Lesley has a thorough knowledge of a variety of dance styles and their technical aspects including ballet, modern, jazz, character and national dance (ISTD), musical theatre and flamenco.  Lesley completed her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Teachers Certification with Distinction and her RAD Teaching Diploma with Anatomy and Child Psychology.  Lesley also holds Bachelor degrees in Liberal Arts and Education from the University of British Columbia.

Lesley has acted as a supervisor to new teachers enrolled in Royal Academy of Dance CBTS teachers program and has mentored many young aspiring dancers and dance teachers.  She continues her own professional development with international programs and workshops on dance technique, mime, musicality, anatomy and injury prevention.  Lesley returns in the summertime to The Ailey School in New York to continue studies in the Horton Pedagogy Program under the direction of Anna-Marie Forsyth, co-founder of the Ailey Fordam BFA.

Lesley has traveled extensively abroad which has influenced both her choreography and her strong sense of community.  Her participation in wilderness expeditions, in the Himalayas and at home, have helped develop a strong sense of determination which she passes on to her students.  Lesley teaches her classes with kindness and professionalism, attentive to both the physical and emotional well being of her students, and motivating her students to strive for their best of their ability.

Janet taught ballet at the Benesh Institute and Ballet Rambert (London, England) and also owned and operated her dance studio for 17 years in Trinidad and Tobago.

Janet continues to assist her students to reach their ultimate goals through her coaching and encouraging. She has been involved with preparations for the Solo Seal examinations of the Royal Academy of Dance, The Genee International Competition (London, England), Prix de Lausanne (Switzerland), the award of scholarships, and placement in international dance schools and companies.

Katie Parks is an enthusiastic, fun-loving teacher with extensive experience in the dance world.   She danced semi-professionally with the Toronto Regional Ballet Company performing  throughout Northeastern USA and Canada. While enjoying performing with the company, she  also attended multiple summer schools, workshops and intensives at The School at Jacobs  Pillow, Massachusetts, The NY Academy of Dance, Poughkeepsie NY, the National Ballet of  Canada, Toronto and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal.

Miss Katie has studied dance pedagogy programs at both Ryerson University in Toronto and McEwan University in Edmonton. She has owned and operated dance studios in both Jasper Alberta and South Delta, (Tsawwassen) BC. Katie is a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and received distinction on her Teaching Certificate Examination.  She also has her Dance Diploma in Anatomy, Dance History and Child Psychology and Development.

She enjoys exploring the world of teaching by attending inspiring courses which include the National Ballet of Canada’s Teacher’s Summer Seminars, Modern Intensives with renowned dancer/choreographer Peggy Baker,  Rhee Gold conferences, USA and the Royal Academy of Dance continued professional development courses.   She has choreographed for local dance festivals where her students have experienced wonderful success.

Miss Katie is a certified PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique)  instructor and enjoys sharing the syllabus with her students.  She also attends Child Development seminars, workshops and conferences with the Neufeld Institute to better understand and assist in the emotional development and wellness of her students.

Miss Katie is a retired Education Assistant who worked at the preschool, elementary and high school level with the Delta School District.  She holds a Certificate in Autism Training from POPARD.  (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders).  She has broad experience teaching dance to children with exceptionalities and has choreographed for dance troupes involved in both the BC Special Olympics and the Canadian Down Syndrome Society Conferences. Katie’s goal is to empower young dancers to believe in their abilities, not just in dance, but in life too.  Katie brings a sense of humour to class which is enjoyed by all.

After high school, Calina trained with the Source Dance Company, and has performed in two productions including What Happens in Vegas and Conversations at a Station, and has also been part of KTL Co, working with industry leading individuals. Alongside dancing, she is also completing a bachelor’s in psychology, with a minor in creative writing. She is excited to be working with her students, and is looking forward to the season!

Bianca has studied Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. Bianca has completed R.A.D ballet examinations from Primary to Grade 8 with final marks of Distinction and has received many festival awards over the years of her training.

Currently,  Bianca is continuing her education after graduating from Kwantlen Polytechnic University with her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is pursuing her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher through the Bachelors of Education program at the University of British Columbia.

Bianca considers Deas Island Dance her second home and the dancers and staff her second family.  She is delighted to be teaching on Saturday mornings.

