The Ethan Awards

I know Mande Dagenais for many years and worked with her as she choreographed and directed many of my musical reviews
throughout this country and abroad.She did wonders with my
Lacage aux Folles show where ever her services were needed.
She brought our shows to a new level. Then she went on to produce and create many shows of her own. When I read her
book “Inspired to Dance” I understood her talent and why
people in the show business world and others praised her work
She simply wants to share her knowledge with everyone.
Lou Paciocco, Creator of Lacage aux Folles
Impersonation Shows Worldwide.

I have known Mande for a very long time. Her dream was to dance and she followed that dream. She worked hard at it and put everything she had into it. She loves to dance and to perform; she puts her heart and soul in her work whether it be dancing, choreographing or producing. I am very proud of all of her achievements.

Mande is a wonderful person. Her book will definitely inspire many young dancers. She tells it like it is; she worked very hard on her book and anybody thinking about dancing as a career will benefit from it.

Mandy should win BC she is determined and inspiring and has worked so hard all of her life to get to where she is now. I am proud to know her and have her in my life and she has given me great advice all of these years and has encouraged me to seek out dreams that may have seemed impossible, but nothing is impossible in Mandy’s eyes! She is truly an inspiration!

This book is a must have for any aspiring entertainer, not just dancers! There are so many life lessons to be learnt by all when reading this inspiring book! Mande tells it like it is and teaches you how to achieve your goals. She is truly helping people turn their dreams into reality!

Mande has worked very hard all her life to achieve her goals. She is great at what she does and has inspired a lot of people. We are all very fortunate to have her in our lives.

Mande is a very talented person. She is good at what she does and loves to help people and inspire them to follow their dreams. Her book is a must for anybody going into the arts & entertainment field.

I am a dancer and Inspired to dance is the only book I have ever seen on the market that really gives you insight on how to get in to the industry, stay in the industry and maximize your opportunities in the industry.
It is excellently written and in my opinion an asset to any dancer or performer. Well done and thank you Mande Dagenais!

I really wish this book had been written when my daughter started out on her dancing career. It would have made my life so much easier !! Wonderful book, really informative.

Mande is a delight to know and have as a friend. She always wanted to dance and made her dream come true. Her book will be a great help to all aspiring dancers. She tells it exactly like it is. Great job on the book Mande.

I’ve know Mande since she was a little girl. Her dream was to dance and to perform for live audiences and she did just that. She is a go-getter and puts her all in everything she does. Her book is a useful tool for dancers of any age. Way to go Mande.

This book is a must for all who are interested in a dance career or choreographing and more. Mande has done a wonderful job writing this book; she has years of experience and tells people the way it is. She truly loves what she does and loves to help others realize their dreams.

This book is a wealth of valuable information, both professional and personal into what it takes to be a dancer/entertainer. This book will give you priceless information to avoid frustrations and pitfalls along the way. You will learn years of knowledge and experience from Mande’s journey that will only jumpstart your career and direction as you take stage. Mande is open, honest and always willing to share, train, and encourage individuals so that too can be successful in their endeavor.

Inspired to Dance is so well written and easy for all ages to understand. I purchased for my niece 9 and my daughter 23 that loves Dance.

It was not only inspirational but so much infomartion to help them know what they need to help move forward with a career in dance.

You can tell it is written from the true hard work and heart of Mande.

As an entertainer who has worked with Mande many times over the years, I can enthusiastically attest to her talents as a dancer, choreographer, producer and director. Mande is the Real Deal, and so is her book. With the advent of “reality” shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol”, many young people starting out are led to believe that all they need to do is stand online at the next audition and they’ll be the Next Big Thing. Mande’s book details the preparation, dedication and hard work necessary for a career in dance (or any other of the performing arts), and even more importantly, motivates and inspires anyone, of any age, to follow their heart, pursue their dream, and take center stage. This is a book whose time has come.

she should win because she is my cousin and hard worker in her career,and she has accomblish her gold in life .

