Samantha began her training at the age of three and throughout her years trained in the styles of: ballet, jazz, modern, contemporary, tap and musical theatre. Sam had the pleasure of performing in many productions with her childhood studio (Kirkwood Academy) and has had much success as a performer. Some of these successes include; dancing lead roles, receiving awards and scholarships and being chosen to compete at the Performing Arts BC Provincials on both the ballet and stage side.
Throughout the years, Sam has found ways to further her dance training such as her time spent at The National Ballet School of Canada in their Pre-Professional Training Program and at numerous other summer dance intensives. These include:The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre and Ballet Austin. Sam has always been passionate about being a versatile and professional dancer. In her late teens Sam set to New York City twice to train in Joffrey Ballet School’s jazz and contemporary summer intensive. While in New York, she had the opportunity to broaden her dance style by taking classes at schools such as Alvin Ailey, Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Centre.
In 2013 Sam obtained her Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies as well as her A.R.A.D. teaching status from The Royal Academy of Dance. In 2017 Sam completed her teacher training through Acrobatic Arts and is now a certified Module 1 acrobatics teacher. Sam also holds a Bachelor of Management degree from Vancouver Island University.
Now, Sam has the pleasure of teaching her own students and choreographing in numerous genres for her training company, Prism Dance Connections located in Nanaimo. Through this, she has been able to find continued passion in many different avenues of dance as a weekly instructor and grow her skill set behind the scenes as a director. Watching her students love of dance and success has always been a pleasure and motivator for Sam as an instructor. Some noted student successes include: acceptance into several pre- professional and post graduate training schools, choreography featured in gala showcases and her choreography being chosen to compete at the Performing Arts BC Provincials.
Sam would like to thank all of her mentors, instructors and her family for their continuous support. She is very grateful to be partnered with Katie to as Co-Directors of Prism Dance Connections and looks forward to its future.
Katie started dancing at the age of three training in ballet, jazz, modern, musical theatre and hip hop at Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts. Her foundation began in ballet through completion of the Royal Academy of Dance graded examinations. She has had the pleasure of performing in multiple studio productions and has had great success as a competitive performer winning many awards, bursaries and scholarships in festivals across BC.
Katie furthered her training by attending dance intensives such as Groove Street Productions for many consecutive years, having the opportunity to meet and work with choreographers from all over North America. Katie began as a student teacher and that love for working with young dancers lead her to teaching for studios all over Vancouver Island. She has become a sought after choreographer teaching masterclasses and workshops, working with soloists and groups as well as coaching a high school dance team. Many of her soloists have gone on to compete at the BC Provincials and the Youth American Grand Prix.
Katie has a true love and passion for teaching dancers of all ages. Her high energy and positive spirit inspires youth to push themselves in and out of the classroom. It has always been a dream of hers to start her own venture in the dance industry and is so excited to be doing this alongside Samantha. She can’t wait to see what the future holds for Prism Dance Connections.
Prism Dance Connections 