After graduating highschool, Karly continued her education by studying medical biochemistry at UBCO and most recently completed her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. Dance has always played a big role in her life and throughout her schooling she participated in the UBCO Urban Dance Club on the executive committee as well as a teacher. She also continued to teach both recreational and competitive level dancers at studios in Delta and Kelowna. Her students have won countless high-score and choreography awards. Karly is

well known for creating a positive environment for dancers to strive to be the best versions of themselves and enjoys seeing dancers accomplish their goals both inside the studio and out!

Karly loves being able to incorporate her medical training in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the body into her teaching. She instils the importance of sustainable dance training in young dancers by focusing on technique and injury prevention.

Karly is thrilled to be a part of the Deas Island Dance faculty this year and to be sharing her love for dance with the next generation of dancers!

On top of Morgan’s evolving dance career, she takes time to stay true to her love of dance by teaching at various dance studios. She has had the opportunity to train at elite dance establishments in areas such as Los Angeles, New York City, Las Vegas and Vancouver.  Morgan’s passion for dancing is evident in her many successes as a dancer and as a teacher. She looks forward to working with the students at Deas Island Dance!

In 2017, Jamie returned to school to earn her Education Assistant Certificate and received training in child development, autism spectrum disorders, behaviour management, basic healthcare and other topics related to education. She also received certification in CPI and first aid as well as from POPARD (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders and POPFASD (Provincial Outreach Program for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

Jamie is excited to be entering her 20th year of teaching Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Tap and Hip Hop with Deas Island Dance and feels so lucky that she and her kids get to be part of such a great dance family.

Krista danced many classical and contemporary roles, completed all RAD Vocational Examinations, and won numerous awards and scholarships, including one to train at London Studio Centre, England. After injuries put a stop to her performance career, Krista obtained a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Food, Nutrition, and Health, from The University of British Columbia. With a special interest in wellness and injury prevention, she has conducted nutrition seminars for dancers. For over 20 years, Krista has taught at multiple schools in BC and Alberta. She holds her Teaching Certificate and Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance, and is also certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, a revolutionary conditioning program taught globally. From 2009 through 2021, Krista was Head of Ballet at RNB Dance & Theatre Arts, North Vancouver. During her time leading the program, she encouraged each student to rise to their personal potential – mentoring them through examinations, solo and group performances, and, most importantly, challenging them to find joy and pride, not only in the public successes and recognition, but in the daily process of class.

For the 2021/2022 season, Krista joins the faculties of Tri-City Dance Centre, and Deas Island Dance, where she looks forward to working with the Trainee and Ballet Intensive students, as well as those in the younger grades of study. She is also on Faculty at Lamondance, a pre-professional training company, and has been Resident Teacher with Ballet BC. Krista teaches company class with passion, and an eye for detail.

Krista continues to guest teach and choreograph at different schools throughout Western Canada, coaching dancers of all ages in open work (Vaganova and RAD influenced), RAD Exam Syllabus, classical repertoire, strength/stretch/PBT, and solo and group choreography. Her students are consistently recognized for strong exam results, awards and festival placings. They continue to be chosen as representatives to the BC Provincial Festival, are accepted to prestigious international training institutions, and have gone on to dance professionally. Krista has a genuine passion for ballet, and loves sharing this with the next generation of dancers!

In 2013, Ashley founded Sweett Moves which has since led her to create sold out events such as “Bated Breath” and “Sweett Moves Summer Jam”. Since 2012 she has collaborated with many artists as both a choreographer and a performer for Vanessa Young’s company The Lovers Cabaret which has produced a variety of sold out events such as ‘Lovers of Marley’ and ‘Lovers of Queen’ in 2014 and ‘Six Word Stories’ in 2015.

Ashley has directed and choreographed for Canadian recording artists Little India and Hey Ocean, Cirque du Soliel’s One Drop charity, the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and more.

Ashley’s work has been seen at The Vancouver Club, Roundhouse Performance Theatre, Vogue Theatre, The Dance Centre, The Waterfront Theatre, Surrey Arts Centre, Massey Theatre, The Rickshaw Theatre, The Fox Cabaret, Electric Owl and more.

She is an award–winning teacher and choreographer for many local training programs such as Affinity Dance Inc. and Deas Island Dance. She also travels regularly for contracts as a recognized adjudicator and guest teacher. She enjoys working with recreational, emerging and professional artists of all ages through her Sweett Moves events, classes, choreography and mentorship.

