Summer Intensive Faculty
For the past 25 years, Breanna English has been shaping the lives of children and adults through dance. A native of Vancouver, Breanna grew up dancing throughout the province, and her passion for dance as a child has translated into an impressive career as a teacher, performer, choreographer, event coordinator, producer, casting director, and entrepreneur.
Breanna’s long list of credits are compiled from both working in front of the camera as a principal actor and from working behind the camera. Working alongside companies such as Disney, Warner Bros, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, BMG Records, and Mattel, Breanna has developed an extensive knowledge of the industry with her current focus on Hollywood North.
Presently, Breanna helps guide Canadian dancers into the Film & TV industry with her company PLATFORM On Camera. Breanna's journey as a Producer, Associate Director, Choreographer, Movement Director, and Movement Consultant has led her to work on numerous projects including Feature Films, Commercials, Music Videos, TV Pilots, Film Festivals, Live Shows, Fashion Runways, and Editorial shoots.
Breanna’s career has allowed her to perform globally throughout Canada, USA and Tokyo but she has always returned home to share her knowledge and expertise. Throughout her career, she has also worked with multiple National Sports Teams, such as the Vancouver Ravens as a choreographer and an event coordinator, and as the Lead Choreographer for her historical season with the BC Lions in 2022. Most recently, Breanna wrapped on a feature film “ A Nice Indian Boy” as Movement Consultant/ Choreography team featuring Jonathan Groff, and Karan Soni. Directed by Roshan Sethi.
As a performer, Breanna's long list of Television and Film appearances includes productions by Warner Bros. Paramount, Netflix, Walt Disney Studios, and The Disney Channel. She has worked closely alongside talents such as: Jessica Alba, Marlon Wayans, Shania Twain, and Blue Rodeo. Although you might not recognize her, Breanna also appeared as the principal role in the movie "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" as the dancing Scooby Doo, where she worked alongside Matthew Lillard, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr. Seth Green and Breanna's ultimate favorite, the late Peter Boyle.
Breanna is excited to call upon her diverse experience, industry knowledge and expertise tocreate a positive and exciting environment for all.
Myrra Ethier is an emerging professional dancer, born and raised in Tsawwassen, BC, and now based in Vancouver. Her deep passion for dance has driven her to train extensively in Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Acro, Ballet, and Musical Theatre at her home studio.
Following high school, Myrra continued her training by enrolling in the Intensive Training Program (ITP) at Harbour Dance Centre under the direction of Moe Brody. Through this program, she had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as Megan Lawson, Cara Lee, Carlo Atienza, and many others. Myrra’s interest in the film and television industry inspired her to explore on-camera performance, participating in specialized workshops led by choreographers like Jeff Mortensen and Louise Hradsky, and Randa Barett.
After completing the ITP program, Myrra joined Quill, a creative space founded and directed by Carlo Atienza that emphasizes artistic identity and the creative process. She recently completed the program’s Creative cycle, during which she was mentored by Carlo and choreographed a piece for the final showcase. Being part of the Quill Collective has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for her, and she continues to grow within the program. Myrra’s passion for dance and performance, paired with her strong work ethic and dedication, fuels her drive to pursue a long term career in the arts. She consistently challenges herself, not only as a performer but as an individual taking bold steps toward her goals and embracing the future with enthusiasm, courage, and an open mind.
Melissa began dancing at the age of 4, and trained in multiple disciplines, including ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary in her home province of Ontario. Through her training she has been privileged to study and compete both nationally and internationally, and worked with renowned choreographers and dancers.
Melissa's students have achieved great success including overall and top performer scores in multiple dance disciplines and competitions. Melissa is a positive and influential role model to all her students, who all look up to her and love coming to her classes.
Melissa has earned her Associate Members Teaching Certification in jazz and tap from the BATD, is a member of the RAD as well as earning an Honors Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Kinesiology. She began teaching at the age of 15 and has trained children from the age of 4-19 years.
Jyla Robinson was born and raised in Vancouver BC – and her talent, love and passion for dance and theatre has afforded her many opportunities to perform and travel throughout Canada, the U.S., and Europe.
As a young performer, Jyla's provincial and national winnings awarded her scholarships to train in L.A, New York, and at the Randolph Academy in Toronto. Jyla was also awarded the Senior Canadian Winner of the Triple Threat Dance Convention in 2001. She was also accepted into Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York to study musical theatre.
Jyla’s professional career started as a singer/dancer for Norwegian Cruise Lines, which lead to her becoming an associate director for the company. She then toured throughout Canada and danced on Much Music Television, for singer/songwriter Janajana, and for Avril Lavigne in the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy.
