Livea Gill Harding, Owner, Director of Performing Arts
Jazz, Contemporary/Open Modern, Lyrical
Livea is Co-Owner and Performing Arts Director of Triple Heat Dance – Academy of Performing Arts and has been a choreographer and dance educator for over 25 years in the Comox Valley.
Music and choreography has been a driving force and passion for Livea from a very early age. Her love, appreciation and respect for dance and performance art encompasses many forms of expression from jazz, contemporary, improvisation, lyrical and street dance. She strives for excellence in story telling, clean technique, strength of movement, passion, and most importantly artistry with in her work. Livea is well known for her innovative and quirky choreography, her work has received many accolades and awards. Livea was honored to hold the role of Artistic Director to True Colours Youth Company of Performing Arts for 6 seasons. Livea combines her extreme passion for dance and music with her positive energy and creative flare to design dance classes that are always challenging and inspiring – seeking to share her expertise and love of dance with others.
Michelle Hillier Owner, Ballet Director, RAD-RTS | B.Ed
RAD Ballet, Pointe, Open Ballet & Modern Stage
Michelle received her classical training at Canada’s distinguished professional ballet schools – studying Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti methods of ballet at the National Ballet School of Canada and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School’s Professional Division. Michelle also trained in Toronto at the Randolph College for the Performing Arts and the Equity Showcase Theatre studying acting, voice and stage dance. Michelle received a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia and taught kindergarten through to grade 12 before focussing on dance. Michelle is a registered and certified ballet teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Silver Swans Licensee.
In addition to her professional dance training and performance work with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Akimbo Dance Company and One World Actors Centre Michelle has extensive experience running dance faculties and directing dance and stage productions in Canada, the UK and Middle East.
Michelle makes it a professional priority to participate in yearly continuing professional development activities in order to ensure she is up to date on current teaching practices. Having taught dance for over 25 years, Michelle is a passionate instructor who seeks to develop a strong technical foundation in dancers as well as nurture each students creativity and love of classwork and joy of performance.
Sandra Barker, AIDT Advanced
AIDT Tap, Performance Tap
Sandra studied ballet, tap, musical theatre and jazz at Kirkwood Academy while growing up in Nanaimo. Sandra has been teaching dance on the island for over 25 years and received her Advanced Associate Level 3 teaching degree in Tap in 2014. Sandra loves working with students to help them strengthen their technique and find their rhythm, whether it’s preparing for tap exams, festival or during open classes and choreography. Sandra is loved by all her students!
Grace Harvey
Ballet, Open Ballet, Contemporary
Grace grew up in the Comox Valley receiving training in various styles of dance from the age of 8. Finding her home in Ballet and Contemporary, she trained intensively, completing her RAD Ballet exams up to receiving Distinction in Advanced 1. With a hunger for more performance knowledge, Grace moved to Toronto in 2016 to attend Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) where she obtained a BFA in Performance Dance. While completing the rigorous 4-year program at TMU she received instruction in professional dance, performance, and anatomy studies. Under the alias of Ryerson Performance, Grace has worked with world renowned choreographers such as Anne Plamondon, Jera Wolfe, Metamorphosis Dance and the Merce Cunningham Trust. She has also had the privilege of performing at Toronto’s prestigious Fall for Dance North Festival on two separate occasions and has received multiple awards for her achievements as a performer.
Following her move back to the Comox Valley in 2020, Grace’s passion for teaching took off. She began teaching under the mentorship of Michelle Hillier and in September of 2024 will have completed the RAD’s CBTS program, granting her a Certificate in Ballet Teaching and making her a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. Grace believes deeply in her experience and education as a dance professional and has always moved from a place of personal depth, reflecting on how humans can connect through dance. Through this philosophy, she strives to create a learning environment that nurtures her student’s individuality, creativity and pushes for high standards of technical growth. Grace is thrilled to be teaching another season with Triple Heat Dance and cannot wait to continue sharing her knowledge and love of movement with her students.