Ashley has recently returned from a working holiday abroad in Australia and its surrounding countries. Ashley is filled with Love and Gratitude

Alongside her extensive ballet training, she is currently excelling in contemporary ballet. She has been training and performing with the contemporary dance company, Lamondance, under the guidance of Davi Rodrigues for two seasons. She recently performed with Lamondance at the annual International Dance Seminar in Brazil this past summer.

In addition to performing, Sarah has continuously been perfecting her contemporary technique. She has trained with an array of international world renowned teachers and choreographers during her acceptance in Arts Umbrella’s International Summer Dance Intensive such as Doug Letheren (L-E-V), Amy Douglas (Dutch National Ballet), Marc Boivin, and Fernando Hernandez (Netherland Dans Theatre).

Sarah now looks forward to discovering new endeavours as a freelance dance artist in contemporary dance.

Lindsay has grown up performing in the lower mainland competitive scene.  Her love of dance has transpired into a rewarding career. Lindsay teaches both at the recreational and competitive level with her students winning numerous high score and  choreography awards.

Her love of dance is most apparent in her commitment and dedication to train her students focusing on developing their technique as well as inspiring a love of performance.  Lindsay is encouraging, positive, and invested in nurturing her dancers through their dance journey.

Lindsay desires to share her love of dance with her students and aspiring teachers.  She proudly has numerous dancers who post graduation continue to dance professionally or teach, sharing their passion with the next generation.  Lindsay brings both energy and enthusiasm to her classes and enjoys watching her students succeed.

We are excited to welcome him back to Deas Island Dance. Ryan’s most recent training has been with the Souldiers Dance Company directed by Kim Sato. This semi-professional company focuses on training and performances in foundational Hip Hop, Breaking, House, Locking, Popping, and social dances. He has previously trained in intensive commercial Hip Hop with Harbour Dance Centre’s Kill The Lights, as well as Make Your Mark. Ryan hopes to create an environment for students where they will explore their creativity all while being physically active.

Heather has been teaching Ballet and various other dance forms, including Modern, Jazz, and Tap, since 2002.  In 2007 she completed the RAD’s Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies program, which grants her fully registered teachers status.  Heather is also a registered pharmacist and a guest lecturer with UBC’s Faculty of Pharmacy.

Cara is an all round teacher, having trained in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Lyrical, and RAD Ballet.  She continued her studies in the United States studying at Millenium Dance Project, Debbie Reynolds, Edge Performing Arts Centre (LA) and the Connection (Seattle).  Cara is also a Source Dance Company graduate.

Joshua has performed works by Guangdong Contemporary Dance Company and GBYC for Vancouver International Dance Festival 2015, Sasha Evtimova, and Jesse Rob.

His recent choreography awards were 2016 Shine Dance Festival – North Vancouver, and 2016 Youth America Grand Prix Seattle (Outstanding Choreographer).

Andrea was selected as Shine Dance Festival “Teacher of the Year” 2015. She is always invested in furthering her education as an instructor and spent part of her summer at the Dance Teacher Summit in LA.

She recently completed Level One and Two of the International Dance Teaching Standards, and is currently taking a choreography lab this fall

Here, Justine trained in all styles of dance, with a pre-professional focus on both classical ballet and contemporary dance styles.

As a student, Justine spent her summers training at a variety of ballet schools on scholarship. Some of these included Boston Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Alonzo King Lines, and the Banff Centre for Performing Arts.

In 2009, Justine represented Canada as a finalist dancer in both the Youth America Grand Prix (NYC), and as a semi-finalist soloist in the 2008 Beijing Invitational Ballet Competition.

Upon graduation, Justine received a scholarship to begin her B.F.A. at the Alonzo King Lines Dance Centre, in San Francisco, CA. Here, her training broadened to include Modern Dance Technique, Commercial Jazz, Percussion, Gyrokinesis work, Choreographic Process, and Neo-classical Ballet. As an emerging artist, she has had the pleasure of performing contemporary dance works, originally created on dancers of Alonzo King Lines, Toronto Dance Theatre, Dawson Dance, MOVE: the company, and Ballet X, to name a few. Since completing her studies, Justine has gone on to perform with multiple contemporary and classical ballet companies, throughout North America. In 2012, she became a soloist dancer with Ballet Jörgen Canada and has had the pleasure of performing soloist roles on both international and national stages.

