FACULTY
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Penny-Lea Hudson (ARAD, RAD-RTS, AISTD, CDTA & Alixa)
OWNER Instructor: Pre Professional Ballet - Private Training & Coaching Penny has been teaching students in Europe and across North America for the past 50 years. She spent her early years performing in Vancouver, Montreal and London, England. Penny was awarded scholarships by Koerner and BC Cultural Grants British Columbia Arts Grant that allowed her to pursue her career overseas. Penny received her professional training at the prestigious Stella Mann College of Performing Arts in London, England under the instruction of the late Stella Mann, & June Wallace to name a few. It was here that Penny completed her four year teachers & associates training program for Ballet, Modern, Jazz, National, Ballroom, Music, Drama, Singing & Pedagogy. She also completed her Advanced exams and received her Associates degree in R.A.D. Ballet, I.S.T.D. Ballet & National. Penny is also trained in Vaganova & Cecchetti Ballet and incorporates diverse repertoire of syllabus in all her classes. Upon returning to B.C. Penny founded the Lower Mainland Dance center (White Rock and Delta) in the 1970-1980’s and Dance Works Academy in Gibsons in 1990’s. Penny was one of the first teachers in to introduce the ISTD exam work in BC. Penny’s life long love of the performing arts and her wealth of technical knowledge have proven a successful combination for many of her students who have gone on to achieve professional careers in dance in companies & schools across Europe such as the Paris Opera and The Bush Davies School, England, and in North America at prestigious schools such as Julliard, New York, The Alberta Ballet School, The Winnipeg Ballet School & the National Ballet School. In recognition of her outstanding work Ms Penny has recently been awarded the title of Full Life Member at the Royal Academy of Dance. Penny continues to share her love and knowledge of the performing arts with students, young and old, as an instructor and choreographer. Penny is Co Director of the Ballet Professional Development Program (PDP) & Director of the Modern Division at Gibsons Dance Centre. |
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Zoe Barbaro (A.A.C.2, C.D.T.A. A.D.A.P.T, P.B.T. , A.D.A. & Alixa)
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Instructor: Acro / Lyrical / Contemporary / Ballet / Gymnastics / DWA Company Zoe’s passion for the arts has been a life long journey. She has trained in many styles including: Ballet, Modern, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Street Styles, Folk, Acrobatics & National dance. Her primary philosophy is to provide quality technical and artistic training in a safe and accepting environment. She has a passion for injury prevention and incorporates an ever growing repertoire of training in order to facilitate a healthy dance practice in all her students. Zoe’s love of choreography as a means of self expression started at a young age. In recent years she has been recognized with numerous choreography awards at various dance competitions across the province including the overall choreographer award at the One Dance Competition in Abbotsford, BC in 2022 a Top Choreographer Award from Star Talent Dance competition in 2023. She is also the founder and director for the GDC Youth Dance Company, Co Founder of the Coastal Dance Festival & Co Director of the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker. With a background in Early Childhood Education as well as working with children with disabilities, Zoe infuses her passion and experience working with children of all ages and abilities into every program she teaches. Whether teaching in the community at local schools and programs or in one of her classes at GDC, Zoe is excited to share the love of dance with all her students. She is a certified Level 2 Acrobatic Arts instructor, Alixa Flexibility instructor, a Certified TADA hand balancing coach, Acrobatique instructor, PBT certified, Trained Artistic Gymnastics Coach, a associate for the C.D.T.A. Acrobatics division, a certified Acrobatics Adjudicator & a certified Mentor for Acrobatic Arts. Zoe is Director of the Acrobatics Division, Competitive Division & GDC Youth Dance Company at Gibsons Dance Centre. |
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Dominique Hutchinson (RAD-RTS, A.A.C.2, P.B.T.)
