Faculty

FACULTY

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.

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 / Youth 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.

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.

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.

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.

Rachael Poirier
Instructor: Elite Competitive Program & Contemporary

Rachael Poirier has been a renowned dance instructor and award-winning choreographer since 1991. Originally from the Sunshine Coast, Rachael has trained in a myriad of styles with some of the best and brightest instructors including Bonnie Lee Haus, Kay Armstrong and Anna Wyman among many others in Los Angeles, New York City, Toronto and Vancouver. Rachael's choreography has captivated audiences across the world and has won numerous awards for their innovative style and originality. She has choreographed for many industrial shows such as the opening acts for the B.C. Country Music Awards, Michael Bublé, and the world-renowned magician, Juliana Chen. Rachael founded Danzmode Productions in 1994, which quickly established itself as one of Vancouver's elite dance institutions where she remained as Artistic Director until 2017. Many of her students have had a dominant presence at local and international competitions including the B.C. Provincials. Many of her dancers moved on to professional careers in world tours and music videos with artists such as Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, Chris Brown, Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, Mia Michaels and Jennifer Lopez. Several of her students have been seen in the Top 40 of So You Think You Can Dance, The Emmy Awards, The Grammy Awards, and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Many have gone on to train at world-renowned institutions such as The Julliard School, Point Park University, Jacob's Pillow and The Ailey School. Others have moved on to dance for prestigious companies including San Francisco Ballet, BODYTRAFFIC (Los Angeles), Ballet BC, Alberta Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, Washington D.C. Ballet Company, Houston Ballet, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and the National Ballet of Canada, In 2004, Alex Wong became the first Canadian winner of the international dance competition Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland with Rachael's groundbreaking choreography for the solo "Capture of the Tiger". This piece has also been performed with ABT Studio Company, Miami City Ballet and on So You Think You Can Dance. Rachael's inventive pas de deux "Innocence" set on Fei Fei Ye and Kostya Keshyshev helped lead to a Bronze Medal for Fei Fei in the Varna International Ballet Competition in Russia. This piece was later restaged and performed by Shanghai Ballet Company in China. Rachael has been awarded several Choreographer Awards at Youth American Grand Prix including for Melissa Ong's performance of "Attitude with Strings" in North Carolina and Alyssa Steven's performance of "Womb" in Los Angeles, both in 2007. In 2011, nine-year old Martina Prefontaine received The Hope Award at YAGP in Seattle, WA where she performed Rachael's piece "Humming Bird". Her students have won runner-up several times at New York City Dance Alliance. In 2006, Kirsten Wicklund won the National Teen Outstanding Dancer title at NYCDA and in 2007, Bynh Ho was awarded second runner-up National Senior Outstanding Dancer at NYCDA. In 2008, Miguel Nguyen and Rina Watanabe won the Gold Medal at the World Championships (International Dance Organization) in Norway for modern dance. One of Rachael's most successful commercial dancers, Stephanie Moseley was known for her works in the TV series Hellcats and Hit the Floor.
Rachel is thrilled to share her time and talent for a second season with the students at GDC.

Barbara Guerrero
Instructor: Ballet, Competitive Ballet

Barbara began her training in ballet in Brazil when she was 8 years of age. Since then she has been fortunate to have experience training with many influential teachers and competitions throughout her years of study. Training with Fatima Barbosa at Bale Isabel Gusman, Barbara earned Distinction from the Royal Academy of Dance. In July 2018, she earned first ballerina at a festival presented by Promodanca and received an offer to attend Coastal City Ballet Company in Vancouver, Canada. In her time with CBT as a company member, Barbara danced many important roles such as Dulcinea in Don Quixote and the Sugar Plum Fairy in both Coastal City Ballet and the Sunshine Coast - SCYDA production of the Nutcracker. Her love for performing has quickly evolved into a passion for inspiring and mentoring the next generation of dancers. After her first season performing in the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker, she was invited back as a choreographer and mentor as well. This progressed into a teaching position at Gibsons Dance Centre where Barbara is now excited to embark on her second season of teaching with GDC as she works to complete her teacher certification with the Royal Academy of Dance.

Louise Warren (A.R.A.D.)
Instructor: RAD Ballet & Advanced Ballet Studies

Louise Warren is a caring committed classical ballet teacher who has worked with RAD students for 30+ years. A former professional dancer, Louise completed her teaching qualifications at the Royal Academy of Dance College in London, UK. Since then, her varied career has spanned the UK, Canada and more recently Dubai, UAE. A believer in lifelong learning, Louise obtained a BA(Hons) in Dance Education and a MA in Dance Technique Pedagogy from the University of Middlesex (UK).
In addition to training dance students for examinations and performance she is actively tutoring the teachers certificate program RAD CDT and formerly the RAD CBTS as she is excited to help develop training standards among trainee teachers.
Louise is excited to be back in BC this year. Partnering with local, well regarded dance studios including Gibsons Dance Centre to aid in providing regular workshops in RAD technique and preparation for examinations. She looks forward to meeting everyone at Gibsons Dance Centre this summer and beyond!
Louise will be teaching monthly RAD Ballet Exam workshops and intensives for GDC's Pro Excel Ballet Program.

