Emcee:
Enya Graham-Shewish is a Vancouver-based dancer, digital content creator, podcaster (Enya’s Relatable Randomness), reporter, and entertainer who has worked in local media and community events as a Master of Ceremonies for several years, and we’re overjoyed to welcome her for this year’s RCMA!
S
afer Spaces Team:
Laura Avelino and Damian Cade. These advocates will be on hand at the event to help you with any concerns you have, in particular but not limited to those arising out of violations of the RCMA Code of Conduct, and coordinating the safe walk program for leaving the venue late at night.
Volunteer Coordinator and Queen of the Gaps:
Suzanna Wright. She combs the schedule for places where work and/or help is needed and makes sure the need is filled, communicating with all the wonderful volunteers. Plus, she finds all the gaps in the planning and makes sure everything runs smoothly, in spite of Lucy’s inattention to detail.
Competitions coordinator:
Edina Shaw has made it her passion to bring casual and friendly competitions to the weekly dances. Bringing transparency, intention, and inspiration to competition culture, an essential cultural element of Lindy Hop, Edina runs the competitions at RCMA. She also prods Lucy throughout the year to make this event a destination dance festival every year.
Housing & Cabaret:
Looking for a place to stay while you’re in town? Have an extra bed? Jean Michel is here to connect locals and out of towers who need a home away from home. Plus, he’ll be wrangling talent for the always surprising Sunday evening RCMA Cabaret.
Decorations:
Helping bring a little pizzazz to our humble venue the Russian Hall, Colin and Carla will prep the hall with colour and sass.
Photography:
Emmanuel Guevara. For many years now Emmanuel has been documenting our dances, recording and sharing our dance exploits, awkward faces, and joyful improvisations. Look forward to many wonderful, magic, surprising, foolish, and fantastic photos soon after RCMA. Joined this year by Rick Lin.
Sound Tech:
Dave Henderson Sound. We feel so fortunate to have Dave’s professional, friendly, and unflappable expertise at RCMA each year. He makes the bands and DJs sound great, amplifies the teachers if need be, and provides the sound for the classes. We couldn’t hold the event without him!
Food:
Janelle and Graham once again keep the volunteers and staff fortified with healthy snacks. Be sure to thank them for the dance fuel!
Event producer:
Lucy Falkner. Owner and director of Rhythm City Productions since she started it in 2008. Lucy brings the vision and her background producing events, and relies heavily on the heart and enthusiasm of the local scene to make the event magic each year.
Music Makers
Bonnie Northgraves Sextet:
We’re so excited to welcome Bonnie back as front lady and instructor of the Understanding Jazz Music Saturday evening class, and we know you will be delighted with (and deeply swungover after) her soulful vocals and blasting trumpet.
Competition DJ:
Julia Franta (ask DJ Frantana). Dancer and DJ extraordinaire, Julia hails from Victoria, BC, and brings years of experience and finesse to the competition music and the Friday social dancing music. We’re always overjoyed to have her providing the music at RCMA.
Social dancing DJs:
TBA