Wendy Lee Riley | Artistic Director; Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Polynesian, Lyrical, Ballroom, Broadway Jazz, Jazz Company Classes
Wendy is proud to be the director of Urban Dance Co. Wendy began dancing at the age of 4, and has not stopped since. Her professional career to date includes appearing in many stage shows, TV Appearances, Films, and Music Videos, Wendy has worked with Mitsou, MC J and Cool G, "The History of Rock & Roll", "Hooray For Hollywood" Frank Hatchette, Debbie Dee, Hoctors Dance Caravan"Caravan Kids" to name but a few Wendy has also done freelance Choreography and production work for Motion pictures & Televison such as "Saving Silverman","Reindeer Games", "The Sixth Day", "Get Carter", "Supernatural", "Mysterious Ways" Mattel, Hasbro, Ocean Spray, Maxim Magazine, Coast Capital Savings, & W.N.S.O. Fitness, Wendy also Toured Eastern Canada as lead dancer and Choreographer for the professional dance company - "Fast Forward" - She has trained with some of the best in the dance world throughout, Montreal, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Las Vegas and continues to study every summer in New York at the Broadway Dance Centre. Wendy has won numerous awards for her unique Choreography and performances. She has taught with joy and enthusiasm for the past 20 years across Canada and looks forward to bringing her love of dance and performance to the students of Urban Dance Co.Wendy will be Directing and teaching this year at U.D.C. training our Jazz, Tap, Urban Tap, Pre Primary and Primary classes, along with Polynesian, and Company classes.
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Jennifer Kent | Irish Dance
Jennifer Kent will be heading our Irish Dance program. She will be teaching Irish Soft/Hard Shoe as well as Irish Figure Dancing. Jennifer strives to bring the best out of all her students in a fun and friendly environment, Jennifer has danced , performed and choreographed for over 20 years, and continues to choreograph award winning dances for her competitve students. And teaches the love of performance to all her students. Jennifer hopes to inspire and teach the love of Celtic dance to all her students at Urban. U.D.C. is proud to welcome back Mrs. Jennifer Kent Hadley to our program.
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Mary Gavilan | Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballet
Mary's an upbeat energetic dancer who's classes promise to be a huge hit with all the students of U.D.C.- Mary's formal training started at the Royal Dance Centre in Winnipeg and Harbour Dance In Vancouver her major disciplines include Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop , Street Jazz, Lyrical, Heels & Hips as well as Baton Twirling, Voice and Phillipino Cultural Dance. Mary has appeared in many stage shows through out her career including FOLKORAMA festival, Much Music's ELECTRIC CIRCUS, and BREAKFAST T.V. Mary Founded the after school dance program at R.J. Tait Elemntry School, and Choreographes for David Branklin Fine Arts School. Mary promises to teach her students at U.D.C. the fun and passion perfomance can bring to a dancer. Mary is proud to join the faculty of U.D.C. and looks forward to teaching her students how to strutt thier stuff!!
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Cameron McKinlay- | FACULTY ALUMNI
Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, 3rd Street Beat, Shawn Desman, Boys II Men, Massari Chris Brown. ADIDAS, Judith Marcuse Dance Company, Luisa Marshall’s Internationally Touring Tina Turner Tribute Show, and Julienna Chen’s World Championship Magic Show in Athens, Greece. "Centre Stage 2", The Royal City Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker “MOVE: the company” - Cameron is presently dancing with CIRQUE DU SOLIEL in "LOVE" playing at the Mirage in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Caitlin Griffin | Balllet Technique, Pointe
Toronto native, Caitlin Griffin is a professional dancer and teacher based in Vancouver BC. Having received her classical training at The Goh Ballet Academy, Boston Ballet School, Kaatsbaan and Ballet British Columbia Summer Programs she has trained and worked with internationally acclaimed dancers and choreographers and has performed across Canada and China. Caitlin has worked with OMO Modern Dance Company, Ontario Ballet Theatre and is a returning Company Artist with Ballet de Printemps. Caitlin is involved in all aspects of dance, and teaches at several schools in the Lower Mainland. She pulls from her classical, contemporary, flamenco and conditioning training as well as her performance experience to conduct classes which are physically challenging while offering dancers the opportunity to develop their passion and individual style. Caitlin is excited to join U.D.C. and foster the development of U.D.C. students.
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Heather Furlong | Hip Hop, Street Jazz, Jazz,Hip Hop Co. Video Jazz
Heather Furlong, returns to U.D.C. to continue her fantastic classes.Heather teaches her students all the new moves with passion and a whole lotta energy! Heather will be adding Video Jazz classes to her much loved Hip hop classes, as well as our award winning company classes. Heathers amazing technique and award winning choreography ensure all her classes are the hottest thing around. Heather Unique style, has won her numerous choreography awards, ensuring her company classes always come home with GOLD! Heather has been dancer and performer for over 15 years, her background includes Jazz, Lyrical,and Ballet believe it or not! Heather is commited to teacher her students the fundamentals of dance in all disciplines.Urban Is happy to have Heather back for another great year at U.D.C.
