Harbour Dance Faculty

Danielle Clifford

Pamela Rosa

JAZZ
Pamelais the Founding Member and Co Owner/Director of Harbour Dance Centre

She is a professional singer/dancer and choreographer. She did much of her training in Los Angeles and New York. Pam has performed in numerous theatre, television and film productions. She has worked as a series dancer on the CBC Paul Anka Series, toured with many musical theatre productions, Arts Club, Playhouse,  the Follies to name a few.

Belinda Sobie

JAZZ
Belinda is known throughout Vancouver for her wonderful and innovative choreography. She has choreographed for television, cabaret acts and touring shows from Seattle to Spain. Belinda is also much sought after as an instructor and choreographer and we're fortunate to have her teaching Jazz for us at Harbour Dance.

Jesse Weise

JAZZ
Jesse Weise brings an organic and unique approach to her dancing and teaching. She has  a strong technical background in Jazz and Modern. She’s been teaching at Harbour for over ten years and performing in Vancouver for over 20 years. Her experience includes video, commercials, musicals and performing in a number of companies. Jesse is always excited to share her love of dance with her students

Leigh Torlage

BROADWAY CABARET & ROCKnROLL BURLESQUE

Leigh Torlage has been on staff at Harbour Dance Centre since 1996 teaching Broadway Jazz and Broadway and Rock n Roll Cabaret classes.

 As a former professional New York dancer, Leigh's credits include dancing in the movies "Chicago" and "Bullets Over Broadway" and performing in the US and European tours of the Broadway musical "West Side Story" featuring Jerome Robbins' original choreography.  While living in New York, Leigh performed in music videos, musical theatre and cabaret shows while training extensively in Bob Fosse style.

 Having developed her own unique style, Leigh is known for her precise attention to detail which led her to became a Performance Coach for Canada's top Figure Skaters and Ice Dancers as well as an active choreographer in the film industry.  Leigh's choreography credits including TV's "Alice", "Tin Man", "Flash Gordon", "Robson Arms" and the new Disney TV Pilot "Big Thunder".

 Leigh has created choreography for numerous events, live stage shows and musicals such as "West Side Story" at Huron Country Playhouse and "Wild Party" at the Anza Club for Pint Size Tall Productions.

 Leigh is the creator of the Candy Girl Cabaret - the live entertainment for 2 years at Vancouver's Supper Club Maxine's Hideaway.  Her company Cabaret Torlage features Vancouver's hottest singers and dancers who perform on a regular basis at the Penthouse Nightclub and around Vancouver at various events and galas.

 Leigh is an enthusiastic, inspiring and dedicated instructor who's classes are based in classic jazz technique with the emphasis on individual style and performance quality.  Leigh believes in hard work, dedication, discipline, passion and fun.

 For more info on Leigh, her choreography and her shows, please visit:  www.torlage.com.

Joanne Pesusich

JAZZ, HIP HOP & STREET JAZZ
Joanne’s dance career has led her all over the world as both a choreographer and a dancer. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Joanne has also trained in Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles.  Joanne has performed with artists The Backstreet Boys, The Artist Formerly Known as Prince, Kool & the Gang and Alanis Morissette. Joanne was seen on the NAACP Image Awards as a performer and assistant choreographer for “A Tribute to George Clinton”, performing with rap artists Busta Rhymes, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, and rock band The Red Hot Chili Peppers.  She has performed at Caesar’s Palace with STOMP, and at The White House for the President’s annual Easter Celebration. Joanne has performed with Conan O’Brien in “Live at The Roxy AIDS Benefit” in New York as well as on his late night show. Joanne was the choreographer for the feature film, “Saving Silverman” and numerous national & internationalcommercials.  Joanne was cast as a dancer on “Kickin’ It Old School” with Jamie Kennedy, as well as “The Cleaner” with Cedric The Entertainer.  Other feature film credits include “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” and “White Chicks” with Marlon and Damon Wayans.  Most recently, Joanne and her husband Alex choreographed an entire episode of The L Word, working with legends Marlee Maitlin, Jennifer Beals and Pam Grier, among others. Currently, Joanne is director of The Source Dance Company, a semi professional dance company based out of Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, BC. The company focuses on training and performance opportunities throughout the year, and offers aspiring professional dancers insight into the professional entertainment world and connections within the industry. Visit their website at www.sourcedanceco.com for more info. Joanne is the Co-Founder of Groove Street Productions- The Dance Convention, and Street Groove, The Hip Hop Convention. www.groovestreet.net

Alex Pesusich

HIP HOP, BOOT CAMP & HOUSE
Alex, a native from Denver, Colorado, has trained in nearly all forms of dance. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1995, Alex worked as both a dancer and choreographer for many different recording artists. Such artists include: Foxy Brown, Toni Braxton, Will Smith, The Backstreet Boys, Carmen Electra, Atomic Kitten, Bif Naked, The Matthew Good Band, and many more. Television and film credits include Fox’s VIBE with Sinbad, where Alex performed with artists such as Martha Wash of C+C Music Factory, Sharon Stone, LSG, Run DMC, DJ’s Jazzy Jeff, DJ RUN and DJ Scribble.

Alex’s most recent feature film is “Kickin It Old School” starring Jamie Kennedy. Other feature films Alex has worked on include “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed”, “ Reefer Madness”, “The Score” and “Dr. Doolittle 3.  Alex was able to share his choreographic skills with prime time audiences by choreographing an episode for “Kyle XY”.

Most recently, he choreographed (as well as made a cameo appearance in) the #1 single for Elise Estrada, “Insatiable”. He also choreographed her Canadian tour opening up for Rhianna and Enrique Iglesias.  Alex’s notoriety as someone who has such a wide range of knowledge in almost all forms of hip hop dance, as well as years of practical experience, has pushed him to the world stage to judge the 2007 World Hip Hop Championships held in Los Angeles. His talents have brought him all over the globe, teaching and performing in places like Paris, Afghanistan, Dubai, England, Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, Japan, Germany, Greece, Croatia, Rotterdam and Amsterdam! Alex is excited to share his knowledge and experience with all of the students at GSP and Street Groove!

