Alberta Ballet Community is a division of Alberta Ballet. Celebrated for performances that move and inspire, the artistry of the professional company reaches even further—training young dancers and expanding access to dance across the province. Alberta Ballet Community connects people to the joy and expression that dance makes possible.
Formalized as its own division in 2024, Alberta Ballet Community extends the company’s reach beyond the stage. Through recreational programs and community partnerships, we open doors for Albertans of all ages and backgrounds to discover creativity, confidence, and connection through dance.
Professional-quality ballet instruction for all ages. Alberta Ballet Classes are a key part of Alberta Ballet Community. These classes welcome participants from preschool to adult, offering exceptional instruction with live music accompaniment and the artistic integrity that defines Alberta Ballet.
Students attend multiple classes each week to deepen their skills, artistry, and understanding of the discipline. These programs, offered out of our Calgary and Edmonton studios, nurture focus, creativity, and confidence — giving students the skills to grow, perform, and find joy in movement.
Students also benefit from ties to the professional company—with ticket discounts, behind-the-scenes opportunities, and, for younger dancers, the chance to perform in beloved productions like The Nutcracker, Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel.
For many families, Alberta Ballet Classes are both an introduction to the art form and a pathway to lifelong appreciation of dance.
Removing barriers and connecting Albertans through dance. Beyond the studio, Alberta Ballet Community delivers programs that make dance accessible and meaningful for more people across the province.
Each program is developed with community partners and evaluated to ensure impact. We’re committed to building sustainable funding that allows these initiatives to thrive.
Bringing the joy of dance to communities across Alberta.
In the 2025–26 season, Alberta Ballet Community will welcome 1,000 newcomers through performance access, 1,000 caregivers, and 600 youth and engage another 1,000 youth (ages 7–17) in eight Alberta communities through free dance programming—many experiencing ballet for the first time.
Each class, performance, and partnership reflects a shared belief: arts participation strengthens individuals, enhances well-being, and builds community. Whether in a theatre, studio, or school gymnasium, dance becomes a shared language of creativity and connection.
Inspiring, connecting, and serving Albertans through dance.
Alberta Ballet Community embodies the organization’s broader mission—to ensure that the excellence seen on stage reaches beyond the spotlight.
As one of Alberta Ballet’s three core divisions, we are building a more connected, inclusive, and inspired province—one dance at a time.
Get to know the team that supports the Alberta Ballet Community.
Taryn Samson a native Calgarian, received her early training under Gillian Howatt. She began her professional training at Canada’s National Ballet School where she was one of the youngest student choreographers in the 1999 Stephen Godfrey Choreographic Workshop.
Taryn returned to Calgary to resume her training at the Alberta Ballet School. She trained for several years under the direction of Murray and Nancy Kilgour and was a member of the first ever graduating class of the Pre-Professional Program. Taryn performed with Alberta Ballet Company in performances including Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and Christopher Wheeldon’s A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. Taryn also spent two summers at the Banff Centre for the Arts Summer Dance Program and was a part of the National Artist’s Program performing at the 2003 Canada Winter Games.
Taryn joined the Alberta Ballet School’s Professional Division as a full-time faculty member in 2011 and has worked to refine her skills under the mentorship of esteemed teachers such as Murray and Nancy Kilgour, Joyce Shietze, Ashley McNeil and Diane van Schoor. She was promoted to Head of Junior School in 2013 and Director of Community Programing in 2021.
Taryn holds her Licentiate with Cecchetti Canada and was the 2013 recipient of the Margaret Saul Scholarship Award for Professional Development. Taryn is one of the few that holds the prestigious Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma, the highest qualification in the method. Taryn achieved this honor through the mentorship and guidance of Nancy Kilgour. She has also served as a member of the Cecchetti Canada Alberta Committee and the Board of Directors.
In 2022 Taryn attended The Royal Ballet School in London, England to train in their new Affiliate Training and Assessment Program (ATAP). She received her certification in 2023 becoming the first Canadian Affiliate Teacher of the Royal Ballet School delivering this innovative program to students of the Alberta Ballet.
Taryn is also a certified teacher of the Fitness Table TCP method specializing in postural rehabilitation and core strengthening and has attained a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Mount Royal University. Taryn believes in the powerful benefits of movement and brings her gift for teaching to all those who are looking to lead active lives.
Taryn Samson a native Calgarian, received her early training under Gillian Howatt. She began her professional training at Canada’s National Ballet School where she was one of the youngest student choreographers in the 1999 Stephen Godfrey Choreographic Workshop.
