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Dance Attire Requirements Dance attire is important so that we can see proper body alignment and position for all dancers. Dance attire requirements are mandatory for all annual dancers and all students must have proper attire and shoes before the end of September, and everything can be purchased at the studio. ​ Dancers must have their hair tied back in a bun for all ballet classes and a ponytail or bun for all other dance classes. We want to set your child up for success and ensure they have a proper mindset so they can look and feel their best. ​ We make it easy and have a wide variety of attire, shoes, and tights available for sale. If you are unsure of the right fit or style needed, one of our soul sisters is happy to help you find your required attire. Ready for success Look and feel your best ​ Tiny Toes / Tiny Tutus / Tiny Tutus for Twos / Tiny Singers & Dancers Pink Bodysuit & Pink Tights Pink Balera Leather Ballet Shoes Beige Balera Jazz Shoes (for Tiny/Kinder Singers & Dancers) Pink Chiffon Skirt (Optional) ​ Tiny Tumblers Pink Bodysuit & Beige Tights Black Acro Balera Shoes Black Dance Pants or Shorts (Optional) ​ Kinder Combo / Kinder Singers & Dancers Pink Bodysuit & Beige Tights Beige Balera Jazz Shoes Black Dance Pants or Shorts (Optional) ​ Tiny Tappers / Kinder Tap Pink Bodysuit & Beige Tights Black Balera Mary Jane - Low Heel, Velcro with Buckle ​ Kinder Ballet Pink Bodysuit & Pink Tights Pink Balera Leather Ballet Shoes Pink Chiffon Skirt (Optional) ​ Kinder Jazz Pink Bodysuit & Beige Tights Beige Balera Jazz Shoes Black Dance Pants or Spandex Shorts (Optional) ​ Kinder DanceNastics Pink Bodysuit & Beige Tights Black Balera Acro Shoes Black Dance Pants or Spandex Shorts (Optional) ​ Pre Primary Ballet Black Bodysuit Pink Tights Pink Balera Leather Ballet Shoes Black Chiffon Skirt (Optional) ​ Primary Ballet Black Bodysuit Pink Tights Pink Balera Leather Ballet Shoes Black Chiffon Wrao Skirt (Optional) ​ Junior Ballet Black Bodysuit Pink Tights Balera Leather Ballet Shoes Black Chiffon Wrap Skirt (Optional) ​ Intermediate Ballet / Teen Ballet Black Bodysuit Pink Tights Balera Canvas Ballet Shoes Black Chiffon Wrap Skirt (Optional) ​ Senior Ballet Black Bodysuit Pink Tights Balera Canvas Ballet Shoes Black Chiffon Wrap Skirt (Optional) ​ Ballet Exam Grades 1 & 2 - Sleeveless Lilac Bodysuit, Low Heel Character Shoes, Pink Leather Ballet Shoes ​ Grade 3 - Sleeveless Navy Bodysuit with Pinch, Cuban Heel Character Shoes or Standard Black Character Shoes, Pink Leather Ballet Shoes Grade 4 & 5 - Sleeveless Navy Bodysuit with Pinch, Cuban Heel Character Shoes or Standard Black Character Shoes, Pink Canvas Ballet Shoes ​ Grade 6 - Black Camisole Leotard, Pink Canvas Ballet Shoes, Pink Convertible Tights (Capezio or Mondor recommended), , Cuban Heel Character Shoes or Standard Black Character Shoes ​ All classes require a proper fitting Character Skirt that sits 3 inches below the knee. Please purchase your Character Skirt through Soul Connexion to ensure you have the proper ribbon colours. ​ Jazz Black Bodysuit & Beige Tights Balera Beige Jazz Shoes Black Leggings or Shorts (Optional) Inter/Sr COMP classes - Balera Black Jazz Shoes ​ Seasonal Dance Programs Dance attire is not mandatory for Seasonal dance programs. However, we highly recommend making a dance attire appointment to ensure your dancer receives the full dance experience at our studio. ​ Tap Pre Prim/Prim – Black Bodysuit & Beige Tights Jr + - Black Bodysuit & Beige Tights Pre Prim and Prim – Black Balera Mary Jane – Low Heel Tie Other Tap Classes – Black Balera with Laces ​ Hip Hop & Funk Form-Fitting Top (Any Colour or Style) Sweat Pants, Dance Pants or Cargos (Any Colour or Style) White Hip Hop Runners – Urban Groove or White High Top Converse (Available for sale at the studio) ​ Pre Prim & Primary Lyrical Black Bodysuit & Full-Length Footless Beige Tights Canvas Stretch Half Sole Lyrical Turner Shoe Optional: Black Dance Leggings or Spandex Shorts (Any Style) ​ Jr+ Lyrical Black Bodysuit & 3/4 Length Beige Tights Canvas Stretch Half Sole Lyrical Turner Shoe Optional: Black Dance Leggings or Spandex Shorts (Any Style) ​ Contemporary Black Bodysuit Black Wide Leg Studio Dance Pants Black Contemp Socks (available for purchase at the studio) Junior Level Contemp - toe turners ​ Musical Theatre Form-Fitting Dance Attire (Pants, Tights, Bodysuit or Dance Top) Beige Balera Jazz Shoes ​ DanceNastics / Acro Black Bodysuit & Beige Tights (Footless) Black Balera Acro Shoe Black Dance Pants or Spandex Shorts (Optional) ​ Pre Primary Variety Black Bodysuit Beige Tights Beige Balera Jazz Shoes Black Dance Pants or Spandex Shorts (Optional) ​ Teen Variety Form-Fitting Dance Attire Beige Balera Jazz Shoes ​ Jazz/Hip Hop Combo Black Dance Pants Form-Fitting Dance Attire Beige Balera Jazz Shoes ​ Jazz/Ballet Combo Black Bodysuit & Beige Tights Beige Balera Jazz Shoes ​ Cheer Black Bodysuit & Beige Tights Black Balera Acro Shoes Black Dance Pants or Spandex Shorts (Optional) ​ Other Styles Form-Fitting Dance Attire Balera Jazz Shoes OR Balera Leather Ballet Shoes ​ Jazz Technique – Competitive Dancers Black Bodysuit Beige Tights Beige Balera Jazz Shoes Black Leggings or Spandex Shorts (Optional) ​ Ballet Technique – Competitive Dancers Black Bodysuit Pink Tights Pink Balera Ballet Shoes ​ Competitive Classes Bloch or Balera shoes in style noted Black Leggings or Spandex Shorts Option in Jazz, Lyrical or Contemporary classes ​ Boy’s Attire (for Boogie Boys, Tiny Toes, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theater, Lyrical, Tap, Kinder Hip Hop & Boys Hip Hop) Black Pants (Dance Pants or Sweat Pants) & White T-Shirt Kinder Groove, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Lyrical – Black Jazz Shoes Tiny Toes & Ballet – Black Ballet Shoes Tap – Black Tap Shoes Converse Chuck Taylor All Star White Sneaker Hip Hop, Funk, Boogie Boys, Kinder Hip Hop – Urban Groove White Hip Hop Runners purchased at Soul Connexion. FOR YOUR CON VENIENCE, SHOP AND PICK UP YOUR DANCE ATTIRE AT THE STUDIO. BOOK A PRIVATE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE BELOW. Book Your Shopping Appointment

