Cathy Stoyko is a life long dancer with formative background in gymnastics and contemporary dance. In 1996 she began a dedicated study of Middle Eastern dance (folkloric and cabaret styles), fusion belly dance and Romani dance that has never ended. In 1997 she began performing regularly at community events as a soloist and with the Melissae Dance Co. and soon after began choreographing for groups, producing events and teaching workshops. Over the years she has continued to study many dance forms and styles including; ballet, modern, contemporary as well as traditional and sacred dances from the Middle East, India, Iran and the Silk Road often travelling to study or seeking out teachers and mentors to host in her community.
Her for background and post secondary education in visual arts and love of dance have organically intertwined over the years. She often incorporates masks, theatrical effects and costumes that she creates into her choreography and dance projects. She is the founder and creative director of the Vancouver Island dance company Arcana Dea (visit Arcana Dea page). She is known for her respectful representations of traditional dances as well as, her unique fusion style of dance that combines traditional dance and ritual elements with contemporary modern and story telling. Her creative approach to costuming and dynamic choreography make her dance offerings truly unique.
Currently she teaches classes and hosts dance workshops and retreats at the Abbey Studio in Cumberland. She has been organizing arts events in the Comox Valley for almost 20 years and continues to presents dance and world music events in her community and to work in collaboration with community based groups like the Cumberland Forest Society.
"Dance is a powerful tool to connect and engage with our community and with Im all about bringing dance into community as a way to empower women and girls of all ages, to celebrate, connect with nature and the seasons, tell stories, engage
It's an amazing gift to move through life, birth, growth, loss and I'm very grateful
Most people have this idea that dance is just for kids. Stop telling yourself I'm too old, I'm too tall, I'm to round...
Just keep dance, never stop!
Her for background and post secondary education in visual arts and love of dance have organically intertwined over the years. She often incorporates masks, theatrical effects and costumes that she creates into her choreography and dance projects. She is the founder and creative director of the Vancouver Island dance company Arcana Dea (visit Arcana Dea page). She is known for her respectful representations of traditional dances as well as, her unique fusion style of dance that combines traditional dance and ritual elements with contemporary modern and story telling. Her creative approach to costuming and dynamic choreography make her dance offerings truly unique.
Currently she teaches classes and hosts dance workshops and retreats at the Abbey Studio in Cumberland. She has been organizing arts events in the Comox Valley for almost 20 years and continues to presents dance and world music events in her community and to work in collaboration with community based groups like the Cumberland Forest Society.
"Dance is a powerful tool to connect and engage with our community and with Im all about bringing dance into community as a way to empower women and girls of all ages, to celebrate, connect with nature and the seasons, tell stories, engage
It's an amazing gift to move through life, birth, growth, loss and I'm very grateful
Most people have this idea that dance is just for kids. Stop telling yourself I'm too old, I'm too tall, I'm to round...
Just keep dance, never stop!
Teachers that have influenced and inspired my dancing over the years include:
Debra Brown- choreographer and dance instructor, Flicka Gymnastics, N Van. 1980-85
Bronwyn Simons- belly dance, director Mellisae Dance Co., collaborations 1996-2002
Lynette Harper- Middle Eastern and Turkish Roman dance workshops/collaborations 1996-present
Anthea Browne- modern dance training and collaborations between 2001-2005
Ferda Bayazit- Turkish Roman 2003/4
Gypsy Caravan Studio- ATS and tribal fusion belly dance, Tribal Quest, Portland Oregon 2005
Margie Gillis- Summer intensives 'Dancing from the Inside Out' 2007 & 2009
Guru Padma Cheran Dehury- Odissi Indian Classiacl dance in Rajasthan, India, Feb. 2008
Margie Gillis- Summer intensives 'Dancing from the Inside Out' 2007 & 2009
Guru Padma Cheran Dehury- Odissi Indian Classiacl dance in Rajasthan, India, Feb. 2008
Colleena Shakti- Indian/Arabic fusion, Portland 2005 and India 2008
Banafsheh Sayyad- Persian classical dance and ecstatic dance intensive Vancouver 2008
Rahma Haddad- belly dance teacher training Summer 2008
Helene Eriksen- Seattle Training Project 2009/2010 and 2011/12
Farima Berenji- Awakening Artemis, sacred and traditional dances, Turkey retreat 2013
Dances from the Silk Road weekend intensives and Sema gatherings with Farima Berenji at the Abbey Studio in Cumberland 2013- present (host and participant)
Farima Berenji- Awakening Artemis, sacred and traditional dances, Turkey retreat 2013
Dances from the Silk Road weekend intensives and Sema gatherings with Farima Berenji at the Abbey Studio in Cumberland 2013- present (host and participant)