MEET OUR TEACHERS FOR THE 2023-2024 SEASON
Mature, professional & educated instructors with a wide variety of internationally accepted certifications. Our teachers are always learning and expanding their knowledge within the dance industry all while fully embracing the warm, welcoming, family culture that we strive for.
Mature, professional & educated instructors with a wide variety of internationally accepted certifications. Our teachers are always learning and expanding their knowledge within the dance industry all while fully embracing the warm, welcoming, family culture that we strive for.
Miss Joanne Nelson
Owner/Studio Director
Miss Joanne started her dance career in Leicestershire England at the age of three. At 12 she joined the Concordia operatic society and began acting, dancing and singing In musicals such as the Sound of Music, Carousel, Showboat, Half a sixpence and many more. At 19 she took on a professional pantomime society taking the lead role in Alladin and starred in her first dramatic production Wait until Dark. During her late teens she worked to get her dance teachers Associated certificate at the I.D.T.A London, and also took her associate teacher At L.A.M.D.A
At 20 she travelled to Spain were she performed for 7 years at the Cirque du Mundial and the Teatro Lido. Where she danced, performed an aerial act, and rode on elephants :)
Thirty five years ago Miss Joanne moved to Breton, after growing up in theatre and dance she was so disappointed to find that there were no such programs in the community. In November of 1989, she opened up a small dance school in Breton to give children the opportunity to try something that she had grown up with her whole life.
That small school has expanded along with many talented young people whom she has had the pleasure to train and know.
Now, Miss Joanne has decided to bring her talent and knowledge to Drayton; in Sept 2013 , along with her faculty she opened a new Dance Academy - Miss Joanne's School of Dance - Drayton Valley.
Owner/Studio Director
Miss Joanne started her dance career in Leicestershire England at the age of three. At 12 she joined the Concordia operatic society and began acting, dancing and singing In musicals such as the Sound of Music, Carousel, Showboat, Half a sixpence and many more. At 19 she took on a professional pantomime society taking the lead role in Alladin and starred in her first dramatic production Wait until Dark. During her late teens she worked to get her dance teachers Associated certificate at the I.D.T.A London, and also took her associate teacher At L.A.M.D.A
At 20 she travelled to Spain were she performed for 7 years at the Cirque du Mundial and the Teatro Lido. Where she danced, performed an aerial act, and rode on elephants :)
Thirty five years ago Miss Joanne moved to Breton, after growing up in theatre and dance she was so disappointed to find that there were no such programs in the community. In November of 1989, she opened up a small dance school in Breton to give children the opportunity to try something that she had grown up with her whole life.
That small school has expanded along with many talented young people whom she has had the pleasure to train and know.
Now, Miss Joanne has decided to bring her talent and knowledge to Drayton; in Sept 2013 , along with her faculty she opened a new Dance Academy - Miss Joanne's School of Dance - Drayton Valley.
Miss Krista Sutherland - Breton & Drayton Valley
Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, & Tap
Miss Krista Sutherland has been involved with the dance community for over 2 decades. She trained under the staff of Miss Joanne’s School of Dance in Breton, AB, and has had the privilege to be inspired by numerous teachers from around the world.
Miss Krista received her A.D.A.P.T. Teacher Training Certificate in Jazz and Tap in 2005, her 25hr Vinyasa Yoga for Youth with Ryan Leier in 2013, and her Acrobatic Arts Module 1 in 2015.
Miss Krista has had the opportunity to share her love of dance in many studios in the Edmonton area.
She continues to expand her craft by attending classes when ever she can and by tapping into the wealth of knowledge that lies within both her colleagues and students alike.
Miss Krista believes that we are ALL born to dance, and loves to see what can be created with an idea and a beat. She aspires to instil a love of movement in all whom she has the pleasure of meeting on the dance floor.
Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, & Tap
Miss Krista Sutherland has been involved with the dance community for over 2 decades. She trained under the staff of Miss Joanne’s School of Dance in Breton, AB, and has had the privilege to be inspired by numerous teachers from around the world.
Miss Krista received her A.D.A.P.T. Teacher Training Certificate in Jazz and Tap in 2005, her 25hr Vinyasa Yoga for Youth with Ryan Leier in 2013, and her Acrobatic Arts Module 1 in 2015.
Miss Krista has had the opportunity to share her love of dance in many studios in the Edmonton area.
She continues to expand her craft by attending classes when ever she can and by tapping into the wealth of knowledge that lies within both her colleagues and students alike.
Miss Krista believes that we are ALL born to dance, and loves to see what can be created with an idea and a beat. She aspires to instil a love of movement in all whom she has the pleasure of meeting on the dance floor.
