ABOUT US

Your family is our family

At Studio South Dance Company, we are determined to bring South Edmonton quality instruction in a loving, family oriented environment. Our highly trained and certified instructors have a wealth of experience in teaching and performing various styles and disciplines. We have a passion for the art of dance and understand the importance of being involved in our community.

FACULTY

KRYSTAL

Owner/Director

Instructor

Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Certified

Alixa Flexibility Module 1 & 2 Certified

Al Gilbert Tap Syllabus Qualified Instructor

Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C

Krystal has been dancing since the age of 4 and teaching for the past 18 years. Krystal received her Diploma in Business Management with Honours from NAIT while teaching full-time in the greater Edmonton Area in 2013.

Krystal’s passion for teaching and love for her dancers has led her to the opening of Studio South Dance Company. Krystal grew up dancing in Edmonton and has always embodied a passion for teaching and creating. Krystal began her teaching career at one of the largest Edmonton dance studios and has expanded her creativity among many different projects throughout the years.

Krystal completed a 10 year coaching term at Jasper Place High School. She had the opportunity to coach the high school’s pom/dance team and brought them numerous undefeated titles and championships. Krystal was recognized by the Alberta Cheerleading Association for her 10 years of service and was awarded an achievement certificate. Krystal Josey also had the incredible opportunity to be a member of the Edmonton Eskimo Cheer Team from 2007-2010. This organization provided so many unique performance and training opportunities. Krystal attended training camps with top CFL, NFL, and NBA dance teams. She participated in classes with Tabitha and Napoleon, Bobby Newberry, Mikey Minden, Shandon Perez and many more amazing industry leaders. After Krystal was finished performing with the EE Cheer team, she took on a management roll with the organization and spent 4 more years behind the scenes with the Edmonton Eskimo organization.

Krystal also started her own competitive and performance dance company called Lady Royale in 2009. The Lady Royale dancers had many contracts with Edmonton entertainment venues while still involved in the Edmonton competition scene. Krystal moved on from her dance company when she was asked to develop and coach the Dance Program at Perfect Storm Athletics upon its opening in 2010. Krystal choreographed and lead 4 dance teams from 2010-2015. During this time she travelled to many destinations for competitions championships including Dallas, Texas where her team won an NDA Championship Title. Krystal was also the co-director and choreographer of the WMBL Edmonton Prospects Cheer/Dance team for 2 seasons.

Krystal is proud and excited to share her love and knowledge of dance, performing, and life with all of her talented dancers here at Studio South Dance Company.

DARBY

Little Learners Director of Programming

Jazz Director

Intellidance Babies Certification

Intellidance Tykes Certification

Intellidance Tots Certification

Intellidance Kids Certification

Red Cross First Aid CPR C & AED Certified

Darby started dancing at the age of 3, where she immediately fell in love and hasn’t been able to stop since. Growing up in Lloydminster, Darby trained in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical, and musical theatre. She began assisting at age 12, which progressed into teaching and choreographing by 16. Darby’s passion for dance motivated her to pursue online education as early as High School, allowing more time in her schedule for dance, her true joy.

After graduation, she was signed to an agency in Toronto, Ontario. Darby moved to Toronto and began dancing and modelling full time. Once she began taking classes she quickly became a full time assistant to Danny Davalos, a previous choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance Canada. She expanded her knowledge and grew not only as a dancer, but a choreographer. During this time in Toronto, Darby realized that her passion had evolved into teaching.

Since returning home, Darby has been teaching in Edmonton for the past six years, and hasn’t looked back since. Nothing makes her happier than watching her students do what they love. Darby believes in teaching through admiration and recognition, all while building a dancer’s confidence to ensure the best outcome for success. She is completely committed to her students and pushes them to reach their highest potential. Darby is thrilled to have the opportunity to teach at Studio South and cannot wait to watch her students grow and progress this season!

HANNAH

Ballet Director

Classical Ballet Progressions of Canada (CBPC) Pre-Ballet and Junior Grades Certified

CBPC Foundation and Senior Grades Certified

Lifesaving Society First Aid CPR & AED Certified

Born and raised in Edmonton, Hannah began dancing at the age of 4 and has trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, musical theatre, and contemporary. She has been teaching and choreographing at various dance studios and programs in the greater Edmonton area since 2011. Hannah has obtained her full teacher's certification in the Classical Ballet Progressions of Canada through the Edmonton School of Ballet. Hannah is a recent graduate of the University of Alberta, completing her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Psychology with a focus on dance-related research and child development. She performed with Orchesis Dance Group throughout her degree and held a seat on their Board of Directors for 3 years.

