Eleni Schuurman
Instructor
Classes:
Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Tiny Dancers
Certifications & Experience:
Advanced II Ballet, Certified International Dance Teaching Standards (IDTS), Alixa Flexibility, and Honours Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Film
Eleni’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. She performed in Hamilton City Ballet's productions of Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Les Sylphides and Cinderella.
Eleni started as a teaching assistant in ballet and Jazz at the of 12, and has been teaching ever since! She choreographed several ballet and musical theatre numbers for Dance festivals in Alberta and won numerous awards. She also directed and produced the full production of The Nutcracker Ballet at the Eleanor Pickup Arts Centre in Drayton Valley.
Growing up, Eleni also studied jazz, musical theatre, voice and film. She performed in several professional theatre productions including Evita, The King and I, Footloose, and Les Miserables.
In addition to dance, Eleni has a passion for production and has an Honours B.A. from McMaster University, 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 and choreograph a music video. After having her first 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.
