Coast Academy of Dance Teachers

Julie Izad
Director & Teacher

Julie Izad studied dance at the Paris School of Dancing in England and qualified as a Dance teacher in Ballet, Modern and Tap in the I.D.T.A. Syllabus in 1977. She performed on stage in Tokyo, Hong Kong, the Moulin Rouge in Paris, and finally in Monte-Carlo, where she became a Choreographer and Solo Dancer.

Mrs. Izad has been teaching professional dancers and producing and choreographing shows with her husband since 1985. At present they have a troop of 15 dancers, singers, and visual acts working in their show in the south of France. Mrs. Izad has had experience in fashion modeling and television and film work in France and Italy. The Izad family now resides on the Sunshine Coast, and bring much expertise and enthusiasm to the direction of the Coast Academy of Dance and Performing Arts.

Ms. Izad teaches Jazz, Modern Theatre Dance and Advanced Tap to the Senior dance students, and is the Director of the Coast Academy of Dance.

Christina Fitchett
ISTD teacher in Jazz, Tap, Modern and Dance School Manager

Christina is pleased to be returning to the Sunshine Coast where she received most of her training while growing up. Christina followed in her family’s footsteps when she began highland dancing. She went on to add tap, modern, jazz, ballet, contemporary and various forms of partner dancing at the Coast Academy of Dance. She graduated from the Coast Academy’s premier year of the ‘Pre-Professional Program’. Through this program, she achieved her teaching qualifications with excellent results.
Christina moved to Vancouver and trained in Harbour Dance Center’s ‘Intensive Training Program’. This program allowed her to work with highly respected teachers and choreographers from Vancouver, New York and L.A. Christina has also furthered her teaching skills by attending ISTD’s Summer Training in Chichester England for two consecutive years. She will be teaching Jazz, Tap, Modern, Ballet, and ISTD Associate Studies.
Christina is the Manager at the Coast Academy.

Shirley Jackson
Ballet, Pointe

Shirley began ballet training in Calgary and Edmonton, passing the R.A.D. Advanced exam in 1976. Further studies took her to Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal and Entre Six in Montreal, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet professional division. She attended the Banff Centre School of Fine Art’s Ballet program for seven summers.

Ms. Jackson’s performing career began in 1978, at Ottawa Dance Theatre, where she danced for five years, choreographing three pieces for that company. She then danced for five years with Mountain Dance Theatre in Vancouver, creating four pieces of choreography, including a full length story ballet. During her last year with that company, she was co-artistic director. Other short contracts included dancing in the Festival Opera production of “Idomeneo” at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and dancing at the Pavilion of Promise for the duration of Expo ‘86: the choreographer appointed her dance captain.

In 1992 Shirley moved to the Sunshine Coast. Her involvement in dance here has been with the Sunshine Coast Dance Society, choreographing for the Celebration of Dance. She will be teaching Ballet and Pointe at the Coast Academy of Dance.

Kathleen Holmes
Ballet

Kathleen has an extensive background in classical ballet training. Her teachers included ballerina Ekaterina Maximova and premier danseur Vladimir Vasiliev, former stars of Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet and the international ballet star Anna-Marie and David Holmes, who trained at the legendary Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg. This classical background has been well utilized by Kathleen. She has appeared professionally as a principal in many Russian classics including: Swan Lake, Paquita, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère and in the title role of Prokofiev's Cinderella. She has performed for audiences in Italy, the United States, and Canada. A love of the classics, the rich history, the traditions of ballet - these are the source of inspiration for Kathleen. She brings to her students this important link to the past. It is with the knowledge and enjoyment that what she is imparting on her students is also an important link to the future.

Chris Wong
Hip Hop

Chris is a versatile dancer, professionally trained in all hip hop styles. Having been part of Souldiers Dance Company, he is in touch with the fundamentals, foundation and roots of hip hop. Starting off as a young martial artist teaching all over the city, Chris has successfully used his knowledge and teaching skills to improve his dance classes as well. As a dancer and a student himself, he actively performs in the country.

Tara MacLeod
Highland Dance

Tara MacLeod was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia but made the move out West at an early age. As a young adult Tara took her first Highland dance class as a way of exploring
her Scottish roots and was immediately hooked. She has been
a competitive Highland dancer for over 12 years and has danced on stages throughout B.C, Washington and Scotland
winning numerous medals and trophies.Locally Tara has
delighted audiences at annual Robbie Burns Dinners and
outdoor festivals up and down the Sunshine Coast. Tara is a full member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance. She will be teaching Highland dance for the Coast Academy of Dance.