< Back Vika Hushchenko Soul Sister /Dance Teacher Viktoriia Hushchenko Miss Vika has passion and love for children and has recently joined us from the Ukraine. She is a Paediatrician and dance teacher bringing amazing knowledge of children into the studio. She started dancing at age of 5 studying Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz-Funk, Ukrainian National Dance, Jazz, and Contemporary. She performed in various festivals, city events, and won several competitions. Her talent allowed her to begin teaching at age 15 after successfully completing her teaching exams. She taught while attending University to become a doctor. She loves sharing her ideas and inspiring others through dance to students of all ages as she believes it a positive outlet. She also teaches an Adults Heels class focusing on empowering women. Miss Vika has incredible courage to start her new life in Canada and Soul Connexion is excited to welcome her. She is working towards obtaining her Canadian doctor’s degree and her dream is to open a dance studio. Miss Vika has a huge passion for dance, creativity and sharing her heart with all of the dancers at Soul Connexion. Q & A with Vika What inspires you? People, mountains and meeting new people, feeling their energy and sharing mine with them. Mountains always remind me how small we are but also how strong we are What song moves you? I don’t have specific song, but I have a singer in mind. This is my mom, I love her voice, and it helps me never give up What do you love about your job? Meeting with new people, sharing energy and inspiring others Describe Soul Connexion in one word Family ​ ​