Alex is the Co-Founder of GSP- The Dance Convention, and Street Groove-The Hip Hop Convention together with his wife, Joanne.

Moe Brody

JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY JAZZ/ HIP HOP
After finishing her degree in Human Kinetics at UBC, Moe returned to dance with the NBA Grizzlies Extreme Dance Team and then choreographed the CFL’s BC Felions and UBC’s Dance Team. She has choreographed many movies and tv shows here in Vancouver. She’s done commercials for McDonalds, Rolo, Barbie, Kyocere, Coca-Cola and Disney.

She is also on faculty with The Source, Danzemode, Rise and Groovestreet Productions. As an adjudicator at dance competitions, she derives much satisfaction dispensing helpful advice which she hopes will inspire future dancers. Whether it’s tap, jazz or hip hop, her favorite place to be is in class, sharing a good story or two.

Moe is the NEW Co-Owner of Harbour Dance and the Director of our Intensive Training Program.

Eva Carius

BALLET & POINTE
Eva Carius began her dance training locally - many, many years ago - under Ellen Andrews and Jo Slater. Scholarships from local festivals got her to the Banff School of Fine Arts, which in turn got her full scholarship to the School of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. During those years, she was the recipient of two Canada Council Grants.

She officially entered the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1975 and was soon dancing leading roles such as the 'chosen one' in Rite of Spring, one of the 'blue girls' in Les Patineurs, and the pas de deux Adagietto. In 1980, she was invited to join the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve in Switzerland under the direction of Oscar Araiz, reprising former roles and having new ones created on her. She began teaching while in Europe, most notably at the summer school in Vignale, Italy

On returning to Canada in the late 1980's, Eva danced and taught professional level class for various small companies and studios, first in Toronto and then in Vancouver - including, of course, Harbour Dance Centre. In the mid 1990's, for many reasons, Eva took a break from the world of dance. (Partly Pam and Danielle's fault - she met a certain Marcus at Harbour Dance, the Man of her Dreams, and they are still living Happily Ever After.) Now, after an absence of about a decade, Eva is very happy to be back at Harbour Dance Centre teaching and encouraging others in the art form that has given her so much joy.

Cristina Bucci

JAZZ, HIP HOP & STREET JAZZ
Cristina Bucci is a dancer, choreographer, adjudicator and teacher whose career has taken her around the world. She has taught, choreographed and judged for the International Dance Seminar in Brazil, represented Canada in the Macau International Dance Festival in China and has performed in Egypt, Israel and most recently in London, England.
Having trained with some of the most recognized teachers and choreographers in North America has given her a vast background in various dance styles. Her choreography is mainly influenced by jazz, street jazz, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary jazz technique and vocabulary. Her versatility as a choreographer and dancer has also given her many opportunities to work on various stage shows, music videos, and TV and film projects.
Some of her favorite credits include working with old school rapper Young MC, Indian opera singer Veera Devi Khare, dancing at the unveiling of the 2010 Olympic Logo, working with country artist Lisa Brokop, dancing at the Choreographer's Ball in London, working with urban contemporary choreographer Heather Laura Gray on her show "Pieces" and dancing with UK hip hop company Avant Garde.
Cristina is also a nutritionist and is developing seminars that are specific to the needs of dancers. Her hopes are to educate dancers on the importance of proper nutrition for a successful dance career.  Cristina is currently the assistant director of the SOULdiers Dance Company and dances with Project SOUL and the Vancity Lockers. For more info you can check out her website at www.cbuccidance.com

Nicola Earl

BALLET
Nicola is a graduate of the teaching program at the Royal Ballet School in the UK and a winner of the 1998 Dame Ninette DeValois Award. She taught for nine years at the London Studio before coming to Vancouver to join the teaching staff at Harbour Dance. She has had the pleasure of working closely with Mary Goodhew, principal of the White Lodge Royal Ballet School, and Margaret Barbieri, former principal dancer with the Royal Ballet Company. A strong believer of the holistic approach to dance, Nicola is committed to both the psychological and physical welfare of all her students.

Wen Wei Wang

BALLET

Wen Wei Wang began dancing at an early age in China, where he was born and raised. He trained and danced professionally with the Langzhou Song and Dance Company. In 1991, he came to Canada and joined the Judith Marcuse Dance Company after which he danced with Ballet British Columbia for seven years. In 2000 he received the Clifford E. Lee Choreographic Award and since then has choreographed for the Alberta Ballet, Ballet Jorgen, Dancers Dancing, the North West Dance Projects in Portland USA, and Ballet B C. He also created the dance sections for the Vancouver Opera’s production of Nixon in China He most recently created a new work for Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal. Since 2003, he has served as Artistic Director of Wen Wei Dance and has choreographed eight full-length works. The company has performed these works at major venues across Canada, and around the world. The company has performed as part of the Vancouver International Dance Festival, the Canada Dance Festival, International Contemporary Dance Festival (Colombia, South America), La Biennale di Venzia (Italy), and the National Center for the Performing Arts (Beijing, China). Wen Wei is the recipient of the 2006 Isadora Award for Excellence in Choreography and the Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award in 2009.

Barbara Bourget

MODERN
Barbara Bourget is the artistic director of Kokoro Dance Theatre Society in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was born in Port Alberni, British Columbia on October 10, 1950. Bourget began tap dancing at age four and went on to take ballet class at age nine. From 1961 to 1967 she studied with Mara McBirney and from 1967 to 1969 Bourget was a scholarship student at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Her teachers at the Royal Winnipeg School included Arnold Spohr, Gwynne Ashton, Jean McKenzie and Maria Fay. She danced with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens from 1969 to 1972 and then began working in modern dance. She performed from 1974 to 1978 in Mauryne Allan's Mountain Dance Theatre in Vancouver. In 1975, encouraged by Allan she choreographed "Trio for Three Women". She met Jay Hirabayashi in 1979 when both were dancing with Paula Ross's company and they married in 1981. In 1982 Bourget and Hirabayashi with Peter Bingham, Ahmed Hassan, Lola MacLaughlin, Jennifer Mascall, and Peter Ryan, co-founded Experimental Dance and Music (EDAM). They left EDAM after four years to co-found Kokoro Dance. Since forming Kokoro Dance, Barbara has choreographed over one hundred dances. In 1998 Kokoro Dance began producing the Vancouver International Dance Festival.