Currently, Justine has found a passion for both choreography and dance education. She is an accredited ballet teacher, with the American Academy of Ballet, and has been a full-time Ballet and Contemporary dance instructor for the past 8 years. In addition to teaching, she is also a reputable dance adjudicator. As a member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance, Justine enjoys sitting on panels for both dance organizations and festivals throughout Western Canada.

As a commissioned choreographer, she has had her work performed on professional stages throughout North America. Most recently, she had the pleasure of setting original choreography for the dancers of both Coastal City Ballet (BC) and Ballet Concierto Cancún (Mexico).

In 2016, Justine founded Reforming Art Productions – a Contemporary Dance company that provides innovative training, networking, scholarship, and performance opportunities, to Canadian dance students. Justine has had a wonderful year working with Deas Island Dance students and looks forward to sharing her passions for ballet and contemporary dance with this year’s summer dance intensive students.

She now hopes to continue her dance career and work hard as a teacher and choreographer to pass down her knowledge to create a professional, but fun environment in class to those you would to like to pursue dance as a career. Lauren is very grateful for all of her opportunities and is very excited to be apart of the Deas Island Faculty!

Throughout her teaching career, Bronwen has taught at several tertiary institutions in New Zealand as well as for many private studios.  Bronwen is particularly passionate about teaching Musical Theatre and has performed in several shows including Sound of Music, Godspell, Highschool Musical (URP) and West Side Story (RCMT).  Bronwen loves the thrill of teaching large broadway numbers to her students and watching them catch the broadway bug!  She also enjoys teaching historic tidbits to give her students a rounded education.

Bronwen has become a regular face at Deas Island Dance teaching weekly classes, summer intensives and choreographing for Disney performances and festival routines.

Over his 15 years of dancing professionally he has danced a wide range of roles from Corps de Ballet to Principle roles that ranged from character parts to technical classical roles. Chris has toured Europe, China, Japan and North America with the companies such as Birmingham Royal Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet, and Ballet-Art Francois Klaus with and has danced in many international galas.

Her Dance crew was the West Coast Hip Hop Champion in 2007. The group traveled to Los Angeles to represent Canada in the World Hip Hop Championships. She is currently traveling back and forth from the states performing and training. Her crew Lyrical Thesis is currently one of the opening showcases for the Massive Monkey’s Vancouver Tour January 2010.

As a successful choreographer for stage, television and film, Belinda has choreographed Westside Story (Jessie Award Nomination), The Pajama Game, Guys & Dolls and Maz & Me’s Dinner Theatre Restaurant. Other credits include Booker, Escandalo (Spain), Music Hallelujah (Seattle) and Rhythm of the Night.  She assisted with the choreography for Theresa Teng’s Orient Tour, Christmas in Never Neverland and Radio Active Dreams.

Her knowledge of Jazz technique has given her the opportunity to teach summer schools at virtually every major dance studio in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.  We are fortunate to now have Belinda with us on a weekly basis!

Originally a prairie girl from Alberta, Jenny moved to Vancouver in 2002 to pursue a career as a performer. She has been seen in various live shows such as Guys & Dolls, Godspell, West Side Story, Music Man, Crazy for You, Mack & Mabel, Lost Vegas Live!, Fosse, Fosse, Fosse and the opening program for the Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards. Her recent Film & TV credits include “John Tucker Must Die”, “Dr Doolittle 3”, “Two for the Money”, commercials for Coke and Global, and appearances on Urban Rush and MTV Canada.

Most recently Jenny traveled the Mexican Riviera dancing for Carnival Cruise Lines and currently she works as a special needs aide in a private school and a dance instructor for children and adults.

Moe’s return to dance commenced with a season as one of the NBA Grizzlies Extreme Dance Team members. During this period, she performed at numerous live and televised events including the official opening for Planet Hollywood with Bruce Willis, Will Smith and Arnold Schwatzenegger. She has also choreographed for the CFL and The University of BC dance team.

Her most recent projects have been filming “John Tucker Must Die” with Grammy winner Ashanti and Jesse Metcalf from Desperate Housewives. Also filmed Dr.Dolittle 3, both now on DVD. She just finished shooting a movie with Hayden Panettiere called I Love You Beth Cooper.

