Summer Intensive 2026-27
Experience our 4 day Summer Intensive.
This isn’t four ordinary days of dance classes.
It’s four days of concentrated training, new challenges and unforgettable experiences—created for dancers who want to return to the studio stronger, more confident and inspired.
Train in three studios. Learn from outstanding guest teachers. Experience circus prop work, contortion, audition preparation, core and flexibility training, Acro, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip Hop and more.
One intensive. A summer’s worth of inspiration.
Register HERE
Faculty Bios
Strong Dancers. Confident Kids.
FEATURED WORKSHOPS
Dylan and Logan McDonald
STRENGTH, FLEXIBILITY & MOVEMENT TRAINING
Dylan is a professional dancer and actor whose credits include Disney’s Descendants 3 and the role of Jacquie on the Family Channel series The Next Step. She has trained extensively in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Circus, Tumbling and Acro.
Logan is a chiropractor with a master’s degree in Sports Medicine. Together, Dylan and Logan combine dance-technique training with science-based movement principles to help dancers enhance core strength, flexibility and overall techn
ique.
Their workshop teaches dancers how to train their core and improve flexibility more effectively, then applies those principles directly to dance technique. Dancers will gain practical tools to help them train smarter, move more efficiently and approach their dancing with greater strength, control and confidence.
Underground Circus
CIRCUS ARTS- Prop Work
The Underground Circus is a Vancouver-based professional circus company led by Peter Boulanger (@peterboulanger) and Ninon Parent (@ninonparent). More than 20 years ago, Peter and Ninon performed together as Tesseract, travelling around the world to appear at festivals, special events, aboard cruise ships and with symphony orchestras.
After returning to Vancouver, they recognized the need for a stronger

local circus community and created The Underground Circus. Their focus has always been the development of innovative circus arts at a professional level. Through that commitment, The Underground Circus has become recognized as a premier circus company in Western Canada.
Their artists bring professional knowledge and hands-on experience into the studio, giving dancers an exciting opportunity to explore circus-based movement, develop new skills and challenge themselves in a supportive environment.
ARTISTS WILL BE WORKING ON THE JACK WITH THE STUDENTS
TEACHING FACULTY
Chelsea Schurko
JAZZ, LYRICAL & MODERN
Chelsea has performed and taught professionally for more than 20 years, with extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Acrobatics and Hip Hop. She brings a wealth of professional experience, versatility and energy to every class, encouraging dancers to strengthen their technique, musicality and confidence.
Mackenzie Kelly
ACRO & TAP
Mackenzie began dancing at age three and trained extensively in Acro, Tap, Jazz, Modern and Lyrical. With 20 years of teaching experience, Mackenzie is an accomplished teacher and choreographer who holds accreditation with the Acrobatic Dance Teachers Association. She is known for helping dancers build safe, technically sound acrobatic skills while developing confidence, strength and control. Mackenzie’s energetic teaching style challenges dancers to push beyond their comfort zones while supporting their individual progress.
Tamara Pitts
VARIATIONS & OPEN BALLET
Tamara is a highly experienced ballet educator and registered Royal Academy of Dance teacher. She brings a strong understanding of classical technique, placement and musicality to every class. Tamara is passionate about helping dancers develop a sound technical foundation while building confidence, discipline and an appreciation for ballet. Her thoughtful instruction challenges dancers while supporting their individual growth.
Jocelyn Strukoff (formerly Heaps) – Guest Teacher
HIP HOP
Jocelyn Strukoff is a dedicated dance educator and choreographer from Chilliwack, B.C. Known for her high-energy style and passion for making dance accessible, she teaches masterclasses and mentors the next generation of dancers. Her Hip Hop choreography has earned top competitive recognition, including a winning routine at The View Dance Challenge. Jocelyn brings strong foundations, musicality and performance quality into the classroom while encouraging dancers to develop confidence and bring their own personality to the choreography.
