Early Beginnings, Ballet, RAD, Tap, Musical Theatre, Variety

Director KAPP Academics • Director Early Beginnings • Director KYDC • Conservatory Liaison

Being Carolé and Lindsay’s daughter, dance has always been a part of Bev’s life. As a young child she played around the dance studio, just as her own daughters do now. She helped in class, was always at the round table for production discussions, was a peer helper and then began teaching at the studio at an early age. Not only has she danced in every production by Kirkwood but she has also been involved in the planning, design and painting of scenery, costume design, creation of posters, T shirts and programs, stage management, scheduling and administration as well as the rehearsal process and the performances.

As Director of KYDC she has successfully taken dancers to perform in Disneyland and New York and is planning a trip to Disneyworld in December. She also encourages dancers to give back to the community by taking them to dance at Senior Citizen’s Homes, and has decorated floats and rehearsed our dancers for Parades, Empire Day Teas, Bathtub Days, Musical Evenings and other Fundraisers.

Bev attended Wellington School in Nanaimo where she was the school Valedictorian, the winner of the Premier’s Award, Governor General’s Award, Shad Valley Enrichment Program, Heart and Stroke Foundation Research Award, and was awarded scholarships to UBC. She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education from UBC. She spent a year travelling in Asia where she worked with refugee children (in India) and taught ESL (in Nepal and South Korea). She is a qualified member of the Royal Academy of Dance. She is passionate about teaching children, both in school and dance. At Kirkwood she loves to have the opportunity to help children understand dance and find ways to express themselves through it. As well as working with the Day Program Students on Academics, she also works with the General Program on the preparation for dance examinations and festivals. Bev is excited to work with Pre School and Primary students on our program called Early Beginnings.

Registration, Finances, Scheduling, Costuming, Festival & Competition Entries, Studio Bookings

Kirkwood Office and Studio Administrator • Director KYDC (travel)

Christina (aka Stina) has been a part of the Kirkwood team since her daughter Jessica first started dancing. She started volunteering with the original KYDC website and making posters for Nutcracker; this grew into volunteer hours in our consignment room and over the years, started working with Bev and Carolé assisting with schedules and workflow in the studio.

Stina is now our Kirkwood Office Manager & Administrator working with all aspects of the studio (except teaching dance – she leaves that to our amazing faculty).

Ballet, Modern, Pointe, Pre-pointe

Emma began her dance training at the age of four at Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts where she trained in ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz for 12 years under Artistic Director, Carole Martyn. She had the pleasure of attending summer intensives inclusive of Boston Ballet School, Arts Umbrella and Pro Arte Summer programs. During the last two years at Kirkwood, she also traveled to Vancouver on weekends to train. Emma’s love for classical ballet moved her to Vancouver in 2015 to train full time at Pro Arte Centre in the Professional Training Program under Artistic Director, Astrid Sherman and the many talented faculty members Beverley Bagg, Tania Brossoit, Stephana Arnold, Kim Dixon and Alicia Bruce. While at Pro Arte Centre, Emma was a company member of the Catching Art Contemporary Ballet Theatre where she was privileged to work with artists such as Candice Michelle Franklin (Joffrey Ballet), Andrea Pena (Andrea Pena and Artists Company), Rachael Poirier (Poirier Productions Dance Studio) and Andrea Downie.

Emma also had the opportunity to be part of many performances and productions both at Kirkwood and Pro Arte Centre. She danced the role of Clara in Kirkwood’s 2012 production of The Nutcracker, Swanhilda in Kirkwood’s 2014 production of Coppelia, and was soloist in La Jardin Anime from Act Three, La Corsaire with Pro Arte Centre. Emma was the classical ballet winner at Vienna International Ballet Experience Competition 2017. Emma received Distinction in graded and vocational RAD exams and in ISTD Ballet Intermediate and Advanced exams. Emma recently received Progressive Ballet Technique certification.

