Miss Amanda

Teacher

I am so happy to return to the DSi teaching staff for my 21st year!

As a DSi dancer, I trained in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Musical Theatre andHip Hop. I was given opportunities to compete in various disciplines and successfully complete many exams; including top levels of graded RAD Ballet exams, and the Advanced ADAPT Jazz exam.

As a teacher,I completed the ADAPT teacher’s training program to obtain my teaching certificate. I have successfully entered students into exams, and choreographed competition numbers for the past 19years. I am so grateful to be part of such a wonderful and inspiring team, which includes some of my teachers, my friends I grew up dancing with, and my former students! In 2017, I completed my studies at the University of Calgary obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree, and feel so lucky to share my love of teaching between the school classroom and the dance studio. I am looking forward to another season at DSi and am excited to share my passion and love of dance with all of my students.

Miss Amelia

Teacher

I am so excited to be joining the DSi team as a teacher for the coming season! Before graduating as a dancer in 2023, I spent twelve of the best years of my life dancing, learning, and growing to become the person I am today. I trained in jazz, ballet, pointe, tap, musical theatre, and contemporary. After joining the competitive team at the age of nine, I instantly fell in love, competing in jazz, ballet, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, and tap. In addition to this, I successfully completed many ADAPT jazz examinations, ballet vocational, and Al Gilbert tap examinations. While I truly cherish my time as a dancer, over the past four years I have grown to love sharing what I have learned through becoming an understudy for both competitive and recreational dancers. I was fortunate enough to receive the Mentorship award in the 2021-2022 season and I am incredibly grateful to continue inspiring young dancers as a member of the DSi team. In the fall I will be beginning my studies at the University of Calgary pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree. DSi will always be my forever home and I am excited to continue as a part of this incredible community for years to come!

Miss Ashley

Teacher

I am so excited to be a part of the 30th Anniversary of such an amazing dance studio. At the age of 3 I took my first dance class and fell in love! Through my years dancing I successfully completed my ADAPT Tap and Jazz exams as well as my Al Gilbert Tap 9 Exam. I was fortunate enough to have dance take me to Disneyland, Las Vegas, and Spain but what really excited me as a young dancer was Student Teaching.  I knew at a young age that I wanted to be just like my Dance Teachers!  So, 17 years ago I started teaching and found my passion! I am now entering my 13th year as a teacher at Dance Spectrum, and I feel so fortunate to work with such a great team of talented, educated, and passionate teachers. It is the dancers that continue to inspire us and make coming to the studio feel like a second home. This is going to be a great year dancers! I can’t wait to catch up with returning students and welcome the new! Congratulations on 30 years of team DSi!

Miss Catherine

Teacher

I am so excited to start my first year as a teacher with DSi!  I have danced at DSi since I was 2 and have been competing since I was 10.  I trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Tap and Pointe and have completed many ADAPT Jazz examinations as well as RAD ballet examinations.  I have also had the opportunity to train at Central Memorial High School as part of the PVA dance program, where I learned styles such as, West African, Latin, Vogue, Modern and much more!

In 2023 I graduated with my PD in the Arts Certification from Central Memorial, as well as being awarded “Most Outstanding Ballet Dancer” from DSi.  Come January, I will be working towards my RAD Ballet teaching certification.  I am so gratef

Miss Corrissa (They/She)

Teacher

I am so excited to continue my teaching journey as part of Team DSi for my eleventh season! I have been pursuing the art of dance for the past 24 years, coming to DSi at the age of 5.  During the time that I spent dancing I completed some of the most advanced exams in Tap, Jazz and Ballet, including my Advanced Two RAD Ballet exam and my Advanced Adapt Jazz exam.  I have also studied in many styles such as Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Pointe.  I was grateful to receive the award for Most Outstanding Ballet Dancer for the 2012-2013 season, and a scholarship for the Triple Threat Dance Convention in the 2011-2012 season.  As well as dancing at DSi, I have also been in Alberta Ballet’s production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream (2008) and Summerstock Calgary’s Musical Productions of Hairspray (2011) and Legally Blonde (2012).  I’m happy to say that I danced competitively at DSi for 8 years achieving High Score awards and receiving scholarships. I’m also excited to be going on my ninth year of creating competitive choreography for DSi and being recognized with choreography awards and routines qualifying for finals at competitions. I currently hold my Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies through the Royal Academy of Dance, as well as Certification from Acrobatic Arts to train students from Primary to level 8.  I have also completed the ADAPT Teacher Training School, certifying me in the ADAPT Jazz and Tap syllabus. I am looking forward to DSi’s 30th anniversary and can’t wait to bring the joy I have for dance to my students. 