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Sandy McBeth | Polynesian
Sandy Joins Urban Dance Co. Bringing with her numerous years of experience in Choreography, Costume Design, Performance, and Teaching of polynesian dance, Sandy's classes incorporate, authentic language, dance styles, and implements- for all ages. Sandy's choreography, has been award winning throughout polynesian competitons, Her Keiki Classes have won top honors at Pacific West competitons, as well as her solo and duo student competitiors.Sandy brings the love of hula to all her students at U.D.C. and enjoys teaching the love of polynesian dance to everyone that wants to learn.Competitve or recreational you'll love a taste of the islands with Sandy!
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Jason Franco | FACULTY ALUMNI
Choreographer, director, and performer JASON FRANCO ("Sunday in the Park with George" for Applause; "Casper the Musical" and "The Mask" at Butlins Family Entertainment Resorts in England; "Beach Blanket Bedrock" and "Jetsons Space Blast" at Paramount Canada's Wonderland; "Can Can" for TUTS; upcoming "Grease" for Magee Mainstage)Gotta sing,Gotta Dance!
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Vicky Lee | FACULTY ALUMNI
Vicky's dance career todate is full of many highlights including music video's, T.V., and Major Motion pictures, Vicky has lived and danced in NewYork for the past 2 years, auditioning, and dancing in rolls when ever possible, Vicky has danced and toured throughout MALAYSIA,CANADA & USA-She is presently living in LOS ANGELES strutting her stuff! Keep an eye open for this talented star in the making!
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Christina Kent | FACULTY ALUMNI
A theatre graduate, Christina's love of Jazz dance has taken her across many paths, Christina's dance background includes, Ballet, Tap, Jazz Hip Hop, and Lyrical- A career which encompases all aspects of perfromance Christina keeps herself busy dancing any chance she gets!
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Gary Andow | FACULTY ALUMNI
NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA
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Gillian Brand | FACULTY ALUMNI
Gillian, has a back ground in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, and Polynesian, Gillian has studied with U.D.C. Faculty and Broadway Dance Centre in New York- she spends her time now as part of the B.C FELIONS dance team.
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Martina Crowe-Hewett | Belly Dance, Tribal Fusion
Martina Hewett Will be teaching Belly Dance at Urban, Martina has been dancing her whole life, with a background in Ballet,Jazz,Tap, and Contemporary. Matina discovered Belly Dance and found her true passion, Martina has trained for numerous years in Belly Dance and travels throughout Canada and the U.S.A. to continue her training with master Belly Dance Instructors. Martina's Belly Dance for Kidz class is one of the first of its kind, Martina also heads the performance company "Turqouise", choreographing unique award winning routines, that have taken the company to amazing venue's spreading the love of belly dance and tribal fusion. Martina is thrilled to bring her passion for Belly Dancing to the students of Urban, Adults and Children alike will love Martina's classes!
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Dana Madder | Lyrical Co.,Lyrical, Street Jazz, Sr. Jazz Co.
Everybody has their own uniqueness and way of expression. Dana was given the gift to dance and express her passion through music and movement. As a young dancer she broadened her dance skills by training extensively in Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop and Jazz. She has competed and performed internationally representing Canada as a Youth Ambassador. Her talent and drive to succeed have given her countless opportunities. These opportunities not only have diversified her skills and experience, but also have reaffirmed her passion for the industry. Some of Dana’s accomplishments include, appearing in the motion movie picture "Centre Stage 2",NBA “Vancouver Grizzlies Dance Team Member”, Lead in the PNE exclusive show “Cirque Pop”, dancer in the PNE shows “Fire in the Night” and “Bring in the Night”, “The 2003 Gemini Awards Show” in Toronto, Guest Performer at the IOC “2010 Olympic Bid Celebration”, Performer at various Fashion Shows for “Below the Belt”, “Eaton’s Center”, and “Richmond Center”, Charity Show for the “Shooting Star Foundation”, dancer at the “Courtnall Celebrity Classic” in Victoria. Dana has been teaching and choreographing for 6 years and recently produced her own show called Debonair. She lives to share her love for dance with others and hopes to inspire all artists.
