- studio faculty
The faculty at Dance in Motion come from all kinds of dance backgrounds and have experienced professional training and work inside the dance industry. Our teachers strive to give the students their very best instruction as well as creating an atmosphere of discipline and fun!
studio directors
Leigh Hilary-Lee - Director
Leigh, a native of Portland, Oregon, began her dance training at an early age and became serious about it when she moved to Vancouver, BC in 1988. Her training was in all realms of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, modern, and hip-hop. After graduating from the Langley Fine Arts School, she ventured to the Oklahoma City University Dance Program and joined the renowned dance company, "The American Spirit Dancers". Her university education also includes the modern/ballet program at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.
Leigh's performing career took off when she decided to move to Los Angeles in 1997 where she worked for a year at the Edge Performing Arts Center in their work-study program. After contracts with both Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruise lines, she decided to make her home back in Vancouver. There she worked in films including Scooby Doo 2, Saving Silverman, and Dudley Do-Right, she performed with Vancouver Grizzlies Extreme Dance Team and in the stage production of 42nd Street with the Royal City Musical Theatre Company. Leigh then landed commercials for Dr.Atkins, Royal Caribbean International, and choreographed for Barbie Mattel. Recently Leigh had the opportunity to dance along side Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin on the TV series "The L Word"!
Leigh started teaching throughout the Greater Vancouver Area and owns Dance in Motion dance studio in Abbotsford, BC. Within Dance in Motion, she created the youth performing arts company Northwest Dance Project. They have toured throughout North America to compete and perform. Graduates of Leigh's dance program can now been seen dancing on Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America Cruise Lines, and also for the Source Dance Company, the BC Lion's Felions, and various Vancouver theatre productions.
Leigh's teaching and choreography credits include Groovestreet Productions, the American College Dance Festival in Wichita, Kansas, Wichita State University, Harbour Dance Centre, The Source Dance Company, Danzmode Productions, Pacific Dance Arts and Vancouver Artists Jana Jana and Theresa Coombe. Leigh has adjudicated for Dance Power, Shyanne Dance Festival, Dance Extreme, Dance Magic, and Alberta Dance Festival.
Leigh loves sharing her passion for dance with children of all ages!
Nicole Chapleo - Director
Nicole began training as a child and has since studied, performed, competed and adjudicated across Canada and the United States. She has developed her dance skills in the areas of Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical and Musical Theatre.
For over twenty years, Nicole has been teaching and choreographing at many dance studios throughout Vancouver and the lower mainland where her students have achieved many high score awards at competitions which include; Chilliwack District Arts Festival, Surrey Festival of the Arts, Coquitlam District Arts Festival, Dance Power, Footloose, Canadian Nationals and Peak Invitational. Nicole also instructed and choreographed a Jazz solo for the 2002 Provincial Champion.
Nicole has become a valued judge for various events, including "The Optimist Society's 3rd Annual Talent Show" , "HSBC Cheerleading Championships" and the dance category of the "Delta Arts Society Festival". Nicole has also traveled across Canada to be an adjudicator for "Footloose" competitions and the Canadian National Championships.
Nicole has also used her talents in the television industry, choreographing for Fisher Price and Mattel as well, has worked on the sets of Coors light, Friches and Scooby Doo 2, among others.
Nicole has a genuine love for both the craft of dance and children. She believes in a positive learning atmosphere where students can excel in what they love to do and looks forward to another fantastic year at Dance in Motion.
Amy Mihal - Director
Amy has been training in the art of dance since the age of 5. She attended the Langley Fine Arts School where she was one of the original members of the Esprit de Corps Dance Company and traveled to Miami, Florida to represent Canada in the 3rd National Highschool Dance Festival. She has trained with numerous instructors across Canada and the U.S. in jazz, ballet, lyrical, hip hop, musical theatre and tap. She has danced in such diverse projects from the "Loser Magnet" Noise Therapy music video to The Nutcracker with the Royal City Youth Ballet Company. Amy can also be seen as an extra in various movies, including Scooby Doo Too.
