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.
Heather Gagnier received her early dance training in her hometown of Hinton, Alberta, spending summers at Alberta Ballet School in Calgary and Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre in Toronto. She later went on to train in the professional division of the Ailey School (the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre) in New York City.
Having discovered a passion for teaching, in 2006 Ms. Gagnier moved to London, England to attend the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Ballet Education degree program at the Royal Academy of Dance Faculty of Education. During her three years in London, she undertook an in-depth study of ballet pedagogy and related subjects such as dance history, choreography, anatomy/kinesiology, education theory, movement notation, and music.
Ms. Gagnier returned to New York City in 2012, where she attained her Master of Arts (MA) degree in Teaching Dance in the Professions: ABT Ballet Pedagogy, graduating at the top of her class from a partnership program between New York University and American Ballet Theatre. While at ABT/NYU, Ms. Gagnier was able to delve into advanced studies in ballet pedagogy and education theory, deepening her knowledge and refining her skills as an educator. She was privileged to study with many leading dance educators in New York City during this time, including Raymond Lukens, co-author of the ABT National Training Curriculum.
In addition to her MA and BA degrees in the field of dance education, Ms. Gagnier also holds the prestigious Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD), a high-level teaching qualification awarded to only a handful of teachers worldwide each year, and the Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD), which she was awarded upon completion of her RAD Advanced 2 examination. Ms. Gagnier is an ABT Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT National Training Curriculum, as well as a certified Pilates mat work instructor through Body Works Pilates.
Ms. Gagnier has taught ballet across England, Canada, and the USA and has prepared hundreds of students for examinations at all levels, up to and including the RAD Solo Seal Award. She takes great pride in her ability to nurture each student’s technical and artistic growth, while fostering a genuine love of the art form and retaining a primary emphasis on the joy of movement.
Heather Gagnier received her early dance training in her hometown of Hinton, Alberta, spending summers at Alberta Ballet School in Calgary and Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre in Toronto. She later went on to train in the professional division of the Ailey School (the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre) in New York City.
Having discovered a passion for teaching, in 2006 Ms. Gagnier moved to London, England to attend the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Ballet Education degree program at the Royal Academy of Dance Faculty of Education. During her three years in London, she undertook an in-depth study of ballet pedagogy and related subjects such as dance history, choreography, anatomy/kinesiology, education theory, movement notation, and music.
Ms. Gagnier returned to New York City in 2012, where she attained her Master of Arts (MA) degree in Teaching Dance in the Professions: ABT Ballet Pedagogy, graduating at the top of her class from a partnership program between New York University and American Ballet Theatre. While at ABT/NYU, Ms. Gagnier was able to delve into advanced studies in ballet pedagogy and education theory, deepening her knowledge and refining her skills as an educator. She was privileged to study with many leading dance educators in New York City during this time, including Raymond Lukens, co-author of the ABT National Training Curriculum.
In addition to her MA and BA degrees in the field of dance education, Ms. Gagnier also holds the prestigious Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD), a high-level teaching qualification awarded to only a handful of teachers worldwide each year, and the Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD), which she was awarded upon completion of her RAD Advanced 2 examination. Ms. Gagnier is an ABT Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT National Training Curriculum, as well as a certified Pilates mat work instructor through Body Works Pilates.
Ms. Gagnier has taught ballet across England, Canada, and the USA and has prepared hundreds of students for examinations at all levels, up to and including the RAD Solo Seal Award. She takes great pride in her ability to nurture each student’s technical and artistic growth, while fostering a genuine love of the art form and retaining a primary emphasis on the joy of movement.
Heather Gagnier received her early dance training in her hometown of Hinton, Alberta, spending summers at Alberta Ballet School in Calgary and Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre in Toronto. She later went on to train in the professional division of the Ailey School (the official school of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre) in New York City.
Having discovered a passion for teaching, in 2006 Ms. Gagnier moved to London, England to attend the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Ballet Education degree program at the Royal Academy of Dance Faculty of Education. During her three years in London, she undertook an in-depth study of ballet pedagogy and related subjects such as dance history, choreography, anatomy/kinesiology, education theory, movement notation, and music.