Miss Daniela

Teacher

I’m beyond thrilled to join the DSi family for a second year. Born and raised in the beautiful city of Monterrey, Mexico. My beginnings in dance were established in the school “Carla Eugenia School of Dance”, under the foundations of the “Imperial Dance Society”. Trained in classical, contemporary, jazz, lyrical and Tap.

I’ve participated in various national and international classical competitions, such as “Youth American Grand Prix”, obtaining prestigious awards and scholarships to international schools, such as Orlando Ballet School, Kirov School of Dance and Rock School of Dance.

I’ve been part of Coastal City Ballet, Harbour Dance Centre, The Calgary Opera and had opportunities in film and commercial work, working with Facebook, Netflix, Hulu, and Disney. Working also with producer Kenny Ortega, Mandy Moore, choreographers like Paul Becker, Jilly Meyers, and Louise Hradsky.

I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity and I can’t imagine what the future holds for me. I love to teach young generations and to form, not just beautiful dancers, but beautiful human beings. I can’t wait to share, learn, and grow with the DSi family! Let’s dance!

Miss Hallie

Teacher

I am overjoyed to be starting my fifth year of teaching at DSi in the fall. My love for dance began at the age of 3 when I took my first class at DSi and I haven’t left since. I have had the pleasure of learning Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Lyrical from my co-dance teachers and am honoured to be a part of this team for another year. I had the opportunity to be a dancer and student in the Performing and Visual Arts program at Central Memorial High School from 2016-2019 where I was able to learn Bollywood, Latin, West African, Modern and Tap and further my skills in styles I was taking at DSi. I also received my PD in the Arts Certificate at Central Memorial after graduating in 2019. I completed both grade 7 and 8 ballet exams at DSi and was awarded “Most Promising Jazz Dancer” in 2015 by the studio. I competed with the DSi competitive team for 6 years dancing in large groups, small groups, and solos in Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz and Ballet. I am so grateful to DSi for the opportunities to learn from talented dancers and artists who have positively impacted my style of dance and teaching. I am currently a student at Mount Royal University in the Policy Studies program minoring in Social Innovation. I am also the current President of the Policy Studies Student Society at Mount Royal University. I am honoured to be teaching during the 30th Anniversary of Dance Spectrum and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone. I cannot express my excitement to see you all in the studio in the fall and dance with you again. See you soon friends!

Miss Holly

Receptionist

To my utmost excitement, I will be returning to DSi for my second year as a part of the Office Team! I have loved learning and become acquainted with each and every single family that is now part of our DSi family. As for those who will soon be joining us, I cannot wait to meet you all! For a little more about myself, I have danced for over 13 years and competitively for 5 years. I have successfully completed ADAPT Jazz and RAD Ballet exams, including the Grade 8 ballet exam and the Advanced 1 ballet vocational. Aside from my dance experience, I am currently a third year university student at the University of Calgary, Haskayne School of Business pursuing an International Business degree. I hope to continue to spread the love and support that I grew up with at the studio and pass it on. It is a pleasure to assist the students and parents alike.

Miss Jayda

Teacher/Receptionist

I am thrilled to be back with Team DSi as a receptionist for the 2023-2024 season! I began dancing at Dance Spectrum at the age of three and spent fifteen years as a student at DSi, until graduating in 2022. Throughout my time at DSi I have trained in numerous disciplines, including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Lyrical, as well as completed multiple examinations in Al Gilbert Tap. I danced competitively for 7 years with DSi’s competition team, leaving me with many amazing memories and an incredible community that I consider my second family. Additionally, I was extremely grateful to receive the Most Dedicated Jazz Dancer award for the 2021-2022 season. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue my work here at Dance Spectrum, while also studying Psychology at the University of Calgary. I cannot wait for another year with my DSi family. Go team! 

Miss Karly

Teacher

…a.k.a. “Miss K”.  I am thrilled to be spending my 21st year as a DSi instructor.  Dance Spectrum has been my home for 29 years now training in a “spectrum” of disciplines.  As a dancer, I successfully completed many ADAPT Jazz, Al Gilbert Tap and RAD Ballet exams. I also dove into the world of competitive dancing at age 8, competing in a wide range of styles around Canada and the US.  Now I share my love of Tap, Contemporary and Strength and Conditioning with my beautiful students.  One of my favorite parts of being a dance teacher is successfully preparing students for exams and competitions.  

When I am not at DSi I’m at Studio 85 HIIT + Yoga, my own fitness and yoga studio. Inspired by Miss Wendy owning my own small business has been a dream of mine for years and now I not only get to share my love of dance I also get to share my love of fitness, yoga, and business!!