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Instructor : Ballet / Pointe / PBT / Pre Pro Ballet - Private Training & Coaching Dominique is a native of Montreal who moved to B.C. in 1985. She is a fully certified teacher from the Royal Academy of Dancing in Ballet and from Studio Claire Duhamel in Montreal in Contemporary and Ballet. She is certified in Acrobatic Arts Level I & II and Progressing Ballet technique - Marie Walton-Mahon. Dominique has trained under such professionals as: Lois Smith O.C. (Ballet and choreographic work), Josephine Slater (Ballet and Ted Shawn technique), Ellen Andrews (Ballet) Claire Duhamel (Contemporary and Ballet), David Adams (Ballet) Attila Ficzere (Ballet), Isabella Morca (Flaminco) and Miss Lejokova (Ballet). In 1999 Dominique also received her White Belt in Nia with Zeta Gaudet. For more than 35 years Dominique has taught in private studios, community centres, Elementary and High School programs in B.C. and Quebec, encouraging kids and adults alike to find the dancer from within them. She has also been part of many micro dance groups as director, choreographer and dancer including; Danse-t (Quebec), Movement Arts and DSdanse (B.C.) Dominique is Director of the Ballet Professional Development Program (PDP) at Gibsons Dance Centre. |
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Shantaya Cottrell
Instructor: Tap / Musical Theatre / Contemporary / Jazz / Youth Company Shantaya grew up pursuing her love of the performing arts. Starting at a young age on Vancouver Island and then continuing her training at Dance Works Academy throughout her teen years Shantaya has trained in Ballet, Hip Hop, Latin, Irish Step, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Tap, Musical Theatre & Acting. Shantaya has her Advanced 1 ISTD Tap and is a seasoned street tapper with a flare for Rhythmic Tap. Shantaya's choreography has won her students many awards at competitions across the province and her talent for creative choreography is evident in all her work. Shantaya is also the lead choreographer for the DWA Adult Company and assistant director of the DWA Youth Dance Company. Shantaya is the Director of the Tap, Musical Theatre & Adult Division at Gibsons Dance Centre. |
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Chelsea Minatsis (A.A.C.1)
Instructor: Acrobatics / Aerial Silks / Ballet / Youth Company / Gymnastics / Circus Chelsea started dancing at the age of 2 and began her training under Karen Boothroyd. She went onto to continue her training at the Delta Academy of Dance until the age of 19. Chelsea is trained in Ballet, Highland, Modern, Acrobatics, Aerial Silks, Lyra, Jazz, Hip Hop & Musical Theatre. After starting her own family Chelsea returned to her training at Dance Works Academy. It was quickly apparent that her passion for dancing had not faded. After much encouragement from her teachers Chelsea made the leap to turn her passion into a vocation. She began apprenticing under Penny Hudson (A.R.A.D & A.I.S.T.D.) in 2015 started her journey in apprenticeship as an instructor at DWA. Chelsea is a level 1 certified Acrobatic Arts instructor & Pre School Certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. She is also a guest choreographer for DWA Youth Dance Company. Chelsea is the Director of Pre School Programs at Gibsons Dance Centre & Aerial Silks Program. |
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Marcel Tremel (A.D.A.P.T, Alixa Flexibility, PBT & A.A.C.1.)
Instructor: Jazz & Ballet Marcel Tremel is a choreographer, performer, and dance educator of the Vancouver area. He is a fully certified Dance Teacher in Jazz and Tap through ADAPT Syllabus, and has certification with Acrobatic Arts, Progressing Ballet Technique, Alixa Flexibility, and working towards completing his certification with the Acro Dance Teachers Association. Marcel is also a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria BC where he completed the full three year program, earning him a Diploma in Applied Performing Arts. Aside from training, Marcel has had several exciting opportunities to perform and showcase his choreography over the years, some of the highlights include: touring Western Canada and parts of the United States with a song and dance group called Saskatchewan Express, co-choreographing the Canadian College of Performing Arts' production of Young Frankenstein, starring in CCPA's production of 'Lend Me A Tenor', Choreographing 'Hello, Dolly!' with Fraser Valley Stage, and touring to England to dance in the Gilbert and Sullivan International Festival in a production of 'The Gondoliers'. The versatility in Marcel's training has allowed him to push the boundaries of basic dance routines and create exciting new pieces to share with his community. His work has made him a standout amongst his peers, having been recognized with numerous awards and recognitions for his outstanding choreography. Marcel is a passionate instructor, and is motivated by watching his students become inspired by a mutual love of dance. He looks forward to sharing his love of dance with you all this upcoming year. Marcel is Director of the Jazz Division at Gibsons Dance Centre. |
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Melanie Dance (F.I.S.T.D., L.I.S.T.D., PBT)
Instructor: ISTD Modern & Associate Studies Melanie has had a passion for dance performance and education for as long as she can remember. She received her foundational training in England where she graduated from the Northern Ballet School with her associate teaching certificates in Ballet, Modern, Tap and National Dance with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). After graduating Melanie
