Dylan Steyns
Dylan became involved in dance at age eight when he began studying modern, jazz and tap. He was awarded prestigious dance certificates in all three dance styles before shifting his concentration to Hip Hop, Street Jazz and Salsa. He trained with world-class instructors such as performers from the Backstreet Boys, Jennifer Lopez, Chris Judd and Foxy Brown. His passion and zeal for dance eventually led him to teaching. He has taught at a number of studios in BC as well as at Perth University and the Sydney Dance Academy in Australia. He has performed in Canada and abroad for both live audiences and televised programs. In 2005, he earned his Certificate for Personal Training and currently focuses much of his spare time on furthering his skill level and technique by attending workshops at a variety of dance institutions. Dylan’s travels and experiences have brought to his teaching an appreciation for and ease with all cultures and age groups which enhance his talent as a dancer and choreographer.
Alicia Steyns
Alicia began dancing at the age of three and soon discovered her love for the art form. While ballet was her passion, she also enjoyed studying jazz, lyrical and tap. In 2005, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a ballet teacher by earning her R.A.D teaching certificate. Since that time, she has gained many years of valuable experience teaching ballet throughout the lower mainland.
In more recent years, Alicia has completed the Royal Winnipeg Summer Intensive Teacher's Training course, the 'Idea's Exchange' Teachers Summer Workshop at the National Ballet of Canada and attends workshops put on by the R.A.D every year. She has choreographed a Fisher-Price commercial and in the summer of 2011, travelled to the London RAD headquarters where she attended some of their workshops.
In each class, her extensive knowledge of the R.A.D. syllabi and foundations of classical ballet are shared while creating a positive and encouraging learning environment. Alicia loves sharing her passion with each student and enjoys being an integral part of the NSAD team.
Astrid Eckerle
Raised in her home town of Canmore, AB, Astrid first started training in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary and Hip Hop at Terpsichore Dance Inc with Marisa Dario. Upon acceptance into the Edge School for Athletes dance program, Astrid quickly progressed and was eager to move to Vancouver, BC. After graduation, she seized the opportunity of joining Harbour Dance Centre’s Intensive Training Program under the direction of Moe Brody and has since trained with the Source Dance Company, TwoFourSeven Company and KTL Hip Hop Company. Throughout her years in Vancouver, Astrid has done performances such as The Tunnel, The Main Event, Sephora Grand Opening, and the St Pauls Hospital Fundraiser Brilliant!. She has worked on several short dance films directed by Julie Tomaino including That Man, Underground Interlude, and Success? and has also had the privilege of competing at competitions such as Artists Emerge, HHI Championships, and Body Rock. Astrid has been teaching across Western Canada for the past 6 years. She has had the privilege of choreographing for the Source Dance Company and assistant choreographing for various short films. Astrid enjoys teaching all ages and styles and continues to share her knowledge and passion with her students! Astrid’s creativity and style are unparalleled and are a welcomed asset to the NSAD community. She inspires her students and peers through her positive, upbeat attitude, borderless creativity, and wide range of experience in the dance industry.
Christina Darwin
Christina Darwin trained at the Coast Academy of Dance, on the Sunshine Peninsula, where she studied ISTD Modern, Tap, Ballet and Jazz as well as Contemporary and Hip Hop. She participated in the Pre-Professional and Competition Programs within the school. She graduated with her Associate in ISTD Tap and moved to Vancouver to join Harbour Dance Center’s Intensive Training Program. Christina’s subsequent exposure to many choreographers, training opportunities and performances helped her realize her passion for teaching.
Since that time, she has taught at various schools and summer camps throughout the Lower Mainland. She has also pursued her Associate Accreditation and Associate Diploma in I.S.T.D. Modern. She continuously educates herself and updates her qualifications in both dance and fitness. Miss Christina works beind the scenes, administratively for NSAD while raising her family and teaching dance on the Sunshine Coast. She enjoys teaching all ages and genres and we look forward to each Spring when she shares her knowledge and passion for dance with the students at NSAD during the Modern Examination coaching sessions!