Amy began choreographing at the age of 13 and won numerous awards for her choreography at festival. She has also choreographed for television, including for the Barbie "Sing With Me" Karaoke Machine commercial. Amy has been teaching students young and old for the past 12 years at various studios throughout the Lower Mainland from Chilliwak to Vancouver.
Amy expanded her love for dance by taking numerous courses in human anatomy, injury prevention, choreography and pedagogy and also became a certified Pilates instructor. Amy has a genuine love for both the craft of dance and children and has a passion for sharing her love of both! Amy is extremely excited to be one of the new co-owners and directors of Dance in Motion and she is looking forward to another fabulous year!
studio instructors
Kathryn M. Perrault | c.a.e.a., actra - Ballet
Ms. Perrault has been involved in broad dance & theatre education for 15 years. She received her foundational training in Toronto, ON, with Canadian Dance Company, Sean Boutilier, and Glenn Gilmour of Canada's National Ballet School. She continued her studies later through the Joffrey Ballet School, on exchange in Europe & South America, and through York University's BFA Dance Program. Upon accepting a mentor-program apprenticeship with Ballet BC, Ms. Perrault moved to Vancouver to pursue classical performance and went on to perform extensively with the Vancouver Goh Ballet, and on tour with Colorado Ballet Company and American Ballet Theatre. Ms. Perrault is also a two-time GEMINI nominee for her work in Canadian film and television, which includes leading roles in off-Broadway musicals and feature films/television series' for Paramount Pictures, Alliance Atlantis, Disney Channel, CBC, FOX, ABC, and HBO.
For the past seven years, Ms. Perrault has choreographed, coached, adjudicated, and overseen classical & modern curriculums for many established lower mainland schools. She is passionate about early dance education and travelling internationally to help bring new & progressive resources into the forefront of local training. She currently resides as Artistic Director of the Vancouver Junior Professional Division, a private ballet institute for girls aged 6-13.
Danielle Tingley
Danielle Began her dance training at a young age. For many years she trained in ballet and Jazz at local dance studios in Abbotsford.
She then came to Dance in Motion at the age of 15 and began training in all varieties of dance including Tap ,Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip hop, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Modern. Danielle is also experienced in Cheerleading with 3 years of training. After Graduating highschool from Yale Secondary School, Danielle continued in the world of dance by getting involved with teaching and assisting, which she found a great passion for. She has attended various auditions, Master classes, and Conventions; all being taught by well-known choreographers throughout Canada and United States.
Danielle has also completed grades 1-8 in the Royal Academy of Dance.
She is Very excited to be a part of Dance in Motion's faculty and hopes to inspire all her students and share the love of dance she has with everyone.
Nicholas Hasenpflug
Nicholas has been teaching since 2002 and shares his passion for breakdancing with many students he has taught throughout the last eight years.
Nicholas competes at several B-Boy events such as "Just for Kicks" in Surrey and "Circle Prinz Canada" Vancouver where he and his crew are known for their high achievements. He has hosted more than five "Born To Represent" competitions for dancers under the age of 16yrs. He also hosted the very well known international five on five competition, "Technique Warz", which attracts over six hundred dancers.
Nicholas is determined to share his love for dance with all of his students who seek a challenge and wish to enjoy themselves in the process. He looks at breakdancing as a way of life because you always have to overcome new challenges. Breakdancing is about always finding new ways to become a better person and to dance to the BEAT of your own drummer.
Kim Durham - Acro, Stunts and Tumbling
Formerly the founder of Aerial Dance and Acro Academy in Abbotsford, B.C., Kim built and ran the acro program there which made it a huge success. This has lead into other studios wanting her time and talent. Dance in Motion feels privileged to have her with us again this year!
Kim started her gymnastic career at the age of 4. When she turned 9 years old, she won the Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships and was subsequently asked to train with an Olympic coach in the United States. Kim continued her gymnastics career until the age of 13 when she decided to dance full time, a discipline which she started at the age of 8, alongside her gymnastics discipline at the Vi Cameron School of Dance. Kim trained until she was 16, when she started coaching. Kim has maintained fitness and learning until this day. Kim has coached at both the National and International levels for her acro.