continued to study and train in London, New York and Miami during her professional performing career. Since immigrating to Canada in 2000, Melanie’s desire to advance her knowledge and pass on that information has seen her awarded the highly regarded and internationally recognized advanced level teaching qualification of Fellowship from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). In 2003 Ms. Dance co – opened the Pro Arte Centre where as a “Teacher of teachers,” Melanie has mentored many. Through her teacher-training program she has encouraged and fostered their successes in ISTD associate examinations. Melanie now enjoys exchanging teaching ideas with her former students who are now successful teachers themselves. In addition to being a nurturing teacher of both children and adults, Melanie is a recognized choreographer and teacher, with her choreography being awarded both locally and internationally and in 2020 receiving an Outstanding Teacher Award with fellow teachers at the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix. Melanie believes that dance brings joy to the soul and should be enjoyed by all, no matter how young or old, 45 minutes a week or 20 hours. Melanie is looking forward to meeting the children and students at Gibson Dance Centre this year and sharing her love of dance and knowledge with you. |
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Kenneth Paradilla
Instructor: Hip Hop / Competitive Hip Hop Kenneth started dancing at the age of 16 and soon realized his passion for dance would evolve into a rewarding career. After completing his training, Kenneth went onto teach Hip Hop across North America such as BC, Ontario and Hawaii. Most recently he has had the pleasure of expanding his teaching resources through online class platforms where he has held digital classes in Russia, France, Switzerland and Costa Rica. In his professional dancing career, Kenneth has competed and placed in many competitions internationally, including World of Dance. He has also worked with Lululemon, Vice Magazine and was a feature performer in “This is Yoga Campaign”. Kenneth currently resides and teaches in the lower mainland and is the director of Sovereign Dance crew. His dance style focuses on the intention of movement and varying energy within the move by playing with instrumentals and lyricism. Kenneth is Director of the Hip Hop Division at Gibsons Dance Centre. |
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Emily Sherwood (A.A.C.1)
Instructor: Hip Hop / Acrobatics Emily began dancing at the age of 5 and has trained in Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acrobatics & Hip Hop. In her teen years Emily's passion for Hip Hop grew and she began competitive Hip Hop training under Angela Lowndes tutelage. She competed successfully across the lower mainland and Vancouver Island while maintaining her training in other dance styles. Emily graduated from Dance Works Academy's competitive program in 2007 and soon realized her passion for dance would evolve into a passion for teaching. She continued her training and started her apprenticeship at Dance Works in 2014 until 2017 when she began her teaching journey. Emily loves sharing her enthusiasm for Hip Hop with all of her students and desires to inspire the next generation of dancers. |
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Jamie Stones
Instructor: Acrobatics (A.A.C.1) Jamie started dancing in 2012 at Dance Works Academy. She has trained in Ballet, Hip Hop, Bollywood, Acrobatics, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and the Spectrum Youth Company. Jamie began her teaching career as an apprentice teacher at Dance Works Academy. She has been assisting and teaching for the past 5 years and most recently completed her Acrobatic Arts Certification. Ms. Jamie is excited to share her love for dance and acrobatics with the students of GDC for her 6th season. |
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Gabriel Leonard Ryan
Instructor: Tap & Acting Gabriel Ditmars is a dancer, writer, acting instructor and even a budding theatre director; he was raised in the theatre - A thespian at age 9, and a tap dancer by age 13 when he watched some classic tap dance movies and instantly fell in love with the artform! He quickly was also absorbed into the dance world of jazz, contemporary, ballet, etc. which he enjoys as a way to compliment and balance his tap dancing. For the past 7 years he has been dedicated to his craft of tap, always looking to expand his training, step vocabulary, delve into the history and culture of tap dance, try new things and "tap"into his own artistic expression. Gabe began his Tap training at Dance Works Academy (Now Gibsons Dance Centre) and continued to pursue his passion through the years. In the spring of 2020 Gabriel was the honourary recipient of the Grace-Inglis Memorial scholarship for young tap dancers and he also joined the Gibsons Dance Centre faculty(formerly known as DanceWorks Academy) In the summer of 2022, Gabriel graduated from the 2 year ADAPT Teacher Training School program, certified in Tap & Jazz as well as the "iTapOnline Teacher Certificate Program. He is so thrilled to have the opportunity to put all of this knowledge to good use! To inspire and motivate his students! |
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Eibhlin Minatsis
Instructor: Ballet & Contemporary BIO COMING SOON! |
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Melanie Graversen
Instructor: NCCP Gymnastics / Personal Training / Circus School BIO COMING SOON! |
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Malissa Arkinstall
Instructor: Circus School - Hooping & Stilt Walking Malissa was born and raised in Golden, BC but has been living on the Sunshine Coast for the past 14 years where she is now raising her children. Malissa's love of dance and the performing arts started in her formative years. She started performing Hoola Hooping at the age of 16 and continued with her passion for the arts into adulthood. When Malissa was 21 she began performing in festivals as a stilt walker and has enjoyed the performing in her community and throughout BC ever since. Most recently Malissa accepted the role of Mother Ginger in the annual productions of the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker. Malissa is excited to share her love of stilt walking & hooping with the Circus School students at GDC this season!
