Michelle Murphy, Student
Michelle Murphy is a native of Nova Scotia with an expressive nature and a passion for movement. She entered the world of performing arts at a young age when she attended Canada鈥檚 National Ballet School. She subsequently began a 12-year career as a professional ballet dancer with several theatres across Europe. The majority of her career was with the Dutch National Ballet, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and the Royal Swedish Ballet, in Stockholm, Sweden.
Upon returning to Canada, Michelle pursued studies at Queen鈥檚 University and has become fascinated by fundraising and opportunities for fostering the Arts and Culture community in her home country. She enters the MPNL program motivated to investigate strategies for active engagement from discretionary donors, and wishes to address the ways younger generations can contribute to artistic endeavours.
As an aspiring artist, Michelle experienced access to resources and support made possible by donors to the Arts. The empowerment she felt as an artist is something she wishes to facilitate for more Canadians by developing the sector. In 2024, Michelle was the recipient of the Keith and Dorothy Sj枚gren Philanthropy Award, which recognizes the importance of arts and culture and which goes to a student with a demonstrated interest in working within the cultural or performing arts community in Canada.
In her spare time, Michelle stays connected to her dance roots with somatic and explorative dance styles and teaches various movement methods. She enjoys an active lifestyle with her partner that includes skiing, tennis, beach-trips and hikes with their dog, Dawson.