Summer Intensive 2020

Chantelle completed her formative ballet training in Calgary, Alberta, under the guidance of respected classical educators such as, Tara Silvaggio ( Alberta Ballet School & RWB ), Elaine Werner Hutchison ( former teacher with the RWB ), and ballet master Brian MacDonald ( former Artistic Director, Royal Swedish Ballet). As a dancer, she was awarded various scholarships, such as, the ‘Most Promising Artist’ scholarship from the Wild Rose Dance Arts Association, ‘ Outstanding Classical Dancer’ from Expressions the Dance Gallery, and ‘Recognition of Excellence’ from the Mayor of Calgary.

Before locating to Vancouver Island in 2006, Ms. Norris was ballet Director of “Expressions the Dance Gallery” in Strathmore, AB. There, she began her CBTS with the Royal Academy of Dance under the detailed guidance of Umran Sumen, former leading soloist with The National Ballet Company of Turkey. In 2006 she was awarded Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance, then continuing on to obtain her Associate Diploma of the Imperial Society of Teacher’s of Dancing under Lorraine Blake ( FISTD/Examiner). Chantelle had the privilege of travelling to Chichester, England in 2009 and 2011, to obtain direct mentorship from ISTD syllabi creators  Lyn Richardson( ISTD Senior Examiner ) and Teresa Theodoulou ( Vice Chair of the ISTD Modern Committe).

Over her 11 years on Vancouver Island, Chantelle’s creative choreography and classical knowledge has gained her respect in the community, classroom and on the stage. Many of her students have gone on to dance full time with prestigious ballet schools such as, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada, and have received coveted top placements at international ballet competitions such as, the Youth American Grand Prix. She is currently Artistic Director of the Kirkwood Academy Pre-Professional Program, an enriched program for talented and driven students to train in classical ballet, as well as a guest teacher for various schools both local and abroad.

In 2016, Chantelle created ‘Nanaimo Contemporary Ballet’ to serve as a platform for emerging young ballet dancers to expand on their neo-classical knowledge and skills. She is passionate about creating meaningful contemporary work for students and audiences, which stokes discussion, critical thinking and most importantly, a love for the arts.

Chantelle Norris
Artistic Director
ARAD RTS
AISTD Diploma
Member of the CID

After having the honor of dancing professionally in Europe and Canada; Jocelyn Wozencroft’s passion turned to the teaching and mentorship of future dancers. Jocelyn holds four accreditation’s: ARAD, BA(hons), RAD RTS, PBT and looks forward to completing her Masters. She has won numerous teaching awards in ballet and contemporary ballet including ‘Best teacher’ and ‘Best Choreographer’ at various international competitions. As a professional dancer Jocelyn had the honour of working with such choreographers as Wen Wei Wang, Crystal Pite, Shawn Hounsell, Joe Laughlin, Cathy Marston and Antonio Castilla to name a few. As a trainee, she completed all of the Royal Academy of Dance exams up to and including the Solo Seal and was a finalist at the Adeline Genee Awards in London England. Jocelyn had the privileged to train on scholarship at The National Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Banff Festival of the Arts and Boston Ballet School. Jocelyn has trained extensively in Modern dance focusing on the Graham, Limon and Cunningham techniques. Jocelyn is a mentor, educator, adjudicator and teacher and finds passing on the art of dance to younger generations a very rewarding and prestigious opportunity.

Jillian grew up in the Comox Valley with a huge passion for dance and the arts. She moved to Toronto where she trained with The Conteur Academy, under Artistic Direction of Eryn Waltman. While training with the academy she has had the pleasure of working with: Eryn Waltman, Ryan Lee, Colleen Snell, Alysa Pires and others. In 2016 Jillian performed an installation at Insitu Multi Arts Festival with Frog In Hand and The Conteur Academy. After leaving the academy she trained with Pro Arte Danza Summer Apprentice Program where she performed pieces choreographed by Tori Mehaffey and Roberto Campanella. Since returning to BC, Jillian has become certified to teach Progressing Ballet Technique and finds great joy in helping young dancers reach their goals. She continues to give students a safe space to express themselves through the art of dance and find strength in their technique.