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Kyle Toy | Ballet Technique,Open Ballet, Pointe, Body Conditioning, Modern
Kyle Toy has loved dance since the age of seven. Kyle has attended the National Ballet School, holds a diploma in dance from Grant MacEwan College and has studied with Ballet British Columbia.His training includes ballet, and ballet partnering in R.A.D. Checetti and Vagnova methods. Kyle also has vast experience in modern, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, flamenco, classical Indian and Chinese National Dance, and body conditioning. Kyle has received numerous scholarships and awards, and has appeared in numerous performances throughout his career including The National Ballet of Canada’s “Nutcracker” for 5 seasons in a row, And landed the job of Choreographer for the major motion movie "Centre Stage 2" Kyle has worked with some of Canada’s top choreographers including James Kudelka, former Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada, Toronto Dance Theatre’s Artistic Director Christopher House and contemporary dance legend Peggy Baker.
Kyle is proud to join the faculty of Urban Dance Company and looks forward to teaching his passion for dance to all his students at U.D.C.
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Helen Andow | FACULTY ALUMNI- GUEST TEACHER
Guest teacher Helen Andow (Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor). has been practicing yoga for more than 5 years. She took her training through Prana Yoga Teacher College and is a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. Classic Hatha Yoga is taught as a flow from one posture to the next with great emphasis on breathing. It's yoga taught with verbal guidance and support, and gentle, non-forceful, hands-on correction if needed. Benefits of practicing Hatha yoga include: better mental focus, stress management, and a better night's rest, to mention just a few.
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Jayme Armstrong | FACULTY ALUMNI
Jayme Armstrong is a TOP 10 finalist on CBC's reality show "How do you Solve a Problem like Maria?" the search for the next Maria Von Trapp!!!
Jayme’s extensive career has taken her across North America, Austria, and the beautiful London Palladium stage, singing for Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber. In 2002, Jayme was the youngest company member on the US tour of “Forever Swing”. She also had the opportunity to star in the critically acclaimed Hollywood production of “Ruthless! The Musical”, for which she received rave reviews and the LA Weekly Award for Outstanding Comedy Performance. In 2006, she had the good fortune to spend the season at the esteemed Stratford Festival, appearing in their productions of “Oliver!” and “South Pacific”. After an inspiring year, Jayme was thrilled to be recognized among her peers as the recipient of a Tyrone Guthrie Award for her work.
Favourite credits include Belle in "Beauty and the Beast" (Viva Musica), Sally in "Cabaret" (Uncle Randy Productions), Laurey in "Oklahoma!" and Lois in "Kiss Me, Kate!" (Theatre Under the Stars), Ellen in "Miss Saigon" (Arts Club), Dot in “Sunday in the Park with George” (Applause! Musicals), Val in "A Chorus Line" (Ophidian Entertainment), Carrie in "Carousel" (Royal City Musical Theatre), Mabel in "Pirates of Penzance" and Grace in "Annie" (Chemainus Theatre Festival), Nancy in "Oliver!" and Glinda in "The Wizard of Oz" (Gateway Theatre). This winter, Jayme was honoured to work with Tony Award winning director, Walter Bobbie, on his celebrated production of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" (Sony Centre).
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Mary Lou Rust | BALLROOM
Mary Lou is excited to be joining U.D.C. as our new Ballroom Instructor, having recently attained a Professional Certification Degree, meriting high honors, as an Associate in American Rhythm. Her dance training includes Arthur Murray, Spiral Dance, Harbour Dance Center, and workshops with Latin Dance Champion, Ron Montez (Choreographer for “So You Think You Can Dance”). A Dale Carnegie Graduate and Business Coach, she was awarded the prestigious “Highest Award for Achievement” by her classmates.
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Amanda Girard | FACULTY ALUMNI
Amanda is presently attending U.B.C. - when not hitting the books, Amanda enjoys DANCE- Her career todate include numerous competitons, and stage shows, a dedicated jazz dancer Amanda also has a love of Ballet, and lyrical, as well as polynesian.
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Heather Kendell | FACULTY ALUMNI
Heather has received the majority of her training in ballet, jazz and tap, in Ontario, which is where she originates from. She has studied contemporary dance at Simon Fraser University and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with a major in Dance and a minor in Kinesiology. She has attained a Certificate in Health and Fitness from Simon Fraser University and a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies from Brock University. Heather has experience as a dancer and choreographer in both ballet and contemporary throughout the Lower Mainland, as well as in Ontario.
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Sara Park | Jazz, Lyrical, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Boot Camp, Musical Theatre
Sara originally from Edmonton, Alberta moved to Vancouver to dance with the Source Dance Company. Along with stage work Sara has also worked on several feature films, television shows and commercials including “Marriage,” “Eureka” and “Kyle XY.” Along with dancing professionally she has been teaching for the past 5 years and loves watching her students grow as dancers. Her training includes jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, bootcamp, and musical theatre. Sara feels privileged to teach at such a fantastic studio and can’t wait to take part in another year with all of these wonderful students.
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