About the Faculty

Lesley has been dancing and performing since a young age, and has been teaching for over eighteen years. She received her training from Gini Foley, and various studios throughout Victoria, including Stages and Victoria Arts Collaborative. Her performing experience includes being Dance Captain at Buchart Gardens, performing in the opening and closing ceremonies at the Commonwealth Games, and the opening ceremonies at the B.C. Summer Games. She keeps up with the latest styles in Jazz and Hip Hop by taking classes in Vancouver, and attending local and out of town Dance Conventions. Lesley's award winning choreography has performed at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival's Honours Performance - a performing arts concert where only one Festival dance was chosen to perform. Lesley has been developing the Jazz Program at Allegro since 1990, and also enjoys teaching her high-energy Hip-Hop and Jazz Funk classes! Lesley became co-owner of Allegro Performing Arts Centre in 2001.

Nadine started her extensive dance training with The Parksville Ballet School under the direction of Linda Klassen. She is proud to have had the opportunity to train and take workshops with masters such as Bev Aitchison, Joe Laughlin, ‘Lady’ Dianne Walker, Jason Samuels, Lane Alexander, Brenda Bufalino, and tap legend Jimmy Slyde. In 2000, Nadine performed with the “Tap Dogs” in Dancers for Life. Her career in dance has also taken her to Europe where she trained at the ISTD Headquarters in London and at the Amsterdam Dance Centre in Holland. Since living in Victoria, Nadine has passed her Advanced Tap and Modern exams with Honours standing, and has received her teaching qualifications (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) in Tap and Modern. In 2007, Nadine received her Associate Diploma teaching status with the ISTD. Nadine’s students and choreography have won numerous awards including the Rose Bowl for Jazz and Tap (Dance Arts Festival) as well as winner and runner up placing at the Provincial level. Nadine has been developing the Tap program at Allegro since 1997, and she also loves teaching her intensive Jazz Technique classes. Nadine became co-owner of Allegro Performing Arts Centre in 2001.

Jennifer started her dance training at the age of three with Dance Experience, in Edmonton, Alberta. She trained in R.A.D and Cecchetti Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz. For many years, she performed in The Nutcracker, with the Alberta Ballet School. She has also performed in the opening piece at the AMPIA Awards; and in 1995, she was recognized by Canada Council as a Canadian Artist, for her performance and choreography in Dance Explosions. Jennifer attended Grant MacEwan College, where she did an intensive Professional Teacher Training Program, focusing on Ballet, Modern, Anatomy and Physiology. Since living in Victoria, she has passed her Advanced Modern exam, as well as her Associate Modern exam (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.) Jennifer's innovative choreography has won such awards as the Rose Bowl trophy for Modern - awarded to the strongest Modern piece at the Danceworks Festival! Jennifer has been developing the Modern, Lyrical, and Pre-School program at Allegro since 1997, and also enjoys teaching classes in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Jazz Technique. Jennifer became co-owner of Allegro Performing Arts Centre in 2001.

Katherine received her ballet training in Montreal, Canada and London, England. While still a student, she performed with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens and the Boston Ballet Ensemble. Her career as a professional dancer took her to Germany, where she danced with the Berlin Ballet, the Hamburg Ballet, and as a soloist with the Komische Opera Ballet. Over the years she has danced an extensive solo repertoire, and has performed throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, Russia and Japan. After a performing career of 14 years, Katherine became head of teaching staff for the Dance Academy of Berlin. Since her transition into teaching she has taught Classical Ballet internationally at all levels, ranging from young children to professionals. Katherine has been developing the Ballet Program at Allegro since 1997.

David has taught Classical Ballet internationally for more than 14 years, both in Europe and North America. Formerly a soloist with the Berlin Ballet and Principal of Oakland Ballet Company, David has danced leading roles in all the major classics. His choreographic experience spans a range of musicals, operas, dance theatre and original ballets. In addition to his training at San Francisco Ballet School, Pacific Ballet Academy and Cal Arts, David has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland. David has taught for and choreographed for Allegro since 1997.