Miss Katie

Teacher

Bring on the new season! I was lucky enough to grow up at DSi where my admiration for dance started and where I received the love and encouragement to pursue my passion!  I have gained a respected reputation within Toronto’s dance community where I spent time dancing professionally, teaching, adjudicating, and choreographing. I have been involved in various film and live theatre performances and found a passion for choreography working at youth, pre-professional, and professional levels. I am a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and have enjoyed working for many competitions all over Canada.  Internationally, dance has taken me many places including New York, Florence, Italy, and Vienna, Austria where I worked with and studied extensively from respected dance educators. As I progress with my research and development, my enthusiasm to share with the next generation continues. I am forever inspired by my teachers who shaped me. My goal is to share not only the love of dance but the life lessons that those teachers, now colleagues, had taught me all those years ago. I can’t wait to start my fourth season teaching at the place that I cherish so much!

Miss Laura

Teacher

I am so excited to be returning to the DSi family for my fourth year as the Tap Enrichment teacher! I grew up dancing in Calgary training in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro and Musical Theatre. I completed my RAD Advanced I exam, danced competitively in all previously mentioned styles and I also trained extensively in the Tri-Tone Rhythm Ensemble. Tap dance has found a special place in my heart and is the reason why I have pursued it professionally! I have been lucky to perform in works by Lisa La Touche, Danny Nielsen, Tasha Lawson, Derick Grant, Dormeshia and Michelle Dorrance.  I am co-founder of the tap dance collective Boys’ Club and we premiered our first full length work in Belgium and Barcelona this year!  I also have been lucky to perform with (in)sight dance at the Toronto International Tap Festival and most recently I was on tour with Danny Nielsen’s show On Foot in BC.  I am an alumni of the 2021 Tap Performance Ensemble at The School at Jacob’s Pillow. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education majoring in Physical Literacy from Mount Royal University and find it has really supplemented my knowledge and has made me a better dancer and teacher. This will be my tenth year of teaching dance and I am so excited for the year ahead at DSi, I am so lucky to be on this team!

Miss Lilly

Teacher

I am thrilled to be back on the Dance Spectrum staff team for my fourth year! It is also wonderful to be back at the studio for my fourteenth year, first as a student, and now as a teacher! During my time as a dancer at DSi, I competed for 8 years and trained for 11 years in disciplines including Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro, Musical Theatre, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Pointe. I have also successfully completed multiple examinations in ADAPT Jazz, RAD Ballet, and Al Gilbert Tap. In my graduating year, I completed my Tap 8 examination with honours as well as my Advanced One and Grade Eight RAD ballet exams. Currently, I am a third year University of Calgary student pursuing a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree. DSi has been a hugely positive part of my life for many years and I’m so proud to continue to be a part of this incredible community for the 2023/2024 season! 

Miss Michelle

Teacher

This year will be my thirteenth season as a Team DSi teacher! Before becoming a staff member, I was a DSi dancer for 15 years. During that time, I completed top examinations in Al Gilbert Tap, ADAPT Jazz, and both Graded and Vocational RAD Ballet. I competed internationally for 10 of those years, attaining High Score awards and scholarships. In 2008, I performed in Alberta Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I had the privilege of attending the Ballet Summer Intensive Program at the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City in 2011. 

When I’m not teaching dance, I work as a Registered Nurse at the Foothills Hospital after having completed a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree in 2015 and my Bachelor of Nursing degree in 2017. I am very excited to continue to be a part of my beloved Team DSi and share my passion for teaching and dancing with all of my students! 

Mr Rocky

Teacher

I am so excited to be returning for another season with DSi!  I grew up performing traditional cultural dances and was fortunate enough to have a dance program be part of my curriculum as I continued through school.  My earlier years as a dancer include a background in Locking, Salsa, Bollywood, West African and of course choreography inspired by the Hip-Hop culture.  My love for creating and pursuing the choreography route grew as I entered my high school years.  Hence where I am now, a choreographer with a vision!  Over a decade later, I continue to work on honing my craft by training across Canada, as well as travelling to Los Angeles, San Deigo, and New York.  Creating choreography inspired by the Hip-Hop culture has also allowed me to compete on international platforms such as Hip-Hop International Qualifiers in Ottawa, to World of Dance Edmonton, Vancouver, and Las Vegas.  I’m grateful to have been granted opportunities such as performing at the Juno Awards for Alessia Cara and receiving a scholarship at World of Dance. Although, my greatest accomplishments would have to be creating and putting my own projects on stage. Having my dancers be recognized for their quality while bringing my creative visions to fruition will always be the most rewarding. As corny as it sounds, I believe team work really does make the dream work.  I’m incredibly excited to be bringing in my own style along with the fundamentals of Hip-Hop to the DSi students. “Green Legacy” is about to have another strong season!

