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.

RAD Ballet

Terry is a long-time member of the Royal Academy of Dance, completing her teacher training in 1981 and graduating as a Licentiate. She has taught ballet extensively over the past 40 years, combining a positive and encouraging manner with her considerable expertise.

In 2006 she became an Examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance and examines ballet students in Canada and internationally.

Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Acro

Jessica began dancing at Kirkwood Academy at the age of five, where she developed a strong foundation and passion for ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, and tap. In 2020, she became the first graduate of KAPP, Kirkwood Academy’s pre-professional training program. Jessica is grateful for the guidance and inspiration she has received throughout her training, particularly from Sarah Devito (Helix Dance Theatre), Chantelle Ristine (Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet), and Samantha Mason and Katie Deelman of Prism Dance Connections, who helped shape her love of dance and artistry.

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, Pre-pointe

Formerly the School Director of The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company, Colorado, USA working with the company’s Artistic Directors Jean-Philippe Malaty and Tom Mossbrucker; previous School Director for Telluride Dance Academy–Telluride Society of the Performing Arts; founder Valerie Madonia (The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, one of their summer residencies); formerly Artistic Director for the Yuma Ballet Theatre & Performing Arts, Arizona; and Founder and Artistic Director and Master instructor of Debbie Lee Dance Company where it was home for classical & neo-classical ballet dance training and company resided since 2006 at the beautiful state of the art facilities of downtown Vancouver, BC Canada known as The Dance Centre at the Scotia Bank Dance Centre.

She received her foundation training in British Columbia under Soonee Lee of Vancouver Academy of Music and Lynnette Kelly, Lin Yee Goh, Cho Chiat Goh and Che Chun of Vancouver Goh Ballet. Under their leadership there has been multiple international guest artists and mentors that have inspired and influenced Debbie Lee’s training as a dancer and instructor. Upon her extensive training and studies in the Vaganova, French and Italian pedagogy techniques and receiving her Royal Academy of Dancing Teaching Certificate in her early 20’s she continued her pursuit in dance training and her professional experience under numerous independent professional artists and masters across Canada and United States which has helped shape her accomplishments of today.

Debbie Lee has also served on Vancouver Dance Centre Society – The Dance Centre at The Scotia Bank Dance Centre board as one of their directors over the past years. She has also sat on the board for Move the Company, under the artistic direction of Joshua Beamish. Debbie Lee was also the founder and artistic director of Richmond Hill Academy of Dance, Uxbridge Academy of Dance, DDDance Productions of Toronto, Ontario and the dance organization BC Coastal Arts in Motion, BC Canada.

To add, Debbie Lee also had the opportunity and privilege of working in other cultural dance disciplines styles and techniques with internationally acclaimed artist, dancer and producers such as Oscar Nieto and Kasandra Lea, Andrea Williams from Al Mozaico Flamenco Dance Company.

Debbie Lee has been very devoted and passionate about higher dance education and mentorship.
As an artist, she has created and choreographed many original works and set a variety of classical ballets and excerpts over the course of her career.
Many regional and international students that have trained with Debbie Lee have now successfully been accepted and working with with National Ballet of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Toronto Dance Theatre, Alonzo King Lines Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet, Gothenburg Ballet, Alvin Ailey Dance School, North Carolina School of the Arts, Interlochen Arts, Boston Ballet School, Washington School of Ballet, Utah Ballet, Australia Ballet School, Royal Ballet School of London, Aspen SantaFe Ballet Company, Bolshoi Ballet Academy, New Jersey Ballet Company and Victoria Ballet along with successes at various competitive events such as Youth America Grand Prix just to name a few.

Debbie Lee is now officially retired and resides on beautiful Gabriola Island, BC. After decades immersing herself in the performing dance arts and education she still continues to travel internationally where she makes artistic appearances as a guest artist, coach, mentor and educator for both students, aspiring teachers and professionals across the globe bring new and progressive dance education.

She has a very unique approach to her teachings with all ages and stages of a dancers training with helping each individual refine a strong technical foundation while maintaining the artistry. Debbie Lee guides, inspires and illuminates each individual’s creativity in a progressive, focused and safe environment for dancers of today with much enthusiasm and fresh energy.

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.

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!

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 at 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 in 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.

In 2019 Heather graduated with her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from UBC and currently works full-time as an OT. She enjoys applying her extensive knowledge of physical function to the world of dance. 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, 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.

