New Location

AISTD Ballet Tap & Modern/Jazz, Registered Teacher RAD Ballet, Owner & Director

Shari received her early dance training in Oakville, Ontario. At 18 years of age, she moved to the UK to further her studies, later graduating from Laine Theatre Arts with honours qualifications for dance education in a wide range of disciplines. After traveling and teaching in Germany, New Zealand and then Port Alberni BC for several years, Shari opened the Qualicum Beach School of Dance in 1999. She brings a deep love of dance and a disciplined approach to teaching students of all ages. Each year, student dance exam results and standings in regional dance festivals demonstrate that QBSD maintains a high standard of achievement. As many students as possible are encouraged to participate in dance festivals, workshops and performances both locally and regionally and along with these opportunities, Shari and her staff have created an environment of acceptance, enriched by caring and qualified teachers.

Musical Theatre Speech and Dramatic Arts

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Jennifer is delighted to have found roots on Vancouver Island. After graduating with a degree in Drama and Vocal Performance from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, she enjoyed working as a theatre manager, actress and feature singer for several cruise lines. Jennifer also had the opportunity of directing the theatre program at Southridge Independent School in South Surrey. Jennifer has the pleasure of performing with local theatre companies. She has earned the North Island Theatre Zone best actress and best ensemble awards, and also received best director at the Vancouver Island One Act Play Festival. Recent directing roles include Second Chances, the Canadian premiere musical by Nico Rhodes and David Jewell, The Secret Garden, and MTI’s All Together Now at Malaspina Theatre to support performing artists through the pandemic. She is currently a Performing Arts teacher for District 69, and has taught at Qualicum Beach School of Dance since 2015 where she instructs Musical Theatre, Acting and Speech and Dramatic Arts. Jennifer feels extremely fortunate to teach, perform and direct in this vibrant arts community.

Brittany grew up studying intensively in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern and Tap dance. Brittany completed her Cecchetti examinations and competed at many dance competitions all over Vancouver. At age 14, Brittany decided to pursue her passion for Ballet and began her training at The Goh Ballet Academy, where she studied in the RAD and Vagonova methods Brittany has performed various soloist and principle roles with The Goh Ballet Academy, and has received various awards at multiple international Ballet competitions. In 2019, Brittany attended Canada's National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program, and furthered her education in teaching Ballet. Brittany then came back to Vancouver and studied under the direction of Heidi Zolty and received her Associate certification with the Cecchetti USA.

Chiara’s dance training began at age four at the Pat Cummings school of Dance in her hometown of Port Alberni. She learned mostly Ballet , Jazz, Tap and Modern stage.

As a teen, she became a member of the island’s dance company Dancestreams for a couple of years .

Chiara continued on with her passion after high school at the National Ballet School in Toronto where she graduated with a diploma in teaching ballet. Her qualifications allowed her to work and live abroad as a performer /teacher/choreographer in Norway, Australia and Bermuda. She gained more qualifications along the way as a registered teacher for the Royal Academy of Dance and Canadian dance teachers association.

In 2008, Chiara and her husband decided to settle on Vancouver island with their two daughters.

She’s been teaching in various dance studios around the island.

She has worked for the City of Nanaimo and Parksville leading children’s dance programs as well as a guest instructor for “Artists in the School”.

Recently Chiara returned to community college to obtain a certificate in early years education. She’s currently a Strong Start facilitator for District 68 but still enjoys teaching dance as much as possible .

Chiara is excited to be joining the faculty of Qualicum Beach School of Dance .

Mako began her ballet journey at the age of 3 in Tokyo in Japan where she received training and competed in high-level competitions. When she turned 16, she moved to Nanaimo BC for a study abroad program that allowed her to stay in Canada to train and attend school. During her university years, she performed with Bohemia Dance Production and toured across British Columbia. After graduating from university, she worked at Ballet Victoria in an administrative capacity and as a ballet instructor. She is incredibly excited to share her knowledge of dance with the students of Sara Raymond Dance Academy.

Daisy began her dance journey at the age of 12 at Qualicum Beach School of Dance, where her passion and dedication to the art form quickly became evident. Since joining the Performance Team in 2022, she has continued to develop her technique and versatility through training in a wide range of styles including jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, and lyrical.

She has successfully completed her RAD ballet exams through to the Advanced Foundation level, and is continuing to pursue her ballet training with commitment and focus. Over the past two years, she has taken on roles as both a student teacher and class substitute, gaining valuable experience working with younger dancers and supporting classroom instruction.

Now, Daisy is excited to take the next step in her dance journey by joining the QBSD teaching staff. She brings an energetic, encouraging approach to teaching and is passionate about creating a positive and inspiring environment for her students.

Abby Selva is a Vancouver-based dancer originally from Qualicum Beach, BC, with over 20 years of training in both technical and commercial styles. A former Dance Captain with The Source Dance Company, she has performed in music videos, short films, and touring stage shows—most recently appearing in a music video for singer-songwriter Xana. In addition to her performance work, Abby has over 8 years of teaching experience across Vancouver Island and the Greater Vancouver area, and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of dancers. Known for her professionalism and creative versatility, she also works as a dance photographer and videographer.

Peyton and Isabelle were both born on Vancouver Island in the Comox Valley and met through their love of dance and Hip Hop. Learning from multiple industry professionals including Victor Lau, Francis Aranton, Reid Friedl and Toni Tarrant has helped shape their unique teaching style and extend their understanding of hip hop culture and movement.

Both Peyton and Isabelle are senior members of Vancouver Islands leading competitive performance team Prism Dance Connections where they were apart of their inaugural Hip-Hop group choreographed by Phil Wright last season going all the way to provincials, Isabelle is also a member of MMMMPIRE training under Jacksun Fryer from the would renowned duo Funkanomatry.

As instructors, Peyton and Isabelle’s goals are to create a positive, motivating, and inclusive environment where dancers feel supported while being challenged to grow. They aim to build each dancer’s confidence, musicality, and technical foundation while making every class engaging, disciplined, and fun. They want to inspire a lasting love for hip hop and help every dancer reach their fullest potential both on and off the dance floor.

Peyton and Isabelle are a teaching duo and will lead all their classes together, we are thrilled to be welcoming them to the QBSD family.

Born and raised on Vancouver

Island, Alycia finished high school in the Kootenays after which she attended SAIT in Calgary, AB majoring in Business Administration. 

Immediately after graduating she returned to Qualicum Beach starting her family, after a few years working in the banking industry she decided to focus on raising her daughter and becoming more active in the dance community. 

Joining the studio faculty in 2018, Alycia enjoys her role at QBSD running the social media accounts, doing administration and helping usher new families and dancers into the vivid and diverse world of dance.