Stacey Butterworth – CDTA Licentiate Tap, Jazz and Acro, Acrobatic Arts

Owner / Director 

Examiner of Canadian Dance Teachers Association / Adjudicator
Instructor – Tap / Jazz / Lyrical 

Stacey has over 33 years of full-time teaching experience, and is the proud owner and director of Harbour Dance Studios Inc in Nanaimo BC. While she has taught and performed in every dance discipline, she now primarily focuses on tap and jazz classes, private lessons, and CDTA exam preparations. Growing up, she trained extensively in Ballet (RAD & ADAPT), Jazz (CDTA & ADAPT), Tap (CDTA & ADAPT), Lyrical, and Highland.

Stacey has recently expanded her love of dance by purchasing a retail store for dancers.

She is a Licentiate member of the CDTA National Branch’s Stage Division in Tap, Jazz, and Acro and has played an active role in the organization, serving in various leadership positions, including Secretary and President. Currently, she is a National Board Director for BC and sits on the Tap Committee for the National Board. Since 2012, Stacey has also been a dedicated CDTA Examiner in Tap, Jazz, and Acro, regularly conducting exams throughout British Columbia and recently in Saskatchewan as well.

Beyond her CDTA credentials, Stacey holds a Canadian Dance Leadership Adjudication Certificate and an Acrobatic Arts Adjudication Certificate. She has also completed the Savvy Dance Teacher course, which emphasizes health and wellness in the studio.

In 2022, Stacey was honored to become the Chairman of Festival Du Ballet, a non-profit competition in Surrey, BC, specializing in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance. This volunteer-run event provides scholarships and opportunities for dancers, including sponsorships for BC Provincials.

In recent years, Stacey has also served as a judge for multiple competitions, including Shine, Evolve, Versastyle, Euphoria, Dance Drive Festival and various events across Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Stacey finds immense joy in sharing her passion and expertise with dancers and teachers alike.


Carl Butterworth – B.Sc.(Hons.Kin.) MBA CRM

Director / Renovator / Music / Admin

Carl wears many hats at Harbour Dance Studios Inc. and is an integral part of the studio’s success behind the scenes. As a kinesiologist, he brings more than 30 years of experience in injury prevention, movement analysis, and performance enhancement, helping dancers and athletes achieve their goals safely and effectively.

Carl serves as both a sessional instructor in the Kinesiology Department at Vancouver Island University and the Director of Research Operations, where he combines his passion for education, research, and human performance. He also has a diverse background in music theory and practice and contributes to Harbour Dance Studios by editing music for competitions and performances.

An experienced entrepreneur, Carl has owned and operated businesses in British Columbia since 1995. He holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance and provides valuable support in business development, risk management, marketing, advertising, and strategic planning.

Around the studio, Carl can often be found helping with renovations, maintenance, cleaning, technical projects, and just about anything else that needs doing. As Stacey’s husband and trusted partner in both life and business, he is always ready to lend a hand—especially when Stacey tells him to!

Carl’s wide-ranging expertise, dedication, and sense of humor make him an invaluable member of the Harbour Dance Studios team.


Terry Ann Grantner – LRAD

Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance
Instructor –
Ballet / Pointe

Mrs. Grantner is a long-standing member of the Royal Academy of Dance, having completed her teacher training in 1981 and graduating as a Licentiate of the RAD. She taught extensively throughout the Nanaimo area for more than 30 years, inspiring generations of dancers through her dedication, expertise, and passion for ballet.

From 1996 to 2006, she was a part owner of Harbour Dancentre and established herself as a prolific choreographer and respected educator. Many of her students have gone on to enjoy successful careers in dance and the performing arts.

In 2006, Mrs. Grantner became an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance and continues to examine students across Canada and around the world. Her extensive experience as both an educator and examiner, combined with her incredibly kind and supportive teaching style, makes her a valued mentor to dancers of all ages and levels.

Mrs. Grantner looks forward to sharing her knowledge, guiding young dancers, and helping them reach their full potential.


