| Sheila Fergus, Owner & Director Sheila Fergus is a full member of the professional Canadian dance teachers Association and a certified dance instructor qualified to put beginner through Gold Medal dancers through jazz and stage exams. She has been dancing since the age of 8 and her training includes hip hop, street jazz, lyrical, stage, jazz, ballet and gymnastics. She has been teaching for the past 14 yrs and also has her level 1 gymnastics coaching certificate and first aid certificate. She has choreographed for many different events, dancers, figure skaters and fitness competitors. She has won numerous awards for her outstanding choreography. She has danced for Coca Cola and Disneyland; and has choreographed for cruise ship performances. Sheila has judged competitions such as the Shaw Talent Search and Outbreak - a hip hop and breaking competition. Sheila recently performed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic closing ceremonies! She enjoys teaching at local, elementary and high schools. She has an exceptional ability to work with dedicated and advanced dancers to reach their goals and personal best as dancers |
Paul Otterbein, Assistant Director
Paul Otterbein is one of the most sought after Hip Hop choreographers in both Canada and USA.
Born in Los Angeles , California and then moved to Canada.
Currently Paul is the choreographer for the number 1 ranked and number 2 ranked jr.teams in the
country (CNC and The Franchise). Also the Choreographer for the 3rd ranked team in the world
(CNC)
Through hard work and many years of perfecting his craft , Paul has choreographed 5 National
Championship Hop teams, 2 World Cup of Dance titles and a 2010 USA National Platinum
Champion , Orlando FLORIDA.
Credits include:
*America's Best Dance Crew 2011
*2009-2011 Choreographer for Canada at World Hip Hop Dance Championships , Las Vegas ,
NEVADA.
*Master Classes taught in California , Seattle , Montreal , Toronto , Niagra , Vancouver.
*Featured Choreographer on "Entertainment Tonight" 2006
*Lead Choreographer for Music Video by Techno Sensations "Tribe" 2006.
*Choreographer for "Chantel Lee" , Fitness USA Silver Medalist 2007 , Dallas,TEXAS.
*Male Model for Brava Hair , Austin Modeling group , Runway at Richards on Richards ,Coquitlam
Center Lead Model for Bridal show 1999
*Choreographer for Vancouver 2010 Olympics Dance team with (Kelly Konno , lead dancer for Janet
Jackson and Justin Timberlake)
Paul Otterbein is one of the most sought after Hip Hop choreographers in both Canada and USA.
Born in Los Angeles , California and then moved to Canada.
Currently Paul is the choreographer for the number 1 ranked and number 2 ranked jr.teams in the
country (CNC and The Franchise). Also the Choreographer for the 3rd ranked team in the world
(CNC)
Through hard work and many years of perfecting his craft , Paul has choreographed 5 National
Championship Hop teams, 2 World Cup of Dance titles and a 2010 USA National Platinum
Champion , Orlando FLORIDA.
Credits include:
*America's Best Dance Crew 2011
*2009-2011 Choreographer for Canada at World Hip Hop Dance Championships , Las Vegas ,
NEVADA.
*Master Classes taught in California , Seattle , Montreal , Toronto , Niagra , Vancouver.
*Featured Choreographer on "Entertainment Tonight" 2006
*Lead Choreographer for Music Video by Techno Sensations "Tribe" 2006.
*Choreographer for "Chantel Lee" , Fitness USA Silver Medalist 2007 , Dallas,TEXAS.
*Male Model for Brava Hair , Austin Modeling group , Runway at Richards on Richards ,Coquitlam
Center Lead Model for Bridal show 1999
*Choreographer for Vancouver 2010 Olympics Dance team with (Kelly Konno , lead dancer for Janet
Jackson and Justin Timberlake)
Victor Tran, Break dance
Victor Tran, better known as 'Savage Rock', is a Canadian B-Boy champion.
He is a student of Hip Hop culture and promotes a lifestyle of 'peace, love, unity & understanding'
through breaking. Savage is always competing and traveling, therefore his training never stops and
he is constantly striving to improve his skills.
While he is continuously competing all over the world, he always returns home to Vancouver to
spread knowledge and experience back into the community. His main focus in his teachings is not
only to properly understand traditions and correct fundamental techniques but also to educate his
students properly on the history of Hip-Hop and B-Boying/B-Girling.