For the past twelve years, Kim has been an acrobatic dance teacher for both the competitive levels as well as the recreational levels. Kim is so passionate about this discipline, she teaches every level of dancer who expresses interest in acro. Kim has achieved high honours as a trainer and choreographer over the years. This includes Choreographer of the year and diamond choreographer at the ADA and Adjudicator's choice as well as Teacher's choice in many local competitions all over the lower mainland as well as an 'Arty' award for her community contributions in Abbotsford. Many of Kim's performing groups have won top honours at local and remote competitions including taking the top spot at the Tacoma regionals and Hawaii Dance Experience in Waikiki, Hawaii.
Some of Kim's credits in the community include her choreographic contributions to our very own B.C. Summer Games, collaborative credit for the opening ceremonies for the Senior Summer Games, both of which were held right here in Abbotsford. She also has had the opportunity to work with the community of Vancouver with the 'fortheloveofityouth' on Granville Island.
Kim continues to share her love of dance and acrobatics with her students of all ages! We are very fortunate to have Kim as one of our many accomplished teachers, here, at Dance in Motion!Sarah Newton
Sarah has successfully completed all her Royal Academy of Dance exams including Advanced Executant (now Advanced 2) and levels 1-3 in both Classical and Character of the Dance Education Syllabus. In 2002 Sarah completed the 3 year teacher training program through R.A.D. , receiving the high mark of Distinction. Her training has also included working with many international guest teachers at workshops, Royal Winnipeg Ballet summer sessions and the Alberta Ballet school. Sarah’s professional credits include touring and performing with Alberta Ballet Company and she as a founding member of Ballet BC’s mentor program. Sarah also holds her teaching certificate with Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association and has completed an intensive Pilates teacher training to receive her Pilates Mat certification. Sarah is continuously attending courses through the RAD to keep her teaching standards at the highest level possible.
Mary M. Boonstra
Mary is a BCRPA (AFL) Advanced Fitness Leader. As an Evolutions Training Pilates Mat Instructor and a fitness course presenter, she provides instructor-based training workshops and conventions internationally. Mary also teaches Performance Adult Hip Hop and Adult Jazz at Dance in Motion studios in Abbotsford! Her passion for dance and performance has carried her for the last 17yrs at Dance in Motion – and she loves it! Above all, Mary loves sharing her passion for dance and fitness! In addition to Mary's teaching experience of fitness (both land & water) Mary was also the recipient of the 2002 Mall Peepre national fitness award and was nominated for young entrepreneur in 2001 by Business Excellence Abbotsford.
Mary is involved with numerous community associations where she continues to promote all aspects of health and wellness to children, youth, adults and seniors. She is an advocate of the 'In Motion' health & wellness initiative in Abbotsford and is currently on the board for the Canadian Cancer 'Relay for Life.' Mary has choreographed 'Business In Black' for the past (4) years and is on the committee for Business Excellence Abbotsford/Chamber of Commerce.
Krista Tingley
Born in Abbotsford, B.C, Krista began her dance training at the age of 8. She trained in ballet and then went on to learn many different styles of dance including Jazz, Modern, Tap, Hip Hop and Contemporary. During her early years she participated and performed in many different community events. Krista attended many dance studios in Abbotsford including here at Dance In Motion.
Krista was also apart of the dance team and captain of the cheerleading team at Yale Secondary School from 2004-2006. She has been examined in grades 1 through 8 ballet and also examined in I.S.T.D ballet. After graduation from high school Krista studied Psychology and Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Krista has a passion for teaching and hopes she will inspire her students to have a love for dance.
Chelsea Hammond
Chelsea started her training at the age of 8 at Dance In Motion, competing and training in all styles of dance. With her training at Dance in Motion, She participated in many different conventions such as; Groove Street, Sureey Dance Festival, CO-Dance, and New York City Dance Alliance. Chelsea has also completed Grades 1-6 in RAD Ballet. Some of her performances include Seven Oaks Fashion Show, B.C Summer Games, And The Beat Goes On Show, Valley Voices Fundraiser against Domestic Violence, And performances with Elevate Dance Crew. Chelsea started teaching after graduation in 2010 at places like Central Abbotsford Community School, St.James Catholic School, M.J Mouat, And Yale Secondary's School Musical. It was teaching at these different schools, and assisting classes at Dance in Motion that Chelsea found a love for sharing her passion with students.