Kelly Douglas – RTS, ARAD, AISTD, PBT

Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance
Guest Instructor –
Ballet / Pointe

Vancouver trained dancer and teacher, Kelly Douglas has studied at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, The Banff School of Fine Arts and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens with teachers such as Laura Alonso, David Earl, Lynn Seymour and David Wall. Kelly danced professionally with Alberta Ballet Company and had soloist roles in, The Nutcracker, Firebird, Serenade, Facade, Allegro Brilliante, Coppelia and Cinderella amongst other works.

Ms. Douglas has choreographed and performed in independent dance projects such as Vancouver’s 12 Minute Max and Dancing on the Edge, as well as the Sunshine Coast’s Annual Celebration of Dance. Ms. Douglas has been a guest teacher for many studios both internationally and locally.

In 2013, Kelly auditioned for and was appointed to the board of the International Panel of Examiners for the Royal Academy of Dance, making her one of 24 Examiners in Canada. She has also had roles as a Mentor and Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Royal Academy helping young teachers achieve their teaching certification as well as coaching Pre Exam Classes nationwide for RAD.

Ms. Douglas has trained numerous students to an international level and has received top school award in international ballet competitions such as YAGP and many numerous choreography awards. Kelly is dedicated to attention to detail and refining fundamental technique, musicality and artistry in her students.

To date, Kelly has 35 years of ballet teaching experience holds the teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance and the Associates diploma from the Imperial Society of Dance. Miss Douglas also is PBT and Pilates Mat Certified and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge with the students of Harbour Dance Studios!


Bonnie Nicholas, DDTS, PBT, ISTD Modern Theatre Associate

Instructor – Ballet / Pointe / Parent & Tot

Bonnie grew up dancing in Duncan, British Columbia, and has been an active member of the Vancouver Island dance community for more than 35 years. During her training, she completed her Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate Ballet examination and her ISTD Advanced 1 Modern examination, building a strong technical foundation across multiple disciplines.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Vancouver Island University, Bonnie discovered her passion for teaching and sharing her love of dance with the next generation of dancers. In 2011, she returned to Duncan and began her teaching career.

Today, Bonnie teaches Ballet, Pointe, Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT), Jazz, ISTD Modern, and Acro. She is committed to lifelong learning and continually seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and skills in order to best support her students. Throughout her teaching career, she has attended professional development courses at the ISTD headquarters in London, England, earned her Associate qualification in ISTD Modern, become a certified PBT instructor, and completed her Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies (DDTS) through the Royal Academy of Dance.

Bonnie is passionate about helping dancers develop strong technique, confidence, and a genuine love for movement. Her goal is to inspire her students to enjoy a lifelong connection to dance, just as she has throughout her own journey.

With her wealth of experience, dedication to education, and supportive teaching style, Bonnie creates a positive environment where dancers can thrive both in and out of the studio.


Sarah Fenner – Classical Ballet and Dance Pedagogue Balletfachschule Ronecker

Instructor – Ballet / Pointe

Sarah began dancing at the age of five and trained extensively in both competitive and classical dance. After early success in competitive ballroom and Latin dance, she chose to focus her training on ballet while continuing to expand her versatility across ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, flamenco, and hip hop.

She received her foundational ballet training under Anthony Sterago in Pforzheim, Germany, and later completed professional training as an athletic coach in Stuttgart, as well as training as a Dance Pedagogue at the Balletfachschule Ronecker in Fellbach, Germany. Over the past 20 years, Sarah has worked as a dance educator, choreographer, and performer, teaching students of all ages and levels in both Germany and Canada.

Her teaching is strongly rooted in classical ballet and Vaganova-based training, with an emphasis on healthy technique, musicality, artistry, and the development of strong technical foundations within a supportive and structured environment.

Sarah continues to pursue ongoing professional development, training at institutions including the New York City Dance School in Stuttgart, Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, and Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver.

She is passionate about guiding students to grow both technically and artistically, creating classes that are structured, encouraging, and inspiring, while fostering confidence and a lifelong love of dance.


Tina Leger (Photo coming)

Guest Instructor – Jazz

Tina Leger is an accredited instructor, choreographer, and dance educator with over 20 years of experience. Originally from Vancouver, BC, she brings extensive training in competitive dance and gymnastics, with additional studies in Polynesian dance, acting, and vocal performance.

