Faculty 2024/25
Kimberly Stevenson |
Founder, Creative Director & Instructor
Kimberly Stevenson has dreamed of running her own dance school since she was a young student in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. She has been the founder and instructor of The Happening Dance Studio since 2013 starting off in a small live/work space just off Main Street on Scotia and 4th ave. The Happening now has expanded to two studios adjacent to each other, has twelve employees, and over 500 students that come in and out of the doors 7 days a week.
Kimberly trained and studied for three years to become a certified & qualified ADAPT jazz and tap instructor, and soon moved away from Saskatchewan to pursue her formal studies in dance performance and choreography. Kimberly earned a diploma from Alberta’s Grant MacEwan College and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from British Columbia’s Simon Fraser University.
Kimberly is not only a qualified dance instructor, but also a professional dance artist who continues to seek performance opportunities. She has trained under Hofesh Shechter Company in London England and under Batsheva Dance Company in Tel Aviv Israel participating in extensive workshops involving training in Gaga technique and learning company repertoire. Kimberly has had the honour to perform professionally for Serge Bennathan, Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg, Kate Franklin, Gail Lotenberg, Daisy Thompson, Katie DeVries, Kokoro Dance Theatre, Rob Kitsos, Shauna Elton, and Deanna Peters. She has also been the choreographer for the East Van Panto: Snow White & The Seven Dwarves (2017/2018) and for The Vancouver Canadians well known grounds crew for the 2017/2018/2019 & 2022 Seasons.
Kimberly along with her husband Juan Sotelo Morales absolutely loves living in the Mount Pleasant area and the community that surrounds us. Kim is loving her newest role of being a mom to Yani and Mateo Sotelo!
Lauren Andrews | Studio Manager
Lauren is the Studio Manager at The Happening Dance, covering a mix of operational and administrative roles. Her primary functions are supporting Ms Kim and The Happening Dance faculty, and serving the Happening Dance community. She has worked in a number of small, women-lead businesses and is an expert at wearing multiple hats and managing teams. Lauren has been working in the Vancouver dance industry since 2019, and thrives in creative spaces. You’ll see her around the studio 4 days a week cheering on your dancers. She was born and raised in Vancouver, and completed her Bachelor’s of Commerce from UBC. She loves to travel, and spent 10 years exploring Asia and living abroad in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand. She’s now a happy member of the East Vancouver community, and loves being back home in Vancouver.
Christy Kwok | Studio Assistant
Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Christy came to Vancouver to pursue her academic goals and enjoy the diverse dance scene. She started her dance training at an early age in ballet and contemporary with a sprinkle of jazz. Currently, she is exploring hip-hop styles and K-Pop dance. She is a 2024 graduate from the University of British Columbia and was heavily involved in the UBC dance scene as a member of multiple audition-based dance teams on campus. Her notable teams include Dance Horizons Collective - Hip Hop Division, UBC K-Wave, and the Thunderbird Dance Team, of which she was the president for the 2024/25 season. Christy has been a dance instructor with children’s dance classes in Hawaii, where she developed a passion for sharing her love of dance with her students and recently had the opportunity to teach in Vancouver as an instructor with UBC Recreation. Since graduating, Christy actively seeks involvement with Vancouver's dance scene and aims to grow her connections with like-minded individuals who share the same passions. She is excited to be part of The Happening Dance as a Studio Assistant!
Fran Parma |
Hip Hop
Originally from the UK, Fran has trained in different communities globally, including London, New York and LA. She has been teaching for over 10 years both in the UK and now Vancouver and is passionate about creating a safe and welcoming environment for anyone at any level. She acknowledges and shares the importance of the history of the styles she teaches and the foundational movement which helps to shape her choreography. Fran believes in the power of dance as a tool for personal development. She continues to train and seek knowledge in order to be a better dancer and teacher. Recent achievements include choreography/performance for various music videos, motion capture, battling in Vancouver Street Dance Festival and choreographing pieces for Vancouver International Dance Festival and Main Event
Kaytia Kostersky | Ballet & Acro, Acro, Jazz & Tap
Born into a dance family, Kaytia Kostersky began her dance training at the age of 1.5 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Throughout her training and competing in all genres of dance, she participated in RAD and ADAPT exams, having achieved the prestigious ARAD status as well as accomplishing her Advanced ADAPT, the highest level in both syllabi. She began the Teachers Training program in 2013 and has been teaching ever since. Upon graduating from high school, Kaytia was accepted into the Intensive Training Program at Harbour Dance Centre and following the year long program, she began studying Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia. She has since completed her Bachelors of Kinesiology and will begin her Masters of Physiotherapy this fall in hopes of becoming a physiotherapist for dancers. Kaytia has completed her TTS Certification through A.D.A.P.T as well as her Acrobatic Arts Certification, and loves being a part of the Happening family.
