Faculty

TONYA WEJR, RAD RTS

owner/director/instructor (ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, tap)

An award winning-choreographer and certified RAD instructor, Tonya has been teaching dance on Vancouver Island and in the Fraser Valley for 16 years. After a number of years teaching at other studios, Tonya followed her dream as she opened her own studio, Kick It Up A Notch Academy of Dance, in Aldergrove, BC.

Tonya grew up dancing at Kirkwood Academy in Nanaimo, BC where she trained in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical jazz, musical theatre and hip hop. She was named the Vancouver Island Representative at the BC Provincials for ten consecutive years and played principal roles in productions such as Annie, the Wiz, the Nutcracker, Copelia, and the Little Mermaid. As her dance career matured, Tonya had the opportunity to be seen by audiences around the world as she was offered feature roles in music videos by Juno-nominated band Sekoya, a supporting role in Center Stage 2: Turn It Up, and named to the top 100 on the TV show, So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

Through all this experience, Tonya came to the realization that her true passion is teaching. As a result of instruction with a focus on strong work ethic, dedication, and joy of dance, her students have demonstrated the contagious passion and positive character that Tonya exudes in each and every one of her classes.

TARA LENKO

instructor (ballet, jazz, lyrical)

An award winning choreographer, Tara has been teaching and choreographing professionally for 3 years.  Growing up, Tara trained at Lavrova's Classical Ballet school where she received her intermediate level RAD.  She is also well trained in jazz, lyrical, musical theatre, and flamenco dancing (and performed in front of the Spanish Consul in Vancouver).

Recently she has shifted her focus to her true passions: teaching and choreography.  From 2004-2007, Tara organized a non-profit, volunteer based dance program at Nicomekl Elementary School in Langley, BC.  Since then, she has taught at a number of studios throughout the Lower Mainland and graduated in 2009 from the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies program.  Tara became an instructor at Kick It Up A Notch in 2008.

Tara brings a teaching style that students adore; her passion and dedication create an environment in which students look forward to each and every dance class.

PAUL OTTERBEIN  -  instructor (hip hop)

Originally from California, Paul is an Old Skool/New Skool hip hop choreographer who brings a mix of Krump, Tutting, Locking, Popping, New Jack Swing, and Street Jazz.

An award-winning choreographer, Paul has coached and choreographed 3 National Champion Teams as well as a World Cup Championship Team.  He has taught Master's Classes internationally in California, Washington, Montreal, and throughout BC (including as a guest choreographer at Harbour Dance, Drive Dance Centre).

Paul's pride and joy comes from teaching and developing his dancers through encouragement, hard work, dedication and the challenge to have his students to believe in themselves.  He is one of the few choreographers who tells a story through his choreography.

Credits include: 

• 3-time National Champion Choreographer
• World Cup Champion Choreographer
• Featured on "Entertainment Tonight" (2006) with his group "The Franchise"
• 2007 Miss Fitness USA Choreographer (Dallas, Texas)
• 2005 lead dancer and choreographer for music video "Tribe"
• Choreography awards at Dance Magic, Dancer Power, Peak, Shine
• Worked with choreographers such as Oliver Crumes (Madonna), Robe Lee (3/6 Mafia)

CHELSEY STORTEBOOM

instructor (jazz, lyrical)

Since the age of three, Chelsey has been involved with dance.  By age 7 she started competing at local dance festivals and competitions, and was an assistant dance teacher by the age of 11.  At 13, Chelsey transferred to the Langley Fine Arts School where she majored in Dance and Choreography and graduated as the Dance Valedictorian.  Chelsey specializes in jazz, lyrical and ballet but is also an accomplished tap, hip hop and modern dancer.

In her first year out of high school, Chelsey was member of The Source Dance Company. She has also contracted with PRP Productions, Hummingbird Events, and was a dancer/choreographer for the performance group, Rococo Cabaret.

Though Chelsey loves teaching, she still has a passion for performing.  She is now training in voice and acting, and is working towards a career in theatre.