Shannon Stewardson (A.R.A.D., C.D.T.A.)
Instructor: RAD Ballet & Advanced Ballet Studies

Shannon spent her early years of training in the Vancouver area, studying Royal Academy of Dance Ballet (Primary through Advanced), Jazz, Musical Theatre & Voice. She went on to study with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Yor University Dance Department in Toronto, and then the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.
She also has experience in the Vagonava and Cecchetti styles of Ballet, Martha Graham Modern, Benesh Notation and Educational Psychology. Shannon holds the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate, in which she received a mark of Distinction, and the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Diploma specializing in Anatomy and Dance History. Shannon continues her studies alongside some the best Ballet Teachers in the World each summer in New York Coty, including Finis Jhung, David Howard and Jo Rowan. Shannon is also a Ballet member of the B.C. Branch of the Canada Dance Teachers Association.
Shannon has been teaching locally for the past 26 years and currently mentors and supervises in the RAD's Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies. As a teacher, her students have been accepted to and studied at some of the best schools in the world, including: Alberta Ballet, American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Ballet Austin, Ballet BC, Ballet Magnificant, Boston Ballet, Broadway Theatre Project, the Banff Centre for the Arts, Les Grands Ballets Canadians, Hartford Ballet, Illinois Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Miami City Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Orlando Ballet Theatre, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Princes Cruise Lines, Royal City Musical Theatre, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Tokyo Disney, Washington Ballet, Theatre Under the Stars, Toronto Dance Theatre and the Okanagan Summer Dance Intensive.
Shannon will be teaching monthly RAD Ballet Exam workshops and intensives for GDC Pro Excel Ballet Program.

Alice Guillot
Instructor: Ballet

Alice began dancing at the age of 7 at her local ballet school in her home country, France. She became passionate about ballet and after graduating high school she joined the prestigious Central School of Ballet in London, where she graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts. During her last year she took part in the spring tour with Ballet Central, dancing pieces by renowned choreographers on more than 20 stages throughout England. Upon graduation Alice joined the Royal Opera House to dance in the opera Death in Venice.
In 2021, Alice moved to Vancouver to join Coastal City Ballet. During her 4 seasons there she had the opportunity to dance in multiple full length ballets and new creations, allowing her to develop her technique and artistry. Some of her favorite roles were Cinderella (2022) and Aurora in the Sleeping Beauty (2023). Alice also joined Ballet Ouest de Montréal in 2023 and 2024 for their annual tour of the Nutcracker.
Alice is passionate about sharing her knowledge to dancers of all ages. As a true bunhead she believes anyone can dance ballet and enjoys using imagery to help her students understand technique.

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.

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.

Gabriel Leonard Ditmar (A.D.A.P.T. Tap & Jazz)
Instructor: Tap & Musical Theatre

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!

Connor Dixon (ALIXA, A.A.C.1)
Instructor: Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Youth Company

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.

Melanie Graversen (A.A.C.1 & NCCP Gymnastics)
Instructor: Acrobatics & Tumbling

BIO COMING SOON!

Caitlin Beaupré
Instructor: Musical Theatre Voice

Caitlin Beaupré has been working in the professional music world for more than 2 decades. With a Masters Degree in Voice Performance from the University of British Columbia, she has performed across Canada, America, and various countries in Europe and Asia. Some of her credits include singing with juno nominated vocal ensemble musica intima for over 11 seasons, the Vancouver Chamber Choir, vintage singing and dancing quartet the Lady Larks, and working as the pianist and music director of St. Francis-in-the-Wood Anglican Church for over 15 years. Caitlin grew up with classical and musical theatre training, competing in various music festivals and going through the Royal Conservatory system in Singing, Piano and Speech Arts. For over 10 summers, she co-directed and accompanied a musical theatre summer camp for children in Point Roberts. Comfortable teaching all ages, she brings fun and joy to her teaching style and endeavours to foster a love of music with a foundation of technique while exploring a variety of genres.

Erin Brophy
Instructor: Cirque & Circus

BIO COMING SOON!!!!

APPRENTISE INSTRUCTORS

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.

Meg Greenfield
Meg has been training at Gibsons Dance Centre since she was 2. She has trained in many styles, including Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre & Acrobatics. She has been a member of the professional development program, competition team and youth performance company since the age of 11. In recent years Meg has been accepted to attend summer intensives at the Joffrey Ballet and Alonzo King Lines Ballet in New York and California. She is a returning member of the Sunshine Coast Nutcracker production and has been assisting at GDC for several years. Meg is thrilled to return for her 2nd year in the teaching apprenticeship program at GDC.

Ella Hoath
Ella first started dancing at the age of 3 and has since trained in many different styles of dance
including modern, acro, jazz, contemporary, and ballet. Since discovering her love of dance, Ella
has become a member of the GDC Youth Performance Company and Pro program. Focusing
her training on both classical and contemporary ballet, Ella has completed 11 RAD ballet exams
under the direction of Dominique Hutchinson and has enjoyed competing at many competitions
both on and off the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast Nutcracker has also become one of
Ella's favourite Christmas traditions as she looks forward to performing in her 5th season. Ella
has experience working with kids from her time assisting dance classes and working as a
summer kids camp leader for the Tidepools Aquarium. She is very excited to be joining the GDC
faculty as an apprentice instructor this season and can’t wait to share her love of dance with the younger generation.

GUEST FACULTY

Dominique Hutchinson (RAD-RTS, A.A.C.2, P.B.T.)
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.)

Eibhlin Minatsis
Instructor: Ballet & Contemporary

BIO COMING SOON!!

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.