Hannah's training reaches beyond Edmonton. She has attended dance workshops, competitions, and training programs across North America, and has performed with various dance companies including Movementality and The Pinheruppers. She has trained with renowned choreographers such as Krista Miller, Aisha Francis, Yanis Marshall, Jojo Gomez, Brinn Nicole, Tokyo, and Michelle 'Jersey' Maniscalco. In addition to her dance career, Hannah is also heavily involved in the theatre and visual art communities and has received several awards for her contributions to the arts. Hannah hopes to continue her exploration of dance and the arts for the rest of her life and is excited to be sharing her knowledge and expertise through Studio South's programming!

CHRISTINE

Cecchetti Director

NBS TTP Dip
Associate Diploma CSC/CICB

Dance has been prevalent in Christine’s life since the young age of 2. As a lifelong Edmontonian, her passion blossomed following years of Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical & Musical Theatre classes. By 18, she headed East for the National School of Ballet where she graduated with Distinction from the Teacher Training Program. Christine also holds an Associate Diploma Qualification from the Cecchetti Society of Canada, and an Associate Qualification in National Dance with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (LDN). For the past 26 years, Christine has been an attentive, driven, and careful teacher whom her students and family admire.

CASSIE

Tap Director

Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Certified

Acrobatic Arts Preschool Certified

Al Gilbert Tap Syllabus Qualified Instructor

Pilates Academy International ABP, APMat 1, APMat 2, APBarrels 1 APBarrels 2, APReformer 1

Red Cross First Aid CPR C & AED Certified

Cassie brings 28 years of versatile dance training to Studio South. She began tap dancing at the age of 5. As her love for dancing grew she incorporated Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop to her repertoire. Cassie was awarded the Most Promising Junior Dancer Award at her studio, which fuelled her motivation to always strive for excellence. Through hard work and dedicated instructors Cassie was not only able to be successful at local competitions but also completed all 8 of her RAD ballet exams and all 9 Al Gilbert tap exams.

While taking a break from the competition scene Cassie joined the Edmonton Eskimos Cheer Team where she performed in 4 Grey Cup half-time shows along with pre-game shows. With the Edmonton Eskimos organization, Cassie was given the opportunity to train with numerous professional teams from the NBA, NFL, and top collegiate clubs. During this training Cassie was selected as a Runner Up Dance Star at the United Spirit Association camp in Los Angeles, and then was chosen as part of the 2009 National Dance Alliance All American Team.

Cassie was the co-director and choreographer of the WMBL Edmonton Prospects Cheer/Dance team for 2 seasons. Cassie is excited to start the 2020/2021 dance season and looking forward to passing on her knowledge and love for dance to each one of her students.

LEANNE

Hip Hop Director

ADAPT Jazz and Tap Certified

Acrobatic Junior & Intermediate Certified

IDTS Advanced Teacher Certified

SugarFoot Therapy Instructor Certified

Red Cross First Aid CPR & AED Certified

CanFit Pro FIS Certified

Leanne started her dance journey at the young age of 3 years old when her parents enrolled her in ballet and tap classes. As years went by, Leanne started to explore many different technical styles such as Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, and Cecchetti. At 9 years old, Leanne took her first Hiphop class. During her HipHop performances, Leanne's Mom would say that her eyes sparkled when she came out on the stage to perform these routines. Ever since, Leanne has fallen more and more in love with the genre of Hip Hop; it was was what Leanne was meant to do. The style ignited a flame inside of her every time she would step into the classroom or on the stage.

When Leanne was 14 years old, she made the decision to leave her technical styles behind, and began her first year at 3rd Street Beat. Focusing on Hiphop, Leanne has grown significantly in different areas such as Funk styles, Street, Femme, Contemporary Hip Hop, House, Afro styles, and Urban styles. Now, a very knowledgable hip hop dancer, Leanne believes that being educated on the history of dance is extremely important to performing the styles themselves. Knowing the what, where, when, why and how different styles and moves have evolved into what they are today, is an aspect of her teaching in all of Leanne's classes.

Today, Leanne practices these styles and studies dance history regularly. She uses her knowledge and skills to teach classes where she gets the opportunity and loves having the chance to share her passion to dancers everywhere.

KELSEY

Instructor

Acrobatic Arts Module 1 & 2

CDTA Stage Licentiate - Jazz

Alixa Flexibility Module 1 & 2

Fitness & Nutrition Certificate

Kelsey has been an active member of the dance community for over 20 years. Her passion and love for dance began at age 5 in her first ballet class. Taking every class available to her Kelsey quickly realized the desire to share her artistry. Teaching young dancers came naturally to her. She has been a full time dance teacher for the past 15 years teaching all over Alberta and sharing her knowledge with hundreds of dancers.

Kelsey values training and continually learning to be the best teacher she can be for her students. Kelsey has travelled to New York on several occasions to train at Broadway Dancer Centre, Steps on Broadway, and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Kelsey has also flown multiple times to Vancouver to train at Harbour Dance Centre. Taking class and training with the most current choreographers is always inspiring and refreshing. Kelsey has studied Fitness & Nutrition and received her diploma. She is fully certified in Acrobatic Arts both Module 1 & Module 2. Kelsey has completed her Jazz training with the Alberta branch of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association and holds a full member status. Her most recent accreditation is with Alixa Flexibility completing module 1 & module 2.