Her professional credits span TV, film, and live productions, including work with the BC Lions Dance Team, Disney, the Pacific National Exhibition, Rogers Santa Claus Parade, The X-Files, PRP Inc., and the Grey Cup. She has also performed in musical theatre productions such as Grease, Alice in Wonderland, Oliver, and The Nutcracker. Within the competitive dance industry, Tina has worked extensively as an MC, show host, assistant, and adjudicator for over two decades.

As a choreographer, she has created work for dancers and performers across British Columbia, including Miss Teen BC, and continues to share her expertise through masterclasses and intensive training programs. A career highlight includes leading Team Canada in 2019 to a medal finish at the IDO World Dance Championships in Poland.

Tina’s training includes study across Canada and the United States with institutions such as Millennium, The Edge, and LA Dance Force, alongside ongoing professional development through RAD, CDTA coursework, Acrobatic Arts, and Alixa Flexibility. She is also an active member of the BC Dance Educators (BCDE), Artistic Dance Educators (ADE), and regularly attends the Dance Teachers Summit (Break the Floor Productions) to continue evolving her teaching practice.

Her students have gone on to perform and train with major cruise lines (Disney, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival), prestigious companies and schools (Alvin Ailey, Ballet BC, Arts Umbrella, Axis Dance Company, Batsheva Dance Company, Moulin Rouge, Cirque du Soleil, Rockettes, Platform), and appear in major TV and film productions including World of Dance, X-Factor, So You Think You Can Dance, Monster High, Descendants, and Freaky Friday.

In addition to her dance work, Tina is passionate about inclusive arts education and has collaborated with organizations such as War Amps and Autism BC, as well as working with figure skaters in both off-ice training and artistic development.

Now based in Vancouver with her husband and two children, Tina continues to teach, choreograph, and adjudicate across Canada. She is committed to fostering positive, healthy, and inspiring environments where dancers can grow with confidence, artistry, and strong technical foundations.


Abby White – PBT, Acrobatic Arts

Instructor – Tap / Jazz / Ballet / Lyrical / Adult Ballet

Originally from Fort St. John, British Columbia, Abby has made Nanaimo her home while attending Vancouver Island University. She graduated from VIU in June 2026 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.

Abby has been dancing since the age of six and has completed her Royal Academy of Dance ballet examinations up to Advanced 1, as well as her Canadian Dance Teachers Association examinations up to Senior Gold in both Tap and Jazz. Throughout her training, she has developed a strong technical foundation and a passion for artistic expression.

Dedicated to sharing dance with others, Abby helped run a dance program in Fort Nelson that provided northern dancers with limited access to training opportunities the chance to learn, compete, and grow. Dance has also given her the opportunity to travel and train in New York, Phoenix, San Diego, and Seattle. She has twice been selected to represent the Peace River North Festival of the Arts at the provincial level.

Abby has a particular passion for Tap dance and choreography and has received numerous awards and accolades for her creative work. Her enthusiasm for teaching is evident in every class she leads, and her positive energy is truly infectious.

Abby has been teaching with Harbour Dance Studios since 2022 and has received her certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique Level 1 (PBT), Acrobatic Arts Module One.  This season, Abby will be working toward her CDTA Licentiate certification as she continues to grow as both an educator and artist.


Madeline Joseph – PBT, Acrobatic Arts, PCT

Instructor – Jazz / Tap / Lyrical / Contemporary / Adult Contemporary & Ballet

Madeline began dancing at the age of two in Port Alberni, British Columbia, where she trained at Pat Cummings School of Dance, Stage West School of Performing Arts and Elite Dance Academy.  She trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Modern Stage, and Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT). She later completed her CDTA Ballet examinations and ISTD Tap examinations.

Throughout her training, Madeline earned numerous awards, scholarships, and trophies for her performances and was recognized as a Modern Alternate at Provincials for two consecutive years. In addition to her studio training, she performed and competed with Helix Dance Theatre, a pre-professional contemporary company operated through Innovate Dance Arts, where she further developed her artistry and performance skills.

Teaching quickly became a special part of Madeline’s dance journey in 2019. She began teaching Tap and Preschool classes and continued to expand her experience over the years. By 2021, she was teaching Tap, Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary classes, sharing her knowledge and passion with dancers of all ages.