Lexi Vajda |
Ballet
Lexi Vajda is an independent dance artist who has the privilege of living and working on the unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Lexi's interest in movement, imagination and sensation culminates in a practice of making performances, installations and film as well as interpreting the works of other artists. She has worked with companies and choreographers such as Shay Kuebler RSA, Animals of Distinction, the response., Out Innerspace Dance theatre, Action at a Distance, Theatre Replacement, Company 605, Kinesis Dance Somatheatro, plastic orchid factory, The Party, Delia Brett, Cindy Mochizuki, Tanz&Kunst Konigsfelden, Sasha Kleinplatz and Emmalena Frederiksson. She has also taught contemporary movement, improvisation and ballet to both young and adult humans for over 12 years throughout the Lower Mainland.
Catherine Andersen |
Contemporary & Ballet
Catherine discovered dance in her teens, and was immediately hooked. She began her training with ballet and jazz, and discovered contemporary dance at the Grant MacEwan College Dance program in 2000, where she received her Dance Diploma and was awarded several scholarships and bursaries. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Contemporary Dance in 2005 from Simon Fraser University, and graduated in the top 5% of her class. Catherine studied pioneering modern dance techniques like Graham and Cunningham, with original Graham company member Judith Garay, and Cunningham from original company member Megan Walker-Straight. She has performed with contemporary dance companies such as Mascall Dance, Sirenscrossing UK, and with numerous independent artists in Vancouver. She has toured as a professional dancer throughout Canada, the US, and Europe. In 2013 she was awarded a Canada Council Grant to perform in Sweden at the Fallensdager Festival as a guest artist for the third time with Sirenscrossing. Catherine became a certified Pilates Mat Work instructor in 2008 at The Space, and was certified to teach Progressing Ballet Techniquein 2019. Catherine has taught for pre-professional training divisions at RNB Dance and Theatre arts, The Caulfield School of Dance, and The Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts. She loves the art of dance improvisation, and the practice of asking questions just as much as she loves a sweaty technique class. She also enjoys creative writing, and studies yoga. Catherine comes from a long line of educators and strongly believes in maintaining a creative and curious mind. She has been teaching dance for over 20 years, and she absolutely loves her job.
Nicole Pavia |
Contemporary, Jazz & Hip Hop
Born and raised in West Kelowna, Nicole started training in gymnastics at four years old. After competing in gymnastics for several years she chose to shift her time and energy towards dance, using gymnastics as a foundation for her movement. She trained at Lake Country School of Dance studying jazz, ballet, contemporary, tap, hip hop, and lyrical with mentors Heather Dotto, Paul Otterbien, Sabrina Phillips, Liz Tookey, Loretta Lachner, and Vicki View. In 2017, Nicole performed with Team Canada Hip Hop and was a soloist at the IDO World Championships. Overtime, her interest in contemporary dance expanded, leading her to train with Modus Operandi (under the direction of Tiffany Tregarthen, David Raymond, and Kate Franklin) in Vancouver BC. Nicole is in her graduating year of Modus Operandi and has successfully been awarded two Training Scholarships from BC Arts Council. Through her education, Nicole has had the opportunity to learn from choreographers Vanessa Goodman, Idan Cohen, Billy Marchenski, Josh Beamish, Shay Kuebler, and many other artists from the dance community. Nicole has performed works by Alanna Kraajeveld, Company 605, Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, Kate Franklin, and Justine Chambers through Modus Operandi. Nicole is now a company member with Radical System Art and has performed internationally as a company member.
Natasha Gorrie |
Hip Hop
Natasha has been part of the Vancouver street dance scene since a young age. Her first brush with street dance was when her mother taught her how to do the running man in the living room of their home. Natasha’s mother was a self-taught freestyle dancer with a huge passion for new jack swing. So, naturally, Natasha loves to freestyle and share with her community and host and facilitate community events. She is passionate about traveling to broaden her vocabulary and knowledge in dance. Dance has allowed Natasha to travel, teach, perform, battle, and live worldwide, such as in India, Nederland, China, the USA, etc.
Natasha is a rare talent that has managed to excel in the professional dance industry while building a well-known and respected reputation in the underground dance community across Canada and worldwide.
Natasha is the Founder & Director of Higher Ground Dance Company. This company is training based, focusing on freestyle and foundation in Hip Hop, popping, breaking & locking. Together as a group, they go to battles to implement that training.
Emily Wildeman |
Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Broadway, Hip Hop
Emily's love for anything performing combined with the need to be just like her older sister, created a passion for dance at a very young age. Starting with just hip hop and ballet, and quickly adding on every other class her studio offered, versatility has been always been a quality Emily strives to maintain. She started dancing at two years old in Lloydminster, Alberta and saw success for ten years at many competitions across Canada and the United States. After high school, she moved to Vancouver to pursue a career in the industry, and graduated from Harbour Dance Centre's Intensive Training program under the direction of Moe Brody. Emily has been seen in many projects, including Netflix's 'Julie and the Phantoms', CW's 'Riverdale', Crazy 8’s Passiflora, VFW's Chalanse and Danielle Ryan's 'My Christmas Song' music video. Emily is currently a member of The Collective Career Management Program under the direction of Breanna English and Christian Lagasse. This has broadened her skillset and knowledge of the industry immensely, in many areas, including acting, singing, voiceover, stunting, and marketing/branding. No matter what she's doing, Emily puts her heart into it, and she loves sharing her passion with the next generation!
