Summer Intensive 2023

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

Originally from Vancouver, Danielle has had the opportunity to train and perform around the world. Most recently as a dancer in the show The House of Dancing Water by Cirque du Soleil’s renown choreographer Franco Dragone. Previously she danced with the Hungarian National Ballet for 6 years, performing an extensive repertoire of classical ballets. Danielle has also choreographed several works for various shows in Budapest, including the Hungarian State Opera season opening gala.