Deeya Sharma
Hip Hop/Street Dance
Deeya Sharma is a choreo/freestyle dancer with foundations in hip-hop, popping, and locking, she has used the teachings from her instructors such as AJ Megaman, Eric Malapad, Carlo Atienza, Roberta Bierman, Natasha Gorrie, Jeri Chen, Chrybaby, Boppin Andre and other world renowned dancers to allow her to compete on world level stages. She has won the U18 battle zone in hip hop, popping, all styles and All ages open styles 2v2. She has been on the commercial side of dance as well, appearing in a Netflix original ‘The Healing Powers of Dude’, CITY TV’S ‘A Million Things’, competing with Minibots and Gigabots on season 3 and 4 of NBC’s World of Dance, Canadas got Talent season 3 with her duo DJC, as well as getting to compete internationally representing Canada at the International Dance Organizations competition in Slovenia, Poland. Deeya’s main goal is to teach the next generation of youth about the history of hip hop, how to groove and helping young dancers discover their OWN dancing style in a safe space.
Rachel Schilberg
Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical & Jazz
Rachel grew up on Vancouver Island and started her dancing in the intensive program at Parksville Ballet School. During her training she completed her Cecchetti ballet exams up to Advanced 1, as well as ISTD tap exams. Over the years, Rachel ventured beyond ballet and tap and into the world of jazz, contemporary, modern and stage. Rachel pursued her post-secondary dance education in Toronto at George Brown College; completing the two year Dance Performance Studies Program and graduating in 2018 with honours.
Following graduation Rachel was offered a position in Canada’s Ballet Jorgen Mentorship program, which led to a contract with Ballet Jorgen for their Ballet 101 program. This unique opportunity allowed her to work and dance in the company, touring in Ontario with Nutcracker and performing in Coppelia. Rachel also attained a certificate of professional development from Ballet Jorgen. Following her time at Ballet Jorgen, Rachel danced in the Chimera Project, directed by Malgorzata Nowacka-May in Toronto, Ontario and with Ballet Ouest’s production of the Nutcracker in Montreal. After performing professionally, Rachel shifted her focus and started teaching in Toronto at St Clair Dance Collective. In 2021 she moved back to BC and has spent the past three years teaching at various studios in Victoria such as, Victoria Academy of Ballet, PacificDance Centre and Leap Forward Dance. She teaches all ages of students in Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical and Jazz. Rachel taught and choreographed for Victoria Academy of Ballet’s youth company during the 2023-2024 season. This really brought out her passion for choreography and nurturing her students’ joy of performance. She loves sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with her students. Rachel is focused on making sure her students are always learning and growing in technical, personal and creative aspects. She is extremely excited to be teaching at Triple Heat Dance this season and can’t wait to meet all her new students!
Shay Kuebler
Contemporary and Tap
As a child of the 80’s, Shay grew up with a passion for The Ninja Turtles and action movies. Naturally, this would bring him to martial arts, theatre and dance at the age of 5. As he became a professional performer and choreographer, he placed an increased focus on versatility where he’s trained across the world in multiple forms of dance, music, martial arts, theatre, production design and screenwriting.
Shay’s versatility as an artist has seen him work as choreographer, movement director and director for both the screen and stage. Some of his choreography and directing highlights include: SEE, Psych, HP Computers, Bravo Fact, Ballet BC, Ballet Edmonton, Princess Cruise Lines, and Royal Caribbean Entertainment.
With Royal Caribbean Entertainment, Shay was an artistic/show director and choreographer of the company’s largest, newest and most demanding aqua productions. These aqua shows integrate divers, synchronized swimmers, acrobats, dancers and specialty performers in a state-of-the-art aqua theatre. With the company, he’s directed and choreographed The Fine Line, HIRO, InTENse and Aqua Action.
In 2014, Shay founded his performing arts company Radical System Art (RSA). RSA creates live dance-theatre works that look to captivate audiences through impactful themes, visceral physicality and rich visuals. As a director, choreographer, producer, composer and performer, Shay and RSA have created 7 full-evening shows that have toured all over the world.