Taryn returned to Calgary to resume her training at the Alberta Ballet School. She trained for several years under the direction of Murray and Nancy Kilgour and was a member of the first ever graduating class of the Pre-Professional Program. Taryn performed with Alberta Ballet Company in performances including Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and Christopher Wheeldon’s A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. Taryn also spent two summers at the Banff Centre for the Arts Summer Dance Program and was a part of the National Artist’s Program performing at the 2003 Canada Winter Games.
Taryn joined the Alberta Ballet School’s Professional Division as a full-time faculty member in 2011 and has worked to refine her skills under the mentorship of esteemed teachers such as Murray and Nancy Kilgour, Joyce Shietze, Ashley McNeil and Diane van Schoor. She was promoted to Head of Junior School in 2013 and Director of Community Programing in 2021.
Taryn holds her Licentiate with Cecchetti Canada and was the 2013 recipient of the Margaret Saul Scholarship Award for Professional Development. Taryn is one of the few that holds the prestigious Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma, the highest qualification in the method. Taryn achieved this honor through the mentorship and guidance of Nancy Kilgour. She has also served as a member of the Cecchetti Canada Alberta Committee and the Board of Directors.
In 2022 Taryn attended The Royal Ballet School in London, England to train in their new Affiliate Training and Assessment Program (ATAP). She received her certification in 2023 becoming the first Canadian Affiliate Teacher of the Royal Ballet School delivering this innovative program to students of the Alberta Ballet.
Taryn is also a certified teacher of the Fitness Table TCP method specializing in postural rehabilitation and core strengthening and has attained a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Mount Royal University. Taryn believes in the powerful benefits of movement and brings her gift for teaching to all those who are looking to lead active lives.
Taryn Samson a native Calgarian, received her early training under Gillian Howatt. She began her professional training at Canada’s National Ballet School where she was one of the youngest student choreographers in the 1999 Stephen Godfrey Choreographic Workshop.
Taryn returned to Calgary to resume her training at the Alberta Ballet School. She trained for several years under the direction of Murray and Nancy Kilgour and was a member of the first ever graduating class of the Pre-Professional Program. Taryn performed with Alberta Ballet Company in performances including Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and Christopher Wheeldon’s A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream. Taryn also spent two summers at the Banff Centre for the Arts Summer Dance Program and was a part of the National Artist’s Program performing at the 2003 Canada Winter Games.
Taryn joined the Alberta Ballet School’s Professional Division as a full-time faculty member in 2011 and has worked to refine her skills under the mentorship of esteemed teachers such as Murray and Nancy Kilgour, Joyce Shietze, Ashley McNeil and Diane van Schoor. She was promoted to Head of Junior School in 2013 and Director of Community Programing in 2021.
Taryn holds her Licentiate with Cecchetti Canada and was the 2013 recipient of the Margaret Saul Scholarship Award for Professional Development. Taryn is one of the few that holds the prestigious Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma, the highest qualification in the method. Taryn achieved this honor through the mentorship and guidance of Nancy Kilgour. She has also served as a member of the Cecchetti Canada Alberta Committee and the Board of Directors.
In 2022 Taryn attended The Royal Ballet School in London, England to train in their new Affiliate Training and Assessment Program (ATAP). She received her certification in 2023 becoming the first Canadian Affiliate Teacher of the Royal Ballet School delivering this innovative program to students of the Alberta Ballet.
Taryn is also a certified teacher of the Fitness Table TCP method specializing in postural rehabilitation and core strengthening and has attained a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Mount Royal University. Taryn believes in the powerful benefits of movement and brings her gift for teaching to all those who are looking to lead active lives.
Julie Coleman is a native Calgarian with over 25 years of experience in dance education. A graduate of Alberta Ballet School under the direction of Alain Pauzé, Ms. Coleman has also trained at prestigious summer intensives including the National Ballet School of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Quinte Ballet School, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London.
Following her university studies, she continued her training internationally at the Bruckner Conservatory in Linz, Austria, the Theatre Academy Helsinki, and with Gdanski Teatre Tanca in Poland.
Julie has performed professionally across Canada, the United States, and Poland. Notably, she toured with the Alberta Ballet Company in their acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. She was also the co-founder, choreographer, and dancer with Groundworks Integrated Arts Collective, an interdisciplinary performance group active from 2003 to 2007.
Ms. Coleman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Dance with Distinction from the University of Calgary. She is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, the Cecchetti Society of Canada, Rambert Grades, and Progressing Ballet Technique.
Known for her meticulous attention to technical detail and commitment to fostering artistic expression, Julie strives to develop well-rounded dancers. She brings warmth and mentorship to her teaching, guiding her students not only in dance but also in personal growth and confidence.
