LAURIE TINKLER
SDTA(Member), SDTA(National,Member), HIGHLAND,
AIDT Adv.(Modern), AIDT(Tap), HIGHLAND, HIGHLAND INTENSIVE PROGRAM, JAZZ, LYRICAL, TAP
The owner/director of LTSD who also is one of the main instructors.
Laurie has trained in all styles of dance and been teaching for many years, bringing a wealth of knowledge to her students. She is a constant source of encouragement to the students and helps them to succeed in their goals both in and out of the studio.
MELISSA WEAVERS
M.Sc, Artistic Faculty
Melissa Weavers hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba and started dancing at a young age with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Ms. Weavers is trained in Ballet, Jazz and Lyrical. She credits Master Teacher, choreographer, educator – Sofia Costantini and executive director of Dance Manitoba – Nicole Owens as her inspiration during her two decades of training at the RWB School.
A pivotal moment for Ms. Weavers was recognizing that dance should be experienced by everyone, as it is much more than movement, it is a visual spectacle, storytelling, a shared culture – rooted in imagination and passion. Ms. Weavers advocates for lifelong learning, inclusion and providing a welcoming environment for all dancers. Ms. Weavers looks forward to sharing her knowledge and love of dance with her students.
MEGHAN HUNT
B.Ed, B.CYC, E.C.E.
CDTA Jazz, Tap, Ballet (Pre-Associate)
Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop
Taking her first class at the age of three, Meghan grew up dancing in the Comox Valley and has been teaching dance classes since she was 15-years-old. She has studied in a variety of disciplines including Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Irish, Hip Hop. Her classes focus on building a strong foundation through strength and technique, while encouraging her students set goals and reach new levels of success in their dance training.
Meghan loves bringing her knowledge and experience to her classes in a fun and relaxed, yet focused environment. When she’s not at the dance studio, Meghan is an elementary school teacher in the Comox Valley school district.
NATASHA KOZAK
CDTA Ballet, AIDT Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Irish and Modern Stage
Natasha has been teaching dance for over 25 years, mostly here in the Comox Valley. She spent most of her childhood studying Tap, Jazz, Irish dance, RAD Ballet, Modern, and Theater. As one the original Rainbow Youth Theatre members, Natasha also had the opportunity to learn the technical side of production, some skills directly from Sid Williams himself. She attends many conventions and teacher’s workshops to stay current to dance trends and styles, and has entered countless dance works into festivals and competitions.
Natasha is a full Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA, Tap and Modern) and also has previously achieved an Advanced 1 level in the AIDT (Tap). Natasha enjoys teaching many styles of dance to all ages of students, from beginner to advanced levels. She brings a high energy level to every class, striving to motivate and inspire all of her students.