Contemporary Ballet Technique (14yrs+)
SPECIAL 3-week series! We are so lucky Acacia will be a guest teacher at the studio for a few weeks this winter. Janurary 25th-Feb 8th, 2026.
This intermediate-level technique class blends classical ballet foundations with contemporary movement principles. Using a centred barre, the class progresses through turns, extensions, and jumps, supporting strength, clarity, and dynamic range. Emphasis is placed on coordination, musicality, and efficiency of movement, encouraging dancers to develop versatility, control, and expressive freedom within a strong technical framework.
The class will focus on building technique with a ballet base and a contemporary lens. It will strengthen classical lines, turns, jumps, dynamics and different qualities in the body, helping to build versatility within the dancer, so they have more tools when approaching choreography. Geared for experienced dancers who want to push their skills to the next level.
Acacia’s Bio
Acacia Schachte is a dynamic and creative force in the world of dance, known for her deep curiosity, spiritual exploration, and commitment to artistic development. Raised in Vancouver, Acacia’s journey began at Arts Umbrella under the mentorship of Artemis Gordon, where she quickly became immersed in the foundations of her craft.
In 1999, she joined Ballet BC, where she danced for seven years in productions by iconic choreographers including Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, and Twyla Tharp. Her talent and versatility led her to New York in 2006, where she danced with Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. Over the next eight seasons, Acacia worked alongside some of the most influential voices in contemporary dance, including Crystal Pite, Ohad Naharin, Hofesh Shechter, Jacopo Godani, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.
Acacia’s career continued to evolve across Europe, where she collaborated with Stuttgart Ballet as an assistant choreographer for The Firebird by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, she performed at the Munich Opera Festival and with Eastman. In 2016, she was invited to join the Royal Ballet of Flanders under the directorship of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, further expanding her repertoire with works by Akram Khan, Pina Bausch, Martha Graham, and as an assistant choreographer for Sidi Larbi. As a rehearsal assistant and stager, Acacia has brought the works of Cherkaoui to companies across the globe, including the National Ballet of Portugal, Geneva Ballet, and Teatro dell’Opera di Roma.
A respected voice in the dance community, Acacia has also contributed to various film and video projects, including Emily Blunt’s dance double for The Adjustment Bureau, appearing in Anton Corbijn’s music video for Depeche Mode’s In Your Room, and collaborating with brands like Givenchy and Elle Korea.
In addition to her performance career, Acacia remains passionate about choreography and mentorship. She continues to explore her own creative vision, while sharing her knowledge and experience through workshops and masterclasses at prestigious institutions such as Royal Ballet of Flanders, Korea National University, NYC Dance Alliance, Jacob’s Pillow, Ballet Kelowna and Arts Umbrella.
Always eager to explore new artistic frontiers, Acacia’s practice is guided by a deep sense of curiosity, both within her craft and in her spiritual journey, allowing her to constantly evolve as an artist and human being.