Zanna Downes
In her next life Zanna would like to come back as a "triple-threat", a performer who can dance, sing and act. In this life she became mesmerized with the stage at the age of three when her parents took her to see the British pantomime, "Puss In Boots". At five she started ballet classes and went on to try jazz and tap. Her minimal talents allowed her to study dance and drama at the Drama Studio in London and also at Covent Garden's Arts Educational Trust. After performing in London as a "show girl" for the legendary female impersonator, Danny La Rue, her illustrious career ended suddenly at the sweet age of 18 with an accident during a "Can-Can" rehearsal.Many moons later Zanna ended up in Canada and, still itching to tap, she organized a class at the Arts Club Theatre, which quickly became so popular that the Vancouver Playhouse staff challenged the Arts Club staff to a "Tap Off", the competition was held at the Arts Club Revue Theatre. She continued to learn tap with Jim Hibbard and the late Jean Jepson.
Zanna landed on her performance feet when a friend urged her to try classes with Jan Kainer. Since then she hasn't looked back and this year she happily celebrated ten years with the Razzmatap dancers whom she admires so much and finds their love, support and generosity a huge benefit to her life. She is devoted to the group and to Jan Kainer, the creative brain who continues to amaze audiences with her outstanding choreography.
When not tapping Zanna can be found strutting the boards dancing and performing the Argentine Tango. After her last performance of tango/salsa she was asked, "Are you the lady who dances on Dancing With The Stars?" ...What a perfect compliment!
Zanna's favourite dance partner is her two-year-old grandson, a real Triple Threat.