Richard O'Sullivan

HIP HOP & GROOVING

Richard is a multitalented individual who has for several years been in the industry. He is a choreographer, dancer, teacher, actor, and model.

Some of his credits for dancing and acting include filming on Another Cinderella Story, Spectacular which is a high school musical, Dr. Doo Little2, Scooby Doo2, Like Mike2, Kicking It Old School and Rumble in the Bronx with Jackie Chang. Richards has also had the privilege to have choreographed for T.V. shows such as Romeo, the L Word, Connection with MC Hammer and a video with Harry Connick Jr. He has opened up for SWV and 98 Degrees and in addition he toured with Japanese singer Anri in Japan. As for local talent Richard has choreographed and performed for singers like Elise Estrada, Corey Lee, Jade, Kiara Hunter, Soul Decision, Monica from the New School, Aiden and Kyle. German artist named Sara for X-cell records is also a singer that Richard has choreographed and danced for.

Shauna Smith

HIP HOP

Shauna is a professional dancer/choreographer. Her training in Urban & commercial street, Hip Hop, Breaking Locking & Popping & Street Jazz have taken her all over USA and South Africa as a dancer and a choreographer.

Her performances in film & video has seen her appear in The Killers Spaceman , Studio 54 Las Vegas and Cinderella Story 2 to name but a few.

She is dance ambassador for Lululemon Athletica, and is our Director/dancer/choreographer for Kill The Lights dance crew( a higher level Hip Hop Training Group that is sponsered by Harbour Dance Centre) & guest instructor/choreographer for SASAD South Africa.

Jheric Hizon

HIP HOP & BREAK DANCE
Jheric's recent dance credits include: Hip Hop choreographer for the 2010 Winter Olympic closing ceremonies, K-os music Video"Eye Know Something", fort knoxx five music video "SHIFT", Hell Cats TV show, Another Cinderella Story, Centre Stage 2, and Lost Boys 2. Is a member of Canada's Top Breakin Crew Now Or Never, who won battle of the year Canada in 2008 and competed in BOTY Germany. Jheric is the Co-producer of Set It Off dance showcase and creator of Harbour Dance Series Bboy Battles.

Eric Malapad

HIP HOP & GROOVING Eric has taught at Harbour Dance for over 10 years.  He is one of our most popular teachers.  His love of dance and passion is felt in all his classes.  If you want to learn how to dance, give this one a try.

Eric was the initiator of the very popular GROOVING CLASS.  This class is more about the Groove than the choreography. If you are new to the Hip Hop scene this is a great class to start with.

Kim Sato

HIP HOP & LOCKIN'
Kim’s dreams became reality when asked to perform in the “Groovaloos” show in LA where she was able to showcase her multidisciplinary talents in bgirling, jazz, tap, modern, salsa, house, and hip hop. She has performed in films such as “Spectacular”, “Kickin’ it Old Skool”, “Another Cinderella Story”, “Centre Stage 2”, “The Lost Boys II” and most recently an episode on the TV series “The L Word”. Traveling the world she has danced in China, Japan, Brazil and all over the US and Canada. Some favourite performances include Dancers for A Small Stage, Brief Encounters, dancing as the opening act for Grand Master Flash, Swollen Members and 98 degrees, Miss Universe Japan, and touring with the Rhythmatix, where she tapped her way across North America with this percussion ensemble. In the past two years she has found herself traveling quite frequently up north to Whitehorse in order to share her passion for and knowledge of dance with the Yukon youth. Currently she is head of a performance crew called Project Soul with whom she will be touring throughout the BC school districts showcasing a forty minute hip hop/street style show in the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. Kim has also been the Director/Founder of the SOULdiers Company, an audition-based semi-professional hip hop company with whom she shares her passion of funk styles and hip hop culture for the past 3 years.

Jim Hibbard

TAP

Jim Hibbard’s professional career began in Hollywood at the age of 15, singing and dancing on the Jack Benny ‘Shower of Stars’ TV series at CBS Studios. Since then Jim hasn’t stopped. He has worked with Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Gene Nelson, Donald O’Connor, Lucille Ball, Ann-Margret, John Bubbles,  Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Barbra Streisand, Julie Andrews, Mary Tyler Moore, Dick Van Dyke, Cher, Tom Jones, Paul Anka, Frankie Avalon, and Jim Henson’s ‘Muppets’…just to name a few.

In 2003 Jim was the 1^st recipient of the West Coast Tap Collectives ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for choreographing and teaching. That same year saw Jim was inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. His star can be seen on the Granville Street sidewalk in front of the famous Orpheum Theatre.

If you want to have some fun, pull out your tap shoes, dust them off and come have a great time with Jim.

Jennifer Bishop

TAP
As a choreographer Jennifer's credits include: commercials for Ocean Spray, VanCity Savings & Chevron; musicals Little Shop Of Horrors, You'll Get Used To It, Fiddler On The Roof & Oklahoma; TV Series Mysterious Ways, These Arms Of Mine and Feature Films Better Than Chocolate & Spooky House. Jennifer has toured Taiwan with show band Culture Shock and North America with RHYTHMATIX (a percussion & dance ensemble). She was featured in The Harmony Arts Festival(summer 2000) in the Canadian premiere of a new work titled A Little Light Music. Last fall she performed in The Vancouver Playhouse production of The Music Man and this fall you can catch her in The Arts Club Production of WEST SIDE STORY. She is currently the Artistic Director of The Urban Tap Squad and sings with hit lounge act The Smartinis. As an instructor she has worked with students of all ages and levels in the disciplines of jazz, tap, musical theatre and hip hop throughout North America. She has been a resident tap teacher at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver for over 10 years. Currently Jennifer acts as a consultant to Angelo Luzio, assisting in the development of a tap shoe for professional hoofers.

