A wide array of opportunities awaits students at the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance.
High-quality instruction, community events, memorable performances, and a supportive environment are just some of the many features of this well-established school. Entering its 29th year in the Comox Valley, the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance is part of our thriving arts community, helping to create a love of dance.
Now taking registration for the 2011/12 season, instruction will be offered in ballet, jazz, lyrical, highland, tap and hip-hop. All levels of dance are offered from preschool through adult.
The school prepares students for SDTA Highland Exams and AIDT modern, tap and hip-hop exams.
Under the creative direction of Tinkler, students will enjoy instruction from teachers who respect the varying abilities and goals of students — from those wish to dance for recreation — to those who compete or take exams, and those who wish to pursue a career in dance.
Two former students of the school are engaged in such pursuits in Vancouver with the Goh Ballet and move: the company.
Highland dancing is perhaps the dance form that LTSD is best known for. Taught primarily by Tinkler, her highland dancers are active in the community, dancing for festivals and events, at seniors' homes and at the Highland Games.
Dancers from the Laurie Tinkler School regularly participate in competitions on the Island and further afield, with most dancers placing well at each event. At present, the highland dance students and their families are preparing for a trip to Scotland in 2013.
In addition to being a Member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Association (SDTA) for both highland and nationals, Tinkler is an Associate of the Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT) for modern.
While providing oversight to the entire school, Laurie also provides instruction in jazz, lyrical and tap.
Ballet instruction is given by a variety of instructors.
Senior students receive instruction from Laszlo Tamasik. An internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and dance company director, Tamasik has a gentle style that brings out beauty in his students. They students benefit from his extensive training and experience.
A graduate of the Hungarian Ballet Institute, Budapest and the Szeged National Theatre Company with further training in France, Tamasik was a principal dancer with the Montreal Ballet, and a featured guest artist internationally.
Rachel Bood has been teaching for 16 years on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. She has her advanced associates designation with the Association of International Dance Teachers (AIDT) in modern and tap and is a STOTT-certified Pilates Instructor.
At the Laurie Tinkler School of Dance, Rachel offers instruction in lyrical, tap and jazz dance. Rachel strives to bring the upbeat world of dance to all age levels in a comfortable and caring, yet challenging environment.
Ruthven began dancing with Tinkler at the age of three. She is accomplished in highland, jazz and ballet. In her teen years, MacKenzie began student teaching at LTSD, and is now a regular faculty member. MacKenzie particularly enjoys working with young dancers, helping them to fully enjoy dance.
A highlight of the year for many dancers with LTSD is the annual performance of The Nutcracker.
Dancers across a variety of dance disciplines all have the opportunity to perform in this Christmas holiday show! Starting out as Gumdrops and Candy Canes, the youngest dancers begin to dream about dancing as Snow or in a solo role when they are more experienced. Senior students have the opportunity to shine on the stage as Clara or even the Sugar Plum Fairy.
The annual recital Dance Explosion is held in May each year, giving dancers an opportunity to show how their dance skills have grown over the year.
Registration for the 2011/12 season begins Aug. 17 at the studio at 17A 2755 Moray Ave. in Courtenay. Interested families can call 250-897-8885 for more information.
— Laurie Tinkler School of Dance