< Back Kate Probert Dance Teacher Kate Probert Kate has been dancer at Soul Connexion since 2010, shortly after the studio had opened. She started competing in dance almost a decade ago and has trained in many styles of dance, including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, acro and musical theatre. Her favourite styles are ballet, jazz and musical theatre. The beginning of her teaching journey started when she assisted her first tiny toes class at age 10. After assisting with classes for many years, she joined the Soul Connexion Apprenticeship Program where she began to learn new skills and receive more leadership opportunities. This fall, she will be attending University of Calgary for a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama and Elementary Education. She has a huge passion for dance and teaching, so she’s looking forward to sharing that passion with her students. Q & A with Kate What inspires you? Performing, whether I’m performing or watching someone else perform! What song moves you? Ready For It by Taylor Swift What do you love about your job? I love that I can help students grow and improve overtime. Describe Soul Connexion in one word Inspiring ​ ​

< Back Santhiago Avila Dance Teacher Santhiago Avila Originally from Colombia, Mr. Santhiago moved to Calgary in 2014. He right away joined Soul Connexion in the hip-hop program for the following 3 years. He is equipped with great teaching skills from being an instructor in Air Cadets as well as a Math Camp Leader at Classical Conversations International in June 2019. Since a young age he has been very passionate about health and fitness which lead him to enroll in multiple sports such as cheerleading, gymnastics, soccer, taekwondo, badminton, dance, weight lifting, track and field and many more. Mr. Santhiago is very excited to be part of the team and be able to create a safe environment for the kids to be free to express themselves through dance/music and improve their confidence as well as dancing skills. Q & A with Santhiago What inspires you? Seeing the kids grow in every way. Knowing that I am a positive influence in their life and their development is very rewarding. Being able to provide a safe place for them to be themselves, have fun, and become more confident is what inspires me the most What song moves you? Danza Kuduro What do you love about your job? Making a difference in kids life's. Showing them how important physical activity, hard work and passion is Describe Soul Connexion in one word Passion ​ ​

< Back Eric Van Dance Teacher Eric Van Hello! My name is Eric Van and I’m a 19 year old dancer, barber and choreographer based out of Calgary. I’ve been in the dance community for 6 years now and over the years, I’ve fallen in love with various Hip Hop styles. I started with Jazz & Contemporary training in high school and carried onto a few years training under illFX educations competitive program. The thing I appreciated most was the education side and learning where these specific styles came from. Throughout COVID-19 until now, I've been branching out more into the Hip Hop community by taking classes from a wide range of teachers in Alberta to build my own style; which really pulls the techniques from isolation, R&B styles and hard hitting Hip Hop . I think a thing that inspires me the most right now is the team Im in called the MASSES ran by Patrick Fernandez, I've been training under Patrick for years now and he has introduced me to a number of other talented choreographers that have taught me different ways how to teach a class and how to connect with the team. Connection and trust are very deep values I carry with me and apply to my every day life from barbering to teaching dance. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share that this year with such an inclusive studio like Soul Connexion. Q & A with Eric What inspires you? The dance scene here in Calgary compared to places like Vancouver and Toronto is very small. The growth of our community is what inspires me, everyday I see it grow as dancers are trying new styles, taking more classes, listening to different genres of music. While we do this we are all connected by our love for dance and the more love that we show, the more people will hear about our movements What song moves you? Jimmy Cooks By Drake (feat. 21 Savage) What do you love about your job? Sharing the knowledge and history of dance that I'm constantly learning. Always will be a student to the game Describe Soul Connexion in one word Inclusive ​ ​

< Back Tamia Corea Dance Teacher Tamia Corea Tamia has been a dancer at Soul Connexion since the studio opened around 14 years ago. Her teaching journey started through the Soul Connexion Apprenticeship Program where she has learned many skills and became a teacher. She has trained in many styles of dance such as ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary and love teaching them all. Her personal favourites are jazz and ballet. Q & A with Tamia What inspires you? My teachers and my family What song moves you? Sign of the Times by Harry Styles What do you love about your job? Building relationships with my students and sharing my passion Describe Soul Connexion in one word Home ​ ​