Mande is not only an exceptional choreographer and director, she is encouraging, supportive, and inspriring to all whom she comes in contact with. She inspired me by complimenting my strngths. This, in turn, has inspired me to do the same with my students and those that I work with in the theater. She is a true gem!!!

I have read “Inspired to Dance” and I truly believe that all aspiring dancers needs to read this book. It is a wealth of knowledge and expertise for everyone who is thinking of a dancing career.

Mande won the new dancer award as a very young girl, in her first year of dance. The director of the school described her enthusiasm, her passion, her smile as well as her dance skills and abilities as the reasons for the award. This passion has followed her throughout her life. She has been inspired by many and likewise has inspired many to pursue their goals. This book is an extension of Mande’s desire to provide aspiring dancers/choreographers with valuable advice based on her life experiences. Well done and a must have “instruction manual.”

Mande is one of the most talented and passionate people i have been lucky enough to work with and call my friend.
“Inspired to Dance” is an amazing book, that can really help any young talent or parent of that talent, understand just what hard work and dedication is required and expected in the entertainment world or in any aspect of life.
She is a beautiful person inside and out, that helps you understand dreams can come true and anything is possible!

Having been first guided as a young dancer by Mande’s detail oriented precision delivered with her trademark nurturing bedside manner, I find myself overwhelmed with pride that she has now achieved this landmark goal and has so perfectly harnessed her lifelong experience and observations in the entertainment industry.

I can only imagine what an invaluable resource this would have been for me as a theater major in college when I was considering the innumerable options that lie ahead of me.

I was lucky enough to find myself in a rehearsal studio learning what could have been an overwhelming amount of material in a short amount of time for a cruise ship production days before leaving the country to board a ship in Genoa.

I was never a quick study and don’t believe I could have done it with any other director/choreographer.
Beyond Mande’s unparalleled preparation and professionalism, she had such a unique and rare ability to reach each one of us, regardless of our level of dance experience, and find not only a way for us to learn the material – but also customize her choreography to our individual strengths.

There are many great dancers without the ability to teach and many average dancers who are great teachers. I believe Mande is a modern day renaissance woman who was blessed with it all – and over the years has reached so many performers like myself across many varied stages around the world.

I believe that “Inspired to Dance” should be on dance and theater syllabuses in colleges and performing arts schools everywhere. There is no other book like it, written directly from the perspective of someone who has lived it.

Dance teachers and choreographers are plentiful but extremely rare is the teacher who has lived and breathed dance; who has performed, choreographed, cast, hired and mentored singers, dancers and performers; rare is the person who has created and produced shows and whom now has a powerful and relevant message to share. Mande Dagenais stands out not only as an accomplished professional but as someone who clearly articulates in her book all the critical steps and insights necessary to take your dream to dance & perform and turn it into a shining reality. This is the book for those who are inspired to dance and inspired to make it happen!

Inspired to Dance is so much more than a collection of tips and advice for would-be dancers; it truly does “inspire” one to dance, as evidenced by Made’s obvious enthusiasm for this graceful art form. Much like dance itself, the book is infused with a style, energy and technique all her own!

I have this book to my friend’s daughter who is a dancer. She absolutely loved.

Corrected comment (sorry for the typing errors). I meant to say that I gave this book to my friend’s daughter who is dancer. She absolutely loved it.

I have known Mande for 20 years. She is a serious professional dedicated to her craft. Her long list of achievements in the entertainment world speak for themselves. She is a top-notch professional and has my greatest respect as someone who followed her passion in life.

I am so happy she has shared her wealth of knowledge, from the world of dance, in the form of a book for those who wish to follow in her footsteps. She has filled an important niche, to deliver her book “Inspired To Dance” as a guide for those who dream and aspire to dance professionally.

Mande Dagenais is a True Original, and now through her incredible book, “Inspired to Dance”, she has generously shared with us her knowledge of the art of dance through her own experience, & encourages us all to follow our own dream in life wherever it may take us.
A Definite MUST read! Thank You Mande.