In 2022 Madeline joined the VIU Dance Team and in 2023 she was asked to step up into a coaching position.  Through her 3 years as a coach, Madeline worked closely with her co-coaches to put on shows and fundraisers, prepare the team for competitions, organize trips and rehearsals and created award winning choreography!

Madeline has been teaching with Harbour Dance Studios since 2023 and has received her certifications in Progressing Ballet Technique Level 1 (PBT), Progressing Contemporary Technique Level 1 (PCT), Acrobatic Arts Module One and is working towards her CDTA Licentiate Certification.

Madeline has a wonderful rapport with her students and is known for creating a positive, encouraging, and engaging classroom environment. Her genuine enthusiasm for teaching, combined with her strong technical background and approachable personality, makes her a valued mentor for young dancers.


Katelyn Kurtz – Acrobatic Arts (Module 1 & 2), Aerial & Back Handspring AcroDance Preschool, PBT

Instructor – Jazz  / Acro

Katelyn began her dance training at The Dance Centre in Winnipeg, where she completed her ISTD Ballet examinations and began competing. In 2012, she joined the competition team at Kickit Dance Studio, where she trained extensively and competed across North America, earning numerous awards, scholarships, and recognition for her performances.

Katelyn began teaching in 2017 and has been committed to continuing her education as a dancer and instructor, Katelyn has completed Acrobatic Arts Module 1, Module 2, Aerial and Back Handspring, AcroDance Preschool and progressing Ballet Technique level. certifications. Her passion for dance education allows her to provide students with safe, progressive, and engaging training.

Alongside her teaching career, Katelyn has remained active as a performer. In 2017, she performed in the Canada Games opening ceremonies and also joined SIKAT Dance Company, a hip-hop crew that performed in numerous local productions and competed at World of Dance. In 2019, she became a member of the VIU Dance Team which she has ben coaching for the past 4 years, creating shows and award winning choreography with her co-coaches and teammates.

In 2021, Katelyn began her professional dance career as a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Cheer and Dance Team, performing at home games in front of crowds of more than 30,000 fans. Her experience on professional stages has given her valuable insight into performance, teamwork, and showmanship that she loves sharing with her students.

Katelyn graduated from Vancouver Island University in June 2026 with a Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in Finance.  In addition to teaching, she is excited to see where this new career path takes her and how she can combine her degrees and passion for dance in the future.

Katelyn also manages the studio’s social media presence, combining her creativity, marketing skills, and passion for dance to help showcase the Harbour Dance community.

Known for her positive energy and enthusiasm, and the best giggle around, Katelyn strives to create a supportive environment where dancers can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover a lifelong love of dance.


Lindsey Rondeau – ADAPT Tap & Jazz, Zumba, Fitness Instructor, Personal Training

Instructor – Jazz  / Tap / Parent & Tot / Adult Tap

Lindsey Rachel Rondeau grew up in Kamloops, British Columbia, where she began her dance training at the age of seven in Jazz. Over time, she expanded her studies into a wide range of styles, including Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Musical Theatre, Belly Dance, and introductory Breakdance.

Throughout her dance career, Lindsey has trained, competed, choreographed, and performed at numerous conventions, competitions, and festivals across Canada. She has participated in events including Triple Threat, Groove Street, I Dance, Coastal Dance Rage, 5678 Showtime, Dance Power, CanDance, and Dance World Cup, among others. Her choreography was selected for the Dance World Cup for two consecutive years, reflecting her development as both an educator and choreographer.

Lindsey began her teaching career in 2006, where she discovered a strong passion for mentoring and inspiring dancers of all ages and abilities. She furthered her professional training through a three-year teaching certification program at a dance academy in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, affiliated with ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers) in Toronto. During this time, she studied Jazz and Tap from Junior through Advanced levels and also trained at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In 2009, Lindsey went on to own and operate her own dance and fitness studio in Manitoba for over two years, further developing her experience in studio leadership and business management.

Lindsey holds certifications in ADAPT Jazz and Tap, Zumba Basic 1 & 2, Zumba Gold, Zumba Toning, Zumba Kids and Kids Jr., and Zumbini, as well as Fitness Instructor Specialist and Personal Training Specialist certifications through CanFitPro.

She is passionate about creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where every student feels encouraged to grow both personally and artistically. Lindsey believes in meeting dancers where they are, adapting to individual learning styles, and fostering confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of movement.