Ms. Gagnier returned to New York City in 2012, where she attained her Master of Arts (MA) degree in Teaching Dance in the Professions: ABT Ballet Pedagogy, graduating at the top of her class from a partnership program between New York University and American Ballet Theatre. While at ABT/NYU, Ms. Gagnier was able to delve into advanced studies in ballet pedagogy and education theory, deepening her knowledge and refining her skills as an educator. She was privileged to study with many leading dance educators in New York City during this time, including Raymond Lukens, co-author of the ABT National Training Curriculum.
In addition to her MA and BA degrees in the field of dance education, Ms. Gagnier also holds the prestigious Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance (LRAD), a high-level teaching qualification awarded to only a handful of teachers worldwide each year, and the Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD), which she was awarded upon completion of her RAD Advanced 2 examination. Ms. Gagnier is an ABT Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT National Training Curriculum, as well as a certified Pilates mat work instructor through Body Works Pilates.
Ms. Gagnier has taught ballet across England, Canada, and the USA and has prepared hundreds of students for examinations at all levels, up to and including the RAD Solo Seal Award. She takes great pride in her ability to nurture each student’s technical and artistic growth, while fostering a genuine love of the art form and retaining a primary emphasis on the joy of movement.
"My name is Alex, and music has been my lifelong passion since I first began playing the piano at the age of five. After graduating from music school and the Kyiv Institute of Music with a degree in piano and conducting, I began my professional career as a pianist and accompanist.
Working with the Song and Dance Ensemble of Ukraine as a ballet accompanist was a pivotal experience that deepened my understanding of musical collaboration with dancers and performers. This role allowed me to develop strong rhythmic sensitivity, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the connection between music and movement.
In addition to my accompanist work, I have performed extensively as a pianist, arranger, and sound engineer, collaborating with many distinguished artists from Ukraine and across Europe. I also founded and operated my own recording studio, where I mixed and produced more than 50 CDs for various musicians.
In 2024, I was thrilled to join the Alberta Ballet School, where I continue to share my passion for music through my work as a ballet accompanist and music educator. Alongside my work at the school, I teach piano, vocals, guitar, and drums, and perform as a keyboardist in two Canadian rock bands.
Music is not just my career—it is the heart of my life. I can’t imagine living without it."
"My name is Alex, and music has been my lifelong passion since I first began playing the piano at the age of five. After graduating from music school and the Kyiv Institute of Music with a degree in piano and conducting, I began my professional career as a pianist and accompanist.
Working with the Song and Dance Ensemble of Ukraine as a ballet accompanist was a pivotal experience that deepened my understanding of musical collaboration with dancers and performers. This role allowed me to develop strong rhythmic sensitivity, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the connection between music and movement.
In addition to my accompanist work, I have performed extensively as a pianist, arranger, and sound engineer, collaborating with many distinguished artists from Ukraine and across Europe. I also founded and operated my own recording studio, where I mixed and produced more than 50 CDs for various musicians.
In 2024, I was thrilled to join the Alberta Ballet School, where I continue to share my passion for music through my work as a ballet accompanist and music educator. Alongside my work at the school, I teach piano, vocals, guitar, and drums, and perform as a keyboardist in two Canadian rock bands.
Music is not just my career—it is the heart of my life. I can’t imagine living without it."
"My name is Alex, and music has been my lifelong passion since I first began playing the piano at the age of five. After graduating from music school and the Kyiv Institute of Music with a degree in piano and conducting, I began my professional career as a pianist and accompanist.
Working with the Song and Dance Ensemble of Ukraine as a ballet accompanist was a pivotal experience that deepened my understanding of musical collaboration with dancers and performers. This role allowed me to develop strong rhythmic sensitivity, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for the connection between music and movement.
In addition to my accompanist work, I have performed extensively as a pianist, arranger, and sound engineer, collaborating with many distinguished artists from Ukraine and across Europe. I also founded and operated my own recording studio, where I mixed and produced more than 50 CDs for various musicians.
