Helps to build a strong base, clean technique and proper alignment, all of which are essential for any kind of dance. This is a foundation for a dancer. Barre exercises, combinations across the floor and Adagio are taught to develop musicality, strength, grace, and precision and focus.

Ballet 2 12yrs+

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NEW TEACHER//LEVEL!!!  This Ballet 2 ( Intermediate).

This Ballet 2 class is designed for dancers who have been taking ballet and have solid, foundational dance experience. It is assumed that dancers know foundational ballet terminology (positions of the arms and feet, and names of classical movements) and can demonstrate a solid technical understanding. This class will build on foundational skills, expand dancers’ ballet movement vocabulary, and increase the focus on technique and artistry. 

This Ballet 2 class will run September through April. Because of the progressive nature of this class, it will require consistent attendance, commitment, and dedication throughout the year. Students should be prepared to build on their skills week-to-week and come ready to work and progress as a group. Dancers who don’t feel like this level of focus and commitment are for them are still welcome to enrol in Ballet 1 (ages 12+) regardless of experience. 

We may use the first couple of weeks of the season to make adjustments and move students between levels where needed. Our goal is to make sure each dancer is in the class where they can feel challenged and supported, while creating a group.

Why September–April? For some of our higher-level classes, we’ve chosen to run the full September–April season so dancers can progress together as a group, begin showcase choreography sooner, and build skills sequentially throughout the year. As dancers take on more complex movements, consistent training is important for developing strength, flexibility, alignment, and technique in a safe and healthy way. It also allows dancers to build strong connections with their classmates and learn to work together as a team.  While our goal is to maintain consistent groups throughout the season, there may be opportunities for dancers to move up a level during the year if they demonstrate significant progress and are ready for the next level. At registration, students will be committing to the full September–April season, including both the fall and winter terms. Payment will still be split between the two terms as usual.

Katie Thiessen grew up in Canmore, Alberta, and moved to Kelowna at 15, where she continued pursuing her passion for dance, which began at age three. She completed her ballet training up to Advanced 2 in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabus, trained and performed as a member of the Canadian School of Ballet’s pre-professional company, and spent seven years teaching ballet and jazz at a local studio in Kelowna while attending university. Katie moved to Nelson in 2023, works as a school teacher by day, and is excited to share her love of dance with the Nelson community.

Ballet 2 (9-12yrs)

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NEW LEVEL! Read about the new ballet levels available this season. Placement for this intermediate class is by email.

This Ballet 2 class is designed for dancers who have been taking ballet and have solid, foundational dance experience. For dancers who know foundational ballet terminology (positions of the arms and feet, and names of classical movements) and can demonstrate some technical understanding. This class will build on foundational skills and increase the focus on technique and artistry. Because of the progressive nature of this class, it will require consistent attendance, commitment, and dedication throughout the year. Students should be prepared to build on their skills week-to-week and come ready to work and progress as a group. Dancers who don’t feel like this level of focus and commitment is for them are still welcome to enrol in Ballet 1 (ages 9-12) regardless of experience. 

We may use the first couple of weeks of the season to make adjustments and move students between levels where needed. Our goal is to make sure each dancer is in the class where they can feel challenged and supported, while creating a group.

This class commitment will run Sept-April to allow students to start choreography sooner.

There will be two different Ballet 9-12yrs this season:

Ballet 1- Monday taught by Emily Henry. For students building foundation and technical understanding. Building grace and artistry.
Ballet 2– (Intermediate)Thursday, taught by Hilary. For students with knowledge of ballet terminology, movement vocabulary and execution. Email for placement. Sept-April commitment.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost is $262 + GST

Hilary Shanklin received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She’s had the opportunity to work with incredible teachers & choreographers from The National Ballet of Canada, Kaeja d’Dance, and Toronto Dance Theatre and choreographer Hanna Kiel of “Human Body Expressions.” Hilary’s had the honour of performing at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony, numerous works at Dance Ontario’s Dance Weekend, and on Disney channel’s “The Next Step” pilot episode. Hilary’s passions have always been in dance and movement, as well as teaching.  She has just completed her Bachelor of Education, congrats!

Ballet Junior 6-8yrs

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A fun and engaging class to introduce the foundation of Ballet technique. The class will use center exercises, movements across the floor, fun games and stretching/strengthening to increase body awareness, alignment, flexibility, and coordination. Students will learn ballet positions and vocabulary and develop creative movement skills in a fun and inclusive atmosphere. This is a very popular class and is an excellent intro to dance.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost is $262 + GST

Ballet 3 14yrs+

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This Ballet 3 class is designed for dancers who have considerable ballet experience. It is assumed that dancers know a broad range of ballet terminology and can demonstrate a more developed technical understanding when performing classical sequences. This class will build on foundational skills, expand dancers’ ballet movement vocabulary, and increase the focus on technique and artistry. 

This Ballet 3 class will run September through April. Because of the progressive nature of this class, it will require consistent attendance, commitment, and dedication throughout the year. Students should be prepared to build on their skills week-to-week and come ready to work and progress as a group. Dancers who don’t feel like this level of focus and commitment is for them are still welcome to enrol in Ballet 1 (ages 12+) regardless of experience. 

We may use the first couple of weeks of the season to make adjustments and move students between levels where needed. Our goal is to make sure each dancer is in the class where they can feel challenged and supported, while creating a group.

