Gemma Stefan, Owner and ARTISTIC director
BA jazz theatre studies, RAD ballet CERTIFIED, Acrobatic arts LEVEL 1, EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION CERTIFICATE
Gemma Stefan was born in Southampton UK and trained as a professional dancer in ballet, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre at London Studio Centre UK, graduating with a BA Honours. After graduating she pursued a performing career in a variety of production shows on board European and American cruise lines. In 2007, Gemma worked in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Buffalo, New York in a spectacular called Le Grande Cirque. She has also had extensive experience working as a backing dancer in music videos, a casino showgirl, and face model for printed commercials in Australia. Gemma returned to the UK in 2009 to teach award winning numbers in ballet, jazz, and contemporary for National Inter-University Dance Competitions along with becoming a certified ballet teacher for the Royal Academy of Dance. Since moving to British Columbia in 2013 Gemma has adjudicated and completed her certification for the Professional Curriculum for Acrobatic Arts and has recently gained her Early Childhood Care and Education Certificate. As the owner and director at Studio G Dance Academy Ltd, Gemma strives to train dancers to reach their full potential and continues to share her passion and love for dance.
Leigha wald
BA Dance, American ballet theatre certified, acrobatic arts
Leigha Wald was raised in the Yukon and studied dance at Grant MacEwan College and obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance at Simon Fraser University. Leigha is certified under American Ballet Theatre in ballet. Leigha is certified as an Acrobatic Arts instructor and is also licensed as a Pound Pro under the Pound program, a unique fitness class that combines aerobics and weighted drumsticks. Throughout her professional career, she has performed at various venues around the west coast and nationally. In 2006 Leigha received a Yukon Artist Award to commission a solo choreographed by Rob Kitsos that she performed at Simon Fraser University’s Noon Show Series and at Winterfest in Seattle, WA. Leigha has worked professionally with Rob Kitsos, Serge Bennathan, Deanna Peters, Brian Webb and Susan Elliott to name a few. Leigha has been teaching dance to all ages and skill levels for 25 years. Along with her professional experience, Leigha is a gifted teacher who believes that dance is a balance of exquisite technique, stunning performance quality and raw, emotive storytelling. Leigha’s students learn to express themselves through movement and are taught that a professional work ethic and genuine performance quality are skills that will prepare them both in dance and in life. Leigha works hard to inspire, challenge and motivate her students to be the best dancers and individuals they can be on and off the stage. Leigha is excited to provide the students at Studio G Dance Academy classes and choreography that will inspire, challenge and encourage them to push to their fullest potential and beyond.
Courtney hunchuK
BA, ProgressiNG Ballet Technique, CERTIFIED AROMATHERAPIST
Courtney has been a professional dance educator, performer and choreographer since 2001. She has been a guest dancer with: Science Friction Productions and Ballet Victoria and has been a guest instructor/choreographer for: Valley Dance Centre, North Island Regional Drama Festival, Rainbow Youth Theatre, Theatre Works Centre for Performing Arts, CR DanceXtreme, Qualicum Beach School of Dance, Danettes Dance Inc, Ilha Ballet Academy, Flying Fox Circus Arts, Eclat Youth Dance, Parksville Ballet School, City of Courtenay, and School District No.71 & 68. Courtney is a multifaceted educator using a wide variety of knowledge to inform her practice as an instructor. She has completed her BA at North Island College and Vancouver Island University; is educated at a Level 1 & 2 in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics with Gymnastics Canada; a graduate of the West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy; completed body conditioning and injury prevention course with the renowned Donna Krasnow (PhD) at Arts Umbrella Teachers Training; has completed a leadership and group facilitation training in Portland and Seattle with The Heart of Facilitation presented by The Power of Hope and Inside Out Development; and has completed her training as an instructor of Progressing Ballet Technique. She continues ongoing professional development in arts based facilitation techniques, biomechanics, behavioural studies, expressive play therapy and authentic movement while using a holistic and empathetic approach to dance choreography.
Brianna Dilks
DIPLOMA
Brianna has been a part of the dance community for the last 18 years. She is a well-rounded dancer, teacher and choreographer. Growing up, Brianna trained in all styles of dance: ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical and more. During her years a dancer, she passed her Advanced 1 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) exam as well as passed two CDTA tap exams. Brianna has attended numerous workshops and conventions throughout her dance career, continually learning from her experiences. She thoroughly enjoyed her experience as a dancer in the Disney film “Descendants 2.” Brianna has taught beginners to advanced level students of all ages and introduced many dancers to the world of competitive dance where her choreography has won several awards at competitions in British Columbia. in 2020, Brianna completed her Dental Hygiene Diploma from Vancouver College of Dental Hygiene and therefore, she also works in the dental industry along side teaching dance. Brianna encourages dancers to push to their fullest potential, while keeping the experience enlightening and enjoyable.
