I began my dancing career at the age of four in my hometown of Allan, Saskatchewan. Throughout my years of training I competed in numerous competitions and shows winning several prestigious awards including top honors at provincial dance championships.

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At the age of 16, I competed and won the privilege of performing in a televised talent showcase highlighting performers from all across Western Canada. I received my teaching accreditation with Honors and worked as Artistic Director for several studios in Saskatchewan until I moved to Kimberley in 1991 and opened the doors to the Kimberley (Kootenay)  Dance Academy.

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• R.A.D. (Royal Academy of Dancing)- Teaching Diploma

• C.D.T.A. (Canadian Dance Teachers Association)- B.C. and Sask. Branch- Teaching Certificate

• Member D.S.I. (Dance Saskatchewan Incorporated)

• Member of CDA (Canadian Dance Assembly)

• A.D.A.P.T. (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers)

• Acrobatic Arts - Professional Curriculum for Acrobatic Dance - Certified Instructor

• 40+ Years Teaching Experience

• 34 Years Owner/Director- Kimberley / Kootenay Dance Academy

• Choreographer - numerous award winning routines

• Mentor Award - 2010 Shine Dance Festival, Kelowna, BC

• Outstanding Choreographer Award - 2010 Shine Dance Festival, Kelowna, BC

• Choreographer - 2008 BC Winter Games - Opening Ceremonies

• Recipient of the 2008 Pro-Motion Plus Leadership Award

• Recipient of Canada's National Academy of Dance Education-2017 Dance Studio Owner of the Year

• 2018 BC Senior Games Opening Ceremonies Entertainment Director and Choreographer

• Recipient of 2021 Kimberley Arts Council Arts and Culture Award

• Mentor Award - 2022 Shine Dance Festival, Vernon, BC

 

Registered Teacher RAD, ISTD & CDTA

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Having graduated from one of England's finest vocational institutions, Jacqueline Morrow, Reg’d Teacher RAD, Assoc. ISTD, Assoc. CDTA, has delivered both academic and vocational instruction to students at beginner level both young and old through to pre-professionals in school, studios, and colleges. She has also delivered workshops and professional development opportunities within private and public institutions at both the school and college levels internationally.

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Jacqueline's methods of delivering instruction embraces both the syllabus material in addition to all other facets of teaching dance education and dance appreciation including history, artistry, style and musicality, spatial awareness, improvisation and choreography. Having been raised and educated globally, living in Singapore, Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, China and Egypt, Jacqueline has been exposed to a diverse range of culture, religion and politics. As an educator, Jacqueline delivers instruction with absolute consideration to growing bodies and minds.

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After attaining her teaching qualifications, Jacqueline taught for both the private and public education institutions in the U.K., Canada, China, and more recently Egypt, at both the school and college levels. Her involvement includes teaching students in grades 1 to 11, supporting the Learning Through the Arts program to students in Kindergarten through to grade 3, and providing dance education in classical ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz, and theatre movement at all levels. Developing and promoting dance programmes for children and adults from beginner to pre-professional, she has prepared students for examinations in ballet, jazz, and tap, hosted vocationally graded examinations for both the Royal Academy of Dance, and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. She has also prepared students for local and provincial competitions, yearend concerts, and musical choreography in numerous shows, both amateur and professional.

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Kootenay Dance Academy is thrilled to have Jacqueline back on staff and offering her expertise to all ballet and acro students.

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Stacey Weber is an accomplished Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre Dancer. She was born and raised in Campbell River on Vancouver Island and here is where her passion for dance bloomed. Stacey started dancing at the age of 3 and continued to take classes in Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip-Hop. Stacey has competed and won numerous awards in competitions and shows. After graduation Stacey started teaching at her local studio and has been teaching ever since. Stacey's fun and energetic personality make it fun for people of all ages to enjoy the art of dance.

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As both an assistant and instructor for several years Stacey’s numerous responsibilities included:

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• Providing individual and group dance instruction to students in Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop and Lyrical Jazz ages 5yrs to adult.

• Choreographing for numerous competitions and recitals.

• Cutting and editing all music.

• Designing and creating numerous costumes.

• Chaperoning students to numerous conventions and competitions off the Island.

• Coordinating dance activities with other staff members.