Our Team At Soul Connexion, we understand that dance can be an important part of a child’s life, and a large part of that positive and uplifting experience is the example set by a qualified teacher. Each instructor is certified with the tools to deliver high-quality lessons and the passion to pass the love of dance on to their students. We love hearing parents rave about how kind and inspiring our teachers are! Cara Poppitt Founder/Artistic Director Read More Allison Benson Dance Teacher Read More Chelsea Lawrence Dance Teacher Read More Denise Nerier Social Media Manager/Dance Teacher Read More Gabrielle Springett Dance Teacher Read More Jenna Relf Dance Teacher Read More Mikaela Widdup Dance Teacher Read More Shayne Santiago Dance Teacher Read More Victoria Hagel Dance Teacher Read More Alena Widdup Dance Teacher Read More Camila Serrano Dance Teacher Read More Christine Mooney Dance Teacher Read More Emma Rees Dance Teacher Read More Gina Aschenbrener Program Coordinator Read More Kate Probert Dance Teacher Read More Pamela Backus Yoga Teacher Read More Tamia Corea Dance Teacher Read More Vika Hushchenko Soul Sister /Dance Teacher Read More Alissa Lee Dance Teacher Read More Chantal Lalonde Dance Teacher Read More Danae Gibbons Office Manager Read More Eric Van Dance Teacher Read More Jasmine Lehmann Dance Teacher / Competitive Team Lead Read More Meagan Swindlehurst Dance Teacher Read More Santhiago Avila Dance Teacher Read More Taylor McNeill Operations Manager Read More

< Back Gabrielle Springett Dance Teacher Gabrielle Springett Royal Academy of Dance, Registered Teacher Status (RAD RTS) Miss Springett grew up in South Western Ontario, where she fell in love with ballet from a picture of a ballerina on a record of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty. She brings over 20 years of teaching experience and has had a versatile professional career not only as a dancer, but as a choreographer, and director. She danced with the Cambridge Theatre Dance School where she had many performing experiences; including lead roles with The Black Walnut youth ballet company. She also had various opportunities to dance with Les Grand Ballet Canadiens from Montreal, when on tour for major productions such as the Nutcracker. Later, she attended Ryerson Theater School in Toronto, where she majored in dance and voice. While in Toronto, she studied modern dance with the Toronto Dance Theatre and the Russian method of ballet, Vagonava style. Miss Springett began her teaching career in 1998 and become a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance in 2000. Following this, she achieved recognition in music, human anatomy and the history of ballet. In 2005, she opened her own dance school on the west coast of Vancouver Island called the Rainforest Dancers. She moved to Calgary in 2011 where she has taught at various schools in the city including, The Dance Factory. The school of Alberta Ballet Open Division and Danscott. She Currently works for The Royal Academy of Dance as a mentor to new teachers embarking on their teaching journey. Miss Springett is excited to join the Soul Connexion teaching team for her third season this upcoming season! Q & A with Gabrielle What inspires you? Being in nature and by the ocean gives me strength and the energy to do what I love What song moves you? La Vergine Degli Angeli from La Forza del Destino Act 2 Scene 2 (Verdi.) This piece is about 1:30 long – it is angelic and makes my heart sing to be able to dance to it What do you love about your job? Sharing my love of ballet with others Describe Soul Connexion in one word Welcoming ​ ​

< Back Victoria Hagel Dance Teacher Victoria Hagel Victoria has danced at Soul Connexion for 10 years and has competed for 9 of those. She has just completed her first year of university at the University of Calgary in the Natural Science program with concentrations in chemistry and physics. After her undergrad, she hopes to get a two year after-degree in teaching so that she can teach high school chemistry. Victoria has trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary. Her favorites are Lyrical and Ballet. Victoria is very excited to become a part of the teaching team and to share her love of dance with new students. Q & A with Victoria What inspires you? Music, kindness and snow! Specifically the quote “Nobody ever regretted being kind” inspires me. I am especially inspired during Christmas time when there is snow on the ground, music is in the air and people are spreading kindness. What song moves you? Freckles, by normal the kid. What do you love about your job? I love making connections with each of my students. I also love watching and helping them grow in all aspects. Describe Soul Connexion in one word Family ​ ​