Crimson Haslehurst |
Ballet & Acro, Ballet, Jazz
Crimson Haslehurst (she/her) grew up in Vermilion AB training in multiple styles including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Broadway Jazz, Pointe, Lyrical, Acro, Contemporary and Modern.
Moving to Vancouver to further her dance training at Harbour Dance Center in (ITP) Intensive Training Program with Moe Brody and Source Dance Company with Joanne Pesusich, Camp Protege and the Bridge with Stacey Tookey and most recently the Professional Dance Career Course (PDCC) with Kim Gingras. Continuing to learn and train, Crimson attends intensives, workshops and classes.
Crimson holds many certifications: Acro Dance Teachers Association (ADTA), Jr. Grades Ballet Instructor Canadian Progressions, Sugarfoot Therapy, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Mental Skills Training with Lauren Ritchie. She has also completed her ADAPT Jazz & Tap Intermediate three exams as well as the Cecchetti intermediate Ballet exam.
Crimson strives to pursue performance opportunities such as live performances, concept/music videos and TV and film. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to work on Grease; Rise of the Pink Ladies.
As an instructor, she encourages her students and provides personalized feedback. With a strong technical background, Crimson emphasizes the importance of body alignment and positioning. Enthusiastic about learning and continuing education Crimson seeks new opportunities.
Everybody is different, that's what makes movement beautiful.
Teaching with Joy - Crimson.
Julia Bose |
Hip Hop
Julia Bose is a passionate dancer, choreographer, and teacher, born and raised in Victoria, BC, Canada. Throughout her childhood, she explored many different dance disciplines such as Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Tap. However, Hip Hop / Choreography quickly took hold, and has since taken her to new heights both locally and internationally.
Over the years, Julia has performed in Las Vegas, New York, San Diego, Los Angeles, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy and Montreal, at world renowned Street Dance events. After making the move to Vancouver, Julia competed with TwoFourSeven Company, where their emotional BodyRock win caught the attention of the producers for “America’s Got Talent”. They were flown to California to perform for the show, and try their luck with the judges. This experience opened up the door to the TV / Film world, which Julia is currently pursuing (credits include Riverdale, Motherland, and Another Life), along with music videos, live performances, and sharing her passion with students of all ages and levels. Julia’s magnetic and nurturing teaching style, coupled with her knowledge of Hip Hop foundation / history, musicality, and industry experience, has made her a sought after instructor and choreographer in Vancouver and beyond.
Mike Smith aka Tricky |
Breaking
Mike Smith aka Tricky T was born in Montreal, QC and raised in the city of Toronto since the age of 6. He became a dancer at the age of 14 after being inspired from seeing it in person for the first time. Dance has introduced him to a deeper side of hip hop culture which opened up his mind to pursue more knowledge from the pioneers of the craft through community events. With 20+ years of battling experience under his belt, Mike has competed and won battles internationally, and is a sought after competition judge. Mike also stays grounded in the culture by organizing community events and DJing battles, parties, and jams.
Oh Augustine |
Contemporary
Oh Augustine (formerly known as Oksana) is an emerging contemporary dance artist/teacher/choreographer, currently based on the unceded and occupied Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh, xwməθkwəy̓ əm, and səl̓ ílwətaʔ lands. After completing one year in ITP and one year in The Source Dance Company, Oh trained with Modus Operandi for four years, completing their post secondary contemporary dance education. They have had the opportunity to partake in rehearsal process with Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, Shay Kuebler RSA, Khoudia Toure, Chimerik 似不 像 Collective, Okam's Racer, Co.ERASGA, danielle Mackenzie Long, and Zahra Shahab among others, as well as performed in the EDAM Spring Choreographic Series in 2022. Oh’s work as a choreographer mainly focuses on neurodivergence, gender exploration, spirituality, and sensation. Their work has been showcased in 12 Minutes Max, Boombox Split Screen, The Happening Accelerate 4.0 alongside Kate Franklin, Chalk It Up!, and Studio Salon Series to name a few. As a teacher, they frequently teach at MO Link Program, TSV Working Class, The Source Dance Company, and multiple studios across BC. Currently, Oh has been working as a choreographer in an original play “Tomboy” written by Anais West. Additionally, Oh has won multiple choreography awards at competitions from 2012-2024, is a recipient of the Training Society of Vancouver Scholarship in 2022, and has received the BC Arts Council Training Grant in 2019.