Hi everyone,
I’m sorry that so many of you have not been able to vote on my page. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know, unfortunately my voting page has not been working since last Tuesday or Wednesday July 6th or 7th, over one week now, and the problem has yet to be resolved. I also want to thank you all so very much for your wonderful support and comments. And to those of you who were able to get your votes in before the page went down, thank you again for taking the time!
May you always be inspired to do what you love! Mande

Reason

wow – who can compare with mande dagenais…we worked together for several years – when she was young and developing her talents – and when she was maturing and took those talents to a new level – not only is she talented as a SUPERB dancer, a TERRIFIC choreographer, and a STUNNING producer/director, she is a WOMAN beyond compare…her abilities to share her talents in a kind and supportive fashion; her love for the goodness in the industry; her faith and passion in directing young talent; and not the least of which, mande is a GOOD person; who can state that they have met an individual who is dedicated, passionate, directed, talented, articulate, SMART, knowledgeable, and through it all KIND and LOVING; i’m honoured to be her friend…yes, she should be awarded…

Reason

Mande Dagenais is Brilliant! She is a fabulous performer, choreographer, director, and author. She has surely paid her dues and we are fortunate to have her in the “Dance World”. Her expertise in the field of dance speaks volumes to our youth across the globe. She is an inspiration to all!

Kristy boyd- Professional Dancer/Singer
Dance Educator K-12

For any person entering into the Entertainment Business, we should only seek advice and trust the people who have the career AND the life we would want. Mandy is one of these people. She hasn’t ‘survived’ this industry, she created a beautiful life within it, and I would listen to anything she has to say.

As a dancer myself it has been a self learning curve throughout my career. To finally have a reference to go to when in doubt, to have something that tells you how to market yourself and how treat your body as a business is a god send. It really is a dancers bible and should be read by everyone wanting to enter the amazing and crazy world of a professional dancer!
Thank you!!

mande’s skill set is extensive – add to that, her ability to write succinctly about what she is so familiar with…she’s a true renaissance woman!

i’ll vote again…hopefully the number 14980 will change after my submitted vote???

Known Mande since she was just a kid.Mande always has been very talented and hard working at her work.
When you read Inspired to dance by Mande Dagenais she wants to share her knowledge and experience with everybody that reads her book.

Mande should win because she has written a fantastic book that all aspiring professional dancers should own!

What a wonderful inspiring book! I vote for Mande because “Inspired To Dance” leaps beyond information for professional dancing to information for “professional living”! The dance of life for all of us can greatly benefit from Mande’s experience & insights. This is a must read book for all dancers of life.

“Inspired to Dance” is a book that can help not only a dancer, not only and entertainer, but anyone who has a dream they wish to pursue.

As a high school dance teacher and owner and artistic director of a dance theatre, Mande Dagenais book has brought a sense of guidance that my students can find in one hand.

Every aspect of the career is covered from the dream, to education, to even health.

Mande guides you through the life of an entertainment career, but from a realistic, personal point of view. With tips and ideas on how to continue the path in the challenging field anyone can accomplish a dream, even if its not in the entertainment field.

Her knowledge and experience speak for themselves and I would recommend this book to anyone that has that “DREAM” that they want to make come true.

Mande is an experienced professional in all areas of dance,she has inspired me as a professional dancer and has motivated me to have my own production company. She leads by being a great example and role model to all. She truly is a great woman and I am proud to have worked with her and still advises me through her caring friendship.

Mande’s book should win because it is an awesome book (and because I contributed to it).

mande dagenais’ professionalism, creativity, experience, extensive knowledge base are all contributors to this book – which should be required reading for ANYONE in the entertainment industry…

informative reading…done in an entertaining style

I had the pleasure and the honor of working with Mande Dagenais on several productions and I can tell you that I have never enjoyed a project more. Mande’s vision is always clear and her direction and choreography is of the highest standard. I learned a great deal from her and I am certain that her readers will find this book more than beneficial to their careers and their lives. Mande is exceptional in all that she does and I applaud her talent and creativity! This book is a must for anyone who performs.

