Meet Tracy! She's from Kamloops and her goals are to make fitness and dance accessible to everyone! 

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My best friend, Melanie Van Mol. We can do everything or nothing together; it does not matter. We confide, console, lift the other up, bring back to reality, giggle, cry and are just there for one another no matter what.

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?    
Penny Pinchers as it is close to my home and meets a lot of my large families shopping needs.

Describe yourself in one word.    
Driven

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Belgium to see a friend I have not seen since high school and to enjoy the culture and language.

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?    
Dancing

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
Grade 7 ski trip, I really had to pee. Not skilled enough to race to the bottom.  I dropped down in some trees, stood up and slid into my classmates with my pants down!

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?    
I have had to face a lot of obstacles in my life; I think the most inspiring is also the most frightening. I had a stroke at the age of 25 and was fortunate not to have died or suffered too debilitating of side effects. This changed the whole course of my life, it was devastating but also inspired me to live every day to its fullest and to make sure I never go to bed angry and to tell people I love them, they matter, that I care…as you never know when your last day may be.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My favourite childhood memory is flying solo to Vancouver at the age of 7 to spend the summer with my aunt. This was the year of Expo '86. I helped my aunt set up her classroom for September, went to French Camp and enjoyed big city life.

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I volunteer my time when I have it to events and organizations that reflect my beliefs and lifestyle. I do not currently give my time at any particular place. I am a shadow cleaner (I tidy and clean spaces I encounter, I cannot help it), I am also a snow angel in the winter months.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
Poverty; no one should go hungry or without basic necessities.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?    
The rock by the beacon in Brocklehurst, lovely view of the city, quiet and peaceful.

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?    
I would like to see a change in the Arts and Entertainment industries. The lack of culturally diverse music, dance and other performances and opportunities are all I miss about living on the Coast.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?    
The sense of community, pride, and kindness.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
I do not really have a bucket list, I just want to be happy, maintain my happiness and have happy, healthy friends and family. There are not any things I need to do or places I need to go.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I am severely Learning Disabled and had to work extremely hard to achieve and maintain honour roll standing in high school, and it was challenging to complete my University degree with few to no supports in place.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)   
Danse d'Extase, Facebook 

What is the name of your business/organization?
Danse d'Extase

Why did you get into/start this business?
I started by tutoring younger students as a teenager, after training in various styles of dance as a youth I studied the history of dance and dance for teachers in University.

What is the goal of your business?
To make fitness and dance accessible to everyone.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?    
My biggest struggle is student retention, everyone loves my classes but getting children and adults to be available to come back consistently is challenging. Also making a living as dance instructor is difficult so I wear many vocational hats.

What do you always find yourself saying?
'One more time…'

Tell us your best piece of life advice.    
Breathe, relax, enjoy the small things, never be too busy.

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
I would spend the day with my high school best friend, Lora Salvatore. We do not see each other often and a whole day together would be positively amazing.

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
To support the local economy.

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I am my proudest accomplishment; I am never giving up. I am going to keep trying, failing and succeeding.

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Regina Bittner-Rothbart, she has been my mentor, my friend, my 2nd mom and is such an important piece of the puzzle of my life.

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:    
Regina Bittner-Rothbart

Some general comments I would like to share are:
I am an independent Dance Instructor Contractor; I teach at various studios in Kamloops; Let's Move Studio, Akimbo Dance Studios, Sistas Love to Dance Studios as well as teaching privately and for the City of Kamloops and other community groups. My motto is Fitness is Fun and Dance is for Everyone! I strive to make this a reality in Kamloops. I offer classes to all ages and abilities; children, adults, seniors, beginners, advanced and special needs.

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.