Kelsey has an energetic approach to teaching, she hopes to endlessly encourage her dancers to help them find the steps they need to succeed and enjoys creating a culture within her classroom for her dancers to thrive. Kelsey values technique, performance, and being a good person within her students and celebrates their growth in all aspects. Kelsey’s choreography is well recognized with numerous awards and accreditations. Her dancers have competed successfully both at the regional & national levels. Kelsey is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the dancers of Studio South Dance Company.

EMMA

Instructor

Media Manager

Acrobatic Arts Module One (AAC1) &

Module Two (AAC2) Certified

Emma’s love of dance began at the age of 3 and now, more than 20 years later, her passion for dancing continues to grow. She has trained extensively in the styles of Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Cecchetti, Pointe, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and AcroDance. She also enjoys learning about world dance styles and has several years of experience in West African, Caribbean and Bollywood dance. While competing throughout Alberta in her own ensembles, Emma discovered her love for teaching dance and began her role as an instructor at age 15.

Having tremendous success throughout her high school International Baccalaureate dance program, Emma was the first-ever recipient of the Jasper Place Outstanding Achievement in Dance Award and was named MVP on the largely undefeated Jasper Place Pom Team. She then studied Contemporary and Modern dance at the University of Alberta while receiving her Bachelor's Degree in English and Film Studies, going on to begin her own video production company.

Towards the end of her time as a competitive dancer, Emma found a passion for AcroDance and Acrobatic Arts. After training as a student for several years, she received both Module One and Module Two Acrobatic Arts certifications, allowing her to help students excel in Acrobatic Arts curriculum from level one to pre-professional levels. Acrobatic Arts holds a special place in her heart and it is her goal to instil a love of movement in her students, no matter what level they are at. Emma is so excited to bring her passion for both Acro and dance to Studio South Dance Company.

HAILEY

Instructor

Hailey is a highly trained and versatile dancer. She has trained with various studios in Alberta including Sherwood Park School of dance, Edmonton Dance Centre, Dance Soul and Camrose Academy of dance. She has trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet (RAD syllabus and Vaganova), Pointe, Modern, Lyrical, and hip-hop. Dance has allowed Hailey to travel throughout Canada and the United States including training and performing in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Calgary, Portland, Seattle, New York, Kelowna, and Las Vegas.

Hailey has been teaching dance for 7 years and her love and passion shows through her students and their accomplishments. Some of these accomplishments include, Multiple Choreography, Outstanding, Most promising, 1st place awards, Choreography of the day awards, Overall Highmark Routines awards. Hailey has also had various routines compete and win grand championships at, Sizzle Dance Festival, Inferno Dance Festival, Central Alberta Dance Festival, Standing Ovation, and Showtime Dance Promotions. She has also completed her Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and continues to learn and grow at various dance conventions and courses.

Hailey is very passionate about sharing her love of dance and is excited to join the Studio South team this season.

JAIME

Instructor

Acrobatic Arts Module 1 Certified

Jaime has loved dance since the age of 3. She has trained in a variety of styles including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Acrobatic Arts, Tap, Hip hop, Modern, and Musical theatre. Jaime’s passion to teach started in 2016 when she became a teaching assistant. Jaime has received many awards and scholarships over her 17 years of dancing including a Potential Award in 2016, awarded by her home studio. Jaime has spent the last year being mentored by studio owner Krystal Josey and her love for teaching has really flourished. Jaime is spending the summer getting certified in Acrobatic Arts and attending conventions led by industry professionals where she is excited to build on her skills and gain more knowledge to pass along to her dancers. Jaime has always wanted to provide a warm and welcoming dance environment for all and is looking forward to the upcoming year at Studio South!

ARYN

Instructor

Junior Teachers Certificate in the Classical Ballet Progressions of Canada

AcroDance Preschool Certification from Acrobatic Arts

Aryn’s passion for dance started at a young age, and has only grown stronger over the years. From the outset, she trained under Studio South owner Krystal Josey, where she then joined Studio South’s competitive dance program. Aryn has experience in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Musical Theatre, and Acro. Her love of dance led her to become a teaching assistant, where she was mentored by many of Studio South’s esteemed instructors.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Elementary Education at the University of Alberta, Aryn is passionate about integrating her dance background with the skills she has learned to educate young minds. Aryn has been honoured to receive many dance awards over her years of training, including Studio South’s Dancer of the Year award in 2022. Aryn believes in creating a dance environment where dancers can achieve their full potential, and above all, enjoy the process.

Support Staff

Kailey Kinniburgh-Studio Manager

Faith Cuthbert-Administrative Assistant

Sydney Druteika-Junior Teacher

Paul Josey- Finance Manager

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