Laura Bartlett

JAZZ

Laura began dancing 20 years ago with an emphasis on ballet, but quickly branched out into jazz, hip hop and musical theatre. Originally from Vancouver, she has also trained extensively in Los Angeles, New York and London. As a dancer, teacher and choreographer, she has the opportunity to travel all over the world. Most recently, she could be seen as a pricipal dancer with Synthesis Dance Project in New York City, as well as many off Broadway and cabaret shows with BT Productions.

Laura is also one of the Directors of our Intensive Training Program

Stewart Iguidez

BREAK DANCE, HOUSE & LOCKIN'
Born in Winnipeg, MB, Stewee relocated west and eventually found his home in Over The Influence after six years of dancing. His passion for breaking branched into a discovery of many forms of dance – house, locking, popping, and stylized hip-hop. There is no way you can fit his style into a box - it comes straight from the heart.Stewee’s fresh moves and innovative choreography makes him in high demand as both a performer and teacher.

Stephanie Sy

PUSSYCAT STYLE HIP HOP
Known for her strong technical ability and diverse style, Stephanie is a sought after choreographer, instructor, and performer. Though born and raised in Vancouver, her talents have given her the opportunity to train extensively in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Modern on scholarship at some of the most prestigious dance institutions in North America including the National Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Los Angeles’ Edge Performing Arts Center. She has appeared as a principal and featured dancer in many national commercials, television series, music videos, instructional videos and live performances. Select credits include: 20th Century Fox feature film John Tucker Must Die; Warner Bros. hit series Smallville; Blade – the Series, Burger King, MTV, Coca-Cola & Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications commercials. Stephanie has attained a Bachelors of Human Kinetics degree from the University of British Columbia and is also a registered Kinesiologist.  Currently she is traveling around the world choreographing, instructing, and judging.  www.StephanieSy.com

Jennifer Oleksiuk

HIP HOP, SEXY STREET JAZZ & SWING

Vancouver B.C born and raised, Jen Oleksiuk has worked hard doing extensive training throughout North America and abroad to establish her place as a top female choreographer, instructor, and dancer. Her talent in dance not only involves Hip Hop, Freestyle, House dance, Waacking, and Old School but also Salsa, Street Jazz, Lindy Hop, and West Coast Swing.

Known now not only for her creative choreography and versatile style, Jen O is also known and loved for her outgoing genuine personality and easy-going attitude. Her style as a dancer and as a teacher is diverse, energetic, passionate and entertaining. Jen’s fantastic balance between a good challenge and a good sense of humor is what keeps her in demand.

Jen’s choreography and dance credits include working with artists: Lady Sovereign, K-OS and Moka Only; Commercials for Coca Cola and Kensie Girl, television shows “The L Word”, “Eureka” and “Hellcats”, movies “Percy Jackson” “Another Cinderella Story”, “Kickin It Old Skool”, “White Chicks” and more!

Jen is the founder and member of the multi talented all female Hip Hop group, Stonefoxx Dance Crew.

Lauren Maynard

SEXY STREET JAZZ

Lauren has spent her lifetime pursuing her passion and love for dance, and is well versed in a wide variety of genres such as ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, hip hop, street jazz, musical theatre, and cabaret. She has trained and performed internationally, sharing her dance enthusiasm and expertise. She is now currently immersed in Vancouver’s own commercial dance industry, working in film, television, stage, and music. She has worked on such films as FOX’s ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ and Warner Brother’s ‘Sucker Punch’; in music videos for Michael Buble, Elise Estrada, and Lazeevil; and was a feature dancer in Whistler for the 2010 Olympic concerts opening for Usher, One Republic, Estelle, Fiest, and many more. In addition to all her performance credits, Lauren is an experienced teacher and esteemed choreographer. Her teaching is energetic and her choreography is cutting edge. Lauren is always excited about any time she gets in the studio, and is committed to bringing that passion to all of her classes.

Nesrine Adham

EGYPTIAN BELLY DANCE

Nesrine is a dancer, choreographer and instructor with over 36 years of experience. 

Born in Alexandria, Egypt she was the prima dancer as a young girl at The School of Contemporary Dance Of Kuwait. Following that she moved to Montreal, Canada where she received 8 years of training in jazz-ballet. Beckoned by her roots, she travelled back to Egypt where she joined The Karim Tounsi Dance Company, as well as performing and co-choreographing for the Cairo Opera House for an additional 7 years.

In the last 26 years however, Nesrine has been further sharing her passion by teaching jazz-ballet and a variety of styles of dance and fitness in several cities.

Since 1999, she has developed a keen interest in Egyptian belly dancing, folklore and veil work, and has created and teaches her own unique style called Oriental Jazz Fusion by combining jazz and the sexy hip sways, pops and shimmies from belly dancing, forming a fresh and fluid exotic sexy style.

At Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, where she currently resides, Nesrine's classes are always full of eager students of all ages.

Her dance troupe, Hips Can Sway are in constant demand to perform at functions and large events throughout the city.

Nesrine is also an accomplished artist and designer, whose inspirations are always drawn from her extensive dance experience.   

Liz Vaesen

HIP HOP

Liz is a Vancouver based professional dancer, choreographer, teacher and adjudicator with 18 years of experience. Inspired solely by the beats and sound of Hip Hop music, Liz acquired her skills and knowledge straight from the street, later training in L.A., Las Vegas, Calgary and Seattle. Liz has become well respected in the hip hop community for her experience as a teacher who intensely studies and teaches true Hip Hop and its history. Liz has been blessed with training from many of the Hip Hop OG’s and has a passion for sharing and helping others understand its foundation. Liz has taught hundreds of students, several who have gone on to have dance careers themselves. Her work has won numerous awards and competitions, and she often judges competitions and events where she enjoys encouraging dancers to see their full potential. Liz remains very involved in the underground Hip Hop scene. Being connected to the streets where Hip Hop lives and breathes is her passion. Liz is faculty for the SOULdiers dance company. She also has a B.Ed degree and is a public school teacher.