This is a marvelous book! It is filled with a wealth of information and advice about how to get into the world of dance, and entertainment, in general; it is beautifully written, and I was fascinated with the many annecdotes the author included about her experiences and friendships with a multitde of well known Broadway entertainers. Her writing spoke to me of the author’s humility, grace, humor, her great passion for dance, and for helping young people learn how to follow in her footsteps (or I should say “dance steps”). My 16-year-old niece, who happens to be interested in becoming a professional dancer,read the book from cover to cover, highlighted many parts,and took copious notes. The sub-title says it all: “Everything You Need to Know About Dance.” Indeed that is what it gives, and much more.

mande’s smart, wise, talented, kind, a terrific writer, a fabulous performer and she knows of what she speaks…

Reasons

Mande is very talented and has work very hard to make her dream come true .Best of luck mande we are with you.

Mande has been dancing since the age of 9. Even as a young dancer she did choreography for the dance studio where she was a student. I really believe that all aspiring dancers should read her book.

Mande gave me my first big job as a professional dancer almost 10 years ago.She truly inspired me,encouraged me,and gave me the confidence to continue my career as a dancer and choreographer.I hope everyone reads this book so she can inspire them as well!

Mande is a very talented person. Her dream was to become a dancer and she achieved it and so much more. She truly inspires people with her book; it is a must for any aspiring dancer. She worked very hard to make her dreams a reality and writing this book will certainly help young people to achieve their goals. She is a very loving and caring person and when she does something she puts her heart and soul into it. I am very fortunate to have her in my life.

Mande Dagenais’ reputation as a director and choreographer is outstanding and this book will be an inspiration to all who read it.

Mande Dagenais’s new book is, quite simply, a must read for new talent. The breadth of material covered constitutes a critical success factors for ‘making it’ in the entertainment business. Making it is an ineffable concept – but Armande’s honest first hand experience and no non-sense advice makes her first book a must read for hoofers around the world. Congratulations Mandy and thank you for sharing your insights with our fellow gypsy community. You are a true leader, a real talent and an inspirational person to work with on the boards or behind the scenes. You deserve this honour and I am honoured to have danced, laughed and cried with you on stage (laughing) and off stage! Merde baby – you go girl.

The incredibly hard work that has taken Mande so far in her career has now been transferred for the opportunity for a wider spectrum to learn from; that is, by enjoying Mande’s first book. The trails and tribulations of an entertainer has all type of ups and downs… with this book Mande allows a peek behind the curtain and the inspiration to continue through. What an accomplishment Mande, I am proud of you! I also pray that you are well recieved with this particular award… Love you!

Mande’s book is a must read for all dancers. This book describes the ups and downs of an entertainer. The title “Everything You Need to Know about Becoming a Professional Dancer without Breaking a Leg” says it all.

Mande Dagenais has written an inspirational book that every dancer should read. I only wish this book had been around 15 years ago when I began. There is nothing else like this book, it really helps dancers in all aspects of the industry. Mande has guided so many dancers over the years who are all very grateful to have worked with this amazing choreographer and very special lady. It’s wonderful to think that through this book so many more dancers can experience her guidance.

I have been blessed for having met Mande 10 years ago. She lives what she believes in every area of her life. I know the many hours, days, and months she labored over writing this “manuscript” so others would be able to receive, grow, be inspired, and achieve! She has a spirit of giving that abounds in every aspect of her life. BRAVO! Mande!

I first met Mande nearly 15 years ago as an 18 year old fresh out of dance college. I was incredibly lucky to work with such a talented lady who guided me as I made the transition from student to professional. It is wonderful to know that now other aspiring dancers can too benefit from her wealth of experience through this book. Mande is an amazing choreographer, dancer, producer and friend who is a huge inspiration to me and I know her book will go on to inspire so many more. A definite must read for everyone in the industry!!