Jazz, Lyrical

After training as a young dancer and actor in Vancouver, Heather trained in Los Angeles at different facilities, including Edge performing Arts Center and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Heather also performed with Nike’s hip hop dance troupe at Universal Studios and numerous movie premieres. In Thailand she performed for Telefilms International. Heather has danced for MAC cosmetics, toured Canada twice with Warner Canada, performed for X ‐Box in Toronto, and choreographed and performed in numerous local music videos, productions, and fashion shows. She also worked as a feature dancer on the feature film “White Chicks”. Her acting career has included roles in “Josie and the Pussycats”, the Touchstone pilot “Just a Phase”, Toyota national commercial, “Jake 2.0″ and “John Doe” as well as independent feature film and commercial work.

Heather’s extensive teaching experience has given her the opportunity to choreograph a wide variety of dance styles. Recently Heather has completed her Master’s degree of Occupational Therapy from UBC and is looking forward to applying her extensive learning experience and knowledge to her role as dance trainer. Her involvement in the world of competitive dance has spanned her entire career and she continues to enjoy the learning experiences that each dancer offers.

Ballet, Pointe

Ivana Ho is a former professional dancer, sought-after pedagogue, and the Artistic Director of Bohemia Dance Productions. She was classically trained in the Vaganova style at the Prague State Conservatory in the Czech Republic. As a graduate, she was a recipient of an award from President Václav Havel’s Foundation VIZE 97 for her contribution to the performing arts. Ivana danced professionally with Pilsen Ballet, Czechia, Ballet BC, and Ballet Victoria, Canada and worked with accomplished choreographers such as Emily Molnar, John Alleyne, Robert Desrosriers and Pavel Šmok.

As a pedagogue, Ivana strives to both teach and inspire her students. She blends the technique-driven discipline of her Eastern European roots but with a focus on expression and individualism, identifying and building upon each dancer’s strengths. Many of Ivana’s students have continued onto vocational schools worldwide, such as École de Dance de l’Opera de Paris, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Canada’s National Ballet School. Ms. Ho graduated with a Master’s degree in dance from the prestigious Palucca University of Dance in Dresden, Germany, in 2024. She is a guest pedagogue in many renowned institutions, recently at Mosa Ballet School in Belgium, Brussels City Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Ballet Victoria, Canada.

Ivana’s lifelong goal is to infuse dance into every aspect of our everyday lives and communities. Her company, Bohemia Dance Productions, specializes in bringing performance and education to all social events, from intimate venues to professional stages. As a touring artist with Artstarts BC, Ivana brings dance and dance history to schools throughout Canada with her multi-faceted production: “From Ballet to B-Boy.” Every week, she also dances with her most accomplished dancers, older adults living with dementia, in long-term facilities where dance is used as a restorative therapy.

Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Acro, Tap, KYDC

KAPP Liaison • Director KYDC

Jessica began dancing at Kirkwood Academy at age 5 and quickly developed a passion for all styles of dance, including ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and tap. In 2020, she became the first graduating dancer from KAPP, Kirkwood Academy’s pre-professional training program. Alongside her extensive training at Kirkwood, Jessica also trained with Helix Dance Theatre (Sarah Devito), Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet (Chantelle Ristine), and Prism Dance Connections (Samantha Mason and Katie Deelman).

Jessica completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in Dance at Simon Fraser University (SFU), where she received an Entrance Scholarship with Distinction. During her time at SFU, she performed in and contributed to a variety of collaborative and original works while continuing to develop her own choreographic voice. Her choreography and performance credits include SFU Live Acts: Förvandla (2024), choreographed by Jessica herself, Clock/Work and Joy with NCB, lead choreographer for the “All is Beauty” commercial campaign for La Maison Simons, and, most recently, one of the choreographers for the opening ceremonies of the BC 55+ Games.

Committed to ongoing growth as both an artist and educator, Jessica has trained extensively across North America at renowned summer programs including School of Alberta Ballet, Joffrey (LA, NY, and SF), Hubbard Street, Brea Space, Complexions (LA), Modus Operandi, Inverso, Martha Graham, and Godfrey Method.

Jessica holds certifications in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT), Progressing Contemporary Technique (PCT), Acrobatic Arts, ADAPT Teacher Training, and Rambert Grades Contemporary.

