Tri-City Dance Centre

Shannon spent her early years of training in the Vancouver area, studying Royal Academy of Dance Ballet (Primary through Advanced) Jazz, Musical Theatre and Voice. She went on to study with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, York University Dance Department in Toronto, and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York.

Shannon also has experience in the Vagonava and Cecchetti styles of Ballet, Martha Graham Modern, Benesh Notation, and Educational Psychology. Shannon holds the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate, in which she received a mark of Distinction, and the Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Diploma specializing in Anatomy and Dance History. Shannon continues her studies alongside some of the best Ballet Teachers in the World each summer in New York City, including Finis Jhung, David Howard and Jo Rowan.Shannon is also a Ballet member of the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association.

She has been teaching locally for the past 26 years and currently mentors and supervises in the RAD's Certificate of Ballet Teaching Studies. As a teacher, her students have been accepted to and studied at some of the best schools in the world, including:  Alberta Ballet * American Ballet Theatre (ABT) *Ballet Austin *Ballet B.C. * Ballet Magnificat *Boston Ballet * Broadway Theatre Project * The Banff Centre for the Arts * Les Grands Ballets Canadians * Hartford Ballet * Illinois Ballet * Joffrey Ballet * Louisville Ballet * Miami City Ballet * The National Ballet of Canada * North Carolina Dance Theatre * Oregon Ballet Theatre * Orlando Ballet Theatre * Pacific Northwest Ballet School * Princess Cruise Lines * Royal City Musical Theatre * Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines * The Royal Winnipeg Ballet * Tokyo Disney * Washington Ballet * Theatre Under the Stars * Toronto Dance Theatre * Okanagan Summer Dance Intensive

Ryan began dancing at a young age, training extensively in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and musical theatre. She completed examinations to an advanced level in both the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Canadian Dance Teachers' Association (CDTA) syllabi. Professionally, Ryan was a member of the Vancouver Grizzlies Dance Team and appeared as a dancer in numerous commercials and industrial productions throughout Vancouver, the United States, and Japan. She was also a member of Fusion Dance Company, performing in productions including Unplugged and Opening Doors.

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With over 25 years of teaching experience, Ryan is an Advanced Associate Member of the Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT). Her students have gone on to pursue university and professional dance programs locally and internationally, with many continuing on to have successful careers performing for Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as with theatre and dance companies throughout North America and Europe.

Ryan is dedicated to inspiring students through professional instruction, technical excellence, and artistic expression while fostering a positive and engaging environment where dancers of all ages and skill levels can develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.

From a very young age, Liz knew she needed dance to be a part of her life. Her career has allowed her to experience a wide scope of what the industry has to offer. She started performing with Princess Cruises, travelled to Tokyo, Japan, where she was part of the featured pas de deux couple in “Encore!” at Tokyo DisneySea, and also to Egypt and Israel, performing in a show tour for the Canadian military.

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Liz was able to exercise all of her skills in dancing, acting and singing when the love of the stage drew her to the world of musical theatre. Throughout her career, she got to play a wide variety of characters. In Theatre Calgary’s production of “Anne of Green Gables”, The Arts Club production of “Spamalot”, and a dream-come-true performance in the North American Premiere / Toronto Mirvish production of “Dirty Dancing” she performed as ensemble and 1st “Baby” understudy. 

Liz can be seen on various episodes of the CW Network’s “Hellcats” as a featured dancer, and as Ashley Tisdale’s dance double. As Maggie Lawson’s dance double in the musical episode of “Psych”, a featured dancer in ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”, Nickelodeon’s “Jinxed”, “The Layover”, NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and Paramount’s “Rise Of The Pink Ladies”.

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Transitioning to the world of choreography, Liz began by assisting choreographers on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. She was also part of the creative team for ‘Reefer Madness”. Liz’s choreography can be seen on Super Channel’s “When Calls the Heart” and ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”, she was the personal dance coach for award-winning actor Domhnall Gleeson for the feature film Crash Pad and most recently directed the opening and closing numbers for Air Canada Vacations national corporate tour.

Liz loves to share her passion for what she does with pre-professional and professional dancers across North America via master classes, adjudicating, and choreography.

Vancouver-trained dancer and teacher Kelly Douglas has studied at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, The Banff School of Fine Arts and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens with teachers such as Laura Alonso, David Earl, Lynn Seymour and David Wall. Kelly danced professionally with Alberta Ballet Company and had soloist roles in The Nutcracker, Firebird, Serenade, Facade, Allegro Brilliante, Coppelia and Cinderella, amongst other works.