BRIANNE LE GRAND, Office Manager
BA EDUCATION, MASTERS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
Brianne grew up in the Comox Valley and trained in dance from the time she was three. After leaving dance to pursue a teaching degree, Brianne attended Vancouver Island University to complete her Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and Masters of Education in Special Education. Upon returning to the Comox Valley, Brianne and her husband have been raising their three children. As her children began to dance at her former studio, Brianne’s deep passion for dance was reignited. Teaching alongside her dance teacher for the past year, Brianne enjoys teaching pre-school and recreational dancers encouraging the youngest dancers in their journey into dance with the freedom, strength, feeling, artistry, and entertainment that tells a story through dance. Brianne also enjoys her role as the studio office manager where she can connect with all SGDA families.
ROBIN NORDLING
ACROBATIC ARTS CERTIFICATION LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2, CERTIFIED Raynor massage therapist
Robin has always had a keen interest in body mechanics and physical fitness. He trained in gymnastics and after high school Robin completed his certification for personal training and went on to study massage and trigger point techniques. Robin obtained his certification as a Raynor Massage Therapist in 2014. Robin obtained his his Level 1 Acrobatic Arts certification in 2017 and followed up with his Level 2 Acrobatic Arts aerial and handspring certification. Robin has inspired students of all ages and skill sets to excel and trust their journey providing foundational elements and encouraging them to push to new heights on and off the dance floor. Robin is very excited for the upcoming season with Studio G Dance Academy.
SARA KLIMES
RAD BALLET CERTIFIED, MA, RTS, PROGRESSING BALLET TECHNIQUE
Born in Nanaimo, Sara trained at Kirkwood Academy and Parksville Ballet School. Post-secondary led her to Calgary and Ottawa where she continued to train, teach, and perform. She completed her R.A.D ballet teacher certification between child #2 and #3. Sara has worked as a civil servant, a non-profit policy writer, a service-learning manager, and a pandemic homeschooler. A desire for a slower pace of life brought Sara and her family to the Comox Valley, where they are the proud owners of Lavender’s Blue Landscaping. However, dance - ballet in particular - remains a fulfilling part of her life.
EMMA GARROOD
BACHELORS OF EDUCATION
Emma was raised in the Comox Valley and began dancing at the age of eight years old. From a young age, she was passionate about performing and being able to express herself through the arts. During her years in dance, Emma had trained in various styles, such as: jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap, musical theatre and ballet; completing her R.A.D Grade 5 examination. Alongside studying dance, Emma has also studied theatre and improv for the past eight years with G.P Vanier Secondary as a student and coach, as well as performing with UBC improv for one year. Emma is currently studying at Vancouver Island University, where she is working towards her Bachelors of Education. Emma hopes to teach at an elementary level after completing her degree, and is wanting to help young children feel confident in themselves and their passion; just as her dance and theatre teachers did for her.
KAYLIN COX
STUDENT TEACHER
Kaylin has always had a passion for the arts from a young age, and discovered her love for dance when she was 10 years old. After moving to the Comox Valley in 2018, she discovered her second home at Studio G where she has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Pointe, Musical theatre, and Hip hop. This year Kaylin will be heading in her final year of representing Studio G Dance Academy in the senior competitive team, as well as filling the role as an educator in dance for the general and competitive program. Kaylin also trains in acting and drama and plans to pursue her dream of entering the film and tv industry. Kaylin is very much looking forward to being able to share her love of dance with her students this year.
ROWAN MILLS
STUDENT TEACHER
Rowan was born and raised in the Comox Valley, and began her journey in dance from the age of two years old. From a young age Rowan knew she had a love and passion for performing when she first hit the stage. Rowan is a versatile dancer in lyrical, jazz, ballet, acro, hip hop, contemporary, and musical theatre. Rowan has completed R.A.D ballet exams and has been an active representative for the Studio G Dance Academy competitive program, and will continue to do so on the senior team while inspiring and training general and competitive dance teams. After a successful season working as a teaching assistant within competitive program, Rowan is excited to continue her journey in teaching children of all ages at Studio G.
