Barbara Dearborn (Dean of Dance)
Registered Member and Teacher’s Certificate, RAD; Examiner, CDTA; Practical Supervisor for RAD Certificate Program; member Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance; Advanced Certificate in Modern Stage and National; graduate, Ryerson Polytechnic Institute; Past-President CDTA National Board, former Ballet Consultant, former co-director and choreographer Step of Two mime and dance company. Master teacher for workshops nationally.
Rachael Dyer (Administrative Head)
BA (SMU), TTP-Dip (NBS), RAD RTS, AISTD, MCDTA. Extensive training and experience in the field of dance instruction. Completed training at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts Dance Department and is a graduate of the Teacher Training Program at the National Ballet School in Toronto. A registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, the Imperial Society of Teacher’s of Dance (National Branch) and the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association. Has taught in both recreational and professional settings in the Maritimes and Toronto.
Diana Rutherford (Studio Manager)
Hon. BFA, TTP-Dip (NBS), AISTD (CF) (NF). A Graduate of the National Ballet School Teacher Training Program and of York University, receiving her Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance. She is a registered Teacher of Classical Ballet and holds her Associate Certificate with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in both Cecchetti Ballet and National Dance. Accredited with her Advanced Certificate with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Leica Hardy
Advanced Teacher Examiner for the Society of Russian Ballet; Artistic Director of the Leica Hardy School of Dance in Dartmouth; had performed professionally since 1982 and choreographed over 40 works, including the Nutcracker for Symphony Nova Scotia.
Sheilagh Hunt
Sheilagh Hunt is an independent dance artist/choreographer with a long history of performing for local choreographers and companies. Recent works include M-A-R-Y in conjunction with Live Art Dance Production’s 6X6 performance (2007), and rip for their Older & Reckless production (2010). In September 2008 she produced a half-hour performance black & white & red, with the assistance of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. Sheilagh is the artistic director of Kinetic Studio, teaches contemporary dance, is currently the president of the board of Dance Nova Scotia and is a member of the Lieutenant Governor’s Masterwork Arts Award board of directors.
Elena Labartkava
National Character and Souvenir Instructor, B.Ed.; former rhythmic and choreography teacher at Odessa Pedagogical College; former Head of Dance Group, Odessa Mekanikov University.
Jo-Anne Lambert
MCDTA. Member CDTA Ballet division; holds Advanced 1 certificate, RAD and Cecchetti; Graduate Teacher Training Program MCPA School of Dance. Ms. Lambert is currently completing her BA at Saint Mary’s University.
Chris Pelrine
Chris has returned to Halifax after graduating Cum Laude from Oklahoma City University with a degree in Dance Management. He has performed professionally with Freezone Dance Co., Synergy Dance Co., and The American Spirit Dance Co. Chris has worked as Costume Shop Foreman for OCU, where he got the chance to choreograph for The American Spirit Dance Co. With 20 years of dance experience Chris is well versed in Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballroom, Ballet and Hip Hop.
Andrea LeBlanc
Andrea LeBlanc has been teaching dance for many years throughout Nova Scotia and more recently in Calgary AB. In 2006 she graduated from the MCPA Teacher Training Program and has completed her Membership in Ballet and Jazz and Associate in Tap with the CDTA (Canadian Dance Teachers Association). Andrea has also completed several other examinations with the RAD and the Cecchetti Society of Canada; she is currently enrolled in the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies program. Andrea was also the Dance Captain of the MCPA Ballet Ensemble (2007-2008). Andrea has also studied with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (Calgary, Alberta) after being accepted into their Professional Training Program. It was at DJD that Andrea had an intensive study in various techniques such as: Luigi, Mattox, Betsy, Lindy Hop, Jump Rhythm, West African, Tap and Afro-Funk styles. These styles were taught from teachers such as: Vicki Adams Willis, Hannah Stilwell and Michele Moss.
Vino Wijeratne
Associate Member of the CDTA. Associate member of the Society of Russian Ballet. Holder of the RAD Teaching Cert. Director of the Vino Wijeratne Dance Academy (Dubai, UAE) from 1983 to 2004. Over 25 years of experience teaching dance to children of all ages.
Derek Rutherford, Anatomy
Derek is a physical therapist and researcher with a particular interest in human movement and building an understanding of lower extremity injury and disease mechanisms.
Frances Royle, Accompanist
BMus, Dalhousie. Ms. Royle also teaches piano and theory at the Conservatory.
Matthew Kallio, Accompanist
BMus, Acadia University. Matthew began piano studies through the Royal Conservatory of Music, achieving a Grade 10 certificate with honours. He earned a diploma in music with a concentration in piano performance at Cambrian College School of Music in Sudbury ON. He moved to Nova Scotia on scholarship to complete a Bachelor of Music at Acadia University, again concentrating on piano. He has been actively involved in music in Nova Scotia and Ontario performing in festivals and concerts, through private teaching and through conservatories and post-secondary institutions. Since January 2011 he has played for ballet classes at the Conservatory. Matthew enjoys collaborative piano work in all fields and welcomes the opportunity to work with many people both students and professionals. Matthew also teaches piano at the Conservatory.
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