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.

Ballet, Acro, 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!

Ballet, Pointe, RAD, Tap, Theatre

Raised in the Skeena Valley of northern British Columbia, Madison began dancing at the age of four and quickly developed a passion for both performing and teaching. Her dedication to the arts earned her the Pacific Northwest Music Festival’s Cote Award for excellence across multiple performing arts disciplines, and she has represented the Northwest at the Performing Arts BC Provincial Festival as both a Merited Participant and a Ballet delegate.

Madison holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology from the University of Victoria, bringing a unique understanding of anatomy, movement, and child development into her teaching.

Madison is currently completing the Royal Academy of Dance’s Certificate in Dance Teaching program and will earn Registered Teacher Status upon completion. Her dedication to lifelong learning and excellence in dance education will be a tremendous asset to the Kirkwood faculty team.

Madison is especially excited to join our RAD and Early Beginnings faculty, helping students build strong technical foundations, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of dance.

Ballet, Jazz

Taylor began dancing at Kirkwood Academy at the age of four, and in 2017, Taylor joined the Pre-Professional Program (KAPP), which she trained in for 7 years. Her training included many dance genres, such as Ballet, Pointe, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Throughout her years at Kirkwood, she participated in numerous performances and opportunities that helped shape her growth as both a dancer and a performer.

Taylor has also trained with Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet under Chantelle Ristine and was a Senior member of Prism Dance Connections’ Performance Team under Katie Deelman and Samantha Mason. Taylor also had the opportunity to perform with the Kirkwood Youth Dance Company at Disneyland, a great experience and a highlight of her dance journey.

One of Taylor’s most memorable experiences was performing in many of Kirkwood’s productions of The Nutcracker, creating lifelong memories alongside her dance family. She is grateful for the friendships, mentorship, and opportunities dance has brought into her life and looks forward to continuing her dance journey beyond graduation. As she takes the next steps in her career, Taylor is especially excited to share her passion for dance with others and can’t wait to inspire and teach aspiring young dancers in our preschool programs. In the fall, she will attend Vancouver Island University and begin her Degree in Education to pursue her goal of becoming a kindergarten teacher.

Ballet

My name is Claire Go. I grew up in Coquitlam, BC and attended Caulfield School of Dance since the age of 3. I started out with Ballet and Tap and slowly started to expand my dancing into new styles by the time I was in middle school. In addition to dance I also have a background in Gymnastics and Cheerleading attending G-Force Gym until middle school. I attended the University of Toronto graduating in 2026 with Honours Bachelor of Arts. I was a Rise Dance Company member for three years, as well as a Varsity Pom member for a year while I was in Toronto. I currently teach Hip Hop and K pop at Douglas College Summer camps and occasionally teach at the studio I grew up in.

I am so excited to join Kirkwood Dance Academy and continue to grow as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer.

Junior Faculty

Gabby began dancing at Kirkwood Academy at just three years old and has grown up as part of the Kirkwood dance community. Over the years, she has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Tap, Acro, and Modern Stage. Now entering Grade 11, Gabby is excited to take the next step in her dance journey by joining the Kirkwood faculty and sharing her love of dance with younger students.

Gabby has been a part of KAPP since 2019 and is entering her fourth year as a member of Prism Dance Connections as part of the Performance Team, under the direction of Katie Deelman and Samantha Mason.

Throughout her years of competitive dance, she has participated in numerous competitions and festivals and has had the honour of qualifying for the BC Performing Arts Provincial Festival four times. She has loved participating in productions of The Nutcracker with both Kirkwood Academy and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Teaching has become an increasingly important part of Gabby’s dance journey. She has spent several years volunteering in Kirkwood classes, where she discovered how much she enjoys working with and mentoring younger dancers. Last season, she had the opportunity to begin choreographing for her own students and experience the excitement of seeing her pieces performed on stage. She is also currently working toward completing her Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher Certification.

Having spent nearly her entire life dancing at Kirkwood, Gabby is excited to step into a faculty role at a studio that has played such an important part in her life. She especially loves helping young dancers grow in their skills and confidence and hopes to continue pursuing dance instruction throughout high school and potentially into her post-secondary years.

Gabby is grateful for the teachers, mentors, teammates, and opportunities that have shaped her as a dancer and is excited to now have the opportunity to give back to the next generation of Kirkwood dancers.