Meet our Instructors

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Elise has been immersed in the dance world for 25 years, beginning her journey at age 3 in a baby ballet class at the studio once known as “Beat Street.” Now named Harbour Dance Centre, Elise nurtured her love for dance, branching out into various genres beyond ballet, including jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, and contemporary. Throughout the years, she showcased her talent by competing in several solo performances each season under the guidance of numerous skilled choreographers. Additionally, she successfully completed all RAD ballet examinations with distinction.

At 16, Elise ventured into teaching dance for Parks and Recreation programs and at a local community center. Upon being accepted into the RAD teaching program, she was also hired and mentored by Irene Booth at Tempo Dance Academy in Nanaimo. After six wonderful years at Tempo Dance (and Rhythm), Elise took a significant step by purchasing Rhythm Dance Academy, becoming the new owner and artistic director of this charming little school.

During her tenure, she earned her certification in Ballet Teaching Studies from the Royal Academy of Dance and became certified in Jazz Teaching Studies with Performing Arts Educators of Canada, while also receiving multiple choreography awards. Elise is passionate about continuing her education in the art of dance, consistently striving to learn more and bring her best to her talented students!

Karin’s love of dance started at 4 years old in New Westminster at Kirkwood Academy of Performing forming Arts. She trained intensively in RAD Ballet, CDTA Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre. She performed, for many years, locally and internationally with Royal City Youth Ballet and Royal City Musical Theatre. After Graduation, Karin spent several years dancing on board Royal Caribbean cruise ships and for many different production companies throughout Canada. Karin was brought back to her ballet roots in Chiang Mai, Thailand where she taught RAD ballet and led company rehearsals and classes for the Chiang Mai Ballet Company. In 2008 Karin became a registered RAD ballet teacher, in 2012 a 200hr certified yoga teacher and just recently, PBT. Karin is so excited to be more a part of this wonderful Ladysmith community by sharing her love of dance with the children here. 

Katelyn began dancing when she was 8 years old after leaving competitive gymnastics. She danced on the competition team at Kickit Dance Studio until she graduated. After graduation she began dancing with Sikat Dance Company and later started her professional career with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Cheer and Dance Team. 

Katelyn began teaching in 2017 teaching multiple styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, preschool, acro, contemporary and more! This same year she got certified in her module 1 Acrobatic Arts and recently completed her AcroDance Preschool certification. In addition to teaching at Harbour Dance Studio and Rhythm Dance Academy, Katelyn is also a coach for the VIU Dance Team! 

We are so excited to have Miss Katie join our dance family!!! #rhythmnation

Geneviève Caron is a jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop and musical theatre instructor & choreographer. For the last 25 years, she has trained dancers of all ages and levels. She recently choreographed and performed in the dark musical comedy "The Cult of Brother XII" and choreographed

"Unboxing Bravery" presented at the 2023 InFringing Festival. She has also performed and choreographed for professional and Jr sports teams such as Montreal Alouettes, Montreal Canadians, VI Raiders, danced in Canadian Armed Forces Tours, corporate shows, video clips and many different events throughout Canada.

Here on Vancouver Island, she has worked with dancers and performers from Tempo Dance Academy, Rhythm Dance Academy, Headliners Production, Vibrant Dance studio, Nanaimo Ambassador Program and VI Raiders dance team to name a few. Genevieve is also teaching hip-hop and creative dance in the schools within the Nanaimo Art Gallery program Artists in the school.

Originally from Québec, Geneviève started dancing at 4 years old and fell in love with the art. She graduated from UQAM with a Bachelor's Degree in Modern and Contemporary dance. Genevieve still takes dance classes every chance she gets and continues to expand her dance knowledge participating in numerous seminars and workshops across Canada and the United States in order to stay competitive in the industry. She is a member of PAEC and RWID.

Geneviève believes in the artistic potential of every student but also feels that dance should be fun and accessible to all!