Chelsea’s parents first convinced her to try dance, and she fell in love. She completed exams in both Imperial Classical Ballet and tap, before joining Dance Studio East in 2005. The following year, she joined the pre-professional program, and was honoured to be named “Most Improved Student” of 2006. Chelsea has performed with Kittiwake Dance Theatre for many years, in both The Nutcracker and Mermaids of Avalon. She gained Musical Theatre experience working with Etcetera productions in Seussical the Musical (2009), and again when she was asked to be part of “The Company” in the annual Etcetera show (2010). In addition, she has taken part in Dance Collage, hosted by the Dance Teacher’s Association of Newfoundland, 3 times, and performs Irish Step Dancing in affiliation with McCarthy’s Party.
Chelsea believes that balance in life is crucial, and has therefore dedicated much time to academics. She graduated from Holy Spirit High School in 2009 as both class Valedictorian and French Immersion Student of the Year. There, she was a lead choreographer and dancer in the annual Cabaret; her fond memories drew her back as a guest choreographer this past year. Chelsea is currently a student at Memorial University, pursuing a joint degree in biochemistry and behavioural neuroscience, and aiming for medical school. She hopes to later combine her love for kids and her desire to help those in need, as a pediatric oncologist.
More than anything, Chelsea loves being a role model for young girls, and is thrilled to be teaching at Dance Studio East again this year.
Jessie has been dancing with Dance Studio East since the year it opened. She loves working with children and has been teaching dance classes for three years. In 2008 she was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Dance Studio East. As part of Kittiwake she has danced in the productions of The Nutcracker and Mermaids of Avalon. Jessie has participated in DTAN with other members of Dance Studio East and was a main choreographer in Holy Spirit High School’s 2009 Cabaret. Aside from dancing she has coached children of all ages in soccer, and was a soccer camp instructor. She is now attending MUN.
Teachers
assistants
Rebecca Hobbs
Stephanie Greeley
Laura Barr
Erika Wilansky (guest Teacher)
Erika Wilansky began her dancing career in Montreal at the age of three. She studied Modern dance, Jazz, and Hip Hop as part of her regular high school curriculum, and went on to further her dance knowledge with training in Latin dance. She has been teaching Jazz, Contemporary, and Hip-Hop for the past 13 years in Montreal and St. John's. Recent performances include Martha Carter's iDub in the 2006 Festival of New Dance and 1st place in this year's "Dancing with The Priests" competition. Erika will be teaching hip hop at DSE in the Fall.
A. Newhook (guest teacher)
Andrew Reid (pianist)
Andrew G. Reid has been playing the piano since the age of 5 and has been the accompanist at DSE since September 1998. He has studied privately with Dr. Andreas Barban, Jane Steele and Timothy Steeves. He received his Bachelors of Music degree from Memorial University in 2000 and a Diploma in Information Technology in 2002 from Memorial University.
When he’s not playing at DSE, he is busy working the ‘other’ keys, designing websites for various organizations including the Kiwanis Music Festival of St. John’s, and the Royal St. John’s Regatta. www.andrewreid.ca