Faculty

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.

Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Jennifer is grateful to have found roots on Vancouver Island. After graduating with a degree in Drama and Vocal Performance from Queen’s University, she enjoyed working as a theatre manager, actress and feature singer for several cruise lines. Since moving to the Island, Jennifer has taken on several roles in local productions. Recently, she earned a best actress award, from the North Island Theatre Zone. Jennifer also had the privilege of directing the theatre program at Southridge School in Vancouver, working with her students to earn acting awards at the Sears and VISA theatre festivals. She is passionate about teaching musical theatre and feels extremely fortunate to teach, perform and direct in this vibrant arts community. Jennifer believes in the extraordinary influence and engagement the performing arts provide to students.

Cassandra is an actor, dancer and public figure born and raised in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. She attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Theater. She made her acting debut in a recurring role in Netflix’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency which aired in 2018. She recently won Best Actress at The Chilliwack Independent Film Festival for her role as Laurie in The Crazy 8’s film Small Fish Directed by Maxime Beauchamp. Most recently she worked as an actor on TNT’s new upcoming series called Snowpiercer as well as a reoccurring role on the very anticipated Apple TV series “See” starring Jason Momoa.

Her dance credits include Nickelodeon’s movie Rags starring Keke Palmer, a Saturday Night Football promo collaboration between ESPN and Maroon 5, and was also a featured soloist in Leona Lewis’ music video Fire. She has worked with renowned director Kenny Ortega in the television series Bandolero, Disney’s Descendants 2 (choreography Tony Testa) as well as Disney’s Descendants 3 (choreography Jamal Sims). Other dance on film credits include The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (Netflix), The Magicians (Syfy), Freaky Friday (Disney) and the Flash (CW).

Cassandra is a dance educator, mentor and public speaker. She has taught all over California and Canada, including the renowned Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 2016 she was asked to speak at the TEDX University Of Piraeus conference in Greece on embracing uniqueness. She wishes to continue her journey as an artist and is excited for what’s to come.

Emma began her dance training at the age of four at Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts where she trained in ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz for 12 years under Artistic Director, Carole Martyn. She had the pleasure of attending summer intensives inclusive of Boston Ballet School, Arts Umbrella and Pro Arte Summer programs. During the last two years at Kirkwood, she also traveled to Vancouver on weekends to train. Emma’s love for classical ballet moved her to Vancouver in 2015 to train full time at Pro Arte Centre in the Professional Training Program under Artistic Director, Astrid Sherman and the many talented faculty members Beverley Bagg, Tania Brossoit, Stephana Arnold, Kim Dixon and Alicia Bruce. While at Pro Arte Centre, Emma was a company member of the Catching Art Contemporary Ballet Theatre where she was privileged to work with artists such as Candice Michelle Franklin (Joffrey Ballet), Andrea Pena (Andrea Pena and Artists Company), Rachael Poirier (Poirier Productions Dance Studio) and Andrea Downie. Emma also had the opportunity to be part of many performances and productions both at Kirkwood and Pro Arte Centre. She danced the role of Clara in Kirkwood’s 2012 production of The Nutcracker, Swanhilda in Kirkwood’s 2014 production of Coppelia, and was soloist in La Jardin Anime from Act Three, La Corsaire with Pro Arte Centre. Emma was the classical ballet winner at Vienna International Ballet Experience Competition 2017. Emma received Distinction in graded and vocational RAD exams and in ISTD Ballet Intermediate and Advanced exams. Emma recently received Progressive Ballet Technique certification.

Emma is excited to be part of QBSD faculty for 2019-2020 season.