Aside from teaching and competing, Savage loves to perform, especially with his crew: Now or
Never. Savage performs to raise funds for his travels and in return, gives it right back into the
community.
Some of Savage's highlight performances include: 604 Delight & The Closing Ceremonies of the
Winter Olympics 2010. Other highlight television appearances include: Fort Knox 5 - Shift, SYTYCD
Canada Season 1 & 2, Leo Awards & S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala Concert.
Credits:
1st place - Massive Monkee Day 2009
2nd place - Massive Monkee Day 2010
2nd place - Knuckle Head Zoo Anniversary 2009
1st place - Battle Of The Year Canada 2009
1st place - Technique Warz 2010
1st place - World of Dance 2010
1st Place - Technique Warz 2011
Victor Tran, better known as 'Savage Rock', is a Canadian B-Boy champion.
He is a student of Hip Hop culture and promotes a lifestyle of 'peace, love, unity & understanding'
through breaking. Savage is always competing and traveling, therefore his training never stops and
he is constantly striving to improve his skills.
While he is continuously competing all over the world, he always returns home to Vancouver to
spread knowledge and experience back into the community. His main focus in his teachings is not
only to properly understand traditions and correct fundamental techniques but also to educate his
students properly on the history of Hip-Hop and B-Boying/B-Girling.
Aside from teaching and competing, Savage loves to perform, especially with his crew: Now or
Never. Savage performs to raise funds for his travels and in return, gives it right back into the
community.
Some of Savage's highlight performances include: 604 Delight & The Closing Ceremonies of the
Winter Olympics 2010. Other highlight television appearances include: Fort Knox 5 - Shift, SYTYCD
Canada Season 1 & 2, Leo Awards & S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala Concert.
Credits:
1st place - Massive Monkee Day 2009
2nd place - Massive Monkee Day 2010
2nd place - Knuckle Head Zoo Anniversary 2009
1st place - Battle Of The Year Canada 2009
1st place - Technique Warz 2010
1st place - World of Dance 2010
1st Place - Technique Warz 2011
Daina Wilkie, Acro
Daina fell in love with acrobatics at the age of 6. She first started her training with Aldeana
Bawtinheimer; competing in many competitions and winning numerous awards. She is now training
with Anne Lawton from West Coast Contortion and Acrobatics. Daina student taught for 2 years and
knew right away that teaching was what she wanted to do! Throughout her 14 years of training she
has had the opportunity to perform at dance competitions, the Global TV Christmas Party in 2009,
the 2010 Olympics, and many company banquets at different Casino’s. Daina has had the privilege
to train with the some of the most well known circus performers from Las Vegas such as, Otgo
Waller, Enkhee Tumendelger, Kristi Toguchi and Cheryl Lindley. She has taken some of her AFSA
Exams ( Acrobatic Federation of South Africa ) and will be taking her CDTA Teachers exam this
winter (2011) along with her Bronze and Silver CDTA Acrobatic exams this September 2011. Daina
is really looking forward to start teaching and can’t wait to share what she has learned.
Daina fell in love with acrobatics at the age of 6. She first started her training with Aldeana
Bawtinheimer; competing in many competitions and winning numerous awards. She is now training
with Anne Lawton from West Coast Contortion and Acrobatics. Daina student taught for 2 years and
knew right away that teaching was what she wanted to do! Throughout her 14 years of training she
has had the opportunity to perform at dance competitions, the Global TV Christmas Party in 2009,
the 2010 Olympics, and many company banquets at different Casino’s. Daina has had the privilege
to train with the some of the most well known circus performers from Las Vegas such as, Otgo
Waller, Enkhee Tumendelger, Kristi Toguchi and Cheryl Lindley. She has taken some of her AFSA
Exams ( Acrobatic Federation of South Africa ) and will be taking her CDTA Teachers exam this
winter (2011) along with her Bronze and Silver CDTA Acrobatic exams this September 2011. Daina
is really looking forward to start teaching and can’t wait to share what she has learned.
