FACULTY

Penny-Lea Hudson  (ARAD, RAD-RTS, AISTD, CDTA & Alixa)
 OWNER & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
 Instructor: Ballet / Pointe / Modern / National

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.
Dominique Hutchinson (RAD-RTS, A.A.C.2, P.B.T.)
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Instructor :  Ballet / Pointe / PBT / Contemporary / DS Danse Youth Company                             
​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 Co Director of the Ballet Professional Development Program (PDP) & Director of the Contemporary Division at Gibsons Dance Centre.
Zoe Barbaro (A.A.C.2, C.D.T.A. A.D.A.P.T, P.B.T. , A.D.A. &  Alixa)
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Instructor: Acro / Lyrical / Contemporary / Ballet / Gymnastics / DWA Company                                            
Zoe has essentially grown up in the industry.   Starting dance at the age of 3, 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. In 2022 she was awarded the overall choreographer award at the One Dance Competition in Abbotsford, BC.   She is also the artistic director for Spectrum Youth Dance Company & Co Driector 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 Dance Works, 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 and a certified Acrobatics Adjudicator. 
Zoe is Director of the Acrobatics Division, Competitive Division & DWA Youth Dance Company at Gibsons Dance Centre.
Shantaya Cottrell
Instructor: Tap / Musical Theatre / Contemporary / Jazz / DWA Company
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​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 / DWA Youth Company

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.

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Marcel Tremel  (A.D.A.P.T, Alixa Flexibility, PBT & A.A.C.1.)
​Instructor: Jazz / Ballet / Acrobatics / Tap / Musical Theatre / Lyrical

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.
​​Jessica Schweighart
Instructor: Contemporary & ISTD Modern 

​Jessica began her dance journey at the age of 3. As a carefree toddler she was always eager to move and have fun. At 7 years old, she started training at the Coast Academy of Dance located on the Sunshine Coast, BC, where she continued her training in various styles which included, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, tap, and modern. At the age of 15, Jessica auditioned and got accepted into GISPA (Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts) on Salt Spring Island. She danced with this program for three years primarily training in ballet and contemporary, creating
collaborative shows with students of different art forms and backgrounds.  While living on Salt Spring Island, Jessica also taught her own contemporary and hip hop classes on the island. After graduating high school, Jessica chose to continue to pursue her passion first and continue
her dance education. She transferred back to Coast Academy of Dance and was accepted into their Pre-Professional Program. At the age of 19, Jessica completed the Coast Academy of Dance’s Pre-Professional Program, receiving her ISTD Modern Associate. Jessica finished this three
year program in just two years, while taking additional classes at Harbour Dance Centre in her time off from the program, dancing over 22 hours every week. She was almost always at the studio, either training or working with the younger classes.  The past few years Jessica has had performance opportunities, as a guest dancer in live dance shows, as well as videos. As much as she still loves performing, Jessica has realized that her true passion is teaching and choreography. She is excited to continue mentoring others to perform, while she continues to grow as a choreographer. When not in the studio teaching, Jessica takes classes, works on projects, and attends teaching workshops and courses. Most recently Jessica attended a full three day
ISTD workshop, as well as completed her Acrobatics Arts course receiving her module one certification. Jessica loves to dance, and can’t wait to share her knowledge and passion with all her students at Gibsons Dance Centre.
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
Instructor: Hip Hop / Acrobatics / Gymnastics / DWA Youth Company

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.  
Jamie Stones
Instructor: Acrobatics & DWA Youth Company

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 enjoys competing on and off Coast each season, most recently her Acro team won High Gold and Jamie received a performance award for her solo.  Jamie is actively pursuing her passion for dance and kinesiology through study and examinations in RAD Ballet and CDTA & Acrobatic Arts. 
Gabriel Leonard Ryan 
Instructor: Tap & Acting​
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Gabriel started his dance training in 2015 when he joined Dance Works Academy in Gibsons.  At DWA Gabriel started his training with Tap, and expanded upon this to include Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet & Musical Theatre.  He has also trained elsewhere in Swing dance.  Over recent years, Gabriel has participated in various dance competitions throughout BC, winning trophies for Tap & Musical Theatre. This past season he performed in the Coasting Along Theatre Societies production of NUTCRACKER and had the honour of being chosen to perform the role of the Nutcracker. Gabriel has also trained extensively over the past 9 years in Drama & Musical Theatre with countless productions and workshops under his belt at the Driftwood Theatre School (where he will be holding online Drama workshops this fall).  Gabriel is now perusing a career in the performing arts and is delighted to join the apprentice program under the tutelage of Shantaya Cottrell, Marcel Tremel & Zoe Barbaro. 
Gordon Chong
Instructor: Hip Hop & Break Dancing
BIO COMING SOON!

ASSISTANTS & APPRENTISE INSTRUCTORS

Apprentise Intructor: Eibhlin Minatsis 

Assistant - Nevaeh Power

Assistant - Connor Dixon 

Assistant - Meg Greenfield 

Assistant - Caia Minatsis

GUEST FACULTY

​Mitchell Eckert – Tumble Tech, Gymnastics & Acrobatics
Mitchell Eckert, is originally from Calgary, Alberta. He has danced since he was in his teen years taking hip hop and acro. Then introduced new genres of dance as his experienced in dance grew. Mitchell’s passion for contemporary-acrobatics soon became apparent which led him to Acro Sport Gymnastics and Hand Balancing. He currently trains 25 hours a week in Hand Balancing, Acrobatics, Hand to Hand, Adagio, Partner Acrobatics,Tumbling, Trampoline, Tramp Wall, Contortion, Juggling, and Dance.
​ Jessie Zentner
Instructor: Contemporary / Pilates
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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.  
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
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.
Bailey Madill
Instructor: Ballet / PBT
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​Bailey is originally from Kamloops, BC, where she grew up training in the RAD method, completing many graded and vocational examinations. At age 16, Bailey moved to Vancouver to continue her training at Goh Ballet Academy. She finished her professional training with Coastal City Ballet and in The Richmond Academy of Dance’s professional ballet division, working with many revered teachers and ballet pedagogues during her time in these institutions. In 2013, Bailey was an apprentice for Joshua Beamish’s full length work “Pierced”, and the following year worked as a mentor for his Telus Youth Mentor Project. She began her professional career dancing with Ballet Kelowna, under the direction of Simone Orlando, as well as with Ballet Edmonton under the direction of Jorden Morris. She has loved performing in many classical and neo-classical ballets, as well as in new works by Shawn Hounsell, Heather Myers, Simone Orlando, Heather Dotto, Jorden Morris, and Heather Laura Gray, among others. Bailey was a dancer in Vancouver Opera’s production of “Turandot”, choreographed by Renaud Doucet, and danced as a soloist in Ballet Ouest de Montreal’s Nutcracker, touring throughout Quebec. Most recently, she had the pleasure of dancing in Joshua Beamish’s World Premiere of “@giselle”, alongside artists of American Ballet Theatre and the National Ballet of Canada, and on NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”, choreographed by Mandy Moore. Bailey is thrilled to continue her teaching journey alongside her performing career, and is incredibly passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation.