1. Curriculum Vitae
Shawn Newman
“...[one] of Toronto’s finest dancers.” - Paula Citron, Toronto Life
Profile
Founder/Artistic Director, T’art Dances
• World premiers in Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Shanghai, China
Creative/Managing Director, One Shot Events and Entertainment
• Engaging with private and corporate clients including Blanco Canada, Andrew Pike Interiors, and
the World President’s Organization (Toronto Chapter)
Academic Consultant to the Dance Department, York University
• Special invite by the Chair of the Dance Department to conduct workshops to the Faculty in new
OCAV (Ontario College of Academic Vice-Presidents) grading systems and criteria to be
implemented in all university undergraduate programs throughout the province
Strong Understanding and Respect for
• Procedure, proper training, employment equity, and collaborative strategic development
Interests in
• Education in arts and culture (specifically the intersection between dominant social/cultural norms
and the affect on/from theatrical dance), and gender and sexuality studies
Education
Master of Arts, York University (2011)
• Specializing in gender and sexual identity in Western theatrical dance
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ryerson University (2003)
• Performance Dance with training in vocal music, theatre, and dance pedagogy
Contact Information
123 Spruce Street * Toronto, ON * M5A 2J4 * 647.444.2697 * shawn@youhaveoneshot.com
2. Curriculum Vitae
Shawn Newman
“...[one] of Toronto’s finest dancers.” - Paula Citron, Toronto Life
Teaching Experience
Instructor/Curriculum Developer, York University (2009-2010)
• Created curriculum for four sections of thirty-five undergraduate students in the areas of body
skills/technique, professional capacity and autonomy, application of knowledge, awareness of
limits of knowledge, depth and breadth of knowledge, communication skills, and knowledge of
methodologies
• Curriculum included concert jazz dance technique and brief contextual lectures involving the
history of jazz dance and music, their ties to African Canadian and African American traditions of
music and dance, racism and hegemony in the arts in North America, and the African Slave Trade
• Examples of concert jazz dance and jazz music were shown and used as tools to illustrate the wide
definition of jazz, including Afro-Cuban traditions, social dancing, and musical theatre. Technical
instruction included discussions and lessons on modern dance visionaries and icons, and
incorporated several modern and ballet concepts/aesthetics to compliment the dancer’s experience
of concert jazz dance
• Also responsible for teaching dance/theatre critique, review writing skills, and critical thinking
Instructor/Curriculum Developer, Upstage Productions (2007-2008)
• Created curriculum for Contemporary I and II courses as registration-based adult courses to
professionals and non-professionals, beginner to advanced
• Assisted in promotional activities (such as web-based initiatives and co-ordination of enrollment)
to grow the student base
• Also assisted in creating and executing training programs for youth entering the professional film
and theatre business as a segue into post-secondary training with a focus on the foundations of
being a film and theatre professional
Part-time Instructor, Ryerson University (2002-2003)
• Hand-picked by current Dance program co-directors Vicki St. Denys and Karen Du Plessis while
still an undergraduate student to teach undergraduate classes in modern and jazz techniques
Performance Experience
Dancer, Independent (1998-Current)
• Numerous engagements with theatre and dance companies across Canada including the
Vancouver East Cultural Centre, Harbourfront Centre (Toronto), National Arts Centre (Ottawa),
as well as Wolfgang Bocksch Concerts (Europe) and the United States (HNM Dance)
• Performed principal roles for Canada’s leading choreographic minds such as Matjash Mrozewski,
Peter Randazzo, Heidi Strauss, Darcey Callison, Michael Trent, Julia Sasso, and many others
Principal Company Member, Various (2002-Current)
• Performed as lead dancer for companies such as idDanse, Da Collision, Hit & Run Production,
the Scandelles, and numerous others
Contact Information
123 Spruce Street * Toronto, ON * M5A 2J4 * 647.444.2697 * shawn@youhaveoneshot.com
3. Curriculum Vitae
Shawn Newman
“...[one] of Toronto’s finest dancers.” - Paula Citron, Toronto Life
Conferences
Building Culture(s): A New Era in Translation Studies (York University 2011)
• Presenting a paper titled “Assessing the Intersection of Theatrical Dance and Cultural
Translation: The Shanghai Surprise” about the world premier of Through My Eyes by T’art
Dances in Shanghai, China
Pulse (York University 2010)
• Assisted in the organization of the biannual Pulse dance conference at York University, which
brings together high school dance programs from across the province to share in workshops,
lectures, and discussions on dance and the arts in high school.
World Dance Alliance - Americas (New York University 2010)
• Invited to remount the solo creation, Through My Eyes for dancer Anisa Tejpar at the WDA
Conference and Global Dance Event in New York City
• Invitation included Q&A about the work and creative process, and the work’s place in my larger
body of choreographic works and history as a performer.
Additional Professional Experience
Cafe Associate, Holt Renfrew (2007-2010)
• Consistent leader in sales and average client spend, highest percentage of alcohol sales
(including an increase of 2.4% from 2009), consistent leader in customer satisfaction with
numerous commendations from clients to management
• Fulfilled all aspects of the corporate initiative 10 Steps to Success: Serving the Holt Renfrew Way
• Consulted as a Holt Renfrew employee on many private events regarding set-up, planning, and
menu ideas
• The only associate to exceed both annual sales targets (minimum $25 spend/client, actual,
$27.34; minimum 25% liquor sales, actual, 26.3%)
• Increased client volume of 17% from 2009
Part-time Manager, The Old Spaghetti Factory (2004-2007)
• Created new training procedures for all new staff as well as implemented Health & Safety
initiatives including fire evacuation policies and broken glass handling procedures
• Responsible for booking, co-ordinating and executing large parties of 30 to 250 guests
• When running the floor, managed a staff of between 40 and 65 people
References
• Excellent references available upon request
Contact Information
123 Spruce Street * Toronto, ON * M5A 2J4 * 647.444.2697 * shawn@youhaveoneshot.com