The Rochelle Gartner Rising Star Scholarship 

Honouring a Legacy of Generosity, Art, and Opportunity

At Cirque Célestial, we believe that circus and performance arts should be accessible to all who feel called to create, express, and shine - regardless of financial barriers. 

That’s why we are honoured to introduce The Rochelle Gartner Rising Star Scholarship: a scholarship designed to support a student who has the passion and potential to perform but who may not otherwise have the means to take classes with us.

THANK YOU NOTE FROM AREN:

"Hello Rochelle's family! I'm Aren, one of Payton's students at Cirque Celestial, and last session's recipient of the Rochelle Gartner Rising Star scholarship. 

I wanted to send you a message to express how grateful I am that Rochelle's legacy has reached me. Just like Payton, I'm a dance lover who has not always had the resources to pursue circus in the ways I wanted to. If it wasn't for this scholarship, I wouldn't have gotten the opportunity to perform last year: a performance that brought me out of a very difficult time and reignited my love for dance.

Payton has told me loads about the impact that Rochelle made on her life. She was a true light in the world, one that shone so bright it reached me two generations down. Not only did she help make Payton's dreams possible, but inspired her to make mine a reality too. That's a star power few people have. I may never have met her, but I already carry so much love for her and she lives on in my heart. People like Rochelle make the world a better place, and I hope to make a difference like she did one day. 

I send you all my best wishes, and power to your fight! 

With infinite love and gratitude,

Aren

Rochelle’s Legacy

Rochelle, Owner and Artistic Director of the award-winning Dance with France Studios and Artist Elite International, inspired and mentored thousands with her passion, talent, and boundless energy. A trailblazer in the Calgary dance community, she was among the first to graduate with a BA in Dance from the University of Calgary and went on to perform on some of the world’s most celebrated stages — from the 1988 Winter Olympics and The Young Canadians at The Calgary Stampede, The Calgary Stampeder Outriders, to international contracts in Japan and Poland, as well as seven years performing with Princess Cruise Lines that took her around the globe.

Respected for both her artistry and her leadership, Rochelle’s influence reached far beyond the studio. 

Even during her courageous battle with Glioblastoma, she continued to dance, teach, and inspire. 

Through Rochelle’s Army, she became a powerful advocate, raising awareness and critical funds for brain tumour research. 

Her legacy of artistry, courage, and love will live on in the hearts of her students, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.