Ms. Douglas has choreographed and performed in independent dance projects such as Vancouver’s 12 Minute Max and Dancing on the Edge, as well as the Sunshine Coast’s Annual Celebration of Dance. Ms. Douglas has been a guest teacher for many studios both internationally and locally.

In 2013, Kelly auditioned for and was appointed to the board of the International Panel of Examiners for the Royal Academy of Dance, making her one of 24 Examiners in Canada. She has also had roles as a Mentor and Practical Teaching Supervisor for the Royal Academy, helping young teachers achieve their teaching certification as well as coaching Pre-Exam Classes nationwide for RAD.

Ms. Douglas has trained numerous students to an international level and has received top school awards in international ballet competitions such as YAGP and many numerous choreography awards. Kelly is dedicated to attention to detail and refining fundamental technique, musicality and artistry in her students.

To date, Kelly has 35 years of ballet teaching experience and holds the teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance and the Associate Diploma from the Imperial Society of Dance. Miss Douglas also is PBT and Pilates Mat certified, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with the students of Tri City Dance Centre!

Julia Bose is a passionate dancer and teacher, born and raised in Victoria, BC. She began her life of dance at the age of 3, and instantly fell in love. Throughout her childhood she explored many different genres such as Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. However, Hip Hop quickly stole the show, and has since taken her to new heights both locally and internationally. In 2015, Julia was invited onto Team Canada for Hip Hop, and later travelled to Rimini, Italy to compete in the IDO World Championships. She performed as a solo dancer, in a smaller select group, and took home and impressive 4th Place with the full adult team. This was her first brush with international competitions, and it was only the beginning. In 2016, while training under Roberta Bierman, Julia and her crew, GTX, flew to Las Vegas to compete in the Semi-Finals for the world renowned competition, Hip Hop International. She has since performed and competed at many well known events such as Urban Alchemy, Artists Emerge, Vibe, and eventually BodyRock 2017 where she won 1st Place with TwoFourSeven Co., under the direction of Carlo Atienza, Roberta Bierman, and Jon Bongato. Most recently, Julia travelled to Los Angeles with TwoFourSeven Co. as the only invited international team, at the prestigious VIBE Dance Competition 2018 where they won 3rd Place.

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Julia also has an intense love for teaching. She began her career choreographing for her middle and high school dance programs, local studios, and solo projects. This is where she developed her high energy, positive, and nurturing teaching style. She has since directed several competitive crews, whom have had the pleasure of competing in competitions such as Artist Emerge in Edmonton, Alberta. Today Julia teaches a variety of street styles, in a range of skill levels and age groups.

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Julia continues to expand her Hip Hop repertoire by training under many highly respected choreographers, with TwoFourSeven Co., as well as with an up and coming, all female Hip Hop crew, Ruffnecks, directed by Roberta Bierman.

Based in Vancouver, BC, Nicol has over 20 years of dance education and theatre performance training and over 15 years of teaching experience both in Canada and Japan.

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Nicol is excited to be heading into her fifth year with TCDC to share her love and passion for theatre and dance with her students.

Nicol has had the opportunity to perform in many productions in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas. An avid performer, she has appeared in Cat in the Hat (Carousel Theatre for Young People),  Hairspray, Annie Get Your Gun, Annie (TUTS), Joseph, A Chorus Line, West Side Story, 42nd Street, Peter Pan (RCMT) Joseph, Cabaret, Jesus Christ Superstar (URP), Night of the Living Dead (DRSP), Disney Dreams, Mickey’s Pirates and The Golden Mickeys (Disney Cruise Line), and the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. On screen, Nicol has worked with Disney Entertainment, CBS, NBC, 20th Century Fox and Alliance Atlantis. Nicol is also a choreographer and has won multiple awards for her work seen around Vancouver. Choreography credits include: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella and  Mary Poppins  (Theatre Under The Stars),  Enron (United Players) Legally Blonde, Annie and Shrek (Align Entertainment), 13: The Musical (Bring on Tomorrow Co.) and Sweeney Todd (The Snapshots Collective) of which the show was nominated for 8 Jessie Richardson Awards including Critics Choice for Innovation in Theatre,  9 to 5 (Capilano University), Mamma Mia (Chemainus Theatre Festival) Rock of Ages (Renegade Arts Co.), Company (Raincity Theatre), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Gateway Theatre) . Nicol has won two Ovation awards for Outstanding Choreography for work in Mary Poppins and Cinderella at Theatre Under the Stars. Nicol is also the co-artistic director at Raincity Theatre here in Vancouver. 

