Our Team
Alana Koolen
BA (Hons) Dance performance and teaching
AIDT Advanced associate
Artistic DIRECTOR, CEO
Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, AIDT
Alana’s vision for Young At Arts Dance Academy is a place where dance is for everyone. Her belief is that dance is an important tool that creates well rounded and driven young people who go on to have the desire and dedication to achieve their goals. A studio is a family, where faculty and students support and encourage each other while working together to create an environment free of judgment, peer pressure, or bullying. All dancers no matter their age, ability, or skill are valued. This is how she grew up learning that dance should be, and this is how she intends to share her love of dance with the next generation.
Stephanie Applin
SENIOR INSTRUCTOR
Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Conditioning, Cecchetti
Ariana Dickson
INSTRUCTOR
TripleX, Ballet, Jazz, Tap
Josie Holland
Instructor
Ballet, Tap, Jazz
Our Teaching Philosophy…
Smile and make eye contact, letting each student know that you see them and they matter
Begin each class with a fresh perspective, open mind, and clean slate for each student
Teach with grace, compassion, and patience
Lead by example; Never ask of a student what you would not do yourself
Do everything within your power to protect the growing bodies and minds of students
Be cautious of the difference between criticism and critique – the former will destroy the positive effects of the latter
Always expect success, and never admonish failure
Remember that the development of the person is paramount to the development of the dancer
Make it your mission to have every child leave class thinking how much they love dance
Believe in yourself, be confident in your choices, and take pride in what you do
Remember that you are loved, admired, and respected within our Young at Arts Family!