Jyla then spent many years dancing and assisting for PRP Productions – a large scale, live event entertainment production company based out of Vancouver, BC. With PRP Productions, Jyla was a part of the character creation process of “Miga, the Sea Bear”, one of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic mascots and then traveled throughout Canada on the mascot launch tour. Jyla was also a performance director for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver and Whistler, BC.
Jyla's theatre credits include Peter Pan, South Pacific, “Cha Cha” in Grease, “Demeter” in Cats, “Joanne” in Godspell, “Lorraine Fleming” in 42nd Street, “Dorothy Parker” in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and “Mrs. Claus” in The Magic of Santa. She also played “Cranium, the mad scientist" on tour in Vancouver’s original Halloween musical The Great Big Boo! Jyla was an original member of the Vancouver based tap performing group Taptastic, which was seen on Canadas Got Talent and live shows around Vancouver's Lower Mainland. TV and film credits include The Goodbye Girl, Life As We Know It with Kelly Osborne, Nickelodeon’s TV movie Spectacular with Victoria Justice and Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist with Choreographer Mandy Moore, Jillian Meyers and Jefery Mortensen.
Most recently, Jyla has returned to the stage performing in live theatre. Some memorable roles have been “Nostradamus” in Something Rotten!, touring with Axis Theatres’ Frog Belly Rat Bone, and “Miss Trunchbull” in Matilda (TUTS). She will also be joining the cast of Elf, at The Arts Club in Nov/Dec 2023.
Jyla's enthusiasm and love for theatre has recently encouraged her to broaden her creative horizons into directing! Her directing credits include; writing, directing, and choreographing an original Christmas musical called Shrumped for the Holidays: A Christmas Satire,Disney’s Aristocats KIDS, Disney’s Aladdin KIDS, Disney's Cinderella KIDS, and Disney's The Lion King KIDS, Seussical Jr, Shrek the Musical Jr, Alice in Wonderland Jr, The Little Mermaid Jr, Peter Pan Jr, and Willy Wonka JR.
As a recognized professional in her industry, Jyla has also been an adjudicator at various dance festivals and competitions, including The Brandon Festival of Dance (Manitoba), Peak Invitational Dance Competition and Victoria Dance Works Festival.
Jyla is the proud owner of Studio West Dance. Her commitment to her craft is evident in the passionate and inspired faces of her students. She is dedicated to providing her students with the knowledge and training to become exceptional dancers and people.
Aimee Payne is a dynamic dance artist whose instruction is rooted in creativity, expression, and joy. Her classes are crafted to inspire and empower students at every level—from beginners to advanced dancers—fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals can explore their artistic voice and grow with confidence. Aimee deeply believes in the transformative power of dance and brings passion and authenticity to every aspect of her work.
Her extensive film and television credits include collaborations with acclaimed creatives such as Brian Friedman (X Factor UK), Mandy Moore and Jillian Meyers (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), and Kenny Ortega (Julie and the Phantoms). She has performed on major stages including Canada’s Got Talent, the Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Gala, the Paralympics Opening Ceremonies, and the Grey Cup halftime show. Aimee also appeared in the feature film Bravetown, starring Josh Duhamel and Laura Dern.
Aimee’s performance résumé features work with global music icons such as Janet Jackson—performing “Rhythm Nation” during her Unbreakable World Tour—as well as artists like Nickelback, One More Girl, Johnny Reid, Sharaya J, FeFe Dobson, Destineak, Big Time Rush, and Dallas Smith.
Recognized for her talent and versatility, Aimee has been awarded Canadian National Tap Champion and named Provincial Champion for Performing Arts in British Columbia. She has earned scholarships and assisted at leading dance conventions across North America, including Pulse, JUMP, Radix, Nuvo, Monsters of Hip Hop, Triple Threat, Groove Street, and more.
Aimee has assisted world-renowned choreographers such as Brian Friedman, Blake McGrath, Wade Robson, NAPPYTABS, Justin Conte, Gil Duldulao, Cris Judd, Megan Lawson, Tessandra Chavez, Jillian Meyers, Dave Scott, Dana Wilson, and Kelly Konno. Her artistry, drive, and infectious positive energy continue to propel her forward in the industry.