Shay’s range of experiences and training enable him to be an asset on any production. He feels immense purpose in creating and supporting others in their creative pursuits, and believes creativity is what makes us human. It is our greatest gift.
Kayla Lemon
Little Feet Ballet, Tiny Feet & Me, Adult Ballet & Adult Jazz
Kayla started ballet at the age of 3, and throughout her childhood added in jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. Over the years she completed many Cecchetti Ballet, RAD Ballet, and AIDT Modern Jazz examinations. Throughout school she performed at community events, parades, competitions, and was also on her high schools Dance and Cheer teams.Carrying on after graduation, Kayla got right into teaching. Ages all the way from age 4 to adults! Outside of the studio, she was a member of a Polenesian dance group for a season, on the Vancouver Giants Dance Team for 5 years, and Stilettoettes, until she started growing her own little ballerina!After 9 years of being a stay-at-home mom and moving around the island, Miss Kayla is excited to be settled and back in the studio sharing her passion! You can also probably spot her two oldest daughters throughout the week at Triple Heat Dance taking their own classes!
Jennifer Walsh
Little Feet, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet and Tap
Jennifer has an extensive background in dance, performance, choreography, instruction and mentorship. Jennifer trained from the age of 3 in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Receiving her teaching certification through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing by the age of 16. She began her professional performing career at the age of 15, becoming the youngest cast member ever to be hired by Paramount Canada’s Wonderland in Ontario, where she spent two seasons. She continued her performance career in Industrials and Musical Theatre productions in the Toronto area before attending Ryerson University and Randolph College for the Performing Arts to study Theatre/Dance. Jennifer turned her focus to teaching and choreography in 1995 and that has been her path ever since. She has held membership with the British Association of Teachers of Dance, The Canadian Dance Teachers Association and is currently a member of the Performing Arts Educators of Canada. Jennifer has developed wonderful and creative ways to teach any student, of any age and ability. She has a flare for recognising individual learning styles and coming up with imagery and analogies to help dancers understand techniques and performance skills. Jennifer loves helping her students to feel confident, empowered and proud of their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. She loves breaking down technique and helping dancers improve in strength and skill. Her love of music and ability to “see” the dance helps her create stories through her pieces and come up with imaginative and often quirky numbers. Award-winning competition choreography and direction/production of entertaining shows are among her most proud moments. Jennifer has adjudicated numerous competitions and festivals and still enjoys guest teaching and master classes also. Individual pre-performance adjudication/feedback is one of her favourite offerings to competitive dancers. Jennifer’s goal in teaching is to provide a place for dancers of all ages to connect to self, others and their community. A place that they feel safe and confident to explore, create, express and grow. She strives to nurture a lifelong love of dance and is happy to say she is still connected to many of her former students and their families. Jennifer is also the Owner/Director of Cumberland Movement Connection, a studio for dance, barre and yoga in Cumberland.
Liv Garrett
Hip Hop/Street Dance
Liv has been dancing since she was three years old and has been training at Triple Heat Dance since she was 5. She thoroughly enjoys all genres of dance, but a few years ago fell in love with hip hop. Liv is excited to be part of the faculty this year and looking forward to teaching not just teaching moves but also some history of hip hop. She is pumped for season 12!
Eden Lissell
Jazz & Lyrical
Eden grew up in the Comox Valley and began attending Triple Heat Dance during its debut season. At nine years old, she joined the Intensive Training Program and began competing, further developing her skills in multiple disciplines. Eden has had several opportunities to take classes under phenomenal dancers like Link, Joe Tuliao, “Kidathegreat,” Jay Musodi, and of course her beloved teachers at Triple Heat Dance. Over the past few seasons, Eden has assisted instructors in jazz, tap, and ballet classes and substituted in for them in a variety of styles. As a result, she has developed a strong interest among working with young students. Eden is incredibly passionate about teaching children dance and is eager to see what this next chapter holds.