In 2024, I was thrilled to join the Alberta Ballet School, where I continue to share my passion for music through my work as a ballet accompanist and music educator. Alongside my work at the school, I teach piano, vocals, guitar, and drums, and perform as a keyboardist in two Canadian rock bands.
Music is not just my career—it is the heart of my life. I can’t imagine living without it."
Bronwyn studied RAD Ballet, Al Gilbert and ADAPT Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, ACRO, Jazz, HipHop, and Celtic throughout her dance career. Teaching for 8 years, she brings many certifications such as the ADAPT Dance Educator certification, Discover Dance for early childhood dance education, ADTA for ACRO dance, and DanceMED for performance safety, dance injury prevention and recovery. She has attended Master classes taught by top dance educators including Danny Neilson, Jay T Schramek and Alex Wong, and participated in many performances such as Canada Day celebrations, Opera Kelowna performances, and many music and dance festivals! With experience in recreational and competitive teaching and choreography, Bronwyn brings an ever-growing passion for dancing and teaching, with a goal to foster a love of dance in her students while creating a safe and encouraging learning environment for all!
Bronwyn studied RAD Ballet, Al Gilbert and ADAPT Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, ACRO, Jazz, HipHop, and Celtic throughout her dance career. Teaching for 8 years, she brings many certifications such as the ADAPT Dance Educator certification, Discover Dance for early childhood dance education, ADTA for ACRO dance, and DanceMED for performance safety, dance injury prevention and recovery. She has attended Master classes taught by top dance educators including Danny Neilson, Jay T Schramek and Alex Wong, and participated in many performances such as Canada Day celebrations, Opera Kelowna performances, and many music and dance festivals! With experience in recreational and competitive teaching and choreography, Bronwyn brings an ever-growing passion for dancing and teaching, with a goal to foster a love of dance in her students while creating a safe and encouraging learning environment for all!
Bronwyn studied RAD Ballet, Al Gilbert and ADAPT Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, ACRO, Jazz, HipHop, and Celtic throughout her dance career. Teaching for 8 years, she brings many certifications such as the ADAPT Dance Educator certification, Discover Dance for early childhood dance education, ADTA for ACRO dance, and DanceMED for performance safety, dance injury prevention and recovery. She has attended Master classes taught by top dance educators including Danny Neilson, Jay T Schramek and Alex Wong, and participated in many performances such as Canada Day celebrations, Opera Kelowna performances, and many music and dance festivals! With experience in recreational and competitive teaching and choreography, Bronwyn brings an ever-growing passion for dancing and teaching, with a goal to foster a love of dance in her students while creating a safe and encouraging learning environment for all!
Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance artist/educator who started her career with Citie Ballet (now Ballet Edmonton). She holds a B.A., a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management, and an M.A. in Dance Pedagogy. Currently she is a PhD candidate in kinesiology/dance pedagogy at the U of A. She danced with several contemporary companies in New York and Philadelphia, and has taught at major institutions in New York, Maryland, Tokyo, Okinawa, and Vancouver. In addition to concert dance and teaching, Emily has worked in the film industry and been sponsored by Bloch and Sansha dancewear. She continues to teach, choreograph, and adjudicate across North America and is on faculty with Harbour Dance Centre, Alberta Ballet Classes and the University of Alberta. Her professional development continues with American Ballet Theatre in New York and Alberta Ballet Classes. Her work is informed by her studies in the pedagogy of somatics, inclusive practices in ballet, and her affinity for classical music (she has her gr. 10 piano). She strives to teach anatomically correct movement and instill extensive musicality in her students.
Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance artist/educator who started her career with Citie Ballet (now Ballet Edmonton). She holds a B.A., a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management, and an M.A. in Dance Pedagogy. Currently she is a PhD candidate in kinesiology/dance pedagogy at the U of A. She danced with several contemporary companies in New York and Philadelphia, and has taught at major institutions in New York, Maryland, Tokyo, Okinawa, and Vancouver. In addition to concert dance and teaching, Emily has worked in the film industry and been sponsored by Bloch and Sansha dancewear. She continues to teach, choreograph, and adjudicate across North America and is on faculty with Harbour Dance Centre, Alberta Ballet Classes and the University of Alberta. Her professional development continues with American Ballet Theatre in New York and Alberta Ballet Classes. Her work is informed by her studies in the pedagogy of somatics, inclusive practices in ballet, and her affinity for classical music (she has her gr. 10 piano). She strives to teach anatomically correct movement and instill extensive musicality in her students.
Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance artist/educator who started her career with Citie Ballet (now Ballet Edmonton). She holds a B.A., a diploma in Arts and Cultural Management, and an M.A. in Dance Pedagogy. Currently she is a PhD candidate in kinesiology/dance pedagogy at the U of A. She danced with several contemporary companies in New York and Philadelphia, and has taught at major institutions in New York, Maryland, Tokyo, Okinawa, and Vancouver. In addition to concert dance and teaching, Emily has worked in the film industry and been sponsored by Bloch and Sansha dancewear. She continues to teach, choreograph, and adjudicate across North America and is on faculty with Harbour Dance Centre, Alberta Ballet Classes and the University of Alberta. Her professional development continues with American Ballet Theatre in New York and Alberta Ballet Classes. Her work is informed by her studies in the pedagogy of somatics, inclusive practices in ballet, and her affinity for classical music (she has her gr. 10 piano). She strives to teach anatomically correct movement and instill extensive musicality in her students.
Emily grew up in Rossland BC, training in ballet and modern dance . In 2001 she was awarded Runner-Up at the BC Provincial Festival for Sr. Modern Dance. She is a graduate of the professional training programs at School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now Dance Arts Institute) and CODARTS: Rotterdams Dansacademie in The Netherlands.
Emily’s professional performing career highlights include: Touring northern Europe with contemporary dance company Theatergroep DOX in the Netherlands. Performing a solo by Agnija Šeiko at the Prague Dance Festival, Tanec Praha. Performing with Josh Beamish’s MOVETHECOMPANY at the Vancouver International Dance Festival. Dancing and touring for 5 seasons with Toronto’s Tilt sound+motion.
Emily has been teaching ballet and contemporary dance since 2001. She has her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) supplemented with courses at Canada's National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program. She was the Ballet Program Director at Joy of Dance Centre in Toronto from 2009-2023 and in 2020 was shortlisted, top 4, for the RAD’s Centenary Dance Teacher’s Award for Advocacy in Dance for her Adult RAD Ballet Program at Joy of Dance Centre.
Emily joined the faculty at Alberta Ballet in 2023. After 2 years traveling across the province teaching and coordinating for AB’s Community Outreach Program she is now honored to be teaching ballet and contemporary dance in the AB Classes program.
Emily grew up in Rossland BC, training in ballet and modern dance . In 2001 she was awarded Runner-Up at the BC Provincial Festival for Sr. Modern Dance. She is a graduate of the professional training programs at School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now Dance Arts Institute) and CODARTS: Rotterdams Dansacademie in The Netherlands.
Emily’s professional performing career highlights include: Touring northern Europe with contemporary dance company Theatergroep DOX in the Netherlands. Performing a solo by Agnija Šeiko at the Prague Dance Festival, Tanec Praha. Performing with Josh Beamish’s MOVETHECOMPANY at the Vancouver International Dance Festival. Dancing and touring for 5 seasons with Toronto’s Tilt sound+motion.
Emily has been teaching ballet and contemporary dance since 2001. She has her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) supplemented with courses at Canada's National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program. She was the Ballet Program Director at Joy of Dance Centre in Toronto from 2009-2023 and in 2020 was shortlisted, top 4, for the RAD’s Centenary Dance Teacher’s Award for Advocacy in Dance for her Adult RAD Ballet Program at Joy of Dance Centre.
Emily joined the faculty at Alberta Ballet in 2023. After 2 years traveling across the province teaching and coordinating for AB’s Community Outreach Program she is now honored to be teaching ballet and contemporary dance in the AB Classes program.