Kevin Mylrea

Instructor – Jazz / Contemporary

Kevin began his dance training in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, under the guidance of his mother before moving to the West Coast to pursue a full-time professional dance career. His passion, versatility, and dedication quickly led him to opportunities around the world, performing with numerous acclaimed productions and companies including Cirque du Soleil, Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet, The Bodyguard Musical, Dirty Dancing: The Musical, Coachella, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Throughout his career, Kevin has had the opportunity to perform alongside internationally renowned artists including Elton John, Paul McCartney, Zooey Deschanel, Glass Animals, and Meghan Trainor, appearing in her music video for Dear Future Husband.

His extensive performance résumé also includes work in film and television, with appearances on So You Think You Can Dance, Welcome to Chippendales in the role of Tony, multiple Netflix productions, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and The Jungle Book. He also performed alongside Shania Twain in her Las Vegas residency, Come On Over.

Now based in Victoria, British Columbia, Kevin is passionate about sharing the knowledge, experience, and artistry he has gained throughout his professional career. He is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of dancers while helping them develop both their technical skills and confidence as performers.


Dyllon Pallot

Instructor – Hip Hop

Dyllon is a dynamic Canadian choreographer whose career is defined by technical precision, competitive excellence, and a deep commitment to the West Coast dance community. He began his training in 2011 at Vibestreet Dance in Victoria, British Columbia, where he developed his foundation under the mentorship of Roberta Bierman and Brooke Cameron as a member of the pre-professional crew “GTX.” This formative period launched his competitive and professional journey, leading to performances at events such as World of Dance Vancouver, Artists Emerge, and Dancers Paradise.

His competitive career expanded internationally when he represented Team Canada West at the IDO World Championships in Rimini, Italy, and competed at Hip Hop International in Las Vegas in 2016. Seeking to further expand his artistic voice, Dyllon relocated to Vancouver to join the renowned Vancity Footclan, where he shifted toward cinematic dance production, creating work that highlights Vancouver’s landscapes while showcasing collaborative, concept-driven choreography. He continues to refine his artistry as a member of Knights of the Round, one of Vancouver’s premier professional dance crews under the direction of Andrew Ha.

Alongside his performance career, Dyllon has established himself as a respected educator and leader within the dance industry. As Competition Director for Vibestreet Dance, he draws on his extensive experience to mentor and guide the next generation of competitive dancers. He is also a sought-after Hip Hop instructor, regularly traveling throughout Vancouver Island to deliver workshops and share his expertise with local dance communities. His choreography has received multiple awards and recognition on the competitive circuit, establishing him as a creative force known for intricate staging, musicality, and innovative vision.


Ainsley Guss

Instructor – Ballet / Jazz

Ainsley has been dancing since the age of two and began competing at just five years old. Throughout her training, she has studied and competed in a wide variety of styles, including Jazz, Pointe, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Musical Theatre. She has also completed both Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet examinations and Cecchetti standards, building a strong technical foundation across multiple disciplines.

In addition to her examination achievements, Ainsley has received numerous awards, scholarships, and accolades throughout her competitive dance career, recognizing both her technical ability and artistic performance.

Her dance journey led her to Soul Connexion in Calgary, Alberta, where she trained and taught, further developing her passion for sharing movement, creativity, and mentorship with young dancers. Currently attending Vancouver Island University, Ainsley continues to pursue her own training through classes and workshops, including ongoing studies at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver.

For Ainsley, dance is more than technique—it is a powerful form of self-expression that is both meditative and exhilarating. She believes dance fosters confidence, strength, discipline, and artistic freedom, and she is passionate about helping dancers discover those qualities within themselves.

Ainsley is excited to continue her teaching journey and looks forward to inspiring students to find joy, confidence, and a lifelong love of dance in a positive and supportive environment.


Sumalee Martinflatt

Instructor – Hip Hop

Sumalee has been dancing for over 14 years, specializing in hip hop and breaking (breakdance). She began teaching in 2023 through Parks and Recreation programs and has also taught breakdance classes at Vibrant Dance.

Passionate about the culture and community of hip hop, Sumalee loves participating in competitions and battles, continually challenging herself as both a dancer and artist. She has been fortunate to train under respected mentors, including Serra Stewart and

Olympic breaking coach Thaiyo Seo.