Miss Fallon Hunter - Drayton Valley
Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Modern & Acro
Miss Fallon began dance classes at the age of 3 and has been hooked ever since. Fallon is trained in Ballet ( Cecchetti, RAD, and Vaganova), Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and Pointe Technique. She danced locally until the age of 12. At age 12 Miss Fallon Joined the professional Dance program at the Edmonton School of Ballet where she did intensive training in RAD and Cecchetti work. She holds her Intermediate 1 certificate in Cecchetti Ballet. Miss Fallon holds certifications through International Dance Teaching Standards, Canadian Dance Teachers Association in Jazz (associate), Acrobatic Arts Module 1&2, & Alixa Flexibility.
At the age of 13 she was lucky to be introduced to Sandra Gray School of Dance, where she closely got to work with Sandra Gray, Wendi Danbrook, and Kati Bahari. As well as guest teachers such as Richard Andries and Sarah Dolan. This is where Miss Fallon fell in love with the Vaganova Ballet Technique.
Miss Fallon has competed all across Alberta and British Columbia winning numerous awards and scholarships. Dance has taken Miss Fallon to many places across the globe such as Vancouver, Hawaii, New York, Spain. While in Spain she travelled along the coast in a dance tour preforming in Hotels, at Special Events, and other venues. In New York Miss Fallon has taken classes at the famous Steps on Broadway Dance Centre as well as attended the New York City Dance Alliance Convention.
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Miss Fallon has been teaching dance for the last decade, and has won numerous awards for her innovative choreography. She is Excited for another successful Year with Miss Joanne's!
Miss Danielle Jackson - Drayton Valley
Tap
Miss Dani has been a part of MJSD for over 25 years! Growing up in Breton, Alberta, she began dancing with Miss Joanne at the age of 3 and trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern and pointe. Starting as a teachers assistant at 14, then moving to student teacher at 16, she now has over 10 years experience teaching tap, beginner jazz, and recreational classes. After a short break away from the studio, Miss Dani was excited to get back into teaching in 2013 when Miss Joanne’s School of Dance came to Drayton Valley!
Dani has learned from many innovative choreographers over the years, one being Miss Joanne herself. She has attended both conventions and workshops all across western Canada including GSP Dance Convention and the Rocky Mountain Dance Project in Jasper, AB. Miss Dani is a certified Dance Instructor through International Dance Teaching Standards.
Miss Dani’s creative steps and musicality are so fun to watch on stage. Her groups have won numerous awards over the last 10 seasons and we can not wait to see what new ideas she comes up with for our 11th year!
Tap
Miss Dani has been a part of MJSD for over 25 years! Growing up in Breton, Alberta, she began dancing with Miss Joanne at the age of 3 and trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern and pointe. Starting as a teachers assistant at 14, then moving to student teacher at 16, she now has over 10 years experience teaching tap, beginner jazz, and recreational classes. After a short break away from the studio, Miss Dani was excited to get back into teaching in 2013 when Miss Joanne’s School of Dance came to Drayton Valley!
Dani has learned from many innovative choreographers over the years, one being Miss Joanne herself. She has attended both conventions and workshops all across western Canada including GSP Dance Convention and the Rocky Mountain Dance Project in Jasper, AB. Miss Dani is a certified Dance Instructor through International Dance Teaching Standards.
Miss Dani’s creative steps and musicality are so fun to watch on stage. Her groups have won numerous awards over the last 10 seasons and we can not wait to see what new ideas she comes up with for our 11th year!
Miss Ariana Tourner - Drayton Valley
Jazz, Contemporary, Heels and Strength Technique
Ariana embraces creativity in all outlets of her life, and dance is no exception. She has trained in most disciplines since a child, progressing as a student teacher while receiving top scores on the competition circuit and attending various workshops and master classes. For several years Ariana was principal dancer for Canadian Showgirlz, an all female performance troupe in Edmonton. Ariana also spent a couple seasons on the Edmonton Rush professional lacrosse dance team, performing for audiences of up to 11,000 people in Rexall Place. More recently she and her partner won the Grand Champion title at the Shakin’ in Drayton fundraiser with a rumba routine. Ariana has taught at several dance studios for over a decade now, and her wealth of fitness knowledge enriches her understanding of dance technique. She is very excited for the new ideas and enthusiastic students that this dance season will bring!