She is passionate about creating supportive, challenging, and inspiring environments for young dancers and is thrilled to continue sharing her love of dance with the next generation.

Ballet, Pointe, Adult Classes

Jillian began her early training at the Goh Ballet, Arts Umbrella and Pacific Dance Arts in Vancouver, B.C. She toured with dance companies and theatre companies throughout the lower mainland which ignited her passion for performing at a young age. She attended Capilano College for Opera and Musical Theatre, and finished at the University of British Columbia in Women and Gender studies. More recently, as a returning adult, she has studied at the Scotiabank Dance Centre, Ballet Lounge, and Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, B.C.

Jillian is a 500hr certified yoga teacher and an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer. She has also completed her teacher training in Progressing Ballet Technique.

Jillian loves sharing the joy of dance with people of all ages and abilities. She is most passionate about adult dancers learning pointe. Her classes are informative, educational, and most of all fun! Come and find the joy of dancing again!

Ballet, Pointe, RAD, Tap, Theatre

At the age of 4, Karin began her training at Kirkwood Academy in New Westminster. She trained intensively in RAD Ballet, CDTA Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre. She performed for many years locally with Royal City Youth Ballet and Royal City Musical Theatre. After Graduation, Karin spent several years dancing on board Royal Caribbean cruise ships and for many different production companies throughout Canada. Karin was brought back to her ballet roots in Chiang Mai, Thailand where she taught RAD ballet and led company rehearsals and classes for the Chiang Mai Ballet Company. In 2008 Karin became a registered RAD ballet teacher and in 2012 a 200hr certified yoga teacher.

Karin is so excited about this new island adventure and to be sharing her love of dance with a different Kirkwood Academy family.

Ballet, Contemporary, Modern

Lindsey Larre grew up in Sooke, BC, and received her early training in ballet and modern dance under Kristine Letson at The Academy of Ballet in Victoria. A graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre’s Professional Training Program, she has had the great privilege of learning from master teachers and choreographers such as Patricia Miner, Patricia Fraser, Sasha Ivanochko, Darryl Tracy, Peggy Baker, and Helen Jones, and of performing classic repertory by Christopher House, Murray Darroch, and Danny Grossman, among others. After graduating from STDT, Lindsey continued to work and study in Toronto, where she was a founding member of the Crazyfish Collective, and performed in original works by choreographers such as Sylvain Émard, Sasha Ivanochko, David Kraft, and Michael Caldwell. Her own choreography (created under the moniker Mercenary Dance Theatre) has been presented in Toronto, Victoria, and Durham, NC, and was praised as “rich and deep. . .movement that speaks volumes through its images” (Paula Citron, The Globe and Mail) and “extraordinarily choreographed . . . particularly virtuosic pieces of sustained, intricate, emotionally charged choreography” (Eye Weekly). Lindsey holds a PhD in English Literature from Duke University, and has many years’ experience teaching ballet and modern dance to students of all ages. She is grateful to once again be able to call Vancouver Island home, and honoured to be welcomed as part of the Kirkwood family.

Ballet, Pointe, RAD, Conditioning

Gabriela was born in Romania. She has started dancing at 3 years of age at a local ballet center. When she was 9, she was selected to participate in the admission exam for National Ballet School by a commission of teachers, from the school, who used to travel around the country in search for new talent.

After passing the admission exam, Gabriela has started the 9 years full time professional training program at the National Ballet School with practice and performances at National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Bucharest. Among the performances she danced in were Swan Lake, Gissele, Coppélia, Paquita and Cindarella.

Throughout her over ten years of professional dancing experience Gabriela performed at the National Operetta Theatre, Music Hall Theatre as well as weekly television variety programs in Bucharest, Romania and dancing contracts overseas working with international choreographers such as Joe Dousset (Las Vegas), Carlo Spettu (South Africa) or Frank Pauloucen (France).

Gabriela gained her RAD Certification in Australia where she has immigrated in 2000. Her teaching career led her to teach in Australia, Europe (Italy, UK and Ireland) and Canada with great success. Gabriela has also won many choreography awards, in dance competitions, both for groups and solo pieces as well. Gabriela is delighted to share her professional knowledge and pass it on to younger generations.