Naomi received her dance training from various schools in the Victoria area. Her training includes many years of Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Tap and Ballet. In addition to being an accomplished dancer, Naomi is a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor. She also has her brown belt in Karate. Naomi has taught dance for Colquitz Junior Secondary School, Glanford Middle School, Excalibre Centre for the Performing Arts, Commonwealth Pool and Crystal Pool. Naomi started teaching at Allegro Performing Arts Centre in 2004, and her students love her enthusiastic approach and her energetic Jazz and Hip-Hop classes!

Desiree began her dance training at age 3. Her dance background includes Hip Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap and Musical Theatre. At a 2005 audition, Desiree was chosen by “Rising Moment” to represent Canada for Hip-Hop dance. Desiree has trained in L.A with top Hip-Hop choreographers Shane Sparks, Super Dave, Dante, Gus and Fusion. Desiree’s performing experience includes dancing as a Lost Boy in Ballet Victoria’s Peter Pan, and playing Jasmine in Alladin. Desiree is a Company member of The Peninsula Young Performers and as a soloist she has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships from competitions and conventions. Desiree shows a special interest in teaching and choreography, and has spent numerous volunteer hours as an assistant teacher at Allegro Performing Arts Centre.

Anne started dancing at age five on Vancouver Island where she trained in RAD, Cecchetti, Jazz and Contemporary dance. At age eleven she went to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, returned home to train with Amalia Shelhorn and then finished her training at L'école Supérieure de Danse du Québec receiving a Diploma in Classical Ballet. While she was in the youth company, Le Jeune Ballet du Québec, Anne worked with international choreographers and toured Mexico, Costa Rica, France, and Canada. Her professional dance experience includes performing The Nutcracker with Les Grands Ballet Canadiens de Montréal, Giselle and The Mousehole Cat with The Duchy Ballet, Peter Pan, Pas de Quatre, Medea Metamorphoses and The Court of Miracles with Ballet Victoria, and La Flute Magique with Canadian Pacific Ballet. In 2006 Anne completed her Certificate in Dance Education with Distinction from the University of Surrey in conjunction with the Royal Academy of Dance in England and received RAD Registered Teachers Status.

Elli’s dance training began at the age of 3 in Saskatchewan. Her background includes Ballet, Hip-Hop and Jazz. Elli was a Company member with the Peninsula Young Performers and has spent many years competing in local dance festivals. Elli spent 4 years performing and choreographing for Parkland’s Dance Company, "Showtime" until she graduated high school in 2003. In 2004, Elli danced and performed with the UVIC dance company. Elli continues to pursue her dance training with top dancers in the industry by attending dance conventions in Vancouver.

Gina started her dance training at the age of six at a stage school in Sussex, England and performed in her first London, West End show at the tender age of 7 as the youngest member of the Snow Family in the musical 'Carousel' . At 15 Gina received a two-year full scholarship to attend Arts Educational, a prestigious performing arts college in London, England and there she continued her studies and exam program in Ballet (RAD, ISTD, Russian and Pas de Deux), Modern, National, Tap, Jazz, Creative Dance, Ballroom, 18th century court dances, Voice, Drama, Mime, Fencing and Acting. After many years of dancing, performing and guest teaching in the U.K, Canada, USA and Mexico, Gina moved to Victoria and opened Sinclair Academy of Performing Arts which she successfully ran for 23 years. Gina has won many awards for her outstanding choreography, and was recognized by the YWCA Woman of Distinction for her pioneer work in dance for young people with Down syndrome, Autism and Brain Damage. She also received an award from the media for her volunteer work as President of the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival. 2008 will be Gina's 18th season as Victoria Nutcracker Ballet Mistress, working with Ballet Companies that include Alberta Ballet, Ballet BC, Sacramento Ballet, David Taylor Company, Eugene Ballet and Ballet West. Gina also taught Swan Lake for The Moscow Ballet. Gina's passion for dance and guidance for the dancer continues as she teaches, adjudicates and choreographs both in Canada and the U.S.