Recent projects include: Film “Memorial Effects Factory” released in London 2010. Judge for Xstreme, Danceology, and the Canadian Hip Hop Championships 2011. Adjudicator for NIPAF 2011 and DanceWorks 2012.

Chalnessa Eames

BALLET

Liz Tookey-Gordon

JAZZ
Liz Tookey grew up dancing in her hometown of Edmonton, Alberta where she trained in
all genres of dance at the esteemed Shelleyʼs Dance Company. She has travelled the
globe training at Pineapple Dance Studioʼs in London, The Edge, and Broadway Dance
Centre in New York and Tokyo. Lizʼs professional career began at the age of 18 with
Princess Cruise Lines, she then travelled to Tokyo, Japan where she was part of the
featured pas de deux couple in “Encore!” at Tokyo Disney Sea. Having an opportunity to
support the Canadian Troops, she went to Egypt and Israel under Big Fish Management
to perform along side Lisa Brokop for an inspiring show tour. Liz was able to exercise all
her skills in acting, dancing and singing when she was cast in the North American
Premiere/Toronto production of “Dirty Dancing”. She was ensemble dancer and “Baby”
understudy. After an 18 month run she went on to perform the role of “Baby” 52 times.
Most recently Liz can be seen in Various episodes of the CW Networkʼs Hellcats as a
featured dancer and as Ashley Tisdaleʼs dance double.
As a choreographer and teacher, Liz has set pieces and taught at studioʼs across
Canada, as well as working with The Source Dance Co. and ITP out of Harbour Dance
Centre.

Jenny Duffy

STREET JAZZ, PUSSYCAT DOLLS & K-POP

Jenny is the Director of our PUSSYCAT DOLLS HIP HOP performing group called ENDANGERED. she has also just started a K-Pop workshop at Harbour that incorporated choreography with Video performance.

Her live performance credits include Disneyland Magic Music Days, The BC Lions Felions Dance Team, The Vancouver Ravens Fly Girls, Roxy/Quicksilver Clothing, and Coca Cola. Jenny has appeared in music videos for rappers Mr. Monze and Young MC. Her television credits include appearances for Smallville, Fashion TV, MTV, Urban Rush, and VTV Breakfast.  She has also performed with recording artists The Black Eyed Peas, Bryan Adams, and Jully Black.

Julie Tomaino

BROADWAY JAZZ and TAP
Ms. Tomaino was born and raised in Vancouver. She has spent the last 13 years living and working in New York City, most notably as a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall since 2005 and a Rockette instructor from 2005 to 2010. Other performance credits include Louise on the National Tour of Crazy for You, Margie in the movie remake of Bye Bye Birdie, regional productions of Chicago, Cabaret, Guys and Dolls, 42nd Street, Evita, My Fair Lady, and Fiorello, as well as the Arts Club production of The Producers at the Stanley Theatre. Ms. Tomaino served as the Associate Choreographer and performed in the Kennedy Center's production of Celebrate Broadway, in Washington, D.C., starring John Lithgow and Linda Eder. Guest teaching highlights include the Mediterranean Festival of the Arts in Italy, DanzaActiva in South America, Broadway Dance Center, Dance Masters of America, The University of Maryland, and the National Dance Week Conventions. She also travels as an adjudicator for the American Dance Awards, Starquest, and The Pulse. She was part of the dance faculty at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York for six years and now teaches dance at Capilano University and Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver. She has also recently become the International Manager of Broadway Connection, a company providing Broadway educational opportunities to students across Canada. She has a true passion for education and the arts and hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams.

Moses Layco

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ
A Native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Moses now trains and resides in Vancouver, BC. Trained in all styles of dance with contemporary jazz and hip hop being his forte. The focus of his class is not so much on technique, but more so capturing the emotion of the movement. Moses Started dance at the age of 19 and has continued his passion for the art and never looked back. He continues to inspire others, encouraging them that "it's never too late to start."
Moses has worked and trained closely with some of the most influential and sought after entertainers and choreographers in the business. Sonya Teyah, Mandy Moore, Erica Sobol, Chris Dupre, Blake McGrath, Bobby Newberry, Kelly Konno, Luther Brown, Nico Archambault, Wynn Holmes, to name a few.
You may also recognize him as one of Canada's Top 40 finalists 2 years in a row on the hit show SYTYCD Canada. He has also worked as a featured dancer and actor in such films as Nikelodeon's Spectacular, The Good Life, and HBO's series the L Word. He has also been a part of the PNE's production of Rolling Thunder and Royal Caribbean Cruise's "Once Upon a Time/ Marquee".
Having completed a year with one of Vancouver's most established companies, The Source, under director Joanne Pesusich, Moses continues to train, as he believes you can never stop growing and learning as an artist.

Elysia Matheson

JAZZ
Elysia began her dance training at Vanleena Dance Academy, and continued her training with the Source Dance Company, Rukus, Groove Street Productions and of course at Harbour Dance Centre.   Elysia is a triple threat and teaches   Contemporary, Jazz and Tap

Heather Laura Gray

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

Heather Laura Gray began her training at L’ecole Superieur de Dance du Quebec, The Goh Ballet and trained independently in voice, acting and many other dance disciplines. She has performed on stage and screen as an actor, singer and dancer. Her journey has led her to produce, direct and choreograph stage shows as well as delve into the art of contemporary dance choreography and dance education. In 2010/11 Heather was co-artistic director of the Industry Dance Training Program of Vancouver, she has developed a syllabus for the Vancouver Junior Professional Division and enjoys educating dancers in master classes and at Harbour Dance Centre on a regular bases. Recently, Heather has been commissioned to set pieces on Give Me Brillance Dance Company and Coastal Ballet Company. She co-choreograph Sweet Mystery the musical and presented her work in New York City. Heather is a member of ACTRA, The Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, The Dancer Transition Resource Centre and The Dance Centre. She is currently being represented by Da Costa Talent.