Joshua Fernandez, began dancing at age 16. Joshua has trained in many styles including: Ballet, Contemporary, Hiphop foundations, Popping, Waacking, Afro Fusion/Choreography, Dance Hall, Choreography and Freestyle. Joshua trained under Pacific Dance Arts, A3 District, Harbour Dance Centre, TwoFourSeven Dance Company and The Room and Board based in Los Angeles. He’s currently a part of the crew Infamous,which mainly focuses on individual training, choreography and competing.

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As a dancer, Joshua was able to do an apprenticeship with Coastal City Ballet, performing Irene Schneider’s Midsummer Night Dreams, Coppelia and toured Hansel and Gretel with the company nationally. After his years with ballet, he transitioned over to doing more street fundamental styles. He went on to train and compete with his crew of 7 years nationally and internationally, winning awards at events including; Monsters A- List Event Washington, Hit the Floor Toronto & Gatineau, World of Dance Orlando & Los Angeles Finals and Artist Emerge. They also took the 1st place win at Represent Dance Competition in Edmonton for two consecutive years, one of which featured a section of his own award winning choreography. 

Joshua has attended several dance and teaching conventions which has allowed for him to explore different styles of dance and teaching methods.

As a teacher, Joshua believes in providing a safe space for his students to feel confident, motivated and inspired. He loves to see his students reach breakthroughs and push themselves past their limits. Joshua wants to see his students succeed and be proud of their achievements along with the hard work and dedication they’ve put in their craft

Kate Gombar is a Vancouver-born, New York City trained dancer. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance from Marymount Manhattan College, where she was awarded the Gold Key for excellence in the modern concentration. Kate began dancing at age three at Tri-City Dance Centre, receiving advanced training in RAD ballet up to Advanced 2, jazz, musical theatre, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical.

At Marymount, Kate immersed herself in a diverse range of modern and contemporary techniques, including Graham, Horton, O'Donnell, Nikolais, Forsythe, Límon, Butoh/Ludus and Post-Modern dance forms. Her training reflects a deep understanding of both classical and contemporary movement vocabularies, making her a versatile and knowledgeable educator.

Kate's performance experience spans both the U.S. and Canada, including Mainstage works at Marymount under the direction of Karen Gayle, Nancy Lushington, Cameron McKinney and Jazelynn Goudy. Her choreographic collaborations include Gabrielle Lamb and many industry- renowned artists. Kate recently debuted her first choreographic work at Marymount Manhattans College' Fall Works In Progress, in collaboration with Carly Shraga.

She has trained with a wide range of industry professionals, including Sheila Barker, Anthony Morigerato, Adam Barruch, Nancy Lushington, Karen Gayle, Dual Rivet, Lone Larsen and Sekou McMiller. Kate brings a well-rounded, technically rooted approach to her teaching, with a strong emphasis on cultivating each dancer's unique artistic voice. Her classes blend artistry, discipline, and creative exploration, empowering young dancers to grow into confident, expressive movers with voices of their own.

Bec was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, where she trained in numerous dance styles at Tri-City Dance Centre. She attended summer intensives at Northwest Dance Project and The Joffrey Ballet School in addition to her early training. At age eighteen, Bec moved to New York City to train in the Certificate Program at Peridance Center under the direction of Igal Perry and Nikki Holck, where she graduated in 2020 with diverse knowledge in contemporary, ballet and modern styles. She has had the pleasure of working with and performing works by Igal Perry, johannes wieland, Nicholas Palmquist, Ido Tadmor, Stacey Tookey, Steven Blandino, Alex Anderson, Lesley Telford, Anya Saugstad, to name a few, as well as performing iconic works by Robert Battle and Martha Graham. During her time in New York, Bec has been an apprentice company member with Peridance Contemporary Dance Company and a company member with treadFAST dance co., Project TAG, and Sandsilk Dance Company. She began her dance teaching career in New York City, teaching at multiple New York and New Jersey studios, and has had the honor of educating and sharing her passion with young dancers in ballet, contemporary, and jazz styles for the past six years. Bec is currently a freelance dance artist based in Vancouver and is very excited to be joining the TCDC team.

Ramona Boariu is an accomplished ballet instructor, choreographer, and coach with over 20 years of teaching experience and a distinguished background in professional dance. She has successfully trained dancers at the junior, intermediate, and senior levels, preparing students for Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations, performances, and prestigious competitions.

Ramona is classically trained in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Vaganova, and ISTD methodologies. She began her ballet training in Vancouver at the age of nine under the guidance of respected teachers and choreographers, including Annette Jakubowski, Jian Rong Sheng, Suzanne Ouellette, Susannah Steers, Anabel Ho, and Wendy Green.