Aimee lives by the motto: “Live what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Her work exemplifies this spirit, as she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers through both performance and education.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Suzanne is well-known in the Canadian Dance and Theatre community, having performed on stage and screen as an actor, dancer and singer for over 40 years. She is a master ballet teacher, a stretch and body conditioner for dancers and actors, as well as an established choreographer. As ballet Mistress / rehearsal director for Ballet BC for 5 seasons under Artistic Director John Alleyne, she has worked as a rehearsal director for James Kudelka, Paul Taylor, Jean Grand Maitre, Reid Anderson, Anna Marie Holmes, Simone Orlando, Joshua Beamish and Jennifer Mascall. Suzanne works in TV / film, as an actor, dancer, choreographer, Voice Over artist and is represented by da Costa Talent. She has performed in and choreographed musicals for Vancouver Playhouse, Calgary’s Stage West, TUTS. Winnipeg’s Rainbow Stage.Vancouver Opera, Royal City Musical theatre, Arts Club theatre, Richmond Gateway Theatre and most recently West Side Story for CTORA at the Arts Club theatre on Granville Island. On television,she has appeared in The Beachcombers, IZombie, Motherland - Fort Salem, Grease - Rise of the Pink Ladies, Starstruck - A Cinderella Story, and The Last of Us - Season 2. Suzanne is currently on staff at Harbour Dance Centre and Coastal City Ballet in Vancouver where she continues to share her passion, and enthusiasm. Her extensive background in many facets of the performing arts, making her in great demand as a master teacher, choreographer, rehearsal director and adjudicator.
Born and raised in Ladner, BC, Mikaela’s dance journey began at just three years old. She started with ballet, hip hop, and tap, but it was at the age of eight, when she first began competing, that she discovered her true passion for jazz and lyrical.
At fourteen, Mikaela joined the Studio West Dance team, where she dedicated herself to daily training in a diverse array of styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, stage, hip hop, progressive ballet technique, tap, and salsa. Her dedication has taken her to local, regional, and international stages, including but not limited to prestigious events like The Dance Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada, and dance conventions such as Triple Threat Dance Convention and JUMP in Vancouver.
With a wealth of experience teaching students aged 2 to 18, Mikaela is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every dancer can thrive. She employs Universally Designed Learning techniques to accommodate students of all abilities, ensuring each dancer reaches their fullest potential.
Her students have earned accolades for their technique, precision, and overall performance, with notable high score overall awards in group, solo, duo, and trio categories.
Currently, Mikaela is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the University of Victoria, aspiring to become an elementary school teacher. She integrates her academic insights into her dance instruction, helping her students advance and achieve their goals.
Mikaela is thrilled to continue teaching at her home studio while pursuing her studies, blending her passion for dance with her commitment to education.
Hannah Henney is a sought after and engaging dancer, actor, choreographer, teacher and adjudicator. She first entered the dance scene in a Port Coquitlam studio called Chiasson at the age of three. She trained in Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Ballet until graduating at age seventeen. She then furthered her training with the Scholarship dance program at Drive Dance Centre, the Source Dance Company and Souldiers Dance Company. During her training, Hannah fell in love with Hip Hop and began training in many street styles. After spending her summers in New York training, performing and battling, she has gained a deeper understanding of Hip Hop culture and history. Her latest style she’s added to her repertoire is Litefeet. She was selected to represent Litefeet Nation and perform with Chrybaby Cozie at the 2018 Brooklyn Hip Hop festival. She recently won Vancity Get Lite, becoming Vancouver’s first 1vs1 Litefeet battle champion.
Hannah’s screen dance credits include Paramount Plus' GREASE Rise of the Pink Ladies, NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, CBS’s The Twilight Zone, Netflix’s Christmas Chronicles 2 and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Syfy’s The Magicians, Nat Geo’s Valley of the Boom, and Disney’s Freaky Friday. She’s also performed as an opening act for artists Mya, Meek Mill, Fabolous, B.O.B., Pusha T and Raekwon. She is a member of the powerhouse female crew Diamonds In The Rough and travels as a crew member throughout the U.S and Canada performing, teaching and battling.
Most recently, Hannah was seen in Raincity Theatre’s production of Cabaret as Kit Kat boy Victor. As well as the upcoming Anna Kendrick film Woman Of The Hour and Andrew Ahn’s upcoming remake of The Wedding Banquet. She made her Arts Club debut this past winter in ELF The Musical! She’s found a deep passion for theatre and film, training with Acting from Source instructors Shea Hampton and Julian Paul as well as her amazing singing coach Jenny Andersen in Vancouver.
She has adjudicated many festivals and dance competitions throughout BC where she loves connecting with the youth and sharing her knowledge and experience with the upcoming generation. Her fire, passion and positivity always shine through whether she is working on set, performing on stage, choreographing a show, or in a studio with her students.