Ambition. Inspiration. Passion. Motivation. Training. Opportunity. Support. All good words I could apply to the reason for the success of Anna Theodosakis and Brodie Marples in the highly competitive world of performing arts. Both of these (local) young adults have created already impressive careers in a world filled with talented young people. Their work ethic, opportunities for extensive training and solid family support just might make the difference.

Anna Theodosakis will be performing at the next White Rock Chamber Music concert March 9 at Crescent Gardens Retirement Residence, 1222 King George Blvd. (7: 30 p.m. start). As usual, admission is $5 by donation. Tenor Spencer Britten, cello/piano duo Dorle Eason and Erika Hadi, pianist Tai Zhang and violinist Andrea Rada share the program with Theodosakis.

The residents of Crescent Gardens, by the way, are thrilled to have the musical events in their midst, and now offer refreshments at intermission and also greet audience members at the door. Victoria Jackson is the activity person who sets this up; it's a nice touch, and much appreciated.

It is a true gift of time and talent for Theodosakis to be part of this program. She is busy, currently completing her masters in opera performance at UBC. In February, she was Sister Felicity in UBC's production of Dialogues des Carmelites. This past summer, Anna was head can-can dancer (Juliette) in The Merry Widow at UBC, and was also a featured soloist in Nuit d'amour at Bard on the Beach. She also appeared in the musicals Anything Goes and Starting Here Starting Now, as well as The Vagina Monologues, and is a member of the song-and-dance group Showstoppers.

That's a lot of experience packed into a small amount of time. Brodie Marples, an Earl Marriott Secondary grad, defies the description of "busy" - that word is totally inadequate. In fact, it is easier to say what he is not doing rather than list all the widely diverse projects he is immersed in right now. What he is not doing this summer is touring with the Young Americans. He is staying home to teach some workshops, get his music CD produced and work on some business ventures.

I like Brodie a lot. He doesn't wait for opportunities to arrive at his doorstep, he goes out to find them. He says he is "insertive," rather than assertive. He describes himself as an actor/singer/dancer/model. He must have a secret power source somewhere. Find a convention, audition or opportunity in his many chosen fields, and Brodie is right there "inserting" himself - in a very nice, charming way. You can't help but like him.

Although Marples started dance lessons as an older teen, he definitely loves to dance. He now wants to share that passion with anyone who thinks they would like to dance. He is starting small, or at least with smaller people.

A "Junior Dance Workshop" with Marples and his friend, Celine Brown, is scheduled for March 10 at Dancing for Dessert studio, 20279 97th Ave., Langley. Age groups are four to six, and also seven to 12, cost $45. Marples says any level of dancer is welcome, from the "I have never done this before but would like to try" type to the seriously advanced. The classes will involve warmup/ stretch, jazz and hip-hop. Register online by visiting www.amyhamiltondancearts.com, or call 604-0365-5678. Be like Brodie and "insert" yourself into the action. It could make all the difference.

melminty@telus.net