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Pan Wilson
Instructor: Circus School - Jugging, Stilt Walking, Aerial Silks BIO COMING SOON! |
APPRENTISE INSTRUCTORS
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Nevaeh Power
Nevaeh has been training at Gibsons Dance Centre since the age of 4. Over the years she has trained in various styles including jazz, ballet, contemporary, acrobatics, hip hop, modern and ballet. Nevaeh is a member of the GDC Pro Program, Competitive Team and Youth Performance Company. She has taken part in RAD ballet exams, ADAPT jazz exams and ISTD modern exams. She has danced competitively both on and off the coast at festivals and competitions each season. Nevaeh is also a member of the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker cast performing various roles each season. Nevaeh began her assisting at GDC when she was 12 and has worked diligently over the past few years under the guidance of her mentors. Nevaeh is looking forward to continuing her teaching apprenticeship this season.
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Connor Dixon
Connor started dancing at the age of 8 at Gibsons Dance Centre. He started his dance journey
training in Hip-Hop and has since progressed to training in a variety of styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acrobatics, and Modern. Last year, Connor completed his Junior 3 Jazz exam and is working towards completing exams in Ballet, Modern, and Jazz. He is a member of the Gibsons Dance Centre Professional Development Program, Competitive Team and Youth Company. Connor enjoys performing on and off the coast with his peers and loves his dance family dearly. In 2022, Connor won a scholarship and was honoured with the experience of performing in Disney World as a part of the Lightning Elite Disney Performance Team. This summer Connor won a scholarship from Liberate Artists where he attended the Focus LA Dance Experience in Los Angeles. He has also recently completed a teachers training course through Liberate Artists. Connor began assisting at GDc when he was 13 and has worked diligently over the past few years under the guidance of his mentors. Connor is looking forward to continuing his teaching apprenticeship this season. |
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Meg Greenfield
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Caia Minatsis
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GUEST FACULTY
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Jessie Zentner
Instructor: Contemporary / Pilates Jessie began dancing at an early age and has always fostered a passion for the performing arts. Today Jessie is a fully trained dancer who has a special gift for bringing life and energy to the stage. She spent 5 years dancing professionally with Carnival Cruise lines and 2 years working at the University of Exeter in England. Jessie has always been dedicated to health and body awareness which led her to acquire her certification for Pilates & Yoga. In 2013 she opened her own pilates studio Sechelt Pilates in West Sechelt. Jessie delights in sharing her love of dance and her wealth of knowledge with all her students. |
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Adam McKinnon - Founder, Vancity Project & OTW Crew
Adam Mckinnon is a professional dancer and choreographer. He has danced professionally for fifteen years, and specializes in Hip Hop, Street Jazz, and many commercial styles. Adam has danced for many Recording Artists (Nelly Furtado, Michael Buble, Carly Rae Jepsen, Marianas Trench, Dallas Smith), Commercials (Coca Cola, Chips Ahoy, Apple Bess, Kiss Radio), Television (Fringe, Caprica) and Film (X-Men, Sucker Punch, Street Dance 3D, Jackhammer), and many more. Adam has also created Vancouver's biggest dance showcase Vancity Project (Choreography Showcase), and has also created one of Vancouver's most popular dance crews OTW Crew (Ones To Watch). Adam is quickly becoming one of the most sought after choreographers from Vancouver, he has had the opportunity to travel the world (Philippines, Mexico, Europe, USA, Canada) teaching at conventions, workshops, touring with artists, teaching masterclasses, and continues to travel and share his passion for dance. Adam continues to push himself as a dancer, choreographer, and artist to be better able to train his students and inspire others to do the same. Adam is a very passionate, inspiring, driven, and creative choreographer who brings his whole self to the art of dance. Dance Works is delighted to welcome Adam back for another season! He is one of our competitive choreographers for Hip Hop |
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Tyler Ayres - TADA Founder & Ambassador Acrobatic Arts
Internationally acclaimed and recognized choreographer and entertainer from Australia, Tyler is an expert in aerial arts, acrobatics, hand balancing, tumbling and hand-to-hand. Tyler was the youngest person ever to be funded by the Australian government ARTS ACT fund and has been working professionally in the entertainment industry since the age of 9. Companies that have benefited from Tyler’s performance and instruction include names from Cirque du Soleil and the Australia Institute of Sport to BLOCH and IADMS. Tyler was instrumental in the beginning stages of Acrobatic Arts, one of the largest acrobatics curriculums in the world, by constructing a large portion of the hand balancing syllabus. He also drove the design and launch of a new centre for high level and aspiring athletes while based in Calgary. Tyler now calls Vancouver home and is the Founding Director of TADA, Tyler Ayres Dance and Aerial, which develops and represents top level performers and publishes a training curriculum for hand balancing, suitable for athletes, aerialists, dancers and acrobats. Dance Works is delighted to welcome Tyler back again this season! Tyler teaches guest workshops for handbalancing, aerial work and acrobatics at DWA. |