Belinda Sobie
Belinda Sobie is highly respected throughout the dance community as a skilled choreography, instructor, and adjudicator. She has taught master classes for the Royal Academy of Dance, Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association, Moosejaw Dance Society and the B.C. Jazz Dance Association. She has adjudicated and coached jazz for the Moosejaw Dance Festival, Alberta Dance Festival, and B.C. Jazz Dance Festival, as well as for Ted Lange of the “Love Boat”. She is a longtime teacher at Vancouver’s Harbour Dance Studios including instructing their popular summer intensive workshops.
As a successful choreographer for stage, television and film, Belinda has choreographed Westside Story (Jessie Award Nomination), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Pajama Game, Guys & Dolls and Maz & Me’s Dinner Theatre Restaurant.
Other credits include Booker, Escandalo (Spain), Music Hallelujah (Seattle) and Rhythm of the Night. She assisted with choreography for Theresa Teng’s Orient Tour, Christmas in Neverland and Radio Active Dreams.
Belinda is very pleased to join NSAD and share her impressive talent and experience with its students and faculty members.
Chris Bonus
Chris Bonus is a dancer, choreographer, instructor, and director from Vancouver, BC. He currently teaches at Harbour Dance Centre and A3 District and hosts weekly freestyle sessions for the community called The Corner. He is a member of TwoFourSeven Company and is part of their creative team, having choreographed for elite competitions such as Body Rock, VIBE, Hip Hop Internationals, and World Of Dance. Chris has taught all over BC, as well as Edmonton, Calgary, Oslo, and LA and continues to share his work with the rest of the world. Chris has developed a unique style of teaching and choreographing that inspires and encourages all dancers.
Jarrett Carlington
Jarrett developed an interest in the performing arts at the young age of 8. Growing up in the island of Bermuda, his real passion began to flourish when he was introduced to Hip-hop dance at the age of 16. Upon moving back to Canada in 2011, Jarrett began his formal training at Coast Academy of Dance on the Sunshine Coast B.C.. Two years later Jarrett moved to the Greater Vancouver area and studied with Culturally Defined under Kyle Vicente and Chris Wong in foundations of Hip hop and other styles including house, locking, waacking, popping, breaking, and krump, among others. He has also trained with Kill The Lights dance company (Harbour Dance Centre); directed by Shauna Smith and Ken Yung and Illustrative Society directed by Joe Tuliao. He signed with Premier Talent Management in 2015 as part of their Dance and Acting roster. He has been fortunate enough to be exposed to opportunities such as, choreographing the opening piece for Wang Jackson: The Legend and Dream, at the River Rock Casino, opening act at the Edgewater Casino for award winning Magician Jason Yu, as a dancer for Brilliant! Hair Show for St. Paul's hospital at the Commodore on Granville Street, and appearing in a couple commercials and regular TV Series -to list a few of his credits.
Growing up in a community that lacked support for the performing arts, Jarrett aspires to one day return home and give those around him the knowledge and opportunities he had to travel so far to find. We love Jarrett’s energy and are so happy to have him a part of the NSAD Faculty!
Nadia White
Nadia is a dancer, choreographer, and actor born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After moving to Vancouver, BC, she quickly booked roles on shows including, CW’s ‘Riverdale’, Syfy’s ‘Deadly Class’, Amazon’s ‘Man in the High Castle’, and CW’s ‘Charmed’. In her debut to the indy film circuit, Nadia received accolades from the Oniros Film Awards for her leading role and work as choreographer in the short film ‘Eclosion’. Nadia continues to regularly perform in music videos and a favourite so far has been “S.Lot” by Melo LV which has reached over 1 million views on YouTube.
From a young age, Nadia has trained extensively in urban dance, contemporary, jazz, ballet, and ballroom and she completed the International Baccalaureate Dance Program for Composition at Victoria School of the Arts- where she found her voice as a choreographer. Most recently, Nadia’s extraordinary technique and urban flare were leant to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ ‘Anthem of the Seas’ where she toured internationally performing as a dancer/aerialist.
Nadia continues to train regularly in acting with top coaches at ACT2, Railtown Actors Studio and Austin Tuck Studios. Nadia can be seen as an actor in the film Daughter, and is excited for the future of her career in this art form.