Lisa Burridge (née Lisa Dew) – Guest Teacher
TAP & LINE DANCING
Lisa Burridge, formerly Lisa Dew, is an experienced dance educator and the former owner and director of Lisa’s School of Dance in Langley, B.C. Throughout her teaching career, Lisa has shared her extensive knowledge and passion for dance with generations of students.
Lisa is dedicated to helping dancers strengthen their technique, expand their movement vocabulary and approach their training with confidence. Her classes combine focused technical instruction with musicality and performance development in a positive, encouraging environment. During the Summer Intensive, Lisa will be sharing her expertise in Tap and Line Dancing.
Eden Cummings
IRISH DANCE
Eden Cummings is a valued member of the Abbotsford Dance Center faculty and specializes in Irish Dance. She brings energy, musicality and a love of Irish dance traditions into the classroom while helping dancers develop rhythm, coordination, precision and confidence. Eden creates an encouraging learning environment where dancers can enjoy this unique and spirited style.
Paula Mattusch- Guest Teacher
PROGRESSIVE BALLET TECHNIQUE & OPEN BALLET
Paula is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies program and is a Registered Teacher with the RAD. She has also completed Levels 1 and 2 of International Dance Teaching Standards and is certified in Marie Walton-Mahon’s Progressing Ballet Technique program. Paula’s passion for dance shines through in her teaching. She prioritizes every dancer’s health, happiness and positive learning experience while inspiring them to achieve their personal best.
Marcel Tremel – Guest Teacher
SONG & DANCE
Marcel Tremel is a Vancouver-based choreographer, performer, adjudicator and dance educator. He is a fully certified dance teacher with the ADAPT Syllabus in Jazz and Tap; the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association in Jazz, Tap and Acro; Acrobatic Arts; Progressing Ballet Technique; and Alixa Flexibility. Marcel is also working toward completing his certification with the Acro Dance Teachers Association.
A graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, Marcel completed its full three-year program and earned a Diploma in Applied Performing Arts. His versatile training has provided him with numerous opportunities to perform and showcase his choreography.
Marcel is known for pushing beyond conventional movement to create exciting and innovative work. His choreography has received numerous awards and recognitions, establishing him as a respected and distinctive voice within the dance community.
Alanna Bell – Guest Teacher
CRUISE-SHIP DANCE & AUDITIONS
Dancers will have the exciting opportunity to experience cruise-ship-style dance with one of the best in the business!
Alanna Bell is a professional dancer from Vancouver with more than 20 years of experience in the professional dance industry. She began dancing at age three and started working professionally at only 12. For more than 12 years, she has performed in cruise-ship production casts—nine years with Carnival Cruise Line, followed by three and a half years as a Cast Manager and dancer with Princess Cruises.
Kennedy Blanchette – Guest Teacher
CONTEMPORARY
Kennedy teaches, choreographs, and provides private coaching throughout the Lower Mainland. Her choreography has earned numerous awards and overall recognition at competitions. Kennedy is passionate about challenging dancers, building their confidence, and helping each student discover their individuality as an artist. We are thrilled to welcome Kennedy to ADC’s Summer Intensive!
Alyssa Elson – Guest Teacher
GUEST FACULTY — ACRO & CONTORTION
Alyssa Elson is an accomplished contortionist, aerialist, acrobat, dancer and experienced dance educator. She trained and performed with Westcoast Contortion and Acrobatics before joining The Underground Circus as a contortionist, dancer and aerial performer.
With more than a decade of professional circus-arts experience, Alyssa brings extensive knowledge of contortion, hand balancing, aerial hoop, acrobatics and dance to her teaching. She also holds an Associate Teacher accreditation in Acrobatics.
Alyssa emphasizes safe, progressive training while helping dancers develop strength, flexibility, control and confidence. Her supportive teaching style encourages each dancer to challenge themselves and discover new movement possibilities.