Alicia is thrilled to begin her teaching career at such a wonderful studio. She has been dancing for almost 16 years at Allegro, training in Jazz, Ballet, Hip-hop, Lyrical and Tap, as well as participating in many festivals and competitions. She also has experience choreographing for and assisting many dance instructors, directors and theatre practitioners. She has taken singing lessons and been singing in various choirs for 10 years, as well as singing for the rock band "Next of Kin" for 6 years. She has recently graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Applied Theatre. Some of her favourite credits include "Guys and Dolls" and "The Music Man" at Stelly's Secondary School, "The Taming of the Shrew" at Uvic's Phoenix Theatre and assistant directing "42nd Street" with the Victoria Youth Musical Theatre Company.

Shilo began dancing at the age of two and a half at the Parksville Ballet School. Four years later, she became a performing arts student training in Tap, Ballet, Modern, Jazz, National, Musical Theatre and Lyrical. She completed exams in ISTD tap and Cecchetti Ballet with very high standings. In addition to her winter training, Shilo attended summer school at Arts Umbrella (Vancouver) and Kirkwood Academy (Nanaimo). She also competed in the North Island and Upper Island dance festivals. In 1999, Shilo attended the North American Tap Championships in Boston, Mass., where she won gold with her solo and group. In 2000 she became a member of the Canadian Tap Team, rehearsing in Toronto and competing at the World Tap Championships in Reisa, Germany, where her team won Silver. Shilo has performed in theatre productions including Grease, Oklahoma, The Wizard of Oz, the Nutcracker as well as performing at Disneyland with the Ballenas High School Choir and Concert band. Her credits in Tap productions include Duellin' Feet and Totally Tap under the direction of Donna Wilkins, and Dancers for Life with the Tap Dogs. Shilo has recently added ballroom to her repertoire. Shilo is excited to share her love of dance with her students.

Selina’s ballet training began in Victoria at age ten, under the tutelage of Maureen Eastick and Susan Toumine. She was a scholar for five summers at The Banff Centre in the Dance Training and Festival Dance programs. She has worked with nationally and internationally renowned faculty such as Brian Macdonald, David LaHay, Annette av Paul, Diane von Schoor and Victoria Simon. Selina continued to broaden her technical and artistic skills by training and studying ballet methodology at the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, where she also participated in workshops during the 20^th International Ballet Festival of Havana.

Dancing for 18 years, and teaching in Victoria for 6, Sandy’s natural artistry is evident in her work. She is a dynamic, articulate performer, teacher and choreographer. In 2007, Sandy was the recipient of the prestigious Teacher’s Silver Tray Award at the DanceArts Festival. Her love for jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, ballet tap and musical theatre have lead her to further her training at Harbour Dance in Vancouver. Sandy’s enthusiasm for dance and love of children shines in every class she instructs.

Caitlin has danced at Allegro since the age of four. She has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Jazz Tech, Lyrical, and Hip Hop, and currently dances four days a week at Allegro. Caitlin began taking exams at a young age, and she received Honours in her Advanced 1 Tap and Modern Exams. Caitlin has been a long-time member of the Peninsula Young Performers company, and she and her group have been met with great success. In 2001, Caitlin and her Jazz group participated in the Triple Threat Dance Convention, and they performed for Janet Jackson there. Caitlin's senior company class was selected to compete in the "No Borders" dance competition in Vancouver in 2005. Since 2003, Caitlin has competed as a soloist, and has received multiple awards and scholarships over the years. In 2004, Caitlin was chosen to represent Victoria for her age group at the Provincials Competition, and was also the recipient of the Achievement Award for Stage in 2006. In addition to teaching classes, Caitlin works in the office at Allegro and is studying general science at UVic.

Erin began her dance training at age 4. Her repertoire consists of Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, and Hip-hop. Erin has been a member of The Peninsula Young Performers youth dance company for several years, and as a soloist she has been the recipient of many awards and scholarships from various competitions, including most promising Jazz dancer in 2006 (DanceArts Festival). Erin has broadened her dance education by attending Groove Street and Triple Threat dance conventions, Harbour Dance Center Summer programs, and The Vancouver International Tap Festival. In 2005, Erin and her senior company class were selected from the Upper Island Festival to attend the “No Borders” provincial competition in Vancouver. Her most recent accomplishment includes completing her Advanced Tap and Advanced Modern dance exams with honours. Erin has spent numerous volunteer hours as an assistant teacher at Allegro Performing Arts Centre.