Jazz, Contemporary, Heels and Strength Technique
Ariana embraces creativity in all outlets of her life, and dance is no exception. She has trained in most disciplines since a child, progressing as a student teacher while receiving top scores on the competition circuit and attending various workshops and master classes. For several years Ariana was principal dancer for Canadian Showgirlz, an all female performance troupe in Edmonton. Ariana also spent a couple seasons on the Edmonton Rush professional lacrosse dance team, performing for audiences of up to 11,000 people in Rexall Place. More recently she and her partner won the Grand Champion title at the Shakin’ in Drayton fundraiser with a rumba routine. Ariana has taught at several dance studios for over a decade now, and her wealth of fitness knowledge enriches her understanding of dance technique. She is very excited for the new ideas and enthusiastic students that this dance season will bring!
Harman Baweja - Drayton Valley
Hip Hop
Harman is a choreographer/dancer who’s style is best described as sharp and controlled movements with heavy emphasis on “Animation”.
Harman has been in the Edmonton Dance Scene for 10 years and is well known as one of the ‘Shadow Twins’ and members of ‘White Chocolate’. In this time he has been fortunate to have learned and trained with top choreographers while honing his craft. Harman is also a member of the Business a Edmonton based crew.
He has also been privileged to have been able to teach and perform in China, Spain, United States and all over Canada. Harman hopes to inspire through movement and challenge his students while still having fun!
Hip Hop
Harman is a choreographer/dancer who’s style is best described as sharp and controlled movements with heavy emphasis on “Animation”.
Harman has been in the Edmonton Dance Scene for 10 years and is well known as one of the ‘Shadow Twins’ and members of ‘White Chocolate’. In this time he has been fortunate to have learned and trained with top choreographers while honing his craft. Harman is also a member of the Business a Edmonton based crew.
He has also been privileged to have been able to teach and perform in China, Spain, United States and all over Canada. Harman hopes to inspire through movement and challenge his students while still having fun!
Miss Tania De Leon - Drayton Valley
Ballet & Pointe Technique
Owner of the studio Temps de Danser since June 2010 in Zamora, Michoacán. México where she performed the functions as: a principal (talking with parents and manage all administrative paperwork - students registration at the RAD annual examination, keeping track of students progress); teacher (organize and design monthly - annual classes with the Syllabus of Royal Academy of Dance, creating choreography for annual performances and extra events);classical dancer.
Miss Tania has performed and participated in various performances as a Solo dancer with Variations from Classical Repertoire as “Gisselle”, “Coppelia”, “Paquita”, “Swan Lake”, “Nutcracker” and also as a Pas de Deux dancer.
Annual attendance at Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of Royal Academy of Dance in Mexico City and Guadalajara. And most recently in Canada.
Miss Tania teaches all levels in Ballet from preschool up to Solo Seal (male and female RAD Syllabus), Silver Swan program (adults form 50 and more), newer and less experienced dancers in proper form and posture to avoid injuries, she has started with the new program for persons with disabilities (autism, Down syndrome and blindness) using the music and foundation of Classical Ballet technique as a therapy.
Ballet & Pointe Technique
Owner of the studio Temps de Danser since June 2010 in Zamora, Michoacán. México where she performed the functions as: a principal (talking with parents and manage all administrative paperwork - students registration at the RAD annual examination, keeping track of students progress); teacher (organize and design monthly - annual classes with the Syllabus of Royal Academy of Dance, creating choreography for annual performances and extra events);classical dancer.
Miss Tania has performed and participated in various performances as a Solo dancer with Variations from Classical Repertoire as “Gisselle”, “Coppelia”, “Paquita”, “Swan Lake”, “Nutcracker” and also as a Pas de Deux dancer.
Annual attendance at Continuing Professional Development (CPD) of Royal Academy of Dance in Mexico City and Guadalajara. And most recently in Canada.
Miss Tania teaches all levels in Ballet from preschool up to Solo Seal (male and female RAD Syllabus), Silver Swan program (adults form 50 and more), newer and less experienced dancers in proper form and posture to avoid injuries, she has started with the new program for persons with disabilities (autism, Down syndrome and blindness) using the music and foundation of Classical Ballet technique as a therapy.
Miss Alie Wager - Drayton Valley
Ballet and Musical Theatre
Alie graduated from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Teacher Training Program in 2016 with her Associate with Cecchetti Canada. She has been dancing since the early age of three, and is trained in ballet, musical theatre, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and modern.
She has previously performed in the RWB’s “The Nutcracker” and “The Gitagovinda”, as well as in musicals such as “Bye Bye Birdie”, “Fame” and “The Music Man.”
A recipient of awards for choreography across multiple disciplines, Alie has taught dance professionally across Canada and Europe. Though she is trained in many dance forms, her favourites are ballet and musical theatre and enjoys sharing this passion with her students.
