Instructors
Gaylene Burton C.D.T.A.
Gaylene takes enormous joy in sharing her love of dance through teaching, choreography and performance. Her energy and spirit light up every room that she is in. Gaylene is CDTA certified in Tap and Stage and has a strong background in Jazz and Ballet. Gaylene's industrial credits include principal dancer/actor in the television pilot “A Screwball Homicide”, principal dancer in the feature film “Life Or Something Like It”, principal dancer in the feature film “For The Moment”, actor in the television pilot “That Was Then”, dancer in the television series “Dead Like Me” and “American Bandstand”. She has many commercial credits including a choreography credit for Radio Shack. Gaylene continues to share her positive enthusiasm with students as a full time instructor at Dance Co.
Stephanie Applin Ballet Mistress (A Dip.AISTD, T.T.P. Dip (NBS))
A former member of the National Ballet of Canada, Stephanie trained with the Royal Winnipeg professional division and graduated from the National Ballet of Canada teacher training program, Cecchetti Division, with Honours. Stephanie has done choreography for companies and studios throughout North America and her work has been acknowledged with numerous awards. Stephanie originally hails from Victoria, BC.
Stephanie Johnson
Originally from Edmonton, AB, Stephanie teaches jazz, lyrical, stage and acro. In addition to her strong background in ballet, Stephanie is a NCCP certified level one gymnastics coach and an AFLCA certified fitness instructor. Her experience as a mother of two enables her to run a dance class that is not only well organized but very enjoyable! Stephanie's skills and passion are a great asset to our dancers!
Jen Morris C.D.M.A. in Jazz, BFA Theatre
Jen's love of dance shines through every student she teaches. Her passion for instilling confidence, technique and self expression through the arts is paramount in her teaching. Her 13 plus years of teaching and choreography has brought her through out Canada and Eastern United States competing and teaching. Former students have gone on to be cast in various Broadway shows including "Billy" in "Billy Elliott", recipients of many overall dance titles, special awards and choreography awards and has even nurtured a few students into becoming successful instructors of their own. Jen's extensive training began in Burlington, Ontario in jazz, tap, ballet, point, lyrical, stage and hip hop and continued training for several years in Toronto, Missisauga and Oakvile with acclaimed teachers such as Ryan, Fay and Brian Foley, The Bolshoi's Tatiana Stepanova, Carla Marques and Sandra Nicholson. She moved to Vancouver 7 years ago to receive her BFA in Theatre from the School for Contemporary Arts at SFU . Jen's energy and fun loving attitude continues this year as a full-time instructor.Fonda Bloy
Fonda has over 10 years of teaching experience throughout BC and firmly believes that with continuous work and dedication any student can go beyond what they ever thought they could or would accomplish! Fonda has trained and performed throughout Canada, New York, Las Vegas and L.A. and her choreography has won multitudes of cash prizes and choreography awards. For the past four years, many of Fonda’s pieces and soloists have received provincial recognition. Fonda sees the importance of keeping her choreography original, stylized and updated with what is new and current in the dance world.
Lisa Gelley
Lisa is an emerging dance artist from Vancouver, BC. She is a versatile performer, teacher and choreographer in urban and contemporary dance as well as circus arts, having received her training in Vancouver, Belgium, France and Italy. Her career has flown her across the globe, touring Internationally with the Molyneux Company (Nashville, TN) and performing for the Canadian Forces in Bosnia and Afghanistan. Lisa has worked with Ruckus Dance Company, MMHop, The Source Dance Company, The Underground Circus, and with independent Vancouver choreographers including Amber Funk Barton, Brock Jellison, Josh Beamish, Shay Kuebler, and Martha Carter. During the 07/08 season, Lisa trained at Le Groupe Dance Lab in Ottawa and was a guest interpreter for the In-House Process, mentored by Peter Boneham and Tony Chong. Now, back in Vancouver, her most recent performances include Dances for a Small Stage 19 (MovEnt), and Dance Allsorts (NewWorks). Lisa is currently working with The 605 Collective.(www.605collective.com) They are excited to be Artists-In-Residence at the Dance Centre in Vancouver, and at Usine C in Montreal, for the upcoming season.Jacq Smith
Growing up in Edmonton, Jacq began dancing at the age of four and studied numerous styles of dance throughout her life. She trained with the Edmonton School of Ballet's professional program where she was a member of the contemporary company, Edmonton Contemporary Dancers. She has taught for various dance studios throughout Canada and performed throughout North America, but has settled in beautiful Vancouver where she recently completed a Bachelor of Design. She enjoys working with students of all ages, in all disciplines, and looks forward to sharing her love of dance.