Miss Sarah S. (ARAD, PDTD, RTS)

Teacher

I am so excited to be a part of the DSi team for my 2nd year.  What a first year, I loved it!  Thanks for making me feel so welcome.  Originally from England, I trained professionally at the Northern Ballet School, graduating with a Diploma in Professional Dance, and receiving the “Best all-rounder” award. I am an associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD) having completed Advanced RAD (1&2). I also passed Advanced ISTD and IDTA Ballet, Modern and Tap, Advanced ISTD National Character Dance, and IDTA Graduate Ballet Teaching Certificate, all with honours.

For 11 years I had a varied and continuous professional dance career throughout the world, gaining an in-depth knowledge and expertise of all genres of dance. I have been understudy to Pamela Anderson in  Aladdin (The Liverpool Empire and New Wimbledon Theatre), performed lead roles in On Eagles Wings (Irish Tour) and Irish Wings (Dutch Tour), Hans Klok -The Beauty of Magic and  Faster than Magic (Las Vegas and European Tours), Queen Mary II (Inaugural cast-world cruise), Pacific Princess and Celebrity Infinity cruise liners, lead Irish dancer in  Fire of Dance (European Tour) and  Essence of Ireland (UK tour), lead role in Spirit of the Dance (U.S, European, Far East tours & Las Vegas), Nabucco (Manchester Opera House and Royal Albert Hall), Godspell (Jazz Galore Dance Co), Singin’ in the Rain (Manchester Song and Dance Company), The Nutcracker, Coppélia and Giselle (Manchester City Ballet), and in various television programs and commercials. 

I completed the Professional Dancers Teaching Diploma (PDTD) course at the Royal Academy of Dance in London, where I gained Registered Teacher Status (RTS) and moved to Calgary where I have been teaching students at various schools including Alberta Ballet School since 2011.

I am excited to be able to work with the students at DSi to motivate and inspire and help instill a love of dance by passing on my knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for ballet.

I am a mother of three and the founder of Balletiques through which I teach a ballet-inspired fitness program that I designed and Silver Swans™ ballet classes to adults.

Miss Sarah V.

Teacher

This is my 24th year being a part of DSi’s amazing teaching staff!  I grew up dancing here at the studio and have been sharing my love of dance with the SPECTRUM students ever since! 

As a dancer, I had the opportunity to compete in multiple disciplines, both locally as well as in the United States.  I also successfully completed top level exams in both ADAPT Jazz and RAD Ballet.  Some of my fondest memories and best friends came from these experiences!  

As a teacher, I have been successfully entering students in exams and competitions throughout the past twenty years. I obtained my RAD teaching certificate with a ‘Distinction’ and am a recognized member of the ADAPT Jazz syllabus, Acrobatic Arts Syllabus, and the non-profit Wild Rose Dance Arts Association.  Ballet and Jazz have always been my favorites, but I have loved adding other disciplines to my repertoire such as Lyrical, Acro, and Stretch/Strength.  I love creating and am so lucky to have choreography as my creative outlet.  Teaching dance is my true LIFE PASSION. I am continually inspired by my students.  

I have had the privilege of teaching many talented and hard-working individuals over the years.  Dance Spectrum means so much to me. It is a true community.  My family away from home. I’m a proud momma of two little girls and will ALWAYS be “dance mom” to my studio kids.

Miss Wendy

Director/Teacher

I grew up dancing in Calgary and found my love for teaching at an early age. After opening DSi in 1994, I have been so privileged to teach so many wonderful individuals. I have seen students grow from Preschool to the highest levels of dance, graduate High School, University, get married and now have their own kids as students at DSi!

Over the years I have travelled with students to Chicago, New York, Boston, Orlando, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Disneyland. I am so proud of former students who’ve continued their love of dance.  Their accomplishments include:  working with artists such as Madonna, Adele and Ed Sheeran, working on numerous T.V., film and stage projects, acceptance into Juilliard, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and even performing at the Oscars! 

I am equally proud of my former students who have turned into exceptional DSI staff members and choreographers, now sharing their own passion for dance with our DSi students. 

As we celebrate 30 years at DSi, I feel so lucky to continue to see our wonderful community flourish, generation after generation.  

To all of our dancers: We believed in you & watched the magic happen!