Carol Ann LeBlanc Terra Dannes
Acrobatics

Terra grew up in the Lower Mainland, professionally training in gymnastics and dance, and became a professional cheerleader. Her gymnastics instructors included two Russian coaches, one of whom was an Olympic gymnast. She later undertook the Dance Performance Diploma Program at Grant MacEwan College in Alberta.
Her performance experience is extensive, including the International Stage throughout Expo '86, BC Lions Football Club Dance Team, as well as modeling, radio and television commercials. Terra has taught dance throughout the Lower Mainland and upon moving to the Sunshine Coast has appeared with the Coast Dance Society, Movement Arts Contemporary Dance Company, DSdanse Company, Figure Athletes, and conducted strength and flexibility training for competitive figure skaters. Terra has recently trained off and on the water in Hawaii with a World Champion Tandem Surfer. Terra will be teaching Acrobatics this year.

Julie Bloom
Contemporary Jazz, Musical Theatre, Adult Jazz

Julie started her training in ballet at age three in Victoria on Vancouver Island. She branched out into hip-hop, modern, jazz and musical theatre over the next few years, continuing to train in all these styles while going through school. Julie started the RAD ballet examination process at a young age and in her early teens began taking exams in A.I.D.T. modern, completing the qualifying grade to begin the teaching program. Julie competed in both Duncan and Victoria festivals as well as convention competitions in Vancouver. She has travelled to many dancer and teacher conventions through out North America giving her the opportunity to work and learn from highly respected choreographers. She has recently become a provisionally registered teacher with the AIDT in Hip-Hop. Julie looks forward to joining the Coast Academy in September!

Ivana Cappelletto
Cardio Dance

With background in the RAD ballet training, culminating in the pre-professional program for the Alberta Ballet Company, and her speedy history as multinational track cycling sprint champion, that brought her not only to compete at multiple World Championships and Universiade, but also to meet her husband, Ivana Cappelletto brings to the Academy not only the love of dance, but also the passion of fitness. BCRPA- certified and in the process of acquiring her ISTD status, her energy and stamina inspires all the dance moms to 'move it and lose it'. She shares her time with her graphic design business, daughter, son, husband, four dogs, multiple costume-making efforts and chocolate.

Carol Ann LeBlanc
Office

Carol Ann is the Administrative Assistant for the Coast Academy of Dance, and in that capacity is responsible for registrations and communications. She is a calm and capable force in the day-to-day running of the school, and her daily presence, pleasant demeanor, and approachability is appreciated by the teaching staff, students, and parents.

She was born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, and has also lived in Newfoundland and Quebec, where she graduated from Commercial College as a Medical Secretary before moving to Vancouver in 1973. She worked in a variety of office settings before leaving the work force to raise her family. Carol Ann was lured to the Sunshine Coast in 1989, and through her four children participating in many dance disciplines over the years, she has been involved at the Coast Academy since its beginnings. Ms. LeBlanc feels very much at home here at our Academy!