Mande herself is an inspiration, so it’s not surprising to me that her book is receiving the praise and attention that it is – in addition to being a superior choreographer, she is very wise and filled with compassion. Any performer can benefit from her wisdom and experience in both a practical and spiritual sense. Show business is a very difficult vocation to choose on many levels, and to have a guide that tells it like it is while offering support and inspiration is an invaluable tool for any artist.

quite simply put, mande’s energy and love for her craft puts her in a different league…she’s worked so diligently on this ‘guide’…i’m re-reading right now, as there’s so much more to be learned…

Having worked alongside Mande for many years I can honestly say that there simply is nobody with more understanding, more creativity, and above all more sincerity, in both her work and her person. This combination of elite strengths was a big part of the inspiration behind this book and based on the plans afoot Mande seems to be creating an opportunity to equip the talent of tomorrow as never before. I can only hope that everyone is touched by an angel in the same way dance has been touched by Mande Dagenais.

I first met Mande in 1982. Even then she was extremely focused, creating a solid and varied foundation for a life of choreographing, directing and teaching dance. i’m not surprised that she’s had such great success in this very tough line of work. If there’s one person on earth with enough experience and knowledge to help out young dancers it would be Mande. It’s nice to know she’s passing it on.

I have known Mande for many years and I know her dream and passion was to become a dancer, now as the mother of a young dancer myself, I felt this book gave me a great insight on what to except if my 7 year old daughter wishes to persue a career in dancing, which she has often told me she will. Mande taught my daughter a few dance steps and she was hooked. She is going into her 3rd year of dancing and she puts her heart and soul into, just like Mande does. I would like thank Mande for that! This book has given me more knowledge of the dancing career. It is a very useful and helpful book for any dancers of all ages who plan on making dancing their life long dream. So proud of you and all your accomplishments Mande. Keep up the awesome work.

I saw Mande dance many years ago, and her brilliant talent and love for dancing was evident with every performance. She has put this talent and love into her book

This book is what the dance industry needs not only it’s is an inspiration to dancers but there are so many lessons to be learnt to give them the support they need to be truley amazing and being their talent to the surface
Brilliant !

Mande Dagenais has had a major part in helping transform my artistry, crucial for a future in dance. Her guidance has led me to a successful career in show business, allowing me to perform all over the world. In addition to realizing dreams, such as working for Cirque du Soleil. Mande Dagenais is able to further educate so many other dancers through her book, “Inspired to Dance”.
For her tremendous compassion, as well as ability to give back to dancers in need of insight within the entertainment industry, Mande Dagenais deserves all the credit she can get!

Ms. Dagenais taught me a great deal about perseverance when we worked together. And that the road or development of an act, show, or choreographed piece of work will always deserve a full effort from all members of a cast. To truly know what it means to work diligently and put your full efforts into what you are doing. God Bless you Mande. I will never forget you. And the lessons I learned. Love Alfio.

I’m a trained dancer who was a gpysy for years. I enjoyed Mandes book immensely and found so many truths in her writng all of which I experiernced. Her book is not only good reading but a great teacher for young dancers. Mande Dagenais not only should recieve a award for her writng she should also be given a plague for pointing out the short cuts to sucess with less tears.

The lessons in this book apply to much more than dance alone. A good guide to follow no matter what you are “INSPIRED TO” do…

Mande’s words deliver the knowledge and passion she feels. Dancing has meant so much to her that she’s taken her gift and love of the art of dance and shares it with everyone in “Inspired to Dance”. What a wonderful way to share her passion and knowledge. Who better to inspire and mentor the young and future dancers of the world!

All of the team here at iUniverse that helped to bring Mande’s book to life wish her the best in this competition. It is clear from the comments made here by the many fans of her book that Mande’s insights and experience are relevant and informative for those who have also been inspired to dance!

This book comes from the heart, with a wealth of information to steer young people in the direction of not only loving their art, but avoiding the pitfalls that take so many promising talents out of the game. Lovingly done, extensive in its information, well illustrated with stories from the real world of dance. A beautiful addition to the lives of young dancers everywhere. Brava!

i know Mandy for many years and being in this business for many years…i donut know anybody with more talent and works harder then she does…she is great to work with…She makes u feel great

Mandy comes from a loving family who care deeply about Her. Her talent reflects that love and creativity. Mandy will shine in all her endeavers.