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As well as all her teaching responsibilities, Stacey also has numerous years of experience in Dance Retail management. Stacey was responsible for the sale of all dance shoes and clothing, ordering of stock and dealing with wholesalers, merchandising and store displays as well as numerous office skills such as working with debit, till, fax, copier and computer issues.

Kootenay Dance Academy is thrilled to have Stacey back as a member of our 2023-2024 faculty.

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• 1997-2000- Danette's Dance Inc. Campbell River, BC -Teacher Assistant

• 2000-2006 -Danette's Dance Inc. Campbell River, BC -Dance Teacher

• 2006-2010 Urban Dance Connection Campbell River, BC -Dance Teacher/Choreographer

• 2007-2009 -Brian Kruse School of Dance Courtenay, BC -Dance Teacher

• 2012-2024-Kimberley/Kootenay Dance Academy-Dance teacher/Choreographer

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Steph began her dance training back in Saskatchewan.Having trained for many years  at Applause Dance Academy in various dance forms as well as dancing Modern and Contemporary with the company New Dance Horizon, both based out of Regina Saskatchewan , it was her love of hip-hop took her took her to the next level.

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She auditioned in New York City for the Hip Hop Dance Conservatory and BLADE Dance Academy and was accepted as Dancer in Training in Hip Hop and Breaking.Steph trained for 5 years with the Conservatory...growing and moving up through the ranks until she graduated to a Principle Dancer within the company. As a principal dancer with the Conservatory’s Repertory Company, she spent the next 3 years performing on different NY stages and for different NY events such as So You Think You Can Dance Commercials and with artists such as Neyo.

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On top of all this Steph Teaches the Dance Workout group fitness class at Gym 67 and is a certified trainer in multiple training methods as well as an active fitness competitor. Her knowledge of athletic training, strength, endurance and elite performance preparation will be a definite asset to all the dancers here at Kootenay Dance Academy!

 

We are both honoured and excited to have her teaching Hip Hop and Heels at our Kimberley studio location again this season!

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Emma began dancing at the age of 3.  During her years as a dancer, Emma trained in many styles including: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics, Hip hop, Lyrical and Contemporary.

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As a dancer, Emma achieved many awards including, Dancer of The Year at Kootenay Dance Academy in 2018, many high score awards at several different competitions.  Emma was the Provincial Representative for the East Kootenays in 2019, 2020 and 2021.  She has also most currently earned the opportunity to attend the Shine Dance Festival Top 10 Dancer Intensive in Langley BC.  Over the years Emma has travelled to Honolulu, and Disneyland to perform, has attended several dance conventions which have allowed her to experience many different dance styles, as well as teaching styles.

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As a Dance Teacher, Emma feels that it is important for her students to feel confident, motivated and inspired and that they are in an environment they feel comfortable in. Emma wants to see her students succeed, be proud of their accomplishments, enjoy all of the hard work and dedication they put into dance, and most importantly to have fun. 

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KDA is thrilled to have Emma onboard again this year!

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Josh began dancing at 5 years old, exploring all different styles of dance and finding a life long passion.  

 

After graduating from his studio in Lethbridge he pursued a dance career in Vancouver, with The Source Dance Company and completed a year of training and working with incredible instructors and other dancers. Josh performed all over the city in live performances, music videos, and on the set of Step Up 5.

 

Though Josh is now a trained barber and hairdresser, he maintains his love for performing arts and has joined our team at Kootenay Dance Academy to teach his favourite style, hip hop and breakdancing! 

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Welcome Josh!

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Kristen is a Kimberley native who comes to us with over 10 years competitive gymnastic experience. She has trained and worked at several clubs in both BC and Alberta. In 2010 she received her Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education majoring in Kinesiology -from the University of Lethbridge and came back home where she is  employed at Marysville Elementary School. Kristen joined KDA in 2012 and has assisted in facilitating an acro program utilizing the Acrobatic Arts curriculum, that combines flexibility, contortion, strength & conditioning and balance skills. She is also an avid Cross fit participant and brings with her a fun, positive and encouraging coaching style.                

 

Kootenay Dance Academy is thrilled to once again have Kristen on board for our upcoming season.

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Moraya is a national certified coaching instructor with 10 years experience coaching gymnastics. She has coached athletes of all ages and skill levels from Active Start Junior Gym to Competitive Level gymnastics. Moraya believes in fostering a positive and supportive learning environment which allows each child to grow, gain confidence and achieve their personal best.  