 Selected choreography and performance credits include: Amber Funk Barton’s “Workspace” the response Dance Company; Claire French’s “Outside Out” at the 2009 PULSE, House of La Douche, Soundbites Festival NYC, Amber Funk Barton’s “Risk” the response Dance Company; “Dances For a Small Stage 15“;” Pieces of Heather Laura Gray”;“The Score” (CBC Musical); “The Lizzy Mcguire Movie“; “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat” T.O.; “Disney Cruise Lines”(singer/dancer);“Dead Like Me” (TV), “The Legends of Earthsea” (Miniseries).

www.urbanflowproductions.com

Roger Chen

SALSA
Roger first caught the social dancing bug in 1997 when he stepped into an East Coast Swing dance party and he has never been out of the social dancing scene since. In 1999 he discovered Salsa dancing and developed a love for the music and dance that will last well into the future. Roger has always been a quick learner in dance, and after discovering salsa dancing, he quickly mastered many different forms of Salsa dancing including Cuban style Rueda, On1 Salsa and now Mambo. The love for the dance and Latin music has taken his dancing to a new level and he continues to strive to be a unique dancer. Roger now works with a group of talented and passionate Mambo dancers and formed a group called the MamboHustlers. He teaches, choreographs and dances in Harbour Dance Studio with the MamboHustlers and has made many appearances performing locally and in the North West. The MamboHustlers have performed their style at the Portland Salsa Festival, Mad About Mambo events and have been featured on Acento Latino Television, Shaw TV, City Salsa Vibe events, River Rock Casino and the PNE.

JP Tarlit

HIP HOP
JP Tarlit is quickly rising to the top as a dancer & choreographer in the Vancouver dance scene, J.P.’s amazing choreography work has been used by some of the top crews in Vancouver including Xtreme Soul Style, Flow Ethics Dance Crew, Sick Stylz Symphony, TwoFourSeven, K.T.L. (Kill the lights), SOULDiers Company, The Faculty, V.A.C (Various Artist Crew) & No Boyz Allowed. J.P.’s credits include award winning dance & Choreography for the Canadian Hip hop Champions 2007, as well as 1st place in the International Dance Competition, 1st Place WOD (World of Dance) Vancouver Champions, & 1st place Artist Emerge 2011. J.P. has appeared and choreographed for “Set It Off”, “For the Love of It”, International Dance Day, Vancity Project 2011, and Urban Alchemy.

Absalon Figueroa

BALLET, BODY CONDITIONING

Absalon began his ballet training at the age of 21. He received his formative training at the Orlando Ballet School in Orlando, Florida.  Absalon was selected as part of the final group of trainees by the late Fernando Bujones, and had the opportunity to spend 2 years dancing with the Orlando Ballet Company. Absalon joined the faculty of the Orlando Ballet School as a teacher and conditioning instructor. He became the pianist to the Orlando Ballet Company and has had the opportunity to work with some of America’s best teachers and dancers.

Absalon is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Primary through Level 3 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.  Having overcome the age obstacle himself, Absalon knows that with dedication and practice ballet can be a movement vocabulary that can be both beautiful and exciting. 

Jerome Esplana

HIP HOP

(TwoFourSeven Company, Faculty)
Jerome Esplana is one of the most elite choreographers from Vancouver, BC. He began dancing at the young age of 7 under his mentor Cezar Tantoco at Fresh Groove Studios. Showing major potential and talent so early, he was given the opportunity to lead and choreograph for his team XSS, naming them Canadian Champions from 2007-2009. This took them to Hip Hop Internationals in Las Vegas where they placed 5th competing against the top crews in the world. From there, his name spread and grew in the local dance community where he was found teaching and setting choreography on crews, companies & highschools.
Jerome is not only a choreographer, but a versatile dancer that has allowed him to dance professionally in the industry. Some of his credits include: K-OS, 2010 Closing Ceremonies for the Vancouver Winter Olympics, City TV-Breakfast Television & Street Dance 3D. He has been fortunate enough to dance for celebrities in the Phillippines and perform on some of their National TV network. It has also earned him numerous awards & scholarships during class, workshops & conventions. 

When not on the road travelling, Jerome teaches regular drop-in classes at the renowned Harbour Dance Center & Studio 604 in Vancouver. He also is the founder and director of the 247 company which enlists some of the top dancers from Western Canada.

Ken Yung

HIP HOP
Ken "Kennon" Yung is one of the directors ( with Shauna Smith) of Kill The Lights professional dance crew based at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, Canada. Having trained in Hip Hop extensively in LA, Vancouver and Hong Kong, he's an experienced dancer and choreographer.  For the last two years, he has toured around Western Canada and the US with his crew to perform and teach in workshops.   Ken's passion for dance is like no other and he loves to share it through his teaching.   Please check out his work at : www.youtube.com/KennonLive  

Marc Generoso

HIP HOP
As a performer, Marc has not confined himself to any single genre. He has broadened his spectrum to include various styles such as hip hop, bboying, popping, locking, tutting, krumping, and freestyling (to name a few). It is this range of Movement, fused with his high level of energy that has captivated audiences across North America in diverse settings such as festivals, concerts and local venues.

Marc believes it is vital to also move others around him. As a teacher, he guides his students in their evolution not only as dancers, but as individuals growing towards a greater sense of empowerment and freedom. Sharing this passion for dance, he motivates his students to transcend their own limitations as he has done for himself. This approach has solidified Marc as one of the most in demand instructors in the Greater Vancouver Area, in addition to having taught in numerous workshops across Canada. As a choreographer, Marc has shaken and shaped the boundaries of dance

. Always staying true to his artistic integrity, he understands the currents of dance culture but is not limited by it.