Julie Coleman is a native Calgarian with over 25 years of experience in dance education. A graduate of Alberta Ballet School under the direction of Alain Pauzé, Ms. Coleman has also trained at prestigious summer intensives including the National Ballet School of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Quinte Ballet School, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London.
Following her university studies, she continued her training internationally at the Bruckner Conservatory in Linz, Austria, the Theatre Academy Helsinki, and with Gdanski Teatre Tanca in Poland.
Julie has performed professionally across Canada, the United States, and Poland. Notably, she toured with the Alberta Ballet Company in their acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. She was also the co-founder, choreographer, and dancer with Groundworks Integrated Arts Collective, an interdisciplinary performance group active from 2003 to 2007.
Ms. Coleman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Dance with Distinction from the University of Calgary. She is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, the Cecchetti Society of Canada, Rambert Grades, and Progressing Ballet Technique.
Known for her meticulous attention to technical detail and commitment to fostering artistic expression, Julie strives to develop well-rounded dancers. She brings warmth and mentorship to her teaching, guiding her students not only in dance but also in personal growth and confidence.
Julie Coleman is a native Calgarian with over 25 years of experience in dance education. A graduate of Alberta Ballet School under the direction of Alain Pauzé, Ms. Coleman has also trained at prestigious summer intensives including the National Ballet School of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Quinte Ballet School, the Banff Centre for the Arts, and the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London.
Following her university studies, she continued her training internationally at the Bruckner Conservatory in Linz, Austria, the Theatre Academy Helsinki, and with Gdanski Teatre Tanca in Poland.
Julie has performed professionally across Canada, the United States, and Poland. Notably, she toured with the Alberta Ballet Company in their acclaimed production of The Nutcracker. She was also the co-founder, choreographer, and dancer with Groundworks Integrated Arts Collective, an interdisciplinary performance group active from 2003 to 2007.
Ms. Coleman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Dance with Distinction from the University of Calgary. She is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, the Cecchetti Society of Canada, Rambert Grades, and Progressing Ballet Technique.
Known for her meticulous attention to technical detail and commitment to fostering artistic expression, Julie strives to develop well-rounded dancers. She brings warmth and mentorship to her teaching, guiding her students not only in dance but also in personal growth and confidence.
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Camila Serrano has been dancing for over 14 years; training in a wide range of styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, and hip hop. Her competitive dance experience has allowed her to work with renowned professionals and choreographers from across Canada. At Alberta Ballet Classes, she trained in both Cecchetti and R.A.D. ballet techniques, completing her Advanced 1 R.A.D. exam and graduating from the Alberta Ballet Open Division Credit and Diploma programs.
Ms. Serrano is currently a full-time student at the University of Calgary, pursuing a joint degree in Kinesiology and Dance, and working towards her Healthy Dance Practice Certificate. Outside of teaching, Ms. Serrano works as a physiotherapy assistant and Pilates practitioner.
Camila Serrano has been dancing for over 14 years; training in a wide range of styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, and hip hop. Her competitive dance experience has allowed her to work with renowned professionals and choreographers from across Canada. At Alberta Ballet Classes, she trained in both Cecchetti and R.A.D. ballet techniques, completing her Advanced 1 R.A.D. exam and graduating from the Alberta Ballet Open Division Credit and Diploma programs.
Ms. Serrano is currently a full-time student at the University of Calgary, pursuing a joint degree in Kinesiology and Dance, and working towards her Healthy Dance Practice Certificate. Outside of teaching, Ms. Serrano works as a physiotherapy assistant and Pilates practitioner.
Camila Serrano has been dancing for over 14 years; training in a wide range of styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, tap, and hip hop. Her competitive dance experience has allowed her to work with renowned professionals and choreographers from across Canada. At Alberta Ballet Classes, she trained in both Cecchetti and R.A.D. ballet techniques, completing her Advanced 1 R.A.D. exam and graduating from the Alberta Ballet Open Division Credit and Diploma programs.
Ms. Serrano is currently a full-time student at the University of Calgary, pursuing a joint degree in Kinesiology and Dance, and working towards her Healthy Dance Practice Certificate. Outside of teaching, Ms. Serrano works as a physiotherapy assistant and Pilates practitioner.