Kaela Willey, Student Teacher
Kaela has been dancing since the young age of three years old and hasn't
stopped since. She started training with Sheila Fergus in 2006, and has
competed in many of her award winning dances since then. At the same time
she has been working through her Vocational Graded Examinations through the
RAD Ballet, and has travelled as far as Russia with the Vaganova Society to
continue training and immerse herself in the world of dance as much as she
can. Most recently she completed her Advanced 1 exam, receiving Distinction.
This year she plans to take her Advanced 2 exam and work towards Solo Seal
in the near future. She enjoys teaching children of all ages and hopes to
pass on the love of dance she has learned and experienced through her
wonderful teachers.
Kaela has been dancing since the young age of three years old and hasn't
stopped since. She started training with Sheila Fergus in 2006, and has
competed in many of her award winning dances since then. At the same time
she has been working through her Vocational Graded Examinations through the
RAD Ballet, and has travelled as far as Russia with the Vaganova Society to
continue training and immerse herself in the world of dance as much as she
can. Most recently she completed her Advanced 1 exam, receiving Distinction.
This year she plans to take her Advanced 2 exam and work towards Solo Seal
in the near future. She enjoys teaching children of all ages and hopes to
pass on the love of dance she has learned and experienced through her
wonderful teachers.
Vanessa Lanz, RAD Ballet
Vanessa has been studying ballet (Royal Academy Of Dance) for over 20 years. She has obtained
her Advanced level in the RAD syllabus and is currently studying to become a certified RAD teacher.
She studied under Dolores Kirkwood, Bruce Monk(from the Royal Winnipeg), Sarah Brewer, Edmond
Kilpatrick, Mr. Lee(Pacific Dance Arts) and many others at Kirkwood Academy in New Westminster.
Vanessa was also apart of Royal Youth Ballet; with them she travelled and performed on the
Norwegian, Princess and Carnival Cruise lines, Alasaka, Mexico, Harrison Hot Springs, Whistler,
Disneyland and within her community. Along with these performances she has also taken part in The
Nutcracker, Copellia, Cinderella and various National Dances. Vanessa has attended the Parksville
Summer Intensive, Kirkwood (Nanaimo) Summer Intensive, Toronto Dance Theatre Summer
Intensive, Ballet Jorgen Summer Intensive and Royal City Youth Ballet’s Summer School. She has
also worked with choreographers such as : Joe Laughlin of Joe Ink, Desiree Dunbar, Judith Garay,
Rob Kitsos, Karen Jamieson, Heather Grey and Heather Dotto.
Vanessa is currently finishing her Bachelors of Fine Arts in dance at Simon Fraser University. At
Simon Fraser University she is apart of the Off Centre Dance Company and studies under Judith
Garay ( the owner of Dancer’s Dancing) Rob Kitsos, Cheryl Prophet, Marla Eist, Megan Walker
Straight and many other. In 2012 Vanessa is will applying for her Masters in Dance through the
Royal Academy of Dance in London, England.
Vanessa has been studying ballet (Royal Academy Of Dance) for over 20 years. She has obtained
her Advanced level in the RAD syllabus and is currently studying to become a certified RAD teacher.
She studied under Dolores Kirkwood, Bruce Monk(from the Royal Winnipeg), Sarah Brewer, Edmond
Kilpatrick, Mr. Lee(Pacific Dance Arts) and many others at Kirkwood Academy in New Westminster.
Vanessa was also apart of Royal Youth Ballet; with them she travelled and performed on the
Norwegian, Princess and Carnival Cruise lines, Alasaka, Mexico, Harrison Hot Springs, Whistler,
Disneyland and within her community. Along with these performances she has also taken part in The
Nutcracker, Copellia, Cinderella and various National Dances. Vanessa has attended the Parksville
Summer Intensive, Kirkwood (Nanaimo) Summer Intensive, Toronto Dance Theatre Summer
Intensive, Ballet Jorgen Summer Intensive and Royal City Youth Ballet’s Summer School. She has
also worked with choreographers such as : Joe Laughlin of Joe Ink, Desiree Dunbar, Judith Garay,
Rob Kitsos, Karen Jamieson, Heather Grey and Heather Dotto.