After Highschool, along with teaching and assisting classes, Chelsea attended Trinity Western University and took courses in the Fitness Industry, she is now a registered BCRPA Fitness Leader and BCRPA Weight Trainer. She hopes to one day soon study BCRPA Group Fitness, and BCRPA Personal Training courses.
Chelsea has never been more excited then to be back home as a part of Dance in Motions team, and can't wait to give back to the studio that inspired in her a lifelong love and passion for dancing.
Terry McGowan
Terry McGowan has had a love of dance since she was a toddler in Scotland. Having this passion has led her through a lifetime of dance from being a dancer herself to her ultimate love of teaching and choreography. Terry has been blessed to have taught and choreographed for over 35 years at some of Canada's most acclaimed dance schools.
Terry is so proud to have had the privilege of having taught such amazing dancers including Stacey Tookey of Celine Dion's Las Vegas show "A New Day" and of “So You Think You Can Dance” fame, Sandi Croft also of Celine Dion's "A New Day", Vanessa Lawson, the Royal Winnipeg's princi- pal soloist, Brock Jellison of Rukus Productions and choreographer of the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Professional dancer and choreographer Kevin Tookey, who has danced his way around the world, appearing on the big screen in “Reefer Madness” and “Hot Rod” and who also has appearances on “So You Think You Can Dance”, Eliza- beth Gordon-Tookey who portrayed "Baby" in the Toronto cast of "Dirty Dancing" and so many more wonderfully talented artists along the years.
Since her decision to semi-retire 2 years ago, Terry has been guest teaching for Loretta Beamish in Kelowna BC but her recent move to Abbotsford has her looking for new adventures. Terry is so grateful to have had such a fruitful career in dance and with such beautiful inspiration from all of her students throughout the years and although semi-retired, it seems she just can't walk away from it all just yet. As everyone in the dance world knows, the curtain never really closes.
Ferd Tocol
Ferdinand (Ferd) Tocol is a Vancouver based dancer who has been dancing for over 20 years in jazz, ballet, musical theatre and hip hop. He has trained with the best choreographers in New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver. Ferd has appeared in many television and film productions including: Hellcats, MTV’s “2gether” series, Scooby Doo Too, Good Bye Girl, Dr. Dolittle 3, and Reefer Madness. He has also appeared in various commercials such as Panago Pizza, Subway, Stargate Atlantis, Rogers/At&&t, Kokannee, Post Golden Crisps, and Got Milk? Ferd has performed for The Vancouver Grizzlies, 98 Degrees in concert, Westbeach and Qucksilver fashion shows, Polaris, Coca Cola Celebration Parade, The Fair at the PNE, Roots, Urban Storm stage shows, Fusion Dance and Aids Walk Canada. He has also performed around the world for major companies like Amway Japan in Hawaii, “Too Much Fun is Not Enough” family entertainment, Creo Computer Company, and EA Sports. Ferd travels with Groove Street Productions to Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary and teaches regular classes, workshops, and summer camps all over B.C. and Alberta.
Jordan Allarie - Guest Choreographer and DIM Alumni
Jordan is an accomplished performer, choreographer, teacher and fitness instructor. As a youngster Jordan was registered in a kinder-dance class at Dance in Motion with the hope that the exercise would provide a positive outlet for his abounding energy. It quickly became apparent that Jordan had a natural talent and passion for dance and performance and by the age of three he was enrolled in ballet, tap and jazz. He later added musical theatre, contemporary and Hip Hop to his repertoire.