Chelsea Delorme
Chelsea is excited to begin her second year with Dance Co. She has studied a variety of styles and disciplines for over 20 years. She has extensive training in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Pointe, as well as Tap, and has been teaching dance over 10 years. She has studied both CDTA and ADAPT syllabi, and completed her C.D.T.A examinations in both Ballet and Jazz with Honors. She has successfully performed at many competitions and festivals throughout Ontario, and performed with Les Grand Ballet Canadiens. She has choreographed for competitions, a variety of recitals, trained figure skaters in dance, and was instrumental in organizing and teaching a variety of summer dance camps. Her quest for training in dance led her to attend a variety of workshops throughout Canada and the US. Chelsea holds a B.A in Psychology, and has recently completed a B.A of Fine Arts degree from the University of Ottawa. Her charisma, exceptional technique, and strong dance background give her the advantage to teach many dance art forms with great success. Her love of dance is apparent in her everyday life, and transpires in her students.Jeri Chien
As an innovative freestyle and street dancer, Jeri "Hao2's dance speaks louder than his words. His dance journey started in 2002 with breakin', and has been busy ever since. He has grooved out to other style of dance; i.e., Hip Hop, House, and Poppin', and has branched out further to other medium of Hip Hop, such include deejay and graffiti. Jeri is a member of Canada's top Breakin Crew, Now Or Never. He was the sole artistic director and choreographer of N.O.N and along with his crew, they have travelled worldwide to compete and showcase their love for the art. 2008 was remarkable. NON competed the world-renowned Battle of The Year in Germany. Jeri's recent dance credits include Vancouver 2010 Olympic center-stage dancer/ performer, 1st Place in Rock Da House I & II (Hip Hop/ Experimental), Mighty 4, Ground Zero and many other competitions. You may be able to catch him on Youtube, but it's by far more inspiring to dance with him.Alison Hughes
Alison is very excited to be joining the Dance Co faculty this year. Early on she discovered that flexibility and strength came naturally to her and at the age of eleven started taking Acrobatics lessons at Fabulous Feet School of Dance in Maple Ridge. Ever since her first class she feel in love with being upside down. She continued to pursue her passion of Acrobatics as well as trained extensively in Ballet to enhance her natural technique. Other dance styles Alison trained in Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Pointe and Jazz. Alison has completed all of her Acrobatics C.D.T.A medal examinations with Honors and passed her Gold Star exam with "Distinction". Alison has an encouraging and respectful approach when working with her students allowing them to develop to their fullest potential.Carolyn Schmidt
Carolyn Schmidt grew up on Vancouver Island and trained at Gemini Dance Studio, Parksville Ballet School, Arts Umbrella and Alberta Ballet. At 19 years old she moved to New York to study at the Ailey School where she graduated from their Certificate Program in 2009. Carolyn has performed internationally in Spain where she was a member of the International New York group led by Kazuko Hirabayshi at the annual International Choreograph Competition in Burgos, Spain. In 2009 Carolyn began to choreograph and perform her own works at venues around New York City and wound up forming 49th Parallel Dance Company with her colleague and friend Ariana Champlin. Carolyn now lives in Vancouver where she is constantly sharing her passion of dance through teaching, choreography and performing. She is thrilled to be joining the faculty of Dance Co for her first season! Renee Sigouin
Originally from Saskatchewan, Renee is an emerging dancer presently based in Vancouver. She has obtained the Advanced II certificate in classical ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance, and has trained extensively in Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, and Salsa. International performance credits include the Canadian Embassy’s Trafalgar Square Canada Day celebrations, the International Eisteddfod Music Festival in Wales, the Dance and the Child International Conference Netherlands, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Since relocating to Vancouver she has performed with Ruckus Dance Company, the Underground Circus, and Bravo Dance Company elite salsa team under the direction of World and International Mayan Salsa Champion Alfonso Caldera. Renee was seen in the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics as part of the professional contemporary ballet corps with Ballet BC and Alberta Ballet for Sarah McLachlan, and in the Closing Ceremony as an Aerialist for Michael Buble. She was recently invited to be a part of multi-disciplinary project ‘Silo a Souvenirs’ in Saskatchewan funded by the Canada Council for the Arts as choreographer and dancer/improvisational artist, collaborating with musicians, a filmmaker, a photographer and spoken-word artist to create an outdoor spectacle broadcast on CBC-Radio Canada. Renee continues to expand her knowledge and to grow as a contemporary dance artist through Modus Operandi, a Vancouver based professional Contemporary training program and is excited to share her love of dance with students at Dance Co. this season!Heather Furlong