Tap

Tosh Sutherland is a dancer, performer, and educator based out of British Columbia, Canada. He began his training with Bonnie-Jean Anderson in a local studio in the Lower Mainland and his passion for the dance only grew. He has trained with various instructors from all over North America, most notably attending the prestigious School at Jacob’s Pillow under the direction of Dianne Walker. At 16, Tosh was awarded the bronze medal for male soloists at the World Tap Dance Championships in Riesa, Germany.

Immediately following graduation, Tosh moved to Toronto and within the year, he was performing in the all-tap dance production ‘i Think i Can’ with the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People (now known as Young People’s Theatre). Since then, he has had the privilege of taking his career all over the world. After several contracts at sea as a principal dancer with Princess Cruises, he landed back in British Columbia to begin making waves of his own.

Tosh has worked with many companies in Vancouver and in a variety of art forms. From a lead in a Tap Dance and Flamenco adaptation production of ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Grease’ with Karen Flamenco to the likeable ruffian Tommy in Gateway Theatre’s musical ‘The Music Man’. He also developed and directed a program in Vancouver aimed at helping students transition from their dance studio career to a career as a professional tap dancer and artist focusing on both the art form as well as the administrative side of a life in the Arts.

When not teaching or performing, you can find Tosh in the wildness of British Columbia; most likely with a fishing rod in hand.

Jazz, Modern

Allison began dancing at Kirkwood Academy at age five and quickly joined the KAPP program, training in Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, and more. She has trained with Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet under Chantelle Ristine, earning the Outstanding Apprenticeship Award in 2022, and is a Senior member of Prism Dance Connections’ Performance Team under Katie Deelman and Samantha Mason.

Allison has attended summer programs including Joffrey Las Vegas (2023), Harbour Dance (2025), and was accepted into Alberta Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, CLI Conservatory, and Joffrey in 2024. She’s performed with Kirkwood Youth Dance Company at Disneyland and Disney World and was honoured to represent the province in Modern at the Performing Arts BC Provincials in 2019 and 2020.

Allison is passionate about teaching and is proud to join the Junior Faculty at Kirkwood Academy for the 2025–2026 season.

Jazz, Modern

India has been a dancer at Kirkwood since the age of three, and her love for the arts has only deepened during her time there. She has trained in various styles, including pointe, ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, and musical theatre. India was a part of Kirkwood Academy’s Pre-Professional program (KAPP) from 2018 to 2023. She has had the honour of participating in multiple productions with Kirkwood, including Coppelia, as well as multiple productions of the Nutcracker, and was honoured to play Clara in the 2022 Nutcracker production. Additionally, she has successfully completed a multitude of RAD exams with Kirkwood Academy.

India has gained valuable experience at Summer Intensives, including the Victoria Academy of Ballet and Ballet Bloch in 2022.

Alongside her training at Kirkwood, India has studied with Chantelle Ristine at Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet from 2019 to 2023 and with Samantha Mason and Katie Deelman at Prism Dance Connections from 2017 to 2025. She also trained at Nanaimo Gymnastics School with coaches Louise Demeres and Tracy Welbourn, which has further enriched her movement and performance skills.

In 2024, India got her Gym BC certificates in Fundamentals and Basics and in Fundamentals of Artistic Gymnastics.

India truly loves everything about Kirkwood Academy, from dancing to working with younger dancers and looks forward to continuing her artistic journey as a faculty member!

Theatre

Taylor Manns is a seasoned performer, educator, and creative producer with over 17 years of teaching experience. A graduate of AMDA, Taylor has spent more than a decade performing across stages and screens from the NYC Fringe Festival to feature films and commercials. She fronts the band The Paper Dolls and releases solo music under the name Tiki Way.

In addition to performing, Taylor produces film through Verra Creative and leads workshops and coaching sessions at their downtown studio, helping others find their voice and presence. She is thrilled to be back at Kirkwood, bringing her passion for performance and mentorship full circle.