Nadia is a force to be reckoned with. She is a chameleon artist, committed to embodying any style and character given to her. Her innate ability as a performer and creator paired with her unwavering drive makes her unstoppable. She is excited to continue bringing the visions of other creators, as well as her own to life, and is hungry to learn and further develop her skills. Nadia is excited to share, inspire and be inspired by what the future will bring with her students at NSAD!
Alicia Bruce
Alicia Bruce is an accredited Instructor with the Association of International Dance Teachers, choreographer and dance educator for the past 20+ years. She is well versed is in all styles of dance Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet, Acro, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre with acclaimed teachers and choreographers from across Canada, the US and Europe. Including syllabus work in AIDT modern and tap, Checetti Ballet, ISTD Modern and CDTA Tap and Jazz. She uploads her status as a member of the BC Dance Educators Association. and holds a UBC Bachelor of Arts Major in Psychology.
Teacher intensives with The EDGE in LA, NYCDA, Break the Floor and classes with Dance Masterclasses. Students have gone on to be accepted into programs such as: Alvin Ailey, SUNY Purchase, NYU Tisch, USC Gloria Kaufman, University of Arizona, Arts Umbrella Grad Program, SFU, Les Grands Ballet , Alberta Ballet, and Ballet Kelowna
Students have gone on to continue their passion in dance by partaking in the following: Ballet Bloch, Moulin Rouge, European Dance Companies , Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Disneyland, Cirque de Soleil, Lamondance, Film and TV productions Alicia’s choreography has been awarded throughout Canada and the USA at competitions such as: NYCDA, JUMP, NUVO and 24/7. We are delighted to have Alicia at NSAD!
Breanna English
Breanna is a multi-talented performer & choreographer who is one of the few born and raised in Vancouver, B.C. She has trained intensively in Vancouver, Los Angeles and Tokyo in a variety of art forms such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical and Musical Theatre.
With her passion, creativity and unique style, Breanna's award winning choreography has led her to choreograph for some of our National Sports Leagues such as NLL Vancouver Ravens Fly Girls where she also played the role of Entertainment Coordinator for the team and CFL B.C Lions Dance Team. Breanna's talents carried her to teach in numerous dance studios and has appeared as a special guest to public and private schools across Vancouver’s lower mainland. She has spread her love for dance at the well-known Broadway Dance Centre in Tokyo, Japan and was hired by the Texas school board to create a dance company to showcase and celebrate the art form throughout the United States. Breanna's positivity and extensive career in dance has recently gained her a position to choreograph for Disney Seas and Shanghai Disneyland audition tours. Breanna is excited to join the NSAD Faculty and choreograph for our Performance Program and we look forward to her igniting passion and inspiration within our students.
Tyler Carver
Tyler Carver began training at the age of 12 at the Goh Ballet Academy in Vancouver, BC, where he completed his RAD Advanced 2 exam with distinction. He completed a year of training at San Francisco Ballet School and then joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as an Apprentice in 2014, was then promoted into the Corps de Ballet in 2015. Since joining the Company, Carver has had the opportunity to perform in such works as Giselle, Nutcracker(as the Nutcracker Prince), Going Home Star - Truth and Reconciliation, Swan Lake(as Spanish and Pas de Trois), Sleeping Beauty(as Blue Bird),Dracula(as Jonathan Harker) and many others. He also made a special appearance in the leading role of Solor in the RWB School Professional Division’s performance of La Bayadère excerpts. Most recently he danced the role of Nutcracker Prince as a guest artist with Ballet Bloch Canada's annual production of the christmas classic: The Nutcracker. We are delighted to have him on faculty to inspre our students and share his knowledge of ballet, performing and partner work.
Julia Bose
Julia Bose is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and teacher, born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada. Throughout her childhood, she explored many different dance disciplines such as Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. However, Hip Hop/Choreography quickly took hold, and has since taken her to new heights both locally and internationally.
Over the years, Julia has performed in Las Vegas, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Montreal, at world renowned Street Dance events. After making the move to Vancouver, Julia competed with TwoFourSeven Company, where their emotional BodyRock win caught the attention of the producers for “America’s Got Talent”. They were flown to California to perform for the show, and try their luck with the judges. This experience opened up the door to the TV/Film world, which Julia is currently pursuing (credits include Riverdale, Motherland, and Another Life), along with music videos and live performances.