Sept 8 2010

Mande is such an inspiration to others. She has taken the time to share her passion and knowledge.

Wow Armande we are so proud of you…

Anyone as talented and inspired as Mande Dagenais should be rewarded for her work and should win the award

Someone who gives back deserves recognition.

Your book was such an inspiration for my daughters who have always danced.

Great work!

An excellent read that will inspire people of all ages to enjoy dance. This book includes so much knowledge that every dancer should include it among their reading list

This is a great book and it deserves an award!

For her passion to her work and full dedication.

the question should be WHY SHOULDN’T MANDE DAGENAIS WIN???? her passion shines through her work and her writing…

Your book will inspire all who read it. Mande’s passion for her art really comes out in every chapter. She truely is a beautiful person inside and out.

Mande’s book deserves the publicity, as it was written to guide the young, novice, serious dancer through the difficult maize of building a career in this profession. No other book out there addresses this as well.

So Very Inspirational! A Must read!

Mande is amazing and her work is extraordinary! This book is a must read!

I have only known Mande for about 10 years and I have found her to be one of the most ebllient and hard-working persons I have ever met. I have read her book ‘Inspired to Dance’ and she tells us all about her career from beginning as a child to the present day, as well as showing the ‘wannabees’ that hard work and heartbreak are all part of a career in dance. However, the info, contacts, dance routines, and everything necessary for the budding and pro dancer is contained in her excellent book.

good points and the details are more specific than elsewhere, thanks.

- Norman

we’re waiting for the 2nd installment!!!! keep going mande…

her book is a great read.

Her book is what every young dancer needs to read.

I will read it soon

Inspirational read-EVERYTHING is spoken from experience!! How more real can you get!!!!! Amazing!!

Great book

This book is a must read!. Mande’s knowledge and passion for dancers, has molded many lives. I was privileged to work for Mande 19 years ago. She inspired me then and amazes me now. Her knowledge is stretched onto these pages and will assist anyone who reads it. She is a brilliant women, a true shinning star!.

In the words of Sammy Davis, Jr., “There are two words in Show Business – “Show” and “Business”. Mande’s book steps off from the performance and technical foundation provided by dance schools and gives the reader an insider’s look at what a career in the Performing Arts truly entails. It is clear, concise, inspiring and invaluable to any aspiring or veteran performer.

As a professional dancer myself I could have only dreamt of such a book when I was starting out. Invaluble to all who want to succeed in the world of dance!

Are you a dancer? Thinking of starting a career as a dancer? Want better success in the world of dance? Buy this!

As a past colleague of Mande, I can attest to her passion for dance…how wonderful that she shares experience with dancers everywhere – Brava!!

Mande is dedicated to her craft and a real professional. I cannot wait to read the book!

Fantastic book. A must read for all aspiring dancers.

This book is an excellant Bible for the ever growing dancing field ,not to mention the talented author whos advice i have and will always treasure.

The BOOK!

Not only is Mande great at what she does, but she dedicates her future to helping others raise the bar and rise to the top like her.

Octber 17th 2010

oct 17th 2010

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June 28,2010

I have had the immense pleasure of having this wonderful soul as a teacher, choreographer, mentor & friend! she is inspiring and a breath of fresh air with enormous talent! She is the wind beneath my wings……. AY!

THIS IS AN AMAZING WOMEN WITH AMAZING ADVICE THAT SHE PASSES THROUGH TO OTHERS IN HER BOOK .THE YOUNG DANCERS OF THIS GENERATION ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE THIS BOOK, I WISH I HAD SUCH ADVICE WHEN I WAS STARTING OUT .I AM VERY PLEASED TO HAVE RUN INTO MANDY DURING MY TRAVELS.

its a good book

Knowing how hard the author works at her profession, I knew she would put the same effort into her book. First Class all the way!

returning to competivive dance after 30yrs, and reading at my dance studio, Mandy’s home town, it was a no brainer to buy the book!
And hourai Mandy, it was a pleasure to see you have lived your dream! You touched my life in a special way. JO-Anne