Jordan immersed himself fully in the dance training, taking advantage of every opportunity presented to him. He competed in many festivals, competitions, and attended numerous workshops and conventions. He trained for two summers at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Jordan was the BC Provincial champion in Tap and Stage at the Junior, Intermediate and Senior level. At the age of 13 he began teaching his choreography to students in the basement of his home. Since that time he has won many awards for his interesting and innovative choreography.
After graduation, Jordan was hired by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and, for the next couple of years, he travelled the world while performing in their Revue casts. After two years of the living at sea, Jordan decided it was time to return home to the Fraser Valley. Since then, Jordan has traveled throughout Canada and U.S. working as a dancer. He has been lucky to have trained with great teachers in L.A., New York and here in Canada. Recently he worked with VANOC on the 2010 Olympic Mascot Launch and on the One Year Countdown to 2010 celebrations aired on CTV.
Along with other BC dancers and recording artists, Ali Milner and the country music trio, The Higgins, Jordan traveled throughout China as part of a friendship tour sponsored by the BC Government and Tourism BC. He has choreographed for productions of "A Chorus Line", "Cabaret" , "Oliver" and "Alice Through the Looking Glass". Among thousands of other Canadian dancers, Jordan successfully auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance Canada and made it to the top 100 finalists.
He currently teaches and choreographs for a number of studios in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley and continues to perform whenever an opportunity presents itself.
In 2008 Jordan became a BCRPA certified Fitness Instructor. With his dance and choreography background he developed DanceFit Cardio, a series of very successful dance cardio routines. The program has been a great success and he looks forward to what the future holds both on and off the stage.
studio guest choreographers
Sarah Reis - Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Acro Technique, Tumbling
Sarah has been teaching dance and coaching high performance gymnastics around the wolrd for many years and her choreography is well known throughout the artistic community. Sarah has received choreography awards at local and international dance competitions. Her choreography has been showcased at events across Canada, and in 2005 Sarah was elected to Gymnastics BC to choreograph the opening ceremonies for the National Championships, which was televised internationally.
Sarah has been an active performer for many years and has been involved in many areas of the industry including casted roles as lead and backup dancers, acting gigs in major motions pictures and television work, as well as runway and print modelling. Some of her favourite gigs included; Mac Cosmetics, Joico Hair, Aldo, The X-Files, Off the Wall, and the lead dancer for Corfu cruise lines in Greece.
In addition to her choreography skills and performance experience, Sarah is a lifelong learner committed to continual growth as an educator. She aims to provide her students with the best training while promoting social development. Sarah has studied from the most elite movement and sport researchers in the world including Howie Wenger, former physiologist for Wayne Gretsky. Sarah has worked as a clinical kinesiologist developing injury rehabilitation programs for both severe and acute trauma injuries.
While working towards obtaining these credentials Sarah studied choreography and contemporary dance at Simon Fraser University. Sarah now holds a masters degree in coaching theory from the University of Victoria. When not teaching or choreographing, Sarah's passion is conducting research in movement studies, particularly focussing on skill acquisition in dance education and performance psychology. Sarah is currently on the curriculum advisory committee board for the Canadian Dance Standards, an organization striving to raise the standard of dance education in North America. Sarah is now in the process of working towards a doctoral degree in Dance and Arts Education, and has new motor development research that is due for publication soon. Sarah's love of dance and fascination with the complexity of the moving body has deepened her passion for understanding the demands of elite dance performance.
Christina Woodard - Guest Choreographer Jazz and Contemporary
Christina's unique style and challenging classes have put her in demand as a master teacher and choreographer throughout the world. Her extensive knowledge of anatomy, allows her to provide exciting and educational classes with a deep focus on stretch, strength and placement; while her incredible energy and compassion has made her popular with dancers of all ages. Her TV credits include: The Steve Harvey Show, Suddenly Susan, Fame LA, Big Brother and recently she choreographed an episode of The Nikki Show on the WB Network. She has made appearances in the movies Hoodlum, Can't Hardly Wait, and commercials for The Grammy's, Job Corps, Fox Sport Net trailers and the Just Say No Anti drug campaign. She is a faculty member of EDGE Performing Arts Center in North Hollywood CA, Urban Jamm, Encore Performing Arts, Tam Jams, The University of Southern California and Broadway Dance Center in New York. Currently she choreographs for numerous organizations, dance companies, and commercial projects. As well as choreographing for many live concerts and events benefiting children and important health issues.