AutumnTerm: Sept 18th-Dec 11th

Hilary Shanklin received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She’s had the opportunity to work with incredible teachers & choreographers from The National Ballet of Canada, Kaeja d’Dance, and Toronto Dance Theatre and choreographer Hanna Kiel of “Human Body Expressions.” Hilary’s had the honour of performing at the Paralympic Games opening ceremony, numerous works at Dance Ontario’s Dance Weekend, and on Disney channel’s “The Next Step” pilot episode. Hilary’s passions have always been in dance and movement, as well as teaching.  She has completed her Bachelor of Education.

Ballet 1 (9-12yrs)

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NEW INSTRUCTOR! Read about the new ballet levels available this season.

This class is designed to inspire dancers with the grace of ballet. We honour the essential techniques; students will develop technique through centre work and across-the-floor exercises as well as port de bras. Working on honing in on musicality, precision and focus while fostering the grace and strength this form has to offer. Ballet is a rich and varied form, and Emily will offer a class that will integrate healthy alignment, challenge muscle memory, and develop musicality. Get strong, flexible and graceful. This class is open to a variety of levels.

There will be two different Ballet 9-12yrs this season:

Ballet 1- Monday taught by Emily Henry. For students newer to the form.
Ballet 2– (Intermediate)Thursday, taught by Hilary. For students with knowledge of ballet terminology, movement vocabulary and execution. Email for placement.

The Fall term runs from September 14 – December 7 2026

Cost is $262 + GST

Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance instructor who grew up dancing at Kootenay DanceWorks in Rossland, BC. During her years at the studio Emily participated in the pre-professional training program and danced in leading roles. Now she is being mentored by Renee Salsiccioli, the studio director of KDW and a graduate of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden Master Dance Teacher program, while continuing to pursue professional development opportunities to further her training. Through this mentorship, Emily has explored new pedagogical approaches through hands-on teaching, choreography, anatomy, and injury prevention.

She is currently enrolled in a Dance Science and Dance Medicine course through the Austrian Academy of Dance Medicine and Pedagogy, under the direction of Dr.
Judith-Elisa Kaufman.

Alongside academic work, Emily has assisted with the choreography and production of KDW’s Charlotte’s Web and many other similar projects. She is
passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels
valued, connected, and supported. Emily is excited to share her love for ballet technique and creative expression, while guiding dancers to discover their own artistic voice.

 

Ballet 1 (12yrs-18yrs)

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This class is designed to infuse the grace of ballet with a sense of freedom and fun. While we honour the essential techniques, we break away from the conventional by incorporating diverse music, ensuring that classical compositions share the stage with an eclectic mix. Join us in this innovative ballet experience where joy, fluidity, and the thrill of movement take centre stage, creating a class that celebrates the beauty of ballet without being bound by tradition. Students will develop technique through barre, centre work and across-the-floor exercises. Working on honing in on musicality, precision and focus while fostering the grace and strength this form has to offer.

Ballet is a rich and varied form, and Emily will offer a class that will integrate healthy alignment, challenge muscle memory, and develop musicality. Get strong, flexible and graceful. This class is open to a variety of levels. This will be a dance technique class to hone your skills and technique.

Open level; movements and exercises will be layered for various levels of experience.

Autumn Term: Sept 18th-Dec 11th 2026. 

The fee is $262 + GST.

Emily is a ballet and contemporary dance instructor who grew up dancing at Kootenay DanceWorks in Rossland, BC. During her years at the studio Emily participated in the pre-professional training program and danced in leading roles. Now she is being mentored by Renee Salsiccioli, the studio director of KDW and a graduate of the Palucca University of Dance Dresden Master Dance Teacher program, while continuing to pursue professional development opportunities to further her training. Through this mentorship, Emily has explored new pedagogical approaches through hands-on teaching, choreography, anatomy, and injury prevention.

She is currently enrolled in a Dance Science and Dance Medicine course through the Austrian Academy of Dance Medicine and Pedagogy, under the direction of Dr.
Judith-Elisa Kaufman.

Alongside academic work, Emily has assisted with the choreography and production of KDW’s Charlotte’s Web and many other similar projects. She is
passionate about creating a safe and supportive environment where every student feels
valued, connected, and supported. Emily is excited to share her love for ballet technique and creative expression, while guiding dancers to discover their own artistic voice.

Ballet 5-6yrs

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NEW TEACHER//CLASS!!!  A fun and engaging class to introduce the foundation of Ballet technique. The class will use centre exercises, movements across the floor, fun games and stretching/strengthening to increase body awareness, alignment, flexibility, and coordination. Students will learn ballet positions and vocabulary and develop creative movement skills in a fun and inclusive atmosphere. This is a very popular class and is an excellent intro to dance.

Katie Thiessen grew up in Canmore, Alberta, and moved to Kelowna at 15, where she continued pursuing her passion for dance, which began at age three. She completed her ballet training up to Advanced 2 in the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) syllabus, trained and performed as a member of the Canadian School of Ballet’s pre-professional company, and spent seven years teaching ballet and jazz at a local studio in Kelowna while attending university. Katie moved to Nelson in 2023, works as a school teacher by day, and is excited to share her love of dance with the Nelson community.