Lighthouse Academy of Dance began in response to parents' requests for good dance classes where they were assured of pure, clean moves,
music and dress, and had quality teaching with experienced and qualified teachers (we also insist that our teachers are criminal record
checked and hold First Aid qualifications).
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), ISTD, and free work. These are top worldwide syllabi for
Graded and Vocational exams and training. Our students perform well in exams which they may take as appropriate and with the consent
of the director. Classes are designed to be enjoyable and challenging, and contain set and free work.
All students usually perform
in the year end recital. Other opportunities also exist throughout the year including at our Christmas Tea, in summer events, festivals...
Our ROAL ROADS location at Royal Roads University (in the Recreation Centre), boasts a facility that includes mirrors, barres,
large changing rooms (male, female and family) equipped with showers, lockers... Parents can work out, too!
Easily accessible, the
campus is on Sooke Road, Colwood, and the amazing grounds boast the historic Hatley Castle & Gardens. Parking is free . Our
VICTORIA studio is at the Bayanihan Philippine centre on Blanshard (close to Save on Foods Arena).
Kathie Hunwick - director/founder
BA (Hons), PGCE, LTCL, RAD RTS, AISTD Dip
Kathie trained at the London College of Dance and Drama and afterwards at Leeds University
(UK) where she studied a variety of dance styles and gained professional and teaching qualifications in dance, music and drama. Currently,
she is completing her Masters in Teaching Dance with the Royal Academy of Dance.
She has performed chorus, solo and lead roles in Musicals,
ballet concerts, recitals etc. and is involved in dance ministry.
Kathie is currently a Practical Teaching Supervisor for Royal Academy
of Dance teaching certificate and degree programs, and enjoys teaching ballet, jazz & contemporary, and has had several students
go on to become professional performers, or audition successfully for major ballet and arts schools in Canada and the UK (Royal Wnnipeg,
National Ballet School, Ecole Superieur, London Studio Centre, Arts Educational, Sottish Ballet, Dance School of Scotland...). She
delights in helping students realize their potential, and has created 'inspired' choreography. In 2008 & 2009 she enabled students
to achieve the Primary Dance Shield for Eagle View Elementary at the GVPAF. in 2009-10 she was also Artist in Residence at Eagle View.
Caitlin Archer - ISTD tap & modern theatre dance, and RAD ballet teacher AISTD
Caitlin is a versatile teacher, having passed her
ISTD Modern Associate with Distinction and attending UVIC where she is studying for a Batchelors in Education. She grew up in Duncan,
studying the RAD and ISTD syllabi with Carlson Dance Studio where she has been teaching various classes. She loves teaching children!
We are thrilled to welcome her in our team this year.
David C. Beales - professional dancer (Ballet Victoria), RAD & Vaganova
teacher
David was born and grew up Kelowna, BC, and started dancing at the age of 6 at The Canadian School of Ballet. He trained with
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School's Professional Division, and went on to train with and graduate from The Goh Ballet Academy. David
has performed locally in the Okanagan, Banff, Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, and Whistler, and Internationally in Beijing, Tianjin,
and Shanghai, China. David has strong ties to the West Coast and is excited about living and dancing in Victoria
Bryony Blake - ISTD
tap & modern theatre/jazz teacher AISTD
Bryony began dancing at a very early age, following in the footsteps of her mother and
grandmother (also teachers and an examiner in dance). Beginning with ballet, she added a wide vocabulary of styles such as tap,
modern, and jazz and, after graduating high school, Bryony attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy for two years in
New York City where she acquired her performance diploma. Once graduating from A.M.D.A, she moved to California and landing a
coveted job dancing at the Disneyland Resort. After Disney, Bryony moved back to her home base of Vancouver Island, and completed
the Chichester ISTD teachers training course, following which she passed her I.S.T.D tap Associate exam. Bryony is very
excited to begin her teaching career at Lighthouse Academy!
Elizabeth Harries - professional ballet dancer and teacher