Marc's work blends unconventional elements and ventures toward new frontiers, while celebrating the roots of dance through a renewal of tradition

. His artistic direction and choreography had been featured in prominent Vancouver street dance companies such as FlowETHICS, Over The Influence, and Sick Stylz Symphony.   www.marcgeneroso.com 

Carlo Atienza

HIP HOP
Carlo took his first dance class at the age of 19 and hasn’t looked back since. He is one of the most captivating performers to have hit the scene as a choreographer in recent years. He is currently a member of White Chocolate, who won top prize as best professional dance crew in 2006 and has also joined up with 3D dance crew who was awarded Choreographer of the year at Artists Emerge 2008. Carlo hopes to encourage his students to hear music differently so that they may better understand themselves both as dancers and choreographers. He continues to educate and train himself in all styles of hip hop dance whether it be in locking, popping, or house.

He not only draws inspiration from the top choreographers of the west coast, but also from his fellow peers and most importantly his students. “Knowing how to learn is knowing how to grow. Not until we understand how to be inspired can we then inspire.”

Yoshi Hisanaga

HIP HOP and FUNDAMENTALS
Yoshi is a versatile and innovative Hiphop dancer/ bboy who brings a fresh and energetic flavor to dance where ever he goes. Yoshi is a passionate teacher who believes in passing down his knowledge to the next generation and giving back to the Vancouver hiphop dance community. He focuses on hip-hop basics and fundamentals, the important hiphop steps and foundation grooves. His passion and dedication to the art can be seen performing or battling with his crews Over the Influence and Rhythm Recall. He is an award winning choreographer who specializes in a unique and abstract blend of hip-hop and break dancing. He also embraces the competitive element of hiphop. He represented Canada at the Hip-hop International Championships in the summer of 2007 in L.A and 2008 in Vegas. He is also the recent winner of the World of Dance Vancouver Hiphop battle. 

Robert Policarpio

BALLET
Robert hails from Manila Philippines. He danced professionally with Philippine Ballet Theatre and Ballet Philippines where he performed soloist roles from the classical repertory and in works of international choreographers such as Robert Barnett, Tom Pazik, Paul de Masson, Jan Linkens, Agnes Locsin, George Balanchine, just to name a few. He is also a ballet restager, the highlight of which when he had the opportunity to travel to China to restage the ballet "La Gitana" for the Central Ballet of China and the ballet "Camille" for the Beijing Dance Academy. Upon retiring from the dance scene, Robert moved to Brunei Darussalam to become the resident ballet teacher/Director of the Panaga Dance Centre for 17 years until his migration to Canada in 2010. Robert is a certified Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) teacher and a Stott Pilates instructor.

Sarah Brinson

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ
An Arizona native, Sarah Brinson is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer based out of New York City and Vancouver, British Columbia. She began her training in Scottsdale, Arizona: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Classical Modern, Contemporary and Ballroom-- known for her ability to transform from style to style effortlessly. She performed locally with Dance Motion Company and at age 18, she moved to New York City to pursue her career in Dance. Sarah is a graduate from Tisch School for the Arts at New York University where she studied modern dance, composition/choreography, anatomy, music, voice and acting. She has worked for and assisted choreographers such as Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Joe Lanteri, Joey Dowling, Jason Parsons, Dwight Roden and Desmond Richardson (Complexions.) She has worked on stage, commericially--ATT, and in Film--The Winning Season starring Emma Roberts. Most recently, Sarah was featured on Season 7 of Fox's So You Think You Can Dance. She is currently dancing, teaching, and choreographing her own work internationally. She combines the athleticism of Jazz and its specific attention to detail and technical skill with the grace and elegance of contemporary ballet to create combinations that provide an atmosphere of challenge for the dancer to explore their range as an artist and performer.

Paula Skimin

TAP
Paula, a native of Toronto, has been active in the dance community as a performer, teacher and choreographer for over ten years. She has studied under Maxine Ross and William Orlowski in Toronto, and Brenda Buffalino, Heather Cornell, Margaret Morrison, Buster Brown and Jeannie Hill in New York City. She is the Founder of the Toronto based Tap dance company Turn on The Tap, which has performed at many events including Just Jazz at the Betty Oliphant Theatre. Some of Paula's performance credits include Reminiscing in Rhythm at the Ballet Met Studios in Columbus Ohio, Dances Para Sone with Manhattan Tap in New York City, and Monk Tribute with Sole Full Of Rhythm in Ypsilanti Michigan. Paula is presently on the faculty at Sheridan College in Oakville where she teaches Tap dancing and dance performance in the Musical Theatre Program. Paula also integrates dance in the Toronto schools with Learning Through The Arts, a Toronto based program in conjunction with The Royal Conservatory of Music. In April 2002 Paula co-wrote, produced and directed as well as performed in the dance show Two Women Who Tap in Toronto.

Curtis Foley

BALLET

Curtis trained at The National Ballet School and then The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School on scholarship. During his final year at the school he performed with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet in numerous productions and was featured in live performances of the popular children's television show, The Toy Castle playing 'The Goblin'. Following 3 summers in The Banff Centre's Professional Dance Program, Victoria Simon from The Balanchine Trust brought him out to the New York based ballet company, Les Ballets Grandiva, where he had an ongoing contract since 2007. It took him all over the world, on the stages of Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and many others. In the summer of 2009 he was featured in the Chicago Dance Festival along side the stars of American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey and Lar Lubovitch. Recently retired from the stage, his teaching experience extends all over Canada, as well as having coached a finalist for the International Ballet Competition in Mississippi. This past summer he once again was at The Banff Centre, this time as part of the faculty, assisting in the creation of The Clifford E. Lee choreographic award. Curtis now travels frequently as a guest teacher for The National Ballet of Canada, The National Ballet of Portugal, Ballet Jorgen Canada, The Alberta Ballet Company and is based in Vancouver as the resident teacher for Ballet BC.