Ballet and Musical Theatre
Alie graduated from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Teacher Training Program in 2016 with her Associate with Cecchetti Canada. She has been dancing since the early age of three, and is trained in ballet, musical theatre, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and modern.
She has previously performed in the RWB’s “The Nutcracker” and “The Gitagovinda”, as well as in musicals such as “Bye Bye Birdie”, “Fame” and “The Music Man.”
A recipient of awards for choreography across multiple disciplines, Alie has taught dance professionally across Canada and Europe. Though she is trained in many dance forms, her favourites are ballet and musical theatre and enjoys sharing this passion with her students.
Miss Angie Serrani - Drayton Valley
Ballet
Bio coming soon!
Ballet
Bio coming soon!
Miss Abby Burns - Drayton Valley
Recreational Classes
Miss Abby started dancing at age 6, in Ponoka where she grew up! She trained in ballet, jazz, and tap mainly but dabbled in lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop throughout the years.
Miss Abby started student teaching at her local dance studio in her teen years and has taught several recreational classes (even adults) throughout the years!
Miss Abby is very excited to bring her love for dance along with her to the energetic and silliness to MJSD! See you on the dance floor!
Recreational Classes
Miss Abby started dancing at age 6, in Ponoka where she grew up! She trained in ballet, jazz, and tap mainly but dabbled in lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop throughout the years.
Miss Abby started student teaching at her local dance studio in her teen years and has taught several recreational classes (even adults) throughout the years!
Miss Abby is very excited to bring her love for dance along with her to the energetic and silliness to MJSD! See you on the dance floor!
Miss Jenna Paterson - Breton & Drayton Valley
Recreational Classes
Miss Jenna began dancing at the age of 3. She trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, pointe and musical theatre under the staff at Miss Joanne’s School of Dance in Breton and Drayton. She was a teacher’s assistant and student teacher at MJSD in Breton.
After graduating high school in 2017, Miss Jenna attended the University of Alberta where she earned a Bachelor of Education Degree. She is thrilled to be back at MJSD and is excited to share her passion of dance with others!
Recreational Classes
Miss Jenna began dancing at the age of 3. She trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, pointe and musical theatre under the staff at Miss Joanne’s School of Dance in Breton and Drayton. She was a teacher’s assistant and student teacher at MJSD in Breton.
After graduating high school in 2017, Miss Jenna attended the University of Alberta where she earned a Bachelor of Education Degree. She is thrilled to be back at MJSD and is excited to share her passion of dance with others!
Miss Jessica Doucette - Drayton Valley
Drama & Acting Coach
Jessica is excited to take on the role as Drama Coach for Miss Joanne’s School of Dance. Jessica has been involved in theatre since childhood as an actor, writer and director. She was the inaugural Chairperson of the Drayton Valley River Valley Players Association where she coached youth theatre sports and directed numerous one acts with children and adults. Currently she is the director of the Breton High School Drama Club. Some of her directing work includes “Paper Bag Princess”, “Selfie” and “Thank you for Flushing my Head in the Toilet”. As an actor she has appeared in numerous One Acts – “The Private Prop of Roscoe Pointer”, “The Thingamigny”, “The Vagina Monologues” and many pieces written by local writer/director/actor Blair Begalke – “Boris Karloffs’s Head” and “Corky Grotesque”. She has worked with local talent in “The Sound of Music” where she was blessed with the role of Baroness Elsa Schrader. A life goal accomplished! In her off stage life Jessica is the proud mother of two young dancers and works as a School and Community Health Facilitator.
Drama & Acting Coach
Jessica is excited to take on the role as Drama Coach for Miss Joanne’s School of Dance. Jessica has been involved in theatre since childhood as an actor, writer and director. She was the inaugural Chairperson of the Drayton Valley River Valley Players Association where she coached youth theatre sports and directed numerous one acts with children and adults. Currently she is the director of the Breton High School Drama Club. Some of her directing work includes “Paper Bag Princess”, “Selfie” and “Thank you for Flushing my Head in the Toilet”. As an actor she has appeared in numerous One Acts – “The Private Prop of Roscoe Pointer”, “The Thingamigny”, “The Vagina Monologues” and many pieces written by local writer/director/actor Blair Begalke – “Boris Karloffs’s Head” and “Corky Grotesque”. She has worked with local talent in “The Sound of Music” where she was blessed with the role of Baroness Elsa Schrader. A life goal accomplished! In her off stage life Jessica is the proud mother of two young dancers and works as a School and Community Health Facilitator.