Tel: 604-499-7246
Meiko Perkins RAD RTS - Studio Director - Ballet, PBT, Silver Swans
Ms. Meiko is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), founder of her own dance school in 2005, Ms Meiko’s Ballet, which later became Raincity Dance.
Meiko prepared for RAD ballet vocational examinations under the guidance of teachers Avril Johns and Sharon Boswell, achieving the award of distinction. She has studied under and worked closely with Lynette Kelley (RAD examiner), and Clare Guss-West (The Energy Source) and continues her education in supportive practices for dance, including; PBT, The Ballet Blog, and the Feldenkrais Method.
She completed the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and studied the RAD syllabus at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London, England. Meiko holds a certificate with the Progressive Ballet Technique, is a Silver Swans Licensee, a member of Benesh International, and continually updates her ballet training methodology through ongoing courses, including workshops at the Prix De Lausanne in Switzerland. Meiko is excited to pass on her teaching knowledge with her second appointment as teacher mentor for the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Teaching Program.
For the youngest dancers, Meiko focuses on building coordination, musicality, and a love of movement through imaginative adventures, having created a junior school syllabus while at the Pacific Dance Arts in Vancouver. She continues to refine this syllabus for adolescent ballet dancers, providing students with a solid foundation in classical ballet vocabulary, posture, and technique. As students advance, she encourages personal expression with an emphasis on clean technique, performance, and communication.
Meiko is deeply committed to making dance a welcoming and inclusive art form for everyone, regardless of age, experience, or physical ability. She believes that dance is more than just a form of artistic expression; it is a fundamental aspect of human growth and development. In her view, dance nurtures not only physical coordination and grace but also emotional resilience, creativity, and social connection. Meiko’s teaching philosophy centres around the idea that everyone has the potential to dance, and she strives to create an environment where all her students feel empowered and inspired to explore their own unique movement styles.
Mona Lai - Ballet
Ms. Mona was born in Vancouver and raised in Hong Kong where she started dancing at the age of three. She received her training in Ballet, Chinese classical and folk dance, Modern and Tap dance at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). Currently in progress of obtaining the RAD Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet), Mona is the founder and studio director of Aura School of Dance. She is a certified teacher of the Beijing Dance Academy Graded Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus, Mat Pilates certified instructor, Yoga Alliance RYT 200 instructor, Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) and certified Barre Fitness Instructor.
Completed projects and works include “The Living Archive”, a collaborative performance with the New Westminster Museum and Archives together with local new media artists, dancers and songwriters at the Anvil Center. Choreographer and Movement Director for Drama Lover Production’s original Cantonese musical “Love for Sale” presented at the Norman Rothstein Theatre in 2017.
Apart from dance, Mona was trained in Piano and has achieved Grade 8 of the Royal Schools of Music Examination.
Dickson Ly - Hip Hop
Dickson's journey into hip hop began with a studio drop-in class, sparking an instant passion that drove him to immerse himself in intensive training. He's been a pivotal member of elite crews like A3 Ryderz and Infamous, proudly representing Canada on global stages such as Hip Hop International and World of Dance. He was able to perform on popular shows like Canada's Got Talent. He has also made his mark in multiple national competitions such as Represent Dance, Hit the floor, Monsters of Hip Hop, Prelude, and Iconic Dance Competition.
With extensive experience teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels, Dickson not only choreographs for major competitions like "RDC" in Vancouver but also creates a comfortable learning environment, blending fun and knowledge to ensure every student thrives. He passionately shares his deep knowledge and love for hip hop's foundation and history, enriching his students' experience with both technical prowess and cultural insight.
He has trained under choreographers and directors such as Erik Perena, Roberta Bierman, Jane Marlinga, Carlo Atienza, Prince Nii, Julia Bose, and Jerome Esplana. Where he continues to expand his knowledge as he becomes an upcoming teacher/choreographer.
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Oyku Mensan Merzeci RAD RTS - Ballet
Ms. O. was born in Istanbul and has had a passion for dance since she was very young. She has been teaching for 14 years and has been with Raincity Dance since 2019 as a Ballet Teacher.
Oyku began her Classical Ballet training at the age of 3, trained and graduated from Performing Arts Department of Istanbul University Conservatory with distinction (2002). She pursued further training and graduated from Yıldız Alpar Ballet Academy in 2009.
She was a student of Ms. Alpar, the founder of the first private ballet school in Istanbul, who was awarded a lifelong achievement for her contribution to Ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance. During Oyku’s education, she worked with Oya Barbara Karanis, Aylin Kalem, Seda Altuğ, Deniz Kılınç, Emre Sökmen and Theresa Jane Brown.
Simultaneously, she attended the Royal Academy of Dance Major Examinations and successfully completed her exams as a young dancer. In 2017, Oyku completed the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and she has been a Registered Teacher with RAD since.
Oyku believes in continuous improvement and constantly keeps herself up-to-date on Classical Ballet and Dance education. She has been attending workshops and courses of Classical Ballet and teacher training in the United Kingdom and Canada. She nurtures her students’ talents, inspiring them to not only improve their skills but also kindle a deep love for the art of dance.
Kiera Neufeld-Heinrichs - Tap
Ms. Kiera started dancing at 7 years old in small town Saskatchewan. She enjoyed learning ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical and hip hop and obtained her CDTA Advanced certificates in jazz and tap and RAD Advanced 1. She had the opportunity to perform in Vancouver, New York, Wisconsin, and numerous prairie cities. She no longer dances competitively but performs in community musical theatre, most recently in Mamma Mia and Into the Woods (as Milky White!). Kiera has taught all ages of students, all levels of ability, and all types of dance over her 10 year teaching career.
Dance has taught Kiera discipline, perseverance, confidence, and how to have fun. Her goal is for all students to feel welcome and respected while free to express themselves, try new things, and learn to trust and love their bodies.
Sibel Rivera - Ballet
Ms. Sibel started dancing at the age of 3 under the direction of Karemia del Rey in her home town in Sinaloa, Mexico.
She first started competing internationally at the age of 11 at The Vignale Ragazzi Contest in Italy where she was awarded with the Grand Prix, followed by other competitions in Cuba and Mexico where she won Gold and bronze medals.
She complemented her training with Summer intensives at Boston Ballet and City Ballet of San Diego. (Master classes with Ramona de Saa, Aurora Bosch, Nelson Madrigal, Lorna Feijoo, Ashley Bouder, Daniel Ulricht, Megan Fairchild etc.)
At the age of 16 she moved to la Habana Cuba to complete a three year certification at The Cuban National Ballet School as a ballerina and professor which consisted in a diverse training including ballet, physical preparation, educational methodology, psychology, contemporary, choreography creation, kinesiology, folklore among others.
At her time there, she was featured twice on Cuban National Television dancing for the Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel and other recognized members of the government.
After her graduation she became an apprentice with the Profesional Company of The City Ballet of San Diego in the US and was casted to dance principal roles such as Clara in the Nutcracker and Alice in Alice in Wonderland.
She also taught ballet and repertoire classes at two different schools in San Diego.
Because of the pandemic she moved back to Mexico. That year she got a contract as Principal Dancer at "Compañía de ballet Clásico de Puebla, México". Where she danced contemporary, neoclassical and classical repertoire. She was selected to be part of the Company National Tour and private events for the Mexican government.
She never stoped teaching ballet, latin rhythms and physical preparation classes to all levels and got a certification in Positive Psychiatry and Mental health with the University of Sydney.
In 2021 she moved to Vancouver to complement her ballerina-professor career with a kinesiology Diploma.
Amanda Ryman - Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical
Ms. Amanda is from Calgary, Alberta, and began her dance journey at the age of 3. With 20 years of dance experience and 10 years competing, Amanda is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theatre, Acro, and Hip Hop. Her training includes Urban Dance Projects, Ambition Performing Arts, and Airborne Dance Centre in Calgary, along with summer training from Ballet Kelowna. She has had the privilege of learning from esteemed teachers and choreographers such as Michelle Dawley, Chaela Houston, Acacia Schachte, and Joanna Like.
In 2024, Amanda received her certification in Acrobatics Arts, becoming a certified Acro teacher. She also holds a certification from IDTS (International Dance Teaching Standards). She has completed university courses in Modern Technique, Kinesiology, Dancer's Health and Nutrition, Choreography, and various psychology courses, including Adolescent Development, Child Development, Health and Wellness, Neuroscience, Psychopathology, and Brain and Behaviour. She also trained in techniques from Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, Lester Horton, and José Limón during her university studies. Additionally, she has completed up to her Advanced 1 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Examinations.
While much of Amanda's dance career has been dedicated to competing at dance competitions, she has also danced in promotional videos for Ausha Productions Dance Company and Monica Model Management. Additionally, she has performed in large theatre productions such as The Sound of Music and Oliver Twist.
With 6 years of experience in various aspects of dance studio management, Amanda is proficient in team management, stage and performance management, and overall studio operations. She has played key roles in coordinating and managing productions, performances, recitals, showcases, events, and competitions. Her comprehensive experience ensures the smooth execution of all studio activities.
Amanda has taught a wide range of classes, from early childhood to adult, tailoring her teaching approach to suit the developmental stages and skill levels of her students. Her students consistently perform well at competitions, earning special awards and scholarships. Amanda herself has been recognized with choreography awards, reflecting her dedication and love of dance.
Amanda is also trained vocally and occasionally performs in Calgary and Vancouver. Her teaching style combines fun with technical precision, inspiring students to achieve their goals and instilling a love for dance, music, and technique.
Cassia Slager - Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Modern
Ms. Cass began dancing at a pre-professional level at the young age of 10. At the pinnacle of her career, she achieved the distinction of being the sole North American dancer selected for a coveted trainee position in the National Ballet of Canada's post-secondary program. Her abilities also earned her other prestigious offers including: a modelling position with Ainslie wear (official dancewear for Canada), a full scholarship to Portugal ballet summer school, an apprenticeship with Ballet Kelowna, an invitation to tour Mexico, and acceptance into Ballet Jorgen's split Junior company.
Throughout her dance career, Cassia earned recognition as a finalist in various renowned international competitions, such as the Youth American Grand Prix (Seattle) and Ballet Beyond Borders (finalist for Ballet Solo, and 2nd place winner for Ballet Duo). Cassia's dedication to dance was further highlighted by her participation in provincials for four consecutive years.
Cassia's time with Catching Art, a once local graduate company, was marked by a rigorous performance schedule, averaging over 30 performances annually for organizations including the Lionsgate Orchestra, Education without Borders, and various community and fundraiser events. Within the company, she was featured in pieces like Pas de trois from Swan Lake, Schindler's List, and the famous pas de deux from La Corsaire, which was featured by "The Peak," a prominent Lower Mainland news platform.
As a student, Cassia had the privilege of learning from distinguished and high-profile teachers, including Stephanie Saland (Ex-NYCB principal and YAGP Judge), Charla Genn (Juilliard NY), Aram Manukyan (Alberta Ballet), and Alex Ossadnik (Ballet Idaho), alongside Candice Franklin (Joffrey Ballet school), among others. Cassia's extensive training, totaling over 10,000 hours, was under the guidance of notable instructors, such as Beverly Bagg (Alberta Ballet, PACT ballet company, Ballet BC), Tania Brossoit (graduate RAD Academy, England; RAD Ambassador), Stephana Arnold (National Ballet School, soloist Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and Ballet BC), and Astrid Sherman (ISTD North American Representative and board member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, IADMS).
Cassia's accomplishments in dance were acknowledged by BC's school district, through the BC District/Authority Scholarship for Physical Activity. Although faced with a tempting career in Ballet she chose to pursue a degree in Biotechnology and Business at Trinity Western University. Despite the career change she remained steadfast in her dedication to dance. Her passion led her to help launch the AGAPE hip hop dance team, a highlight of which was their half-time performance at the Men and Women’s National Volleyball Championships. Today, in addition to her professional role supporting Family Physicians in Vancouver, outside of her 9-5, Cassia continues to share her expertise as a Certified ISTD ballet teacher and fitness trainer to live her lifelong passion for dance.
Lauren Stefani - Ballet, Jazz
Ms. Lauren, a dedicated ballet and jazz instructor at Raincity Dance, has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of four. With a strong foundation in classical ballet, she has completed all Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations, most recently achieving the Advanced 2 level this summer. Currently, Lauren is pursuing the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies (CBTS) and has been representing North America as a student ambassador in the RAD program since 2023.
A committed member of the Raincity community since its inception, Lauren discovered her love for teaching in 2018 when she joined the Raincity team. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her students, guiding dancers of all ages and abilities through the foundations of classical technique while nurturing their creative expression.
Beyond her expertise in dance, Lauren is deeply committed to the study of dance kinetics and physical therapy. With an associate degree in kinesiology from Langara College, she began her journey into personal training in 2021. Now studying at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Lauren integrates her understanding of mobility, flexibility, and rehabilitation into her teaching, helping students strengthen their technique and cultivate a lifelong love for movement.
As a choreographer, Lauren has collaborated with Emily Carr University of Art and Design to develop captivating choreography for short films in jazz, swing, and classical ballet. Her approach to choreography and teaching fosters a fun, engaging atmosphere where dancers can thrive in a supportive environment.
In addition to her extensive ballet training, Lauren is well-versed in various dance styles, including Jazz, Swing, Lyrical, K-pop, and Acro. She has per-formed in numerous ballet competitions and played key roles in Pacific Dance Arts’ productions such as Hansel & Gretel and Cinderella. Outside the dance studio, Lauren also trains students at the UBC Active Kids program, where she applies her knowledge of gymnastics to promote holistic child development and lifelong engagement in physical activity.
Trishana Tuyet-Pham - Acro, Jazz, Lyrical
Trishana began training in competitive gymnastics at the age of 6 and started dancing at the age of 8. She trained in Jazz, Ballet, Acro, and Lyrical and her love of expression began. She adored floor gymnastics, which later became a love for rhythm, passion, and expression through movement and dance. She began coaching competitive gymnastics at the age of 14 and went on to get her NCCP Level 1 Gymnastics certification - she then found her love for teaching at a young age and began teaching piano and dance; Acro, Ballet, Flexibility + Conditioning, Tumbling, Jazz, and Lyrical.
She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Design at the University of British Columbia to continue her streak of creativity and creation. She is thrilled to continue her teaching journey in various aspects of rhythm and musicality. She specializes in Acro & Tumbling and hopes she can inspire her students to push their boundaries and achieve skills that they might not have thought they could do. She puts huge importance on building strong relationships with her dancers in order to be successful in building confidence, drive, and skill in not just dance, but outside of the studio as well.
Naomi Wright - Acro, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical
Naomi began her dance training in the heart of small-town Alberta with Miss Joanne's School of dance at the age of 5 training in all styles including acrobatics under the Acrobatic Arts curriculum. Her competitive years were filled with many titles and scholarships allowing her to train all over the country at different conventions and even the opportunity to train at Los Angeles`s The Edge.
After graduation, she moved to Vancouver to train under Harbour Dance Center`s Intensive Training Program, (ITP) where she trained in commercial dance, acting, and circus. Her professional performances included We Day, Vancouver's International Dance Festival, and Small Stage`s Winter Series, along with appearances in multiple music videos.
Naomi specializes in teaching jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, and in 2022 she received her certification in Acrobatics Arts to become a certified Acro teacher. Naomi is passionate about making her classes a safe space for students to push themselves and develop their love for dance. She hopes her students leave feeling inspired and confident in their abilities so they may achieve great things in and out of the studio.
