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.
MacKenna began her dance journey at Porksville Ballet School when she was two years old. As soon as she was old enough, she was welcomed into the intensive program to begin competing in various disciplines including ballet, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, and musical theatre. She took part in these genres at UIMF, MIPAF and CoreDance, where she earned accolades and was selected as a provincial observer for both ballet and stage. Aside from competing, MacKenna completed up to Grade 4 in Cecchetti ballet exams and later trained in the RAD method up to Intermediate. In forte tap, MacKenna completed the Advanced 1 ISTD tap exam and studied the Advanced 2 level. Over the years, MacKenna has entertained at Rotary’s Youth Talent Showcases, Knox United Church events, Art in the Garden and Disneyland. MacKenna was honoured to be a member of two tap groups accepted into the West Coast Tap Festival.
Rebecca fell in love with traveling as soon as she moved to England to dance. She studied all dance styles at Laine Theatre Arts. Returning to Canada Rebecca graduated from the Contemporary Division of the School Of Dance in Ottawa. She worked with Canadian dance luminaries such as Brian Webb, Peter Boneham, Massimo Agostinelli, Sarah Bild, Serge Bennathan, Yvonne Coutts, Sylvie Desrosiers, Tedd Robinson, Meagan O Shea and Cathy Kyle Fenton. After graduation she created her first professional piece while being mentored by Peter Boneham. Performing professionally in the Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto area, Rebecca got the travel bug again and knew it was time
to go…
to go…
Traveling to Melbourne Australia, Rebecca preformed in Adelaide’s Fringe festival, A collaboration of music, art and dance all improvised. To add to Rebecca’s diploma in Contemporary dance She then went on to complete a 500 hr Yoga Teacher Training at the Australian Yoga Academy. Shortly after Rebecca found barre fitness. Rebecca was studio manager in one of Melbourne’s newest barre studio fusing Yoga, Dance and Pilates together.
It was During Rebecca’s time in Australia when she was teaching and creating competitive dances as well as teaching barre and yoga that it
was time to broaden and add to her teaching experience. Rebecca decided it was time for a change, traveling to India to complete a four-week 200 hour Vinyasa yoga teacher training.
Returning home Rebecca has guest choreographed for studios up and down Island, and is continuing to share her experiences and love of
dance in her home community.
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.
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.
Growing up in Alberta, Nadia trained in a multitude of movement genres including contemporary, ballroom, and hip hop and at 17, completed the International Baccalaureate Dance Program for Composition at Victoria School of Arts where she found her voice as a leader and choreographer. In 2016, Nadia moved to Vancouver where she signed with da Costa Talent, booking roles on CW’s “Riverdale” and “Charmed,” Amazon’s “Man in the High Castle,” and NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.” She has worked with world renowned choreographers such as Megan Lawson, Heather Laura Gray, and Mandy Moore. In her debut to the Indy film circuit, Nadia received accolades from the Oniros Film Awards for her leading role and work as choreographer in the short film “Eclosion.” In 2019, Nadia’s passion for performing took her to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines on the ship, Anthem of the Seas where she toured internationally as a dancer and aerialist.
Nadia is a resident instructor at Harbour Dance Centre, and teaches regularly in Vancouver and throughout Western Canada. She combines her commercial knowledge, love of movement therapy, and meditation to create a class full of presence, push and play!