At the age of 14, Ramona was accepted into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Division, where she trained extensively under the direction of David Moroni. During her professional training, she studied with renowned instructors including Galina Yordanova, Jacqueline Weber, Arlene Minkhorst, Evelyn Hart, Jordan Morris, and Carol Roderick.

Ramona was invited to perform with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company in acclaimed productions including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and a variety of contemporary works. Her performance career provided her with extensive experience in both classical and contemporary repertoire, enriching the depth and versatility of her teaching.

She earned her Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate with Distinction and holds the designation of Associate of the Royal Academy (ARAD). Today, Ramona is recognized for her commitment to technical excellence, artistic development, and inspiring dancers to reach their full potential in a positive and disciplined learning environment.

Kylah Powell is a Vancouver-born resident who attended on scholarship and graduated with a BFA in dance (with a focus on Modern) from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She studied dance under Leni Wylliams, Mary Pat Henry and Paula Webber, and also spent a summer in New York as a student at the Alvin Ailey Dance Centre. 

 Kylah has been teaching for over 30 years, with her choreography winning numerous awards throughout the Lower Mainland. She has performed in various events, and her choreography has been showcased in numerous festivals, including the B.C. Festival of Arts, the Dance in Vancouver Festival, The Dance Centre's Open Stage program and The Seattle International Festival of Dance.  Kylah’s most memorable moment came in 2010, when she danced in the Vancouver Olympic Opening Ceremonies!

Kylah was a national-level competitive gymnast for many years, competing both locally and out of province and out of the country. This experience proved to be invaluable, as the teaching and choreographing of circus arts at Cirkids became another creative aspect of her life.

Over the years, Kylah has worked with artists/choreographers including Claire French, Sarah Coffin, Heather Laura Gray, Alina Sotskova and Jennifer Aoki, to name a few. 

In 2005, Kylah formed CollabArt Creations, a contemporary dance company whose goal is to showcase the artistic collaboration of dancers, performers, and artists of various mediums in the public domain. She has produced and choreographed several full-length shows throughout the Lower Mainland, all of which were well received by enthusiastic audiences! CollabArt Creations has collaborated with artists including choreographers, dancers, photographers, painters, and film directors/producers.

In recent years, Kylah has focused on the realm of film, due to Co-Vid. She has produced/ choreographed several short dance films, one of which received a grant from The Dance Centre. Her film ‘Just a Swipe’ has received numerous awards and screenings in various film festivals around the world, including Vancouver's Dancing On The Edge Festival! Kylah is currently working on her next film, titled The Hungry Glass.

Kylah continues to pursue film projects and live productions, including CollabArt's upcoming 20th season Gala show, 'Two Decades in Motion', set to hit the stage on Sept 19th! Her Seattle work will premiere here with local dancers.

Sarah Brewer Clowes is a master teacher with a career spanning the continent as well as a time

period of over 47 years. She is also a dancer, choreographer, adjudicator and personal movement

expert. Sarah is a podcaster and workshop creator/leader on the importance of Injury Prevention

through Health Maintenance and Anatomical Basics.

Sarah’s performing career began at the Munich Ballet in Germany over 40 years ago and included

dancing with the Northwest Florida Ballet, Banff Festival Ballet and the Vancouver Opera. Her

independent performing career encompassed most of her professional dance life and allowed her the

privilege of working with such luminaries as Crystal Pite, David Earle, Wen Wei Wang, Cori Caulfield,

Amber Funk Barton, Sylvain Senez and Gioconda Barbuto to name a few. She choreographs for both

amateur and professional dancers and loves the explorative process of creating with artists. Sarah

has also had the pleasure of adjudicating dance festivals all over Western Canada, including two

Provincial festivals in B.C. Sarah Brewer Clowes is a sought-after mentor in the world of dance,

having taught for countless studios and companies, most recently with dancers at Tri City Dance

Centre, K & S Dance Productions, Lamondance, The Source Dance Company, HDC ITP, Spiral

Dance Company, Caulfield School of Dance, The Happening Dance Studio, Deas Island Dance as

well as guest teaching and choreographing throughout B.C.

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As a teacher, Sarah’s passion lies in creating space and potential for each and every dancer to

discover their own path to movement clarity, both in physical health and in technical individuality. Her

methods involve an emphasis on anatomical knowledge, personal expression and love of self-

discovery. She is renowned for creating a “safe space” for dancers to discover their own artistic voice

and physical expression of technical movement.

