Kamloops Dance Academy Teachers

Ginny Lewis F.N.A.T.D (Our Founder)

Ballet

Ginny began her teaching career in England after studying dance from a young age. She immigrated to Canada and after moving to Kamloops, founded Kamloops Dance Academy in 1985. Ginny’s kind and caring nature comes through in all she does and her passion for dance and for teaching is second to none.  Over the thirty years of KDA, Ginny has inspired countless students and mentored several students into teaching qualifications.  She most recently received an award from the National Association of Teachers of Dancing for her dedication.  Ginny teaches in all disciplines and is revered for her expertise and choreography. Although Ginny has now retired from teaching, you may see her around once in awhile guest teaching or just having a visit. 

Sandi Lewis F.N.A.T.D. (Owner/Artistic Director)

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Pointe, Acro, Lyrical

Sandi began dancing at the age of 4 on Vancouver Island.  After several years of tap and ballet under the I.S.T.D., Sandi’s family moved to Kamloops when she was 11 and that’s when she found Kamloops Dance Academy and her mentor, Ginny Lewis.  After being a “studio rat” for years, working in the dance shop at the front of the studio and taking as many classes as she could manage, Sandi began to work under Ginny and Mrs. Emmett student teaching.  At 16, she gained her first professional teaching qualification and has since done several teaching exams, making her a Fellow Member of the N.A.T.D. Sandi adores all her “kids” and is passionate not only about teaching dance, but making a difference in the lives of the students that she is fortunate to be able to teach.

Catrina Sinclair M.N.A.T.D

Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Acro

Cat started out as a competitive gymnast for 6 years when she realized that dancing was her passion. She has been dancing at Kamloops Dance Academy since the age of 12. After returning to KDA in 2006 from Toronto where she was teaching and dancing professionally for two years, she rejoined our team and has been teaching with us for over 12 years. Cat has her teaching certificates in jazz, ballet and hip hop and has been a member of the N.A.T.D since 2001. Her classes are intense, energetic and filled with enthusiasm which brings the best out of her students. Her vast knowledge and effort has single-handedly catapulted our hip hop program bringing many choreography awards and accolades to our studio. She continues to share her passion of dance with her students and helps them follow their dreams.

Liz Ioannidis A.N.A.T.D

Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz

Having started dancing at the age of 3, Liz came to KDA when she was 13 years old after falling in love with the studio over several summer dance camp visits. She instantly became a member of our family and is an integral part of the studio. She quickly started training to be a KDA teacher and has her NATD teaching certifications in Hip Hop, Tap, and is currently training towards her Ballet and Jazz. Liz’s passion for dance, and her memorable personality, comes across through her teaching and is enjoyed by all ages. Her memory is unrivalled and she embodies the KDA way by excelling in her knowledge for many genres of dance. 

Shannon Mitchell F.N.A.T.D

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Hip Hop, Acro

Shannon has been dancing since the age of three, training in all styles of dance.  Growing up with KDA as her second home she began student teaching which lead to covering classes and eventually teaching her own.  After auditioning and being accepted to Harbour Dance Centre’s “Intensive Training Program”, she moved to Vancouver to train.   Throughout the year she took classes and learned from industry professionals and enjoyed it immensely but decided to bring what she learned back home.  Shannon enjoys all styles but admires contemporary especially. 

Stacy Kozak M.N.A.T.D

Ballet, Tap 

Stacy has always been a part of the KDA family, having begun her dance career with us at the age of 4.  she started her ballet training under our very own Mrs. Emmett and continuing it under our founder ginny Lewis.  Stacy obtained her membership in ballet under the NATD and has extensive experience in many disciplines.  Stacy is our very own encyclopedia, her knowledge and technique know no bounds an dis an absolute dream to watch.  Her signature quiet gentle teaching style is an asset to our studio.

Emily Shuttleworth A.N.A.T.D

Emily is back at KDA after an exciting few years working with Disney Cruise Line!  Em grew up at KDA and has danced with us for years.  She has also studied in Vancouver with several companies such as ITP and KTL.  Her bubbly personality matches that of some of her recent closest friends like Mickey and Minnie, and she is always smiling.  Emily brings a strong performance quality to her students in all styles of dance and we are so happy to have her back home with us.  

Keri-Ann Racicot A.N.A.T.D

Keri-Ann has been dancing since the age of 3, training in all styles of dance. She joined the KDA family at age 10 where she found her true passion in Hip Hop.  Through the years Keri-Ann attended many dance competitions and conventions, gaining diverse knowledge in multiple styles of Hip Hop.  In 2014 she was a member of Team Canada Hip Hop and competed at the IDO World Championships in Germany, placing 10th in the world. Her love for Hip Hop history and knowledge carries over to her students, and her classes are often diving into the structure and connection between music and dance. 

Annika Kiss

Annika danced at KDA all while growing up, so this studio has a special place in her heart.  She loves all styles, with a most special love for lyrical and jazz.  She graduated high school in 2018 where she then moved to Victoria to pursue University.  Annika continued to take dance classes in Victoria or on Zoom with KDA.  When she's not dancing enjoys skiing, photography and singing along to songs in the car.  Annika has now graduated with a Bachelor of Science at UVic and has moved back to Kamloops.  She is so excited to return to her KDA family and can't wait to be teaching a passion of hers. 

Karrie Kiss

Karrie is the office assistant here at KDA.   She has been working here since the fall of 2017, and has been dancing with us since she was 3 years old. Karrie's favourite styles of dance are ballet, pointe and tap.  When Karrie is not at the studio she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and volunteering with YoungLife/WildLife.  KDA is her second home, and she thoroughly enjoys being a support to the teachers, Sandi and all of our amazing dance families.