Heather, a Vancouver native, has taught in numerous studios around the lower mainland. Well known for her innovative and exciting choreography, she specializes in jazz, hip hop and lyrical. Heather has been involved in many Vancouver based dance crews and established her own crew, 7 Deadly Sins, in 2007. Over the years, Heather has received countless awards and recognition for her outstanding choreography. As a dancer and a teacher, she hopes to never stop growing, learning and being inspired by those around her.We are very excited to have Heather joining the Dance Co faculty this year!
Sheena Le Blanc
Sheena grew up in Grande Prairie, AB where she danced for eleven years. Sheena loved to perform and had many opportunities to do so such as the 1995 Canada Winter Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, 1999 Alberta Summer Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as with Axiis Modern Company.Upon graduating Sheena was accepted to the prestigious National Ballet School of Canada Teacher Training Program where she took many courses in dance pedagogy, child psychology, body conditioning and more. Sheena graduated, completing with honors her RAD Intermediate and Advanced One exams, Cechetti Intermediate and Advance One exams and National Intermediate, Advanced One and Advanced Two Exams. Sheena also received her RAD Teacher's Certificate with honors as well as her I.S.T.D. National Teaching Diploma and I.S.T.D. Cechetti Associate Teacher's Certificate. In 2005 Sheena returned home to teach in Grande Prairie training dancer's in Lyrical, Ballet, National and Pointe. Sheena was co-director of The Nutcracker Ballet Production in 2006 and 2008 and Director of the Coppelia Ballet Production in 2010. Many of Sheena's pupils have been accepted into Quinte Ballet School Full Time Program, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Full Time Program and National Ballet School Full Time Program. Sheena continues to participate in Teacher workshops across North America in order to stay current and keep her education and knowledge of the dance world growing. Paula Mattusch
Paula grew up in Langley BC where she began her dance training at the age of 6 years old. She has extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern, as well as Traditional Ukrainian dancing. Receiving the award “Most Promising Jazz Choreographer” from Surrey Festival of dance at the young age of 13, Paula continued to and has been choreographing and teaching since then receiving numerous awards from festivals and competitions. She has trained throughout BC, and Ontario, at such schools as York University, and Toronto School of Dance. Paula’s passion for dance really shines through in her teaching and she is very concerned with the health, happiness, and positive learning experience of the individual dancers and helps them strive to be the best they can be. Paula is very excited to be joining the Dance Co family, and is looking forward to helping and watching the emerging artists of Dance Co grow.Lindsay Kipp
Lindsay is wholeheartedly dedicated to the study of the human voice in all its beauty, complexity and uniqueness. Her years of study, extensive performance experience, precise ear and love of music have earned her a reputation for excellence in helping individuals discover their true, natural voice. A firm believer in the benefits of vocal training, Lindsay works with singers of all genres—from opera to hard rock—and with speakers of all disciplines—from news anchors and politicians to classroom lecturers. Her passion extends through out her work as a soloist and session singer, college instructor, corporate workshop leader and vocal coach for theatre and film actors. Lindsay is also the go-to vocal coach for a number of Vancouver recording studios. Lindsay studied piano and voice with the Royal Conservatory of Music and voice at Trinity Western University. She is now completing her graduate studies in Speech Sciences at the University of British Columbia.Isabella Tsisserev
Dance Co is privileged to have Isabella Tsisserev as our head accompanist . Previously, Isabella has worked as an accompanist with the professional division of the School of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, for Art’s Umbrella, Ballet B.C, The Goh Ballet and Harbour Dance. Isabella is a member of the BC Registered Music Teacher’s Association and also holds a degree in Music Education.Guest Faculty