Vanessa is currently finishing her Bachelors of Fine Arts in dance at Simon Fraser University. At
Simon Fraser University she is apart of the Off Centre Dance Company and studies under Judith
Garay ( the owner of Dancer’s Dancing) Rob Kitsos, Cheryl Prophet, Marla Eist, Megan Walker
Straight and many other. In 2012 Vanessa is will applying for her Masters in Dance through the
Royal Academy of Dance in London, England.
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Heather Rusch, R.A.D Ballet
For more than 20 years, ballet has been Heather’s main focus in dance. Since the age of 5 The Royal
Academy of Dance (R.A.D.), one of the foremost authorities in dance, has guided her technical
development. Canadian Dance World, owned and operated by Josephine Slater was Heather’s first
teacher along with Ellen Andrews. Heather continued to study with Kelly Douglas at Douglas Ballet
Academy after Miss Slater’s death.
To help Heather better understand dance and how it is applied to the body she has sought to broaden
her dance vocabulary with classes in folk (Russian and Hungarian), ballroom, modern, jazz, yoga, tap,
square and round dancing and Shaun Work (developed by Ted Shaun), a technique of modern and
ballet developed in the 1930’s.
Heather has undertaken the instruction of ballet at all age levels, two to adult. In addition to her ballet
courses she is also currently conducting classes in folk, creative movement, and performance for both
year end and competition. To further enhance Heather’s teaching and technical skills she received
her Teaching Certification from The Royal Academy of Dancing in England in December of 2005. To
date she has entered over 300 students in the Graded R.A.D. exams and over 20 in the Vocational (pre-
professional) exams with excellent results.
Heather has been successfully examined for levels of excellence in ballet from Pre-Primary (age 5) to
The Grade 8 Award, and Intermediate, which she passed in 2002. In unison with these technical
exams she has also been able to excel in history exams, which are sadly no longer offered, referred to
as Des. Along with Heather’s local training and performance experience she has also danced
overseas in Spain and Alaska, and taken class in London at the Pineapple studios. Heather looks
forward to continuing to broaden the knowledge and understanding of dance to her students through
both teaching and choreographing.
Julie Ness
Julie began dancing when she was just 3 years old. She fell in love with dance almost immediately and
soon took every class she could in tap, ballet, hip-hop, musical theatre, and jazz.
Julie has trained at a variety of schools and conventions with some of the industry's greatest leading
artists in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Los Angeles. She has won numerous scholarships and
awards for her performance ability, as well as being a Provincial Rep for Kelowna and Kamloops
festivals for 3 years in a row. Julie was also a member of the contemporary-based Move Dance
Company in Kelowna under the instruction of Josh Beamish, and more recently, a part of the Vancouver
Giants dance team.
Julie began her career as an instructor at age 14 when she was given her first class to teach at her
studio (Barry Coulter's Academy). At this time, Julie discovered her passion for teaching, she had
always loved to choreograph and now had an outlet to showcase it. She has continued to teach from
that time on and began teaching at Artistic Edge Dance Academy in 2008.
Julie's favourite part about dance is giving it all she's got, feeling a connection with the music, and
having fun. She believes that dance is a positive way to learn about commitment, hard work, and
expression; the strength and confidence that students gain is truly invaluable.
Julie began dancing when she was just 3 years old. She fell in love with dance almost immediately and
soon took every class she could in tap, ballet, hip-hop, musical theatre, and jazz.
Julie has trained at a variety of schools and conventions with some of the industry's greatest leading
artists in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Los Angeles. She has won numerous scholarships and
awards for her performance ability, as well as being a Provincial Rep for Kelowna and Kamloops
festivals for 3 years in a row. Julie was also a member of the contemporary-based Move Dance
Company in Kelowna under the instruction of Josh Beamish, and more recently, a part of the Vancouver
Giants dance team.
Julie began her career as an instructor at age 14 when she was given her first class to teach at her
studio (Barry Coulter's Academy). At this time, Julie discovered her passion for teaching, she had
always loved to choreograph and now had an outlet to showcase it. She has continued to teach from
that time on and began teaching at Artistic Edge Dance Academy in 2008.
Julie's favourite part about dance is giving it all she's got, feeling a connection with the music, and
having fun. She believes that dance is a positive way to learn about commitment, hard work, and
expression; the strength and confidence that students gain is truly invaluable.
