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 is now living out of the country we are always excited