Emily Noton

BALLET

Emily started her professional career in classical ballet, and in recent years has focused on contemporary ballet and jazz. She’s danced with Citie Ballet, The Russian Vaganova Society, and Mile Zero Dance Company in Canada. Internationally, she worked with several ballet schools in Okinawa, Japan, and taught at Broadway Dance Centre in Tokyo. In New York she performed with Saba Dance Theatre, and LiNK Contemporary Jazz Dance Company, while also dancing for Rebecca Davis Dance Company in Philadelphia. Emily has modeled for the renowned dance photographer Lois Greenfield, and has been sponsored by Bloch dancewear and Sansha. Still exploring all that New York has to offer, Emily has been collaborating with Crunch Gyms in NYC to film dance fitness videos, do TV publicity for the company, and has appeared as a background dancer in art films. In addition to all of this exciting new work in the dance industry, she remains very committed and enthusiastic about teaching dance at all levels, and has recently branched out to training actors in NYC as well. One of her newest endeavors with colleagues in New York is the formation of PAC (Performing Arts Collective), which tours the North-East area conducting performance workshops for pre-professionals. One of Emily’s favorite jobs was working with Zach Galafianakis, star of The Hangover, filming music video parodies. Recently, she has choreographed new work for Alberta’s Feats Festival of Dance, and will be the guest choreographer at the University of Alberta’s Orchesis Dance Group for the 2010-2011 season.

Julio Fuentes

CONTEMPORARY JAZZ

Koffi Noumedor

HOUSE

Koffi is originally from Paris and is an expert in his field. He does Hip Hop and House mainly but is versed in all sorts of street style dance.

Koffi is a much in demand adjudicator for many of the Hip Hop Competitions.

Great Class fun music and and a good addition to your Hip Hop or Street Style training.

Tiffany Bilodeau

YOGA FOR DANCERS, BALLET, BARRE BASICS
Tiffany is a professional ballet dancer currently working as an independant artist in Vancouver. She began her ballet training in Fort St. John, BC before leaving at the age of 14 to continue on at the Edmonton School of Ballet and then at theRoyal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division where she graduated from in 2004. From there she spent six seasons with Ballet Kelowna where she danced leading roles in both classical and contemporary works. In 2008 she was nominated for an Okanagan Arts Award for her achievements. Tiffany has also performed as a soloist with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet in The Nutcracker and spent four consecutive summers with Festival Ballet in at the Banff Centre as a principal dancer. She has also appeared in live performances of the popular children’s show The Toy Castle as the China Doll.
Over her extensive training and performing career, Tiffany began teaching ballet to all levels finding joy in sharing her knowledge and love for ballet with her students. Her teaching reflects the many styles of ballet she has learned during her training and professional career as well incorporating pilates fundamentals into the exercises. She fell in love with Pilates during her first summer in Banff, after noting the changes in strength and alignment over the course of 5 weeks. After that, she made it a consistent part of her training and has seen incredible changes to her body over the last 5 years. It was last summer that she decided that it was time to be able to pass this valuable information to her students as well. She studied The Pilates Process through Laura Helsel from Toronto (Riverdale Pilates) and Deborah Ward from Kelowna (Pacific Interior Pilates) is certified in both Mat and Reformer work. Always willing to learn, she is currently pursuing her Degree in Human Kinetics with ambitions to become a physiotherapist.

Morgan Blair

ZUMBA

Morgan’s love of dance has been with her since the age of 3, when she took her first ballet class. Awarded “Distinction” in all her ballet exams with Royal Academy of Dance, including her Advanced 2 exam; her passion does not stop there. Along with a strong technical background in Ballet, Morgan has had extensive training in Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical Jazz and Modern. She also trained in Hip Hop, Irish, Ballroom and Musical Theatre and is a Certified Zumba Instructor.

Morgan’s versatility comes from ongoing and dedicated training with some of the best teachers and choreographers in North America. Performing is Morgan’s passion; some of her performances include dancing for the 2010 Olympics; in San Francisco’s Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet; Banff Centre for the Arts; Alberta Ballet’s Nutcracker and BC Performing Arts Provincials. Morgan is currently dancing with Vancouver’s dance company “The Source”.

Andre Clouthier

SINGING

Your voice should be a big, beautiful instrument in perfect working order. Its sound, range and flexibility a product of careful training and practice. If you suffer from chronic fatigue, sore throat, singing flat or sharp, nasality, tightness, short range and other vocal distortions you should know there is a permanent cure. I specialise in finding and loosening the underlying tensions, releasing your true voice.
André Clouthier has enjoyed a long and varied musical career. After a stint playing the trumpet in the Canadian Armed Forces he fell in love with Opera. He studied voice with Ken Nielsen in Calgary and spent summers at the Banff Centre Music Theatre Programme. He joined the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble in 1990 spending 2 seasons covering leading roles and learning from the finest performers.

As a soloist André has performed with orchestras and opera companies the world over including Vancouver Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Opéra de Montreal, Yokohama Opera Japan, Tulsa Opera, Opera Columbus, Kennedy Center/National Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre of Canada and so on. He has brought to life such iconic characters as Don José in Carmen, Florestan in Fidelio, Cavaradossi in Tosca, MacDuff in McBeth, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Alfredo in La Traviata, Naraboth in Salome and the Verdi Requiem. Since leaving the Opera world Andre has appeared onstage in plays and musicals, founded “Stealing Dan”a Steely Dan cover band with Peter Desousa. He enjoys swing music and dancing and all things Broadway.

André was on the Voice Faculty of the prestigious Music Theatre Program at Sheridan College in Oakville until 2008. There he learned to help dancers and other non singers to find their voices and achieve their performing goals.

Linda Hayes

FLAMENCO

Pianist/Dancer, Linda Hayes has been teaching and performing for 25 years.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she studied with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in the

professional program where she has trained in all genres of dance with 

Flamenco being her forte.

Linda visits Spain yearly to study and perform.  Her teachers include: Rocio Molina,

Mercedes Ruiz, "La Farruca", Javier Latorre, Chitli Ocampo, Carmen de Torres and

Oscar Nieto.

As a pianist, Linda is a graduate from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor's degree

in Piano and Music Theory.

She operates a music studio in Surrey, teaching Classical, Jazz and Latin to students

from beginner to advanced.