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Oakvillian enters second season of The Next Step by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff A R T B A T T L E 25 | Wednesday, March 19, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Performing comes naturally to Oakville actor and dancer Isaac Lupien. The 18-year-old first took the spotlight as a child when his parents included him in a staged dance performance when he was just 11 months old. A year later, he began dancing at his parent's studio, Canadian Dance Company, in Oakville where they continue to be dance instructors. His dance moves took him across Canada, the U.S. and Europe and has won a number of awards. Now, at the tipping point of his career, the Oakville Trafalgar High School graduate is honing his skills to pursue the next opportunity that has come his way. He is starring in Canadian dance/drama The Next Step, which began its second season earlier this month on Family Channel. The series airs Fridays at 7:30 p.m. The TV show marries his two passions -- dancing and acting. He plays Eldon, a member of an elite group of young dancers who train at The Next Step Dance Studio. The team is excited having just won regionals, but is soon shaken-up when they learn they must re-audition for their spots on A-Troupe with dancers from other studios. Lupien, who acted in commercials when he was younger, said he's thrilled about continuing on with the show, which has been an incredible opportunity for him to do what he loves while reinvigorating his passion for acting. "It's been an amazing experience learning from everyone," he said, noting he'd like to get into more serious and comedic roles in the near future. With a plan to move to Toronto next year to pursue both acting and dancing, Lupien said he's just stepping into a career path. "I see myself just at the very beginning," he said. "The Next Step was a very big stepping stone for me, but I always want to grow bigger and better." Pushing himself to his limits, Lupien added a typical week for him now includes training and Isaac Lupien teaching at his parent's studio about 12 hours a day. He also hosts dance workshops with a few other cast members of The Next Step and some competitive classes during weekends. He said along his road to performing in bigger roles and larger stages, he wants to inspire others to follow their aspirations. "Keep pushing. You will get your chance eventually," he said, noting one has to continue training and stay confident. "Someone will recognize you. If you put in the work you will reap the rewards." Art Battle Canada made a stop at Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Culture Centre Thursday. Twelve professional and emerging painters competed for a cash prize and a spot in the Oakville championships in June. The event, which is held monthly in more than a dozen cities across Canada, invites art enthusiasts to watch as artists paint live and then vote on their favourite work. Here, Oakville's Dom Laporte works feverishly. He and Karlene Bland, also an Oakville resident, made it to the final round. The winner was Anthony Haley from Hamilton. For more information, visit www.artbattle.ca. | photo by Andrew Miller POVERTYNEVERRESTS Can't afford lunch most days Is home alone aer school Has trouble fing in Parents split up last year Church concert spotlights youth The students of Linda Fletcher and Gregory Cross are putting on a concert featuring musical favourites from Broadway and Disney. The concert, featuring youth and junior choirs, will be held at Walton United Church, 2489 Lakeshore Rd. W., Sunday (March 23). Show time is at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults or $5 for children aged 12 and under. All proceeds will go to the Scholarship Fund of the Milton and Peel Music Festivals. For tickets or more information, call 905827-1643. Dad lost his job 3 years ago Has never been able to sign up to play a sport Can't see in class, but can't afford new glasses Has lost all interest in school While you may not see it on the surface, many families and children struggle every day with mental, emoonal and physical poverty. You can join KSM in the bale against poverty by making a monthly donaon and praying for those in need. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Here's how I can help ... A monthly gi of $ (please forward a void cheque) (or go online to pay credit) or a single gi of $ (cheque payable to Kerr Street Ministries) (or go online to pay debit) Name: Address: E-mail: Phone #: Please detach and forward with your payment to: Kerr Street Ministries, 485 Kerr Street, Oakville ON L6K 3C6. A receipt for income tax purposes will be sent to you. For more informaon on how you can help this growing ministry need contact us today at 905-845-7485. Charitable Reg. No. 897106845RR0001 Please call or go online now to make a monthly donaon 905-845-7485 · www.kerrstreet.com 485 Kerr Street | Oakville | ON | L6K 3C6 | 905.845.7485 Charitable Reg. No. 897106845RR0001 · www.kerrstreet.com