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.

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 Dance Academy.

Performing was always something I loved to do but it was here in Kimberley that I found my true passion.... teaching. The dance academy started out very small however over the years it has grown to become a full-time obsession for me.

My students have gone on to receive several outstanding awards and recognition both locally and provincially. They have auditioned and performed for Carnival Cruise Lines-“Stars at Sea” as well as performed four times in the Disneyland Magic Music Days where their performance attracted not only numerous tourists but studio executives who had heard their performance was a "must see!"

Teaching and coaching hold a tremendous responsibility and it is one that I do not take lightly. It is a job for which I feel honored to contribute to in whatever small way that I can. Thank you to the communities of Kimberley/Cranbrook and to all the amazing parents out there, both past and present, who continue to give their children the opportunity to be involved in the things they love and enjoy. As coaches and teachers.....we cannot do it alone.....it starts at home with you. The support and love you give now can.... and does ....last a lifetime.

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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

• 39 Years Teaching Experience

• 32 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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Philosophy: By providing the student with the

knowledge and basic skills, coupled with empowering the student to question thoughts and ideas, and the freedom to explore and express themselves, todays learners are not fearful of making mistakes, but through caring, being daring and sharing, are able to learn and improve, and enjoy their adventure in becoming both able and capable lifelong learners.

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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 students.

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 2022-2023 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

• 2012-2022-Kimberley/Kootenay Dance Academy-Dance teacher/Choreographer

 

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.

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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Every summer Steph returns to her home roots in Saskatchewan as  a special guest choreographer for the Dance Plus Regina Summer Dance Camp and while living there also became the resident Hip Hop teacher and choreographer for Dance Plus Emerald Park.

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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 at our Kimberley studio location again this season!

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 this year as part of our Teacher Training Program!

There is something about being part of the competitive dance world that makes your heart sing with happiness. I am thrilled to join the KDA team as the Competitive Team Co-ordinator.  Our family has been apart of Kootenay Dance academy since my daughter, Kate, was 3 years old, she danced like no other, (truly like no other) yet we knew this is where we wanted to be. With the love and support of her teachers, we joined dancing competitively when Kate was 7 years old, and we haven’t looked back!  

I have been the new mom, lost in the dance world, and over the past 6 years have become familiar with the ins, outs, goods, and greats of the Competitive Dance world. I am excited to collaborate, listen and help new and seasoned dance families have the best season possible.

I will be organizing host hotels, team events (dinners, celebrations, etc.), and information packages on the nitty gritty of the dance world, ie. Costumes, Pink vs. Red lipstick, or High vs. Low bun. All updates throughout the season will be shared on The Hive Competitive Dance Team Parent Facebook page.  

Look forward to being your ICE (In Case of Emergency) dance mom to support you this dance season!

Ana

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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.