Christina is a guest instructor at Dance in Motion and we are so pleased to have her with us!
Sean Smith
Sean Smith grew up in Abbotsford, British Columbia and has been dancing since the age of six. He studied at Dance in Motion, Goh Ballet Academy, Ballet British Columbia, Toronto Dance Theatre and currently at the Ailey School.
Professionally Sean has performed with Mascall Dance, Alberta Ballet, Zata Omm Dance Projects and Ballet Creole. He had performed choreography by John Alleyne, William Yong, Emily Molnar, George Balanchine, Twyla Tharpe, Paul Taylor, Elisa Monte, Troy Powell, Judith Jamison, and Alvin Ailey. Sean has also had the privilege of performing in "Memoria" and in the Yellow section of "Revelations" with The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre.
Sean has been studying the dance technique of Lester Horton for the last three years and is currently teaching in the junior division of the Ailey School.
Julio Fuentes - Guest Choreographer Hip Hop
Julio "Boogie" Fuentes
Julio, a native of BC, has been teaching, performing and adjudicating at many studios, conventions and competitions both locally and internationally! Julio has been a dancer and choreographer for the Praise Team out of Surrey, BC for the past few years where he has dedicated much time to his Praise and Worship Ministry! As well, Julio is part of the faculty at Harbour Dance Centre and Drive Dance Centre, two professional training facilities in Vancouver!
Julio has adjudicated competitions such as Footloose Dance Competition and International Dance Challenge and has taught workshops at countless studios in the lower mainland, as well as in Tennessee and Florida!
Among Julio's credits he is also an established singer and actor! Julio's plans are to move to Los Angeles, California this fall to further pursue his career as a dancer and performer.
We are very happy to have Julio join the DIM family this summer!
Josh Beamish - Guest Choreographer
About MOVE: the company
In just 5 short years, MOVE: the company has emerged as one of Western Canada's most prolific dance companies. Founded in 2005 by current Artistic Director, Josh Beamish, the company has performed across North America at venues such as Montreal's Tangente and Studio 303, NYC's Joyce SoHo and San Francisco's The Garage. At home, the company has recently been presented by the Made in BC: Dance On Tour Program, The VIDF, Dancing on the Edge and the Chutzpah Festival, among others. MOVE:the company recently received the distinction of a commission from the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as the only choreographic residency ever awarded to a Western Canadian by the Djerassi Program in San Francisco, CA. The company will next perform at the 15th Anniversary of the International Ballet Festival in Miami, alongside American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, among others, and then continue on to the Quinzena de Danca Festival in Portugal. In October 2010, MOVE: the company will have the honour of participating as the only non-Aboriginal Canadian dance company selected by curators Cirque du Soleil for WORLD EXPO 2010 in Shanghai, China, where they will perform the Closing Gala of the Canadian Cultural Pavilion.
About Josh Beamish
Josh Beamish, Artistic Director of MOVE: the company, began dancing under the direction of his mother Loretta Lachner in Edmonton, Alberta. Upon moving to Vancouver, Josh began his career as an assistant choreographer, and dancer for various feature films and television shows. Outside of MOVE: the company, his works have recently been performed by Toronto Dance Theatre, Halifax Dance, Ballet Kelowna, Dance Saskatchewan, the Universities of Alberta and Missouri, Ballet Jorgen, the Bellingham Repertory Company and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance in Kansas City. He is the 2009 recipient of a City of Vancouver Mayor's Arts Award, a 2008 Globe and Mail Dance Award and of artistic residencies at the Scotiabank Dance Centre, the Shadbolt Centre, the University of Alberta, the Norman Rothstein and Clarke Theatres and the Banff Centre. Josh most recently participated in a choreographic session facilitated by the New York Choreographic Institute, involving the students of the School of American Ballet. He will next create new works for Sylvain Brochu and Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance.