Howe Sound Dance Academy


	SHALIMAR BLANCHARD LRAD, ARAD, RAD RTS, AISTD
		Director of Howe Sound Dance Academy Ballet, Competitive Jazz Miss Blanchard started dancing at the age of four years in North Vancouver, BC. She focussed on ballet but also studied tap, jazz, and hip hop. At the age 17 she was admitted to the 3 year Teacher Training Program at the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) in London England. There, in addition to ballet she also studied Latin American, character, contemporary, modern national, flamenco, and Irish dancing. She was awarded her teaching diploma in 1995 and she returned to Vancouver and began teaching. Since returning to Vancouver she has earned associates in modern and national dance branches of the International Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). She also completed her RAD advanced 2 examination as well as advanced 2 examinations in ballet and modern dance from the ISTD. In 1998 Miss Blanchard started the Howe Sound Dance Academy in Squamish, BC where she continues to teach as well as making guest teaching appearances in the Lower Mainland.
	ALICIA KINSMAN AIDT JAZZ & MUSICAL THEATRE
		Alicia has been dancing since the age of four, training intensely in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, lyrical and hip hop. For the past three years, Alicia has been studying hard to complete her AIDT associates exams in modern, having completed the first level, and is working on becoming a full associate which will be completed in June 2008. As a dancer, Alicia has competed in many competitions and festivals around the lower mainland. She is the proud recipient of numerous awards and high scoring medals in groups, duos, and as a soloist. Alicia has also attended many conventions around B.C. to strengthen her dance ability even further and expand her knowledge as a dancer, instructor and as a choreographer. As Alicia's true passions have always been dance and working with children, she is very excited about working at HSDA for the 2008/2009 season.
	BRONWEN KEDDIE RAD RTS
		Bronwen Keddie has been a part of HSDA since 2006. She is originally from a town of 600 in Nova Scotia. She started studying ballet at 5 years old and performed throughout Nova Scotia with the Nova Scotia Children’s Ballet Company. Bronwen studied dance at Ryerson University in Toronto, where she obtained her RAD teacher’s certificate. She taught ballet, modern, and creative dance for three years in Toronto before moving to Japan. She has been living in Japan for two years, teaching English and studying dance. Bronwen is enjoying living in Vancouver and continuing to inspire and be inspired by dancers of all ages.