Faculty

CDTA Licentiate in Jazz; CDTA Associate in Acrobatic Dance, AAC, DEA Certified

Mrs. Mackereth has taught dance in Prince Rupert for over 45 years. Teresa’s greatest passion is dance and she promotes it as a teacher, adjudicator, producer and founder of the B.C. Annual Dance Competition. She received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and a Prince Rupert Civic Award for her contributions to dance.

Graduate Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Teacher’s Training Program, RAD RTS, Silver Swans Licensee, CDTA Licentiate in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern & Acrobatic Dance, IDTA Licentiate in Modern Jazz & Tap, IDTA Associate in Ballet, AAC1, RWID Certified

Mrs. Vallee has danced and taught for over 40 years. She is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, musical theatre, creative dance, and children’s work. She currently serves as the President of the National Board for CDTA. Her calm personality and professionalism benefit dancers of every age.

RAD RTS, ADAPT, CDTA Licentiate in Acrobatic Dance, ADTA

Ms. Alison grew up dancing in Prince Rupert and then went to Toronto to
complete her first teaching certification, since then has since completed
three more and is trained in Ballet, Jazz, Acro and Tap. Alison has taught dance
for over 10 years and has won awards for her choreography. Alison’s warm
personality and attention to technique and detail ensures improvement for
all her students.

CDTA Associate in Jazz, AAC

Sarah Whomes grew up in Prince Rupert and developed a passion for dance at a young age. Growing up, you could often find her at the dance studio where she spent her time studying Jazz, Ballet, and Tap. Sarah has worked hard to successfully complete her CDTA Associate Jazz and Acrobatic Arts Teaching exams. She is excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm of dance with each and every one of her students.

ADAPT

Jessica grew up dancing in Prince Rupert. She is trained in Tap, Hiphop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Ballet. She gained a lot of her knowledge about tap from her mentor Carol Murphy and from shadowing Tasha Lawson. Her outgoing and enthusiastic energy is sure to motivate and inspire your dancer.

Miss Taliyah grew up dancing in Prince Rupert. She studied ballet, jazz, tap, modern, and song & dance with DAPR. Taliyah is a calm and gentle instructor. She loves dance and passes that joy onto her students. Miss Taliyah is excited to be joining our staff for a second season!

Shauna Chandler returns to DAPR this year as a teacher with an infectious love for movement. Shauna’s love for dance and expression was ignited at a young age. Raised in Prince Rupert, Shauna danced in disciplines including Jazz (ADAPT), Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, and Modern. Shauna’s classes are a delightful mix of structured learning and joyful exploration. She believes in creating a safe and nurturing space where students can discover their artistic potential.

Professional Degree in Elementary & Secondary Physical Education, Bachelor’s in education certificate, Masters of Sports Training Certificate, Diploma in Psychomotor skills applied to education certificate, National Course for Woman’s Artistic Gymnastic Coaches Certificate, TOEFLTest Score

Ligia Diener is a Chilena Physical Education Teacher with a Master’s degree in Sports Training and 12 years of experience.
A specialist in Expressive Sports, her career has focused on disciplines such as recreational gymnastics and básica ballet, where she combines sport and art to develop her students’ coordination, discipline, and self-confidence, promoting holistic growth through movement and body expression.

Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance; Artist Diploma in Voice & Opera Performance

Ms. Higginson is a professional soprano and vocal instructor with over 30 years of experience teaching children, youth, and adults. She has performed classical music, opera, and musical theatre professionally in Canada and Europe with organizations including the Victoria Symphony, City Opera Vancouver, and Theater Görlitz (Germany).
Her teaching experience has included conservatories, academies, and private instruction, including the Victoria Conservatory of Music.
She brings warmth, encouragement, and a strong technical foundation to her teaching, helping performers develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and confidence.

Kayla Main grew up dancing in Prince Rupert, where she trained in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Acrobatics, and Musical Theatre. She continued her dance education after graduation, first travelling to London, England to complete the House of Jazz Company, Artist Development Program, after being awarded a scholarship to attend through the BC Annual Dance Competition. She then travelled to New York City, where she trained for six months, completing the Steps on Broadway Independent Artist Program. Kayla has taught at the Dance Academy as a substitute in previous years and is excited to once again share her love of dance with the students at DAPR!

CDTA Associate in Jazz, Tap & Modern

As an alumni member of the Dance Academy, Ms. MacRae studied ballet, tap, jazz, irish, musical theatre, acrobatics, and hip-hop. Miss Meghan is a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher, as well as an award winning choreographer. Miss Meghan always highly anticipates sharing the excitement of dance with all her students!