< Back Allison Benson Dance Teacher Allison Benson B.A. Dance, Bed Early Childhood Education, NCCP (National Coaching) Certified, CBTF (Baton Coaching) Level 1, Acrobatic Arts Level 1, K.A.Y. Kids Yoga Certified Miss Allison holds her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Calgary with a major in dance as well as her Bachelor of Education degree specializing in Early Childhood Education. Since childhood, dance has always been part of her life. She has years of training in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Pointe and Baton Twirling. A teacher has the ability to touch a student’s life in a positive way and that is a huge privilege to carry out. Her viewpoint on teaching is to make learning memorable, not memorized. When not teaching dance at Soul Connexion, Allison is an elementary school teacher at the Calgary Arts Academy. Miss Allison has competed all over Alberta and Canada in dance competitions. She has also had the privilege of representing Canada internationally in the sport of Baton Twirling, and has completed her National Coaching Certification. She loves what she does and is passionate about sharing her love of dance with her students. Q&A with Miss Allison What inspires you? The joy on my students faces when they dance What song moves you? Brand New by Ben Rector and Shake it Off by Florence and the Machine What do you love about your job? I am extremely lucky, because through teaching dance, I get to live my passion. I love to inspire learning and see the results Describe Soul Connexion in one word Welcoming ​ ​

< Back Camila Serrano Dance Teacher Camila Serrano I have been dancing for 14 years, becoming well versed in many styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical,musical theatre, tap, and hip hop. I was a competitive dancer for 5 years; throughout those years of competitive dancing I was able to work with well known professionals in the dance industry and choreographers from all around Canada. The highlight of my dance career was having the opportunity to perform in the Alberta Ballet’s Nutcracker for 3 years and in my last year getting to help train and inspire the Nutcrackers youngest dancers. At the Alberta Ballet I trained in two different ballet techniques: cecchetti and RAD. With the Alberta Ballet, I successfully completed my intermediate foundation ballet exam and my advanced 1 RAD ballet exam. All my hardwork came with a reward when I graduated from the Alberta ballet's open division program. My teaching experience began with choreographing for my Junior High’s dance team and student teaching with the Alberta Ballet. Which allowed me to discover my passion for sharing my knowledge of dance with the younger generations. Nevertheless I still enjoy taking dance classes and attending professional development courses to keep inspiring my students. I am currently also attending the University of Calgary as a fulltime student hoping to earn my bachelors degree in Kinesiology combined with commerce. Q & A with Camila What inspires you? My mom is my biggest inspiration. Her unwavering work ethic and passion for her profession inspired me to pursue my passion of teaching dance. What song moves you? I am extremely fond of classical music. I feel as though there is no limit to the creative and choreographic possibilities with classical music. My favourite piece at the moment is Trois Gymnopédies: No. 1, Lent Et Douloureux By Erik Satie. What do you love about your job? I love being able to share my knowledge that I have cultivated over my many years of dance with my students. But, ultimately I love to see my students succeed and achieve their maximum potential. Describe Soul Connexion in one word: Versatile. ​ ​

< Back Chelsea Lawrence Dance Teacher Chelsea Lawrence Miss Chelsea's love for dance began when she took her first dance class at the age of three in her hometown studio in Lloydminster, AB, Canada. As a dedicated technique and performance dancer, she completed R.A.D. Ballet exams up to grade 8 and all C.D.T.A. Tap exams. As a young dancer, Miss Chelsea's talent and commitment earned her exciting opportunities to travel and showcase her artistry: she has performed as a dancer with Caribbean Cruise Lines, on stage with Shania Twain and in a Jason Blaine music video. Miss Chelsea graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2011, with a Bachelor of Education degree, specializing in Elementary and Middle Years. She went on to work as an elementary school teacher for several years, before marrying her passion for education and dance and pursuing a full time career as a dance instructor. Miss Chelsea is a certified Acrobatic Arts (Module 1) instructor, an Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT) Tap and Jazz certified instructor and a Progressing Ballet Technique instructor for Junior, Senior and Advanced programs. She is dedicated to professional growth and development and regularly attends workshops and seminars, both locally and internationally, to fuel her passion and add to her growing repertoire of dance teaching skills. Miss Chelsea strives to create engaging, developmentally appropriate classes and programs that help students thrive and develop a long lasting love of dance. She is passionate about innovative, original choreography and strong technical training in a positive and welcoming environment. She believes that the best learning happens in relationships and works to develop meaningful connections with all of her students to bring out the best in each one of them. She is excited for the opportunity to help Soul Connexion students continue to grow as dancers, artists and people and she is looking forward to a great year ahead! Q & A with Chelsea What inspires you? My students What song moves you? Easy Love - Sigala What do you love about your job? I love helping young people challenge themselves, build confidence and find their passion! Describe Soul Connexion in one word: Community ​ ​