted and given a scholarship to go,” says Crawford. “It was definitely one of my proudest moments.” Crawford’s interest in dance became more serious at age 11. Up to that point, she participated in a variety of activities, including competitive gymnastics at Island Gymnastics, a competitive dance team, and some theatre roles with the Confederation Centre in Anne of Green Gables: The Musical and Evangeline , as well as a stint with Anne & Gilbert at the Guild. “Looking back, I think I was searching for something that put all these things together: dance, athleticism, and drama. The logical choice was
ballet,” says Crawford. “Last summer, I was offered the opportunity to attend the professional ballet program as a full-time student with the Quinte Ballet School of Canada in Oakville, Ontario. I was very close to committing for the year when COVID-19 struck.” Crawford is thrilled to pass on her love of dance. “This past year, I was so excited when my teacher from Dance Virtuosa, Kashena Collins, asked me to teach some dance classes. On Sundays, I teach two introduction-to-dance classes for ages three to five. The kids are so sweet; I love being their teacher and sharing my passion for dance.”
▲ Lorynn Crawford Photo by Story Thorburn
JORDAN SPENCE
Hockey Player
Jordan Spence discovered his love for hockey in the most unlikely of places. He was born in Sydney, Australia, and then his family moved to Osaka, Japan, soon after which he learned the game of hockey from his Canadian father. “Jordan just loves the game,” says Adam Spence, Jordan’s father. “Hockey doesn’t have the same strong cultural roots in Japan as it does in Canada; Jordan played simply because he loved hockey.” When Jordan was 13, the family moved to Cornwall, PEI, where he flourished in the minor hockey
system despite not being able to speak any English when he first arrived. Now Jordan speaks three languages (Japanese, English and French), and due to his travel and exposure to such diverse cultures, he adapts easily to new situations. “Hockey has always been a good way to connect with his peers in new environments. It’s one of his strongest character traits,” says Adam. Jordan Spence, who has dual citizenship in Canada and Japan, represented Team Canada for the first time at the 2019 U18 World Championship. He recently signed a
three-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings. “He’s very excited to be embarking on this new opportunity,” says Adam. “This doesn’t detract from his education. With an average in the high eighties, Jordan is considering several Ivy League schools.” From a three-year-old just beginning on the ice to his time with the Moncton Wildcats, and now currently playing for the Val-d’Or Foreurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) while under contract with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL), it’s obvious he’s the one to watch!
▲ Jordan Spence Photo by Getty Images
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker