Our instructors are patient, caring, and dedicated to ensuring our students have the best possible experience inside their class. Between us all, we have over 100 years of dance experience and we can't wait to share our knowledge, passion and excitement with you.
Erin Ensor
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Erin brings a lifetime of the study of dance and involvement in the local dance scene to the studio. Jazz, tap and ballet all have places in her heart, mind and body. Erin has studied with numerous teachers around the lower mainland and in the U.S., and strives to combine the best of each in her classroom instruction. She continues to take advantage of opportunities to study and refine her dance methods in terms of both style and technique.
Erin started the studio in 1985 with a belief that everyone can and should have dance in their lives, and will benefit from the experience. She is dedicated to helping all her students achieve their goals and experience success, whether or not they choose to pursue a career in performing arts. In addition to directing the studio with energy, enthusiasm and a love of dance, Erin also choreographs for studio recitals, competition, community theatre and local events. "Dance is an ever changing and evolving art form that requires a constant adjustment in the dancers movement and thinking." |
Jennifer Vartiainen
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Jennifer started dancing over 20 years ago and her feet haven't stopped since. With training in a broad range of disciplines, Jennifer has always striven to be a versatile, well-rounded dancer and has had the opportunity to train with several incredible teachers. Jennifer has also danced with the Royal City Youth Ballet Company, Theatre Under the Stars and the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
Jennifer believes that there is extreme value in studying dance at any age/level and that the benefits of a dance education reach far beyond technical proficiency. She is passionate about creating positive, student-focused, class environments that nurture creativity and allow dancers to achieve their potential. "Dance class is a sacred place - a safe haven where we learn, grow and explore. It is where we can let go of our cares and worries and just focus on what we love to do". |
Christy Ukranitz
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One of our original instructors, Christy specializes in early dance education. Working with our youngest dancers, Christy gives them an excellent introduction to the dance world and guides them as they grow into happy, confident performers. She is committed to bringing out the best in all of her students and is a well-loved cornerstone of our studio, living our motto "we have great attitude!". Christy has studied jazz, ballet, modern and musical theatre and incorporates them all into her fun and imaginative dance classes.
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Karen Nickason
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Karen started ballet at the age of 4 and has since studied and performed tap, jazz, musical theatre, Hawaiian, acrobatics and, finally, Flamenco. Karen's Rominichel (Gypsy) roots have kept her involved in the world of flamenco dance since 1988. She began under the instruction of Oscar Nieto and Rosario Ancer in Vancouver and has since studied with well respected teachers in Toronto, New York, London England and Spain.
Karen's devotion to flamenco is reflected in her stirring and graceful interpretation of the dance form. She has performed with "Mosaico Flamenco" on several occasions around B.C. and also with "Rosario Ancer Dance Company" in the Vancouver Opera's Production of Carmen. Karen has also toured through western Canada with flamenco guitarist Peter Knight and is a founding member of LOS CANASTEROS. Karen has released the first Canadian instructional flamenco dance video and is featured in the National Film Board documentary "Opre Roma (Gypsies in Canada)" which has appeared at the Montreal and Vancouver film festivals and was aired in the fall of 2000 on CBC. Karen took a break from Flamenco to start a family with her husband, and now has two wonderful children. Although she's still teaching for Danceability in Richmond and for a studio in Langley, Karen is currently enjoying family life. She recently became a Reiki master and is now part of the world of healing arts. She hopes to one day host a Flamenco show again. |
Ikue Ueno
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Originally from Japan, Ikue is a multi-disciplinary artist, dancer, performer and choreographer who has been dancing for over 18 years with an extensive range of experience in Waacking, Voguing, House, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Modern and Ballet.
Her dance training began in Japan, and since she moved to Canada, she has studied at the University of Alberta Orchesis Dance Program, Harbour Dance Centre, A Star Studio, the Source Dance Company, Lux Dance Company, Modus Operandi, Training Society of Vancouver and Vancouver Circus School. She has been pursuing her dance career over the past years while performing, competing, battling and teaching all ages and levels at various dance studios, community centres and schools. Ikue was a semi-finalist in the House dance battle at Vancouver Street Dance Festival 2017, and has won three titles as the best voguer from the Opulence Ball, the Amaze Ball and the Celebs Ball held in Vancouver. Ikue was also awarded the title of Vancouver Nightlife Award's Best Performer of the Year in 2011 along with House of La Douche, Vancouver’s premier Voguing and Waacking dance crew, where she is ‘the mother’ of the house. She has worked with numerous artists, events, and organizations including: K-OS, Aaron Carter, Zebra Katz, DJ Mike Q, Amanda Lepore, KO by Katherin Olivos, RUKUS by Yasuhiro Tomita, Quanah Style, Niska Napoleon, BESTiE, Vancouver Fashion Week, Vancouver Alternative Fashion Week, Vancouver Art Gallery FUSE, Bass Coast Festival, Vancouver Pride, Strut, Wiggles, House of Celebs (Celebrities Nightclub dancers), Blim, Waacouture, and the Closing Ceremony of Vancouver Olympics 2010, where she was a featured dancer along with Now Or Never b-boy crew and Fresh Groove Productions dancers. Her mission is to spread the love of dance, keep the culture alive, and keep evolving as a true entertainer. |
Chelsea Kita
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Chelsea has studied and performed in a variety of dance styles including tap, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, and jazz. She has performed around the lower mainland and appeared in the Royal City Youth Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker in 2010. Having trained at Danceability for over 15 years, Chelsea is excited to share her passion and creativity with her students.
“After growing up with, learning from, and dancing at Danceability, I am confident in saying we are not just a great place for learning to dance, but a place to feel as though you are with family.” |
Andrew Cohen
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Andrew is a performer, producer, choreographer, director, musician, and teacher. He has worked across Canada for companies spanning Vancouver Island to Nova Scotia and many point in between. He has worked in plays and musicals like the Canadian tour of Game Show, Catalyst Theatre's Hunchback (Vancouver Playhouse), Chicago (Edmonton), Joseph (Calgary), Pains of Youth, Pvt. Wars, Dead Man's Cell Phone, and Laramie Project. He was a Top 4 Male Finalist on CBC's series Triple Sensation, and was also a tap dancer in the Opening and featured solo vocalist in the 2010 Olympic Closing Ceremonies.
Andrew most recently arranged, music directed, and co-created CIRCLE GAME - a new indie/rock revival of the songs of Joni Mitchell with his fiancée Anna Kuman (The Untitled Theatre Co). Andrew is a faculty member of Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! and will be next onstage in the Arts Club's Godspell this summer. |
