Lesley Charters Cotton

Lesley Charters Cotton has been a passionate street dancer for many decades, and she has no intention of slowing down. A prominent figure in the Montreal street dancing community, she is known for her house dance style and her infectious desire to bring people to their feet, ideally to the sounds of her cousin, North Hatley pianist and North Hatley Jazz Festival musical director Eric Harding.

For Lesley, dance has never been about goals or glory. It's about showing up, growing, and letting the movement take you somewhere new. Now in her seventies, she brings that hard-won philosophy to every class: leave ambition at the door, embrace the joy of the present moment, and let a little beautiful chaos in.