Moe has successfully proven her innate capability to choreograph or dance, on repeat basis, in commercials for such reputable companies as McDonalds, Barbie/Matel, Kyocera, Coca-Cola and Disney. Throughout her career, her winning personality and choreographic talents have landed her many interviews on radio and TV as well as several performances for MTV, Smallville, Crash Test Mommies and X-Weighted.

Currently Moe can be found teaching at the professional dance studio, Harbour Dance, in downtown Vancouver. She is also on faculty with The Source, Danzemode, DanceFusion and Groovestreet Productions.  As if not busy enough, Moe is also an established full time choreographer for season release shows for Roxy, Quiksilver, and Westbeach.

Moe is also an adjudicator at dance competitions where she derives much satisfaction dispensing helpful advice which she hopes will inspire future dancers.

Ballet is her passion, and she has successfully prepared numerous students for the Solo Seal Award Examination, which is the highest level of the Royal Academy of Dance.

Mrs. Kelley has also coached many students for the prestigious Adeline Genee International Competition and among them there have been many finalists and medalists.  We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Kelley join us and welcome her as one of the coaches of the ballet intensive program.

Krista also obtained a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Food, Nutrition, and Health from The University of British Columbia, and, with a special interest in wellness and injury prevention, has conducted nutrition seminars for dancers.As well as performing many classical roles and completing advanced examinations while she was training, Krista holds her Teaching Certificate and Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance.  For ten years, she taught at The Richmond Academy of Dance, and other schools in the Greater Vancouver area.

Krista now coordinates and leads the Ballet Program at RNB Dance and Theatre Arts in North Vancouver, as well as continuing to guest teach and choreograph at a variety of schools in Western Canada. Her students have been consistently recognized for strong exam results, top awards in both local and provincial festivals, and have gone on to dance professionally.

Krista has a true passion for ballet, and loves sharing this passion with young dancers!

Elizabeth started Pilates at the age of 15 after training at the National Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and San Francisco Ballet School. Elizabeth continued practicing Pilates as a dancer and after dancing in London England decided to enter Dianne Millers 2 year teacher training course. After certifying with Dianne’ program Elizabeth taught Pilates in Hong Kong for one year. Elizabeth certified with The Pilates Method Alliance in 2006 and in 2009 certified with Michele Larsson’s “Core Dynamics Pilates” in Santa Fe NM. Working with master teachers such as Michelehave helped inspire Elizabeth to teach and share her passion of the Pilates Method with her clients.

Having practiced Pilates for 20 yrs Elizabeth feels everybody can benefit from the Method whether you are a total beginner to tri- athlete, Pilates gives you that longer leaner body while building core strength and having better posture. She looks forward to seeing you in her class soon!

Paula collaborates with various mediums fusing her art form making her a  progressive artist and educator. This dancer, teacher and choreographer has studied with world-class New York based tap dancers such as Dr. James ‘Buster’ Brown, Brenda Bufalino and Heather Cornell. She has worked in New York with the prestigious Manhattan Tap and in Michigan with Sole Full of Rhythm.

Her teaching has reached dancers throughout Canada and the US. She is currently a Principal Artist with Learning Through The Arts, an education program associated with the Royal Conservatory of Music. Paula is on faculty at Sheridan College in the Musical Theatre Program, with SERC a research centre for creative aging, and, teaches workshops at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education associated with the University of Toronto.

Emily is an extremely passionate teacher. She is on faculty at The Joy of Dance Centre and Teacher’s Collage in Toronto Ontario teaching ballet, contemporary and conditioning. Recently Emily began working with Jr and Sr level international figure skaters, coached by Brian Orser and José Chouinard, on their quality and performance skills and modern dance technique. Emily also returned to British Columbia to adjudicate the BC Festival of the Arts in 2011.

Christie’s extensive background has allowed her endless opportunities in many areas of the industry. A dancer, singer, and actor, Christie began as a member of The Source Dance Company, and has since worked with such artists as Lenny Kravitz, Nelly Furtado, Michael Buble, Big Time Rush, Suzie McNeil, and These Kids Wear Crowns. She appeared in a lead role for a the musical ‘Sweet Mystery’, and has recently returned from performing and adjudicating in Brazil for the XXI International Dance Seminar.

Christie has worked and trained all over the world, from New York to Australia, choreographed for the NLL, and is a faculty member of Harbour Dance Centre. She is also the Creator of Industry Dance Magazine, a Canadian online website for dancers, choreographers, and instructors.