Eleni Schuurman

Instructor

Classes:

Tiny Dancers, Ballet and Pre-Pointe

Certifications & Experience:

Advanced II Ballet, Certified International Dance Teaching Standards (I.S.T.D.) AND Alixa Flexibility

Eleni Schuurman's passion for ballet started as a two year old.  After successfully completing her Advanced II ballet exam through the RAD, she ventured to broaden her knowledge of ballet.  She took classes at Steps on Broadway in New York City, and then had the great privilege to study the Vaganova Method under Ballet Master Max Ratevosian and Melania Pawliw.  Her passion for ballet deepened during this time, as she learned more ballet history and the origins of the Vaganova Method.  She performed in Hamilton City Ballet's productions of Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Les Sylphides and Cinderella.  She is certified with International Dance Teaching Standards and Alixa Flexibility.

Eleni co-founded DV Dance Society, a not for profit organization, focused on bringing professional dance experiences to Drayton Valley and surrounding rural communities.  She staged the inaugural production of The Nutcracker Ballet at the Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre in Drayton Valley as well.  Her time in DV brought her to Miss Joanne's School of Dance, where she taught competitive ballet and musical theatre, winning several awards from Dance Festivals in Edmonton.

In addition to ballet, Eleni studied jazz musical theatre and film production.  She performed in Theatre Aquarius' production of Evita, The Wizard of Oz, The King and I, Footloose, Les Miserable, and was also the lead dancer in HTI's Smokey Joe's Cafe`.

Eleni has an Honours B.A. from McMaster University (Hamilton, ON), graduating with a double Major in History and Theatre & Film.  She also has a filmmaking certificate from the New York Film Academy, and worked as a guest/production coordinator for the television broadcast "100 Huntley Street."  Her time broadcasting gave her the opportunity to act in a handful of short films and documentaries, produce a podcast, and move on to work as an events manager for a Performing Arts venue in Drayton Valley.  After having her son in 2019, she developed a special interest in how music and movement aids in child development.  While Eleni has decades of acquiring knowledge in the performing arts, it's her passion and over 20 years of teaching experience that makes her the most dedicated teacher.