Julia’s magnetic and nurturing teaching style, coupled with her knowledge of Hip Hop foundation / history, musicality, and industry experience, has made her a sought after instructor and choreographer in Vancouver and beyond. We are delighted to have Julia on our Faculty and sharing her passion with students of all ages and levels.
Alyssa Rive
Alyssa began her dance training at The Coast Academy of Dance in 2004 beginning with her love for ballet. Throughout the years, she ventured into other dance styles such as Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Tap, Ballet, and Pointe; she also joined competition dance for five years. Alyssa has successfully completed her Vocational Modern Exams. In 2016, she joined the Coast Academy’s three year Pre-Professional Program and has successfully completed her ISTD Modern Associate Exam, earning her ISTD Teaching Certificate.
Alyssa has experience teaching dance in a variety of styles and age groups as well as creating choreography for competitive level groups. With a love of choreographing and teaching, Alyssa is thrilled to share her knowledge and passion for dance with the students of North Shore Academy of Dancing!
Katherine Robidoux
Katherine started her dance journey in her Jolly Jumper. At the age of three, she began her formal training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, and modern styles. Moving around often, she has had the chance to train in Canada, Turkey, Japan and Norway. In 2015, Katherine moved to Vancouver to pursue her Bachelor of Arts at the University of British Columbia, and at the same time took up full-time ballet training in Pacific DanceArts' half-day program. Katherine has since had the opportunity to work with several dance artists and groups across the Lower Mainland, Montreal, and Toronto, including Canada's Ballet Jörgen, and teach in studios across Ontario and BC.
Katherine finds both her home and her wings in the dance studio, and loves sharing her knowledge and movement with her community. She is excited to be a part of the NSAD Team!
Sophia Curalli
Sophia began her training in ISTD Ballet and Modern at age seven. She went on to complete RAD Advanced 2 Ballet, ISTD Advanced 2 Ballet and ISTD Advanced 2 Modern as well as her ISTD Licentiate qualification in Ballet and her Associate Diploma qualification in Modern. Students training with Sophia have consistently attained the highest marks in ballet and modern examinations. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Simon Fraser University. She was a member of Pro Arte's Catching ART Aspirant Company in 2013 and 2014. Music is a passion for Ms. Sophia. She uses her voice as a solo vocalist at her church and also appears singing jazz standards in restaurants around Vancouver. Piano is her instrument of choice and she has completed her grade 10 RCM piano examination. She appeared in Theatre Under the Star’s "Hairspray" (2015), "Mary Poppins"(2017) as well as “Cinderella” (2018).
Sophia is also an award-winning choreographer with credits including local high school musicals, ‘Cabaret for a Cure’, and numerous pieces presented in competitions and showcases. Being a teacher is something that Sophia has aspired to ever since she was a young girl and she is thrilled to be given the opportunity to work with dancers of all ages as they discover the beauty of dance!
Gabriel Richard
Gabriel Richard is a passionate dancer and dedicated instructor with a deep love for the art of movement. With credits including Disney's Descendants 1 to 3, Freaky Friday, and NBC's Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist, Gabriel has showcased his talent in both television and film as well as various stage performances. As an expert in hip-hop, breaking, popping, and freestyle dance, he brings a dynamic and energetic style to teaching. With years of experience on stage and in the studio, he has mastered various dance techniques and shares his expertise with students of all levels. His teaching approach focuses on building strong foundations while encouraging personal expression and creativity. Whether performing or guiding others, Gabriel's commitment to the world of dance is evident in every step.
Alice Guillot
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. She is really excited to join the NSAD faculty!
Solomon Le
Solomon Le is a professional dancer and aspiring choreographer. He started dancing at the age of six and has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip Hop. Within NSAD’s Half Day Training Program, Sol’s training hours peaked at an average of 30 hours a week. Since graduating, Sol has pursued his dance, training in the professional training program, The Source Dance Company, directed by Joanne Pesusich. Sol is currently teaching and assisting dance classes at NSAD. Not only is Sol passionate about dance, he also has a strong interested in art and design; last year he designed the new limited edition NSAD logo. Sol has a natural ability to engage with a positive and encuarging manner, we are thrilled to have him be apart of the NSAD faculty!