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Sarah is highly respected for her extensive anatomical knowledge and creation of workshops that

assist in maintaining dancer’s physical and mental health. She is the director of Wisdom in Motion, or

W.I.M. workshops, which include an annual week-long summer intensive which just celebrated its

23rd year of bringing splendid young dancers together to learn in an individuality-focussed

environment. She is also the creator of “Sarah’s Space”, a podcast that addresses a plethora of

subjects from the arts world to social unrest and everything in between. Sarah’s inspirations are her

beautiful family, the hearts of those she works with and her deep, abiding love of sharing her

expertise in an approachable and empowering way. Sarah’s deepest motivation is to help everyone

that she works with find the best way they can dance forward

Erin started dance at age 5 and found her true passion in contortion and acrobatics at the age of 8. She has studied under the direction of Anne Lawton from Westcoast Contortion and Acrobatics and have trained with Otgo Waller, a world-renowned contortionist from Cirque du Soleil. Erin has also trained on aerial silks with Kristi Toguchi, a Las Vegas performer, as well as former Cirque Du Soleil performers; Ninon Parent and Peter Boulanger.

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When not busy self-training and or teaching, she spends the rest of her time performing!
Erin has completed all  South African Acrobatics exams with honours with distinction, CTDA exams with honours, and  Acrobatic Arts teacher certification.

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Erin is very versatile in all styles of dance, as she has been trained in jazz, contemporary, theatre, tap, ballet, lyrical, and hip-hop. She isam also a certified yoga and zumba instructor as well as a silks, trapeze, hoop, chains, and contortion coach! 

Currently based in Vancouver, Jennie is a Jessie Award winning performer and voice teacher, having appeared in theatres across the world. 

Jennie has a Masters Degree in Performance from The Royal Academy of Music in London, as well as her Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music and Diploma in Musical Theatre from Capilano University.

Some of her favourite performance credits include; Molly Jensen in Ghost the Musical(Chemainus Theatre), The Fox in The Little Prince(Abu Dhabi Arts Festival/Theatre Calgary), Amy in Company(Raincity) Natalie in Next to Normal, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Eponine in Les Miserables(Arts Club), Songs for a New World and The World Goes ‘Round (Another Musical). 

Jennie is thrilled to be back teaching Voice at Tricity Dance after joining the team in January.

Born in Vancouver, Peyton began dancing at the age of 4 when she started training locally at Tri-City Dance Centre, where she remained until her graduation. Her dedication led her to excel in various dance styles, including RAD Ballet up to Advanced 1, AIDT Tap to Gold Higher, as well as Jazz, Musical Theatre, Acro, Contemporary, and Lyrical dance forms. Throughout her dance career, she garnered a multitude of scholarships and awards from both local and international dance competitions and conventions.

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Under the direction of esteemed instructors such as Shannon Stewardson, Sarah Brewer Clowes, Suzanne Oulette, Liz Tookey, Nicol Spinola, and Ryan Berketa, Peyton honed her skills. Additionally, she had the privilege of working with and performing works by choreographers such as Stacey Tookey, Kate Harpootlian, Alex Blitstein, and Chantel Aguirre.

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Peyton holds a Bachelors of Education with minors in Child Psychology, Human Development, and Counselling, and currently attends Simon Fraser University where she furthers her studies in Education, Child Psychology, and Dance, as she continues to nurture her passion and expertise.

Abby began her dance journey at the age of 6. She grew up dancing competitively at Dance Xpressions in Cloverdale where she trained in Jazz, Hiphop, Lyrical, Tap, Musical Theatre, Acro, Contemporary and completed her RAD ballet up to Advanced 1. Over the years, she received many awards and scholarships recognizing her passion and dedication to dance.

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Abby took on leadership roles in her high school dance company where she received outstanding choreography and dancer awards. Abby has had the opportunity to train in Los Angeles at studios such as Millenium Dance Complex and The Edge. She has danced with Harbour Dance Centres Intensive Training Program (ITP) directed by Moe Brody. Here she trained for 10 months under a variety of professionals in the dance industry. She is currently part of Platform on Camera’s “The Collective” with Christian Lagasse and Breanna English looking to work in the T.V. and film industry here in the Vancouver area.

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Additionally Abby has been a part of several Dance video projects and live performances. She will continue to dance professionally while inspiring and instructing other dancers. She is looking forward to the upcoming season here at Tri-City!

SarahPo Ting Yeung - RAD Ballet

Ashley - Office Manager​

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All staff are experts in their field and undergo Criminal Record Checks.