Julie Izad Director & Teacher Julie Izad studied dance at the Paris School of Dancing in England and qualified as a Dance teacher in Ballet, Modern and Tap in the I.D.T.A. Syllabus in 1977. She performed on stage in Tokyo, Hong Kong, the Moulin Rouge in Paris, and finally in Monte-Carlo, where she became a Choreographer and Solo Dancer. Mrs. Izad has been teaching professional dancers and producing and choreographing shows with her husband since 1985. At present they have a troop of 15 dancers, singers, and visual acts working in their show in the south of France. Mrs. Izad has had experience in fashion modeling and television and film work in France and Italy. The Izad family now resides on the Sunshine Coast, and bring much expertise and enthusiasm to the direction of the Coast Academy of Dance and Performing Arts. Ms. Izad teaches Jazz, Modern Theatre Dance and Advanced Tap to the Senior dance students, and is the Director of the Coast Academy of Dance.
Christina Fitchett ISTD teacher in Jazz, Tap, Modern and Dance School Manager Christina is pleased to be returning to the Sunshine Coast where she received most of her training while growing up. Christina followed in her family’s footsteps when she began highland dancing. She went on to add tap, modern, jazz, ballet, contemporary and various forms of partner dancing at the Coast Academy of Dance. She graduated from the Coast Academy’s premier year of the ‘Pre-Professional Program’. Through this program, she achieved her teaching qualifications with excellent results. Christina moved to Vancouver and trained in Harbour Dance Center’s ‘Intensive Training Program’. This program allowed her to work with highly respected teachers and choreographers from Vancouver, New York and L.A. Christina has also furthered her teaching skills by attending ISTD’s Summer Training in Chichester England for two consecutive years. She will be teaching Jazz, Tap, Modern, Ballet, and ISTD Associate Studies. Christina is the Manager at the Coast Academy.
Shirley Jackson Ballet, Pointe Shirley began ballet training in Calgary and Edmonton, passing the R.A.D. Advanced exam in 1976. Further studies took her to Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal and Entre Six in Montreal, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet professional division. She attended the Banff Centre School of Fine Art’s Ballet program for seven summers. Ms. Jackson’s performing career began in 1978, at Ottawa Dance Theatre, where she danced for five years, choreographing three pieces for that company. She then danced for five years with Mountain Dance Theatre in Vancouver, creating four pieces of choreography, including a full length story ballet. During her last year with that company, she was co-artistic director. Other short contracts included dancing in the Festival Opera production of “Idomeneo” at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, and dancing at the Pavilion of Promise for the duration of Expo ‘86: the choreographer appointed her dance captain. In 1992 Shirley moved to the Sunshine Coast. Her involvement in dance here has been with the Sunshine Coast Dance Society, choreographing for the Celebration of Dance. She will be teaching Ballet and Pointe at the Coast Academy of Dance.
Kathleen Holmes Ballet Kathleen has an extensive background in classical ballet training. Her teachers included ballerina Ekaterina Maximova and premier danseur Vladimir Vasiliev, former stars of Moscow's Bolshoi Ballet and the international ballet star Anna-Marie and David Holmes, who trained at the legendary Kirov Ballet in St. Petersburg. This classical background has been well utilized by Kathleen. She has appeared professionally as a principal in many Russian classics including: Swan Lake, Paquita, Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, La Bayadère and in the title role of Prokofiev's Cinderella. She has performed for audiences in Italy, the United States, and Canada. A love of the classics, the rich history, the traditions of ballet - these are the source of inspiration for Kathleen. She brings to her students this important link to the past. It is with the knowledge and enjoyment that what she is imparting on her students is also an important link to the future.
Chris Wong Hip Hop Chris is a versatile dancer, professionally trained in all hip hop styles. Having been part of Souldiers Dance Company, he is in touch with the fundamentals, foundation and roots of hip hop. Starting off as a young martial artist teaching all over the city, Chris has successfully used his knowledge and teaching skills to improve his dance classes as well. As a dancer and a student himself, he actively performs in the country.
Tara MacLeod Highland Dance Tara MacLeod was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia but made the move out West at an early age. As a young adult Tara took her first Highland dance class as a way of exploring her Scottish roots and was immediately hooked. She has been a competitive Highland dancer for over 12 years and has danced on stages throughout B.C, Washington and Scotland winning numerous medals and trophies.Locally Tara has delighted audiences at annual Robbie Burns Dinners and outdoor festivals up and down the Sunshine Coast. Tara is a full member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance. She will be teaching Highland dance for the Coast Academy of Dance.
Terra Dannes Acrobatics Terra grew up in the Lower Mainland, professionally training in gymnastics and dance, and became a professional cheerleader. Her gymnastics instructors included two Russian coaches, one of whom was an Olympic gymnast. She later undertook the Dance Performance Diploma Program at Grant MacEwan College in Alberta. Her performance experience is extensive, including the International Stage throughout Expo '86, BC Lions Football Club Dance Team, as well as modeling, radio and television commercials. Terra has taught dance throughout the Lower Mainland and upon moving to the Sunshine Coast has appeared with the Coast Dance Society, Movement Arts Contemporary Dance Company, DSdanse Company, Figure Athletes, and conducted strength and flexibility training for competitive figure skaters. Terra has recently trained off and on the water in Hawaii with a World Champion Tandem Surfer. Terra will be teaching Acrobatics this year.
Julie Bloom Contemporary Jazz, Musical Theatre, Adult Jazz Julie started her training in ballet at age three in Victoria on Vancouver Island. She branched out into hip-hop, modern, jazz and musical theatre over the next few years, continuing to train in all these styles while going through school. Julie started the RAD ballet examination process at a young age and in her early teens began taking exams in A.I.D.T. modern, completing the qualifying grade to begin the teaching program. Julie competed in both Duncan and Victoria festivals as well as convention competitions in Vancouver. She has travelled to many dancer and teacher conventions through out North America giving her the opportunity to work and learn from highly respected choreographers. She has recently become a provisionally registered teacher with the AIDT in Hip-Hop. Julie looks forward to joining the Coast Academy in September!
Ivana Cappelletto Cardio Dance With background in the RAD ballet training, culminating in the pre-professional program for the Alberta Ballet Company, and her speedy history as multinational track cycling sprint champion, that brought her not only to compete at multiple World Championships and Universiade, but also to meet her husband, Ivana Cappelletto brings to the Academy not only the love of dance, but also the passion of fitness. BCRPA- certified and in the process of acquiring her ISTD status, her energy and stamina inspires all the dance moms to 'move it and lose it'. She shares her time with her graphic design business, daughter, son, husband, four dogs, multiple costume-making efforts and chocolate.
Carol Ann LeBlanc Office Carol Ann is the Administrative Assistant for the Coast Academy of Dance, and in that capacity is responsible for registrations and communications. She is a calm and capable force in the day-to-day running of the school, and her daily presence, pleasant demeanor, and approachability is appreciated by the teaching staff, students, and parents. She was born and raised in Moncton, New Brunswick, and has also lived in Newfoundland and Quebec, where she graduated from Commercial College as a Medical Secretary before moving to Vancouver in 1973. She worked in a variety of office settings before leaving the work force to raise her family. Carol Ann was lured to the Sunshine Coast in 1989, and through her four children participating in many dance disciplines over the years, she has been involved at the Coast Academy since its beginnings. Ms. LeBlanc feels very much at home here at our Academy!

TEACHERS