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Embracing Life’s Dance

It’s another cool, damp night in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, but inside the dance studio lights cast a warm glow against the misty windows. Mirrors line one wall, reflecting the sparkle of the sequined scarves and silk veils of the dancers. The soft beat of Middle Eastern music fills the room and sets the rhythm for the evening's class.

The studio welcomes a diverse group of women through its doors. There are university students seeking a break from their studies, mothers embracing a moment of self-care, and professionals looking to unwind from their workday demands. For a few hours, they get lost in laughter, learning new movements and expressing themselves through a dance with roots tracing back centuries.

At the front of the studio stands Vanessa Matthews, a contemporary and fusion dance artist and generous teacher with a passion for technique. She starts tonight’s class by leading her students through a series of bends and stretches. They practice isolating their ribcage, shimmying their hips, and undulating their arms with grace and flow, their scarf coins and finger cymbals chiming in harmony with each movement. 

Vanessa was introduced to Middle Eastern dance, also known as belly dance, at university. 

“It immediately took root in my heart and has been my biggest passion for the past 17 years.”

Today, she is the owner and instructor of Magpie Movement, the artistic director, co-founder, and principal dancer of Seraka Dance Company the producer of Belly Dance Brew, and sits on the board of directors for the Untellable Movement Theatre in Canada’s most easterly city

Vanessa also leads a team of over 20 benefit claims specialists who contribute to the health and wellbeing of nearly 1.9 million members of Medavie Blue Cross-insured plans by making sure they’re reimbursed for medical expenses.

Her home office, set in the “Twizzler red” Jelly Bean Row house she shares with her sea captain husband Alec, 15-year-old cat Casey, and rambunctious puppy Emma, reflects a full career and a full life.

On their rare days off together, when Alec’s cargo ship is moored in St. John’s’ harbour, the couple hike trails and stroll through their iconic neighbourhood, where the streets sweep down to the sea and up to the skyAt the time of this writing, the couple was grieving the loss of their dog Molly while opening their hearts to their new puppy. Vanessa admits she’s “a bit of a Disney princess when it comes to making animal friends, whether that’s pets, strays, or wild animals.” 

Her office is in the den of their centuries-old home, where Casey, whom she describes as a sweet, 10-pound furball and “work helper”, often curls up beside her under the wooden table that serves as her work desk. On top of the desk is a laptop and dual monitors, the desktop images on their screens inviting Medavie Blue Cross employees to “amplify their voices” in allyship with 2SLGBTQIA+ colleagues and celebration of Pride Month. It’s a message that resonates with Vanessa.

“Leading a healthy life starts with inclusion. Within the dance community, my mission is to uplift our community of movers and shakers by sharing the joy of dance and creative movement. I believe that everyone is a dancer, unique and with different experiences and motivations for dancing. I aim to provide a supportive and encouraging environment for all dancers, regardless of age, size, level of fitness, physical ability, or financial barriers.”

She firmly believes that “laughter and a safe, supportive atmosphere leads to the strongest growth and enjoyment in the studio.” 

Vanessa’s dance artistry is complemented by her wide range of musical abilities. She can sing and play piano, bass clarinet, finger cymbals, and Arabic hand drums — instruments that fill a corner of her den office. She’s also teaching herself to play viola, “rather unsuccessfully,” she adds with a laugh, but is “having a fun time with it.”

“I love to do anything creative, whether that’s reading, writing, music, half-finished arts and crafts, or (my favourite) dancing. I love to take classes for adults in all kinds of styles from breakdance, tango, ballet, tap, and most recently, ‘Burlesque and Heels’!”

Although much of her free time is dedicated to artistic endeavors, Vanessa is a unique blend of analytical and creative talents. She joined Medavie Blue Cross two years ago with an extensive background in data analytics, a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, experience in online advertising, graphic design, and marketing, and as a licensed broker for personal home, travel, and auto insurance.

Vanessa takes a “lot of enjoyment in helping people” and is “so glad” she gets to do that every day at Medavie Blue Cross.

“Even on the roughest of days (though there does not seem to be many, if I’m being honest), I can find a bright spot and a sense of pride knowing my work had an impact on making someone’s day that little bit brighter too.”

Most days, she and other team leaders in claims management are fine-tuning procedures, coaching claims analysts, reaching out to members to assist with their questions and claims for eligible costs of healthcare services and products, and allocating resources to ensure member claims are paid quickly and accurately.

“It’s a balancing act, like all things in life, and I’m always learning something new. My wonderful co-workers make it a joy to come to work each day, whether that’s in the office or working from home.”

Vanessa places a lot of value on keeping her work and home life separate to keep that balance.

“Part of that comes from doing things that keep me healthy both mentally and physically. The openness and de-stigmatization of mental health over the past few years is a welcomed change; my counsellor, meditation, mindfulness practices, and finding solace in alone time keeps me mentally well.”

Adding to her wellbeing is the fulfillment she gains from being a dance instructor and show producer.

“I believe that dance is for everybody and every body, and having the platform of dance to reach more people and celebrate more voices is a gift I’m thankful for every day.”

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