Bio coming soon
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Gracie Mills (she/her) is a dance artist and educator based in Calgary AB. She has trained in Alberta Ballet’s Open Division and the Performing and Visual Arts Program at Central Memorial High School. Gracie is currently completing a BFA in Dance at the University and she is concentrating in pedagogy and working towards her Safe Dance Certification. Her training includes ballet, contemporary, modern, improvisation, and jazz. As President of Aesthete, the university’s student-led dance collective, she supports emerging artists and creative leadership. Gracie is passionate about nurturing confidence, creativity, and care in young dancers through inclusive, student-centered teaching practices
Gracie Mills (she/her) is a dance artist and educator based in Calgary AB. She has trained in Alberta Ballet’s Open Division and the Performing and Visual Arts Program at Central Memorial High School. Gracie is currently completing a BFA in Dance at the University and she is concentrating in pedagogy and working towards her Safe Dance Certification. Her training includes ballet, contemporary, modern, improvisation, and jazz. As President of Aesthete, the university’s student-led dance collective, she supports emerging artists and creative leadership. Gracie is passionate about nurturing confidence, creativity, and care in young dancers through inclusive, student-centered teaching practices
Gracie Mills (she/her) is a dance artist and educator based in Calgary AB. She has trained in Alberta Ballet’s Open Division and the Performing and Visual Arts Program at Central Memorial High School. Gracie is currently completing a BFA in Dance at the University and she is concentrating in pedagogy and working towards her Safe Dance Certification. Her training includes ballet, contemporary, modern, improvisation, and jazz. As President of Aesthete, the university’s student-led dance collective, she supports emerging artists and creative leadership. Gracie is passionate about nurturing confidence, creativity, and care in young dancers through inclusive, student-centered teaching practices
Julie Morgan-Thompson has been a dedicated member of the Alberta Ballet artistic faculty for over 25 years. Originally from Red Deer, Alberta, she discovered her passion for dance at a young age and pursued formal training in Toronto. She graduated with Honours from the Theatre Dance Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), earning a place on the Dean’s List with a focus on dance pedagogy.
Ms. Thompson holds a teaching certificate with Distinction and a teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance, with specializations in Dance History and Anatomy. After returning to Alberta, she continued to deepen her teaching practice, earning both the Associate Certificate with Distinction and the Associate Diploma from the Cecchetti Society of Canada.
Throughout her career, Ms. Thompson has successfully prepared countless students for ballet examinations from Primary through Advanced levels. She has also mentored aspiring teachers through the Royal Academy of Dance, guiding them toward their own teaching qualifications. In addition, she is certified in the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) method and remains committed to ongoing professional development.
Passionate about nurturing growth and excellence, Ms. Thompson takes great joy in watching her students learn, achieve, and in some cases, move on to professional dance careers. She looks forward to welcoming and inspiring a new generation of dancers this upcoming season.
Julie Morgan-Thompson has been a dedicated member of the Alberta Ballet artistic faculty for over 25 years. Originally from Red Deer, Alberta, she discovered her passion for dance at a young age and pursued formal training in Toronto. She graduated with Honours from the Theatre Dance Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), earning a place on the Dean’s List with a focus on dance pedagogy.
Ms. Thompson holds a teaching certificate with Distinction and a teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance, with specializations in Dance History and Anatomy. After returning to Alberta, she continued to deepen her teaching practice, earning both the Associate Certificate with Distinction and the Associate Diploma from the Cecchetti Society of Canada.
Throughout her career, Ms. Thompson has successfully prepared countless students for ballet examinations from Primary through Advanced levels. She has also mentored aspiring teachers through the Royal Academy of Dance, guiding them toward their own teaching qualifications. In addition, she is certified in the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) method and remains committed to ongoing professional development.
Passionate about nurturing growth and excellence, Ms. Thompson takes great joy in watching her students learn, achieve, and in some cases, move on to professional dance careers. She looks forward to welcoming and inspiring a new generation of dancers this upcoming season.
Julie Morgan-Thompson has been a dedicated member of the Alberta Ballet artistic faculty for over 25 years. Originally from Red Deer, Alberta, she discovered her passion for dance at a young age and pursued formal training in Toronto. She graduated with Honours from the Theatre Dance Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), earning a place on the Dean’s List with a focus on dance pedagogy.
Ms. Thompson holds a teaching certificate with Distinction and a teaching diploma from the Royal Academy of Dance, with specializations in Dance History and Anatomy. After returning to Alberta, she continued to deepen her teaching practice, earning both the Associate Certificate with Distinction and the Associate Diploma from the Cecchetti Society of Canada.
Throughout her career, Ms. Thompson has successfully prepared countless students for ballet examinations from Primary through Advanced levels. She has also mentored aspiring teachers through the Royal Academy of Dance, guiding them toward their own teaching qualifications. In addition, she is certified in the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) method and remains committed to ongoing professional development.
Passionate about nurturing growth and excellence, Ms. Thompson takes great joy in watching her students learn, achieve, and in some cases, move on to professional dance careers. She looks forward to welcoming and inspiring a new generation of dancers this upcoming season.