Calen J. Kurka
Raised in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, Canada, Calen Kurka started his training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Modern, and Chinese Dance. He then later moved to Edmonton, Alberta, furthering his training competitively. Currently on faculty at Broadway Dance Center in New York City, as an instructor Calen has taught across Canada, the U.S. and Japan, and more recently in Ireland at Dublin's Dance Jam '07. He is currently instructing for Dance Masters of America as one of their Master Faculty, and is also on faculty with Dance Educators of America. His choreography has been recognized as outstanding at many competitions throughout the U.S. and Canada, and has been the recipient of many awards. In addition to teaching in and around New York he's also assisted choreographer, director, instructor, Michele Assaf. Calen's performing credits include being an original member of the first national tour of Jeff Amsden's widely acclaimed "A Few Good Men Dancin'", and performing with recording artist Carmella in a tribute concert to Cher. He's also worked closely with choreographer/instructor Chris Hale. As a featured performer, Calen's stage credits include having spent a year on contract with Tokyo Disney as a Main Stage performer, and taking on such leading roles as Capt. Von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" and Seymour in "Little Shop of Horrors" in regional stage productions. In addition he can be seen in "The Live! at Broadway Dance Center" video series "Turns and Turn Combos", dancing with choreographer Danny Herman, and heading his own instructional video "Floor Work with Calen Kurka and Chris Hale": A new addition to the "Live at BDC" collection. Chris Hale
Chris Hale, currently on faculty at Broadway Dance Center NYC, is Associate director of :pushing progress and Director of the :pushing progress contemporary training program, which launched in the fall of 2009. Through his work with :pushing progress Chris and his partner Calen J. Kurka are at the helm of a revolution in the way we train in dance. Through incorporating anatomy and varied methodologies for sustainability and injury prevention they hope to bring a sophisticated level of information into the lives of every dancer who has the drive and passion to grow as an artist. Professional credits include KTU's miracle on 34th Street where he performed with such recording artists as Mary J. Blige, Deborah Cox, Tamia, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Jackson. In 2002 he got the pleasure of performing with international singing sensation Anastasia at the FIFA World Cup Final Draw in Busan, Korea. Television credits include HBO's "Sex and the City" playing opposite Kim Catrall. He along with fellow instructor Calen Kurka, released an instructional video for the Live At BDC series entitled, “Floorwork, with Calen Kurka and Chris Hale” His more than two years experience with the GYROTONIC® methodology has hugely influenced his teaching and brought a heightened awareness to his own dancing. Chris is very excited to add GYROKINESIS® to his teaching. Chris is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Vicki View
Vicki is originally from Saskatchewan where she studied Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet and Lyrical. She expended her training working with the Source Dance Company and studying at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts. Alongside her performing, she worked with Triple Threat Dance Conventions and Groove Street Productions as a demonstrator and assistant. She has worked extensively in film and television. Some of her credits include: music videos, commercials, and Disney show appearances. Vicki travelled throughout Europe, Asia, and South America performing with notable companies such as the Canadian Forces Show Tour, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and Lamondance. While being a performer, Vicki has been teaching dance for 12 years throughout Saskatchewan and British Columbia where her choreography has captured award recognition. Vicki is also a guest instructor and choreography for the International Dance Seminar in Brasilia. As a versatile dance instructor, Vicki is very excited to share her knowledge with her students.Megan Green
Megan originally hails from Fort St. John, BC, where she studied extensively in ballet, tap, jazz & acrobatics. At the age of 12 she began student teaching and quickly developed a love for sharing her knowledge and passion for dance. Megan has been teaching continuously since that day. She moved to Vancouver in 2005 to continue her training with Move! The Company and perform in various shows throughout the city. Just over this past Summer, Megan became a certified Yoga Instructor with RYT Certification. Megan is now a full time teacher at Dance Co.