 

Once Moraya started her family, she made the decision to step back from coaching to focus on raising her children. Now that Nate and Anaya are of school age you can find Moraya once again working with children at KCA in the role of education assistant. 

 

Last year her daughter Anaya started dance at KDA and quickly grew to love it. As she becomes more involved, Moraya is excited to go back to her coaching roots and join the team at Kootenay dance academy to assist the dancers with their acro skills.

 

Kootenay Dance Academy is thrilled to have Moraya join our faculty this season!

 

 

 

 

 

Aralynn began dancing a the age of 2. During those years as a dancer she has trained in numerous different styles of dance including: Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Musical Theater, Tap, Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Acro.

As a dancer, Aralynn has received multiple awards including Dancer of the year in 2021 at Kootenay Dance Academy, high score awards and scholarships at many different dance competitions. Aralynn was the BC provincial representative for the East Kootenays in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024. Most currently, she  has been chosen to be a part of Team Canada 2024 Hip Hop Adult Group for the IDO Championships in Macedonia in October.

As a teacher in training, Aralynn feels it is most important to have a safe teaching and learning space, where everyone gets the opportunity to express themselves freely. A place where everybody feels included, safe, loved and empowered. Her focus is her students and sharing her love for dance. She believes that dance is a language that connects us all :)

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KDA is thrilled to have Aralynn join us this year as our 2024-2025 "Teacher in Training". We look forward to all that she has to learn and offer the students at KDA. Welcome Aralynn!

Hi everyone! I’m looking forward to contributing to the KDA family, as a Competitive Team Coordinator, to reciprocate the support and sense of community that has been given to my daughter, Zoey, in this past (first, for her) year. I honestly was not sure what to expect when she joined the competitive team, but she has grown so much in her confidence, independence, inner and outer strength, and has made lifelong connections.

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As an elementary school teacher and in my previous managerial roles with my son’s sports teams, I strive to be personable, approachable, organized, and fun! I still feel new to the role of Dance Mom, but grew up Highland Dancing locally and have quickly learned the ins and outs of this competitive world my daughter so loves. Although I am new(ish) to this scene, I believe you will find you can ask me any questions or express any concerns openly and honestly; if I don’t have the solution, I will find the person who does!

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Looking forward to getting to know you all and watching our dancers SLAY

I am so incredibly excited to become a member of the KDA team as the Assistant Competitive Team Co-ordinator in Cranbrook!

Our family have been a part of Kootenay Dance Academy since my oldest daughter, Hannah, was 2.5 years old. We have been apart of the competitive team since 2018 and have now included two more daughters, Eden and Rylee.

I love everything about Kootenay Dance Academy! From the first day that I walked into the studio, I knew what a supportive, encouraging, and loving dance family it would be. I was absolutely right, KDA is our home away from home! Having some of the youngest dancers in the Hive, one of my favourite things is when I see the older Hive members take the babies under their wings and make them feel so special. I love the hotel stays, cheering for all the dancers at the competitions, the team dinners, and the contagious excitement that is always in the air!

I will be partnering with Ana as the assistant competitive co-ordinator. Together we will be helping the Hive families stay informed and answer any questions that may occur throughout the competitive season while also planning fun team events and organizing hotels.

I am SO excited to see what this next year has for our dancers!

Eryn

I have been associated with the dance academy since 1995 when my daughters first expressed interest in classes. In 1999 I took over Dancers Den and the sale of dance shoes from the previous owners Cheryl Ivany and Debbie Wright. In 2000 I was asked if I would be interested in being an assistant co-ordinator and by 2005 was doing all the co-ordinating including all the costume convening and ordering.

When my daughters graduated in 2005 and 2006, I continued on as volunteer. Over the years I have worn many hats including office assistant, technical director, lighting technician, prop construction and transportation, costume sewing and ordering as well as numerous other jobs that would come up from time to time. Even though my daughters no longer dance, I enjoy volunteering my time. It is a very rewarding and fun position and I love to see all the kids as they grow and progress from year to year.

Through my years at KDA I have met and become very good friends with not only Leslie, but many of the parents as well. We have shared many laughs, tears and memories. I look forward to another year of new experiences and wish to welcome all new instructors to our KDA family.