The Miss Rochelle Gartner Star Power Award
This distinguished performance award honors the legacy of Miss Rochelle Gartner—a passionate artist, devoted teacher, and radiant soul who inspired generations of dancers with her unwavering belief in the magic of performance. Miss Rochelle Gartner was also the first person to give Excel Dance Experience Director, Gretta Briceno, her very first teaching job.
The Star Power Award is presented to the dancer who truly embodies the essence of what Miss Rochelle lived, shared, and instilled in every student she mentored. We seek the dancer who lit up the stage from start to finish—the one who dazzled us with their smile, moved us with their energy, and captivated us with their spark.
This performer radiates passion, commitment, and an unyielding dedication to the art of dance. With precision, strength, refined technique, and a fearless “leave it all on the floor” attitude, they remind us of the power of presence and performance.
This is more than an award—it’s a tribute. A celebration of the light Miss Rochelle brought into the dance world, and a recognition of the dancer who carries that light forward.
Presented in loving memory of Miss Rochelle Gartner
Sponsored by Dance With France Studio (celebrating 37 years in Calgary) and the Gartner Family
More About Rochelle
Rochelle was the Owner/Artistic Director of award winning Dance with France Studios and Artist Elite International, where she touched the lives of thousands of students she taught and mentored. Rochelle’s passionate love of dance and energy lives on in her students. She was highly respected within the Calgary dance community. She loved to perform and travel the world entertaining internationally, on cruise ships, and for numerous Canadian shows. She was a Young Canadian Performer, Stampeder Outrider Cheerleader , Dancer in the 1988 Winter Olympics (opening and closing ceremonies), One of the first to graduate with a BA in Dance at the University of Calgary.Danced internationally in Japan and Poland and spent 7 years on the cruise lines which took her all over the world.Her vision was one of a kind giving local artists a chance to showcase their talents and over the years she produced 100's of successful shows. Rochelle’s passionate love of dance and energy lives on in her students.Rochelle continued dancing, teaching and performing throughout her battle with Glioblastoma. She was an advocate, raising funds for Glioblastoma research and the brain tumour community through Rochelle's Army. Her passion for life was contagious. Rochelle will be remembered for her courage, kindness, artistry, dedication, discipline, grace, strength, infectious laugh and beautiful spirit. We know her hope, strength, courage and perseverance will continue to inspire other brain tumour survivors around the world. Rochelle was loved by so many and her spirit will live on.In Memory of Rochelle Gartner: Jan 1, 1975 - Aug 23, 2021