Sumalee is an active member of the breaking community, performing with her own breakdance crew, Vpc, as well as two additional hip hop crews, Squabblers and Freshest kids. In 2025, she had the opportunity to perform with Mmmmm at World of Dance, further expanding her experience on the competitive stage.

As a teacher, Sumalee is dedicated to creating a fun, positive, and welcoming environment where children feel encouraged to learn, grow, and express themselves through dance. She believes that confidence, creativity, and community are just as important as technique and strives to inspire these qualities in every student she teaches.


Alex Jellis

Junior Instructor – Tap

Alex grew up on Gabriola Island and discovered her love of dance when she began tap dancing at the age of six. A year later, she joined Harbour Dance Studios, where she has continued to grow as both a dancer and an individual. Over the past 10 years, she has trained and competed in a variety of styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop.

Her passion for dance inspired her to begin assisting classes in multiple styles, and she is thrilled to now be starting her teaching journey. Alex is excited to share her love of dance with the next generation of dancers, helping them build confidence, develop new skills, and discover their own passion for dance in the same studio that has played such an important role in her life.

Throughout her training, Alex has successfully completed her CDTA Elementary through Advanced examinations in both Jazz and Tap, as well as her RAD Grade 6–8 Ballet examinations. She has also received numerous awards and recognitions at both competitions and within the studio, celebrating the positive energy, kindness, sportsmanship, and joy she brings to the stage, the classroom, and the dance community.


Bekah Vanderzee

Junior Teacher – Tap

Bekah was born and raised in Nanaimo and began her dance journey at the age of five. She has been a part of the Harbour Dance Studios family since she was seven years old and has trained extensively in a variety of dance styles, including Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Tap. While she enjoys all forms of dance, her greatest passion is Tap.

Currently, Bekah is pursuing her Information Technology Applied Systems Diploma at Vancouver Island University (VIU). Alongside her studies, she is excited to begin her teaching career at the studio she has proudly called home for many years.

Over the past several years, Bekah has gained valuable experience assisting Tap classes and is enthusiastic about bringing those skills into her own classroom. Throughout her dance training, she has received numerous awards and recognitions at competitions. Her positive attitude, enthusiasm, and encouragement of others earned her the Harbour Dance Studios “Hype Master” award. She has also successfully completed her Grade 4 Tap Examination through the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA).

Bekah believes that dance should be accessible to everyone and is passionate about creating a positive, supportive, and fun learning environment. She is excited to share her love of dance with the next generation of dancers and inspire confidence, creativity, and joy in each of her students.

 


Linda Tomborello – RAD Teaching Diploma

Instructor – Ballet / Pointe 

Linda began her dance training studying the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus and later went on to win multiple ballet awards and scholarships to continue her professional training. These scholarships included studies in New York City with the Joffery Ballet School, School of American Ballet (the Balanchine’s Company Ballet School) and the Harkness House for Ballet Arts. She trained with well known teachers such as Robert Joffery, David Howard, Brian Macdonald, Stuart Hodes and Donald Saddler; to name a few. During her professional years as a dancer Linda performed with the Huntington Dance Ensemble, the Joffery Ballet Company, and the Harkness Ballet Company in New York City. As a teacher Linda holds a certified Teaching Diploma from the RAD. She has taught Ballet both in the United States and Canada and brings over 30 years of teaching, coaching, and choreography experience to students ranging from Primary to Advanced levels.

Linda’s teaching goal is to pass on her passion, knowledge and love of ballet to all her students.


Melanie Kirk – Retired June 2025

Melanie was born and raised in Auburn Washington. At age six, her parents enrolled her in Tap and Jazz.  For eleven years, she trained in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Hawaiian under Robert Smith of Auburn School of Dance and Music.  At age thirteen, she became her studio’s youngest student teacher, and began to share with others the joy of dance.  In 1980, Melanie came to Nanaimo and spent two years teaching tap and jazz locally, then gave up dancing for motherhood and “normal jobs”.  In 1996, as her son grew up, Melanie began dancing and teaching again. She has been sharing the infectious rhythms of tap with students age 5 to “not going to say.” here at Harbour Dance Studios since 2004.

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