“A Day in the Life” with Calgary Dancer Rhaine Marquardt

Rhaine Marquardt grew up in Calgary and started dancing at the age of three. To know Rhaine, is to know her passion, commitment, and love for all things dance. Rhaine trains at YYC Dance Project and Alberta Ballet School, her “home away from home”. She is a true student of dance, who’s dedication and determination to perfecting her craft are both relentless and admirable. While she trains in all styles of dance, Rhaine has a particular affection for Contemporary dance. She has always loved the lights, the stage, and the glamour of costume and makeup that come with being a dancer, but to Rhaine dance is the place inside her soul where she encapsulates a feeling and hopes to evoke emotion in her audience. Rhaine loves to learn from dance artists and dance faculty from around the world, while staying true to her own authentic self and continually striving to develop her own style as a movement artist. Rhaine is a leader, mentor and role-model to younger dancers, and a humble and gracious artist, who at a young age has started to find her own choreographic voice.

Outside of her world of dance, Rhaine is a conscientious student with a curious mind. She is a talented writer and has been known to be quite the poet. Rhaine is also a bit of an old soul. She has a mature perspective about the world and a wisdom about her that emulates a genuine commitment to being a kind and empathetic human being. She loves new adventures and is a nature enthusiast, never passing on the opportunity to escape to the mountains with her family to hike, snowshoe, ski, or paddleboard.

I have always had a special place in my heart for the stage and the joy of performing. I compete regionally as well as nationally, travelling to compete with my team in both solo and group routines. Getting to share my art on stage excites me and motivates me in my year round training. This is a solo I’m currently competing, choreographed by Stacey Tookey.
I have always had a special place in my heart for the stage and the joy of performing. I compete regionally as well as nationally, travelling to compete with my team in both solo and group routines. Getting to share my art on stage excites me and motivates me in my year round training. This is a solo I’m currently competing, choreographed by Stacey Tookey.
This shot was taken from a movement shoot in Calgary’s vibrant East Village, with photographer Jenna Maslechko. Capturing the true essence of dance on film involves a collaborative process through which the artistry of the dancer can be expressed. I love getting to experience location, lighting, and colours all come together to form Art. 
This shot was taken from a movement shoot in Calgary’s vibrant East Village, with photographer Jenna Maslechko. Capturing the true essence of dance on film involves a collaborative process through which the artistry of the dancer can be expressed. I love getting to experience location, lighting, and colours all come together to form Art.
This special moment was captured at The Reassembly, a fundraiser for child and adolescent mental health, in benefit of the Alberta Children’s Hospital. One of the best parts of being a dancer is getting to do what I love for the benefit of others. This experience was one of the greatest honours and highlights of my dance career so far
This special moment was captured at The Reassembly, a fundraiser for child and adolescent mental health, in benefit of the Alberta Children’s Hospital. One of the best parts of being a dancer is getting to do what I love for the benefit of others. This experience was one of the greatest honours and highlights of my dance career so far
One of the things I’ve missed most over this past year is travelling with my team to dance at conventions. This is where I get to take class and audition with hundreds of dancers from around the world, and learn from world-renowned choreographers. While this used to terrify me, I have developed a love for the excitement of it, and find myself craving the experience.
One of the things I’ve missed most over this past year is travelling with my team to dance at conventions. This is where I get to take class and audition with hundreds of dancers from around the world, and learn from world-renowned choreographers. While this used to terrify me, I have developed a love for the excitement of it, and find myself craving the experience.
Dance has taught me the importance of resilience, not only in my training but in my everyday life. The ability to persevere through the ups and the downs that come with being a competitive dancer is what makes a true artist and allows me to continue to grow into the best version of myself. Photo Credit: Amy Gardner
Dance has taught me the importance of resilience, not only in my training but in my everyday life. The ability to persevere through the ups and the downs that come with being a competitive dancer is what makes a true artist and allows me to continue to grow into the best version of myself. Photo Credit: Amy Gardner
Ballet is unquestionably at the heart of all my training, no matter the discipline. Over the years, I have grown to love ballet for its sheer beauty and complex specificity, and for how much it serves as a foundation for all aspects of technical development.
Ballet is unquestionably at the heart of all my training, no matter the discipline. Over the years, I have grown to love ballet for its sheer beauty and complex specificity, and for how much it serves as a foundation for all aspects of technical development.
Spending time with family is something that has always been really important to me. Getting to do this in the heart of the mountains, in the fresh air and surrounded by beautiful views, feeds my soul and helps me feel refreshed.
Spending time with family is something that has always been really important to me. Getting to do this in the heart of the mountains, in the fresh air and surrounded by beautiful views, feeds my soul and helps me feel refreshed.
My curiosity and passion for learning does not stop at dance! Academics are also very important to me, and I am currently studying as a grade 11 student at Ernest Manning High School. Although I’ve never thought of myself as having a science brain, I’ve grown to love the sciences, and any opportunity I get to do an in-class lab or experiment with friends!
My curiosity and passion for learning does not stop at dance! Academics are also very important to me, and I am currently studying as a grade 11 student at Ernest Manning High School. Although I’ve never thought of myself as having a science brain, I’ve grown to love the sciences, and any opportunity I get to do an in-class lab or experiment with friends!

What ‘hood’ are you in?

I grew up and currently live on Calgary’s Westside, in a loving and supportive family with my mom, dad, younger sister, and my dog “River”. Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies and the tranquil outdoor beauty of Alberta, my family and I take advantage of this natural luxury as often as possible. From summer hiking to winter snowshoeing, I love escaping to the majestic mountains as often as my busy training schedule allows.

What do you do?

I am a grade 11 high school student and competitive dancer, currently training out of Alberta Ballet School with a pre-professional dance company, YYC Dance Project. Ever since I can remember, dance has been one of the most important and prominent parts of my life. Dance allows me to express myself and my feelings in a way that words never could. Performing, creating connections, and collaborating with my teammates, brings me joy and keeps my soul forever curious. When I’m not at the studio, I do my best to embrace the vibrant culture and diverse community of Calgary by attending local art shows and community events, as well as experiencing Calgary’s abundance of amazing restaurants.

What are you currently working on?

Having recently returned to the studio after many months of training over zoom, I am overjoyed to be able to be back in-studio, focusing on building my technique and dancing alongside my teammates. This year, I have centred my focus on refining my artistic voice within my technique training, as well as beginning to experience teaching some of the younger dancers of our company, and choreographing dance pieces on both myself and other dancers. Currently, I am working on two solo pieces for the only AHS approved live competition in Alberta, taking place in Calgary at the end of March. I am also preparing for various virtual competitions, where I will compete with dancers from across North America, and have the opportunity to be adjudicated by world-renowned choreographers and dance educators.

Where can you find me?

You can find me on instagram: @rhaine.marquardt, and yycdanceproject.com