Emily grew up in Rossland BC, training in ballet and modern dance . In 2001 she was awarded Runner-Up at the BC Provincial Festival for Sr. Modern Dance. She is a graduate of the professional training programs at School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now Dance Arts Institute) and CODARTS: Rotterdams Dansacademie in The Netherlands.
Emily’s professional performing career highlights include: Touring northern Europe with contemporary dance company Theatergroep DOX in the Netherlands. Performing a solo by Agnija Šeiko at the Prague Dance Festival, Tanec Praha. Performing with Josh Beamish’s MOVETHECOMPANY at the Vancouver International Dance Festival. Dancing and touring for 5 seasons with Toronto’s Tilt sound+motion.
Emily has been teaching ballet and contemporary dance since 2001. She has her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies through the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) supplemented with courses at Canada's National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program. She was the Ballet Program Director at Joy of Dance Centre in Toronto from 2009-2023 and in 2020 was shortlisted, top 4, for the RAD’s Centenary Dance Teacher’s Award for Advocacy in Dance for her Adult RAD Ballet Program at Joy of Dance Centre.
Emily joined the faculty at Alberta Ballet in 2023. After 2 years traveling across the province teaching and coordinating for AB’s Community Outreach Program she is now honored to be teaching ballet and contemporary dance in the AB Classes program.
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Jill Henis, originally from Vancouver, Canada (Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations), is an international dance artist, choreographer, rehearsal director, and teacher with a career spanning over 30 years. She has worked with companies such as Ballet Nacional de Cuba, San Francisco Ballet, Evergreen City Ballet, and Chrissie Parrot Dance Company, and toured extensively through Southeast Asia with choreographer Robert Gulliam.
Guided by curiosity and a passion for growth, Jill thrives on engaging with new communities and cultures. She has taught for institutions worldwide including Harbour Dance Centre (Vancouver), Point Park University (Pittsburgh), Rambert The Company (London), Ballet BC, and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (Calgary).
A founder of Project 404, an artist-run creative hub established in 2014, Jill continues to pursue her choreographic and teaching practice. She is currently a guest rehearsal director with Ballet Edmonton and teaches with the Alberta Ballet School’s Affiliates Program and Adult Community classes.
Jill Henis, originally from Vancouver, Canada (Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations), is an international dance artist, choreographer, rehearsal director, and teacher with a career spanning over 30 years. She has worked with companies such as Ballet Nacional de Cuba, San Francisco Ballet, Evergreen City Ballet, and Chrissie Parrot Dance Company, and toured extensively through Southeast Asia with choreographer Robert Gulliam.
Guided by curiosity and a passion for growth, Jill thrives on engaging with new communities and cultures. She has taught for institutions worldwide including Harbour Dance Centre (Vancouver), Point Park University (Pittsburgh), Rambert The Company (London), Ballet BC, and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (Calgary).
A founder of Project 404, an artist-run creative hub established in 2014, Jill continues to pursue her choreographic and teaching practice. She is currently a guest rehearsal director with Ballet Edmonton and teaches with the Alberta Ballet School’s Affiliates Program and Adult Community classes.
Jill Henis, originally from Vancouver, Canada (Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations), is an international dance artist, choreographer, rehearsal director, and teacher with a career spanning over 30 years. She has worked with companies such as Ballet Nacional de Cuba, San Francisco Ballet, Evergreen City Ballet, and Chrissie Parrot Dance Company, and toured extensively through Southeast Asia with choreographer Robert Gulliam.
Guided by curiosity and a passion for growth, Jill thrives on engaging with new communities and cultures. She has taught for institutions worldwide including Harbour Dance Centre (Vancouver), Point Park University (Pittsburgh), Rambert The Company (London), Ballet BC, and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (Calgary).
A founder of Project 404, an artist-run creative hub established in 2014, Jill continues to pursue her choreographic and teaching practice. She is currently a guest rehearsal director with Ballet Edmonton and teaches with the Alberta Ballet School’s Affiliates Program and Adult Community classes.