Breanna Lee
Breanna Lee's journey through the world of dance began at the age of five when she took her first steps into the enchanting realm of movement. From that moment on, dance became more than just a hobby; it became her passion. Over the years, Breanna honed her craft, immersing herself in various dance styles and techniques under the guidance of instructors at NSAD. Starting with ISTD Modern and on to jazz, Broadway, contemporary, and finally hip hop, her effort and commitment shined through in every pirouette, leap, and beautiful gesture.
She subsequently completed her training at NSAD's Half Day program, where she spent the final four years of her high school career. Breanna's goal as a teacher is to inspire the next generation of dancers by sharing not only technical knowledge but also the joy, discipline, and sheer beauty that dance has brought into her own life. She hopes to guide her students along their own roads of discovery, helping them reach their full potential and accomplish their ambitions, just as she did.
Breanna Lee's narrative exemplifies the transformational power of dance, and her transition from student to teacher demonstrates her unshakable dedication and passion for the art form that has turned her into the dancer and person she is today.
Tara Talebi
As a carefree toddler who was always eager to have fun and perform Tara began taking ballet lessons at the age of 3. In grade 2, Tara began dancing at NSAD starting with ballet and modern and venturing into other styles such as jazz and broadway. She started dancing competitively in grade 8 and continued all throughout high school. NSAD is Tara’s second home where she has made lifelong friendships and experienced some of the best memories of her life. It warms her heart to be able to witness that experience continue to happen with the students at the studio. Outside of the studio, Tara is a full-time student finishing up her degree and pursuing a modeling career. She has a great love for children and her education as well as her 3 years of teaching experience has given her greater knowledge and understanding of children’s behaviour, learning, and development. Tara is very excited to join the NSAD faculty and to share her love of dance with her young students!
Lora Roberts
BIO Coming...
Emma Dang
Emma started her dance training at NSAD at the age of 3, starting with ballet. Throughout the years, she trained in ISTD Modern, RAD Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, and Musical Theatre. At the age of 7 Emma joined the competition program, she continued to grace the stage thru to Grade 12. Emma furthered her dance training with the help of NSAD’s Pre-Professional Half Day Training Program throughout highschool. She went on to complete the ISTD Advanced 2 Modern, and has begun training for her ISTD Teaching Certificate. Emma is currently studying at Simon Fraser University for Sciences and Maths. Emma has a strong passion for teaching, she is excited to be apart of the faculty and share her love of dance!
Abby Hoffman
Abby began dancing at the age of 4 and quickly developed a passion for the art. Born and raised in Vernon, BC, Abby has trained in many genres including jazz, modern, lyrical, ballet, hip hop, contemporary and tap.
After training in the Okanagan for many years, she decided to move to North Vancouver in her senior years of highschool to further pursue her passion for dance. Since then, she has graduated from the NSAD Half Day Program as well as the newly founded KTL Apprenticeship Program. She is currently enrolled in the ITP program founded by Moe Brody based out of Vancouver’s Harbour Dance Centre.
Abby is truly thrilled to join the NSAD faculty and is excited to share her knowledge, passion and love for dance!
Madeleine Martin
Madeleine started dance at the age of two in Surrey, BC. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, Madeleine received her classical and modern dance training at Mi-Cher Dance Academy, under the tutelage of Cheryl Gedert, Catherine Potoky and Karrie Hill. Madeleine also participated in the Royal City Youth Ballet’s rendition of the Nutcracker every Christmas for 6 years, and has also had opportunity to participate in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Alberta Ballet and RCYB's summer intensives. After graduating high school Madeleine moved to Toronto for 2 years to participate in the Dance Performance Programme with George Brown Dance and Canada’s Ballet Jorgen. In 2018 Madeleine joined LamonDance Company and has been working with Kirsten Wicklund, Noam Gagnon, Alysa Pires, Lara Barclay and Davi Rodriguez. Madeleine is happy to be joining the NSAD family.
