Tutu designed by Melanie Dowhaniuk in collaboration with Imaginis Marketing

Inspired by the resilience and determination of the Japanese people after the devastating tsunami in 2011, this tutu uses the paper crane to represent the strength of that community. The elegant bird also embodies the agility, grace and beauty of a ballet dancer and stands as a classic symbol of prosperity. Melanie Dowhaniuk encouraged women from the business community to name a crane through her website and at touring events in the Greater Toronto Area. In the process, she invited others to learn about The National Ballet of Canada in its 60th Anniversary season and gave women the opportunity to reflect, share their stories and recognize other amazing women in their lives.
Melanie Dowhaniuk is the President of Imaginis Marketing Inc., a boutique marketing agency based in Toronto. She also co-chairs Turnout, The National Ballet of Canada’s Young Professionals Group. A forward-thinking entrepreneur, Dowhaniuk is developing her next business venture, Lipstick and Martinis Inc., which is involved in community-based projects such as Ladies Who Launch British Columbia and Tiny Paper Cranes – a significant contributor to her tutu and its mission for spreading hope and happiness.