Wendy Holmquist
Wendy Holmquist (nee Paavi) (born circa 1960) is the owner of Dance Dynamics, an elite dance studio in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Early life
Wendy was born to Dick Paavi and the former Joyce Markall. Wendy's mother Joyce is the daughter of Ethel Markall, founder of Markall's School of Dance. Wendy trained there from age 13 in about 1973.
Family
Wendy married a Mr. Holmquist and had two children:
- Trevor Holmquist, who attended Pine Street School with Michael Currie
- Melissa Holmquist
Career Biography
Wendy Holmquist began her dance education at age 13 in her grandmother’s studio, Markall School of Dance. Now in her 47th year she is the proud owner/director of Dance Dynamics Studio in Thunder Bay.
Wendy has spent many hours researching and exploring different syllabi, articles, videos and webinars to develop programs the where emphasis lies around forming technically correct multi-disciplined performers, at the same time providing unique and everlasting life experiences. She is exceptionally proud of the studio’s Tot & Preschool programs.
Wendy’s dance education is comprised of exams/certification through workshops and courses from accredited organizations; Canadian Dance Teachers, ADAPT(Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers), Al Gilbert Dance Educators, Boston Dance Teacher’s Certification, Dance Olympus, American Society of Dance Teachers and Acrobatic Arts, Acro Competition Adjudication, Progressing Ballet Technique and CLI continuing dance education
Wendy has an extensive background as a fitness instructor/trainer where she has been employed at Vic Tanny’s, YM/YWCA, the City of Thunder Bay, and Confederation College Fitness Centre, and received certification through the Ontario Fitness Leadership program and was a certified Nautilus instructor.
As an Acrobatic Arts Examiner Wendy travels throughout Canada and the United States where she evaluates young acro dancers as they progress through the 12 level syllabus.
Wendy is also certification as a Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor. RWID is a rhythm and dance program that incorporates evidence-based practices from sensory integration, applications to physical skills, and behavioral strategies. Special attention is given to helping improve outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Sensory Processing Disorder, ADHD, and other learning differences and special needs.
Wendy continues to push her staff to continue being leaders in the industry ensuring using the latest technologies and tools available. To this end she has also partnered with CLI (Creative, Learning, Inspiring) Studios giving her staff year round access to some of the top professionals in the industry – Caitlin Kinney, Nick Lazzarini, Mijo, Comfort, Jamie Goodwin & Twitch to name a few.
Sources
[1] https://www.tbnewswatch.com/obituaries/richard-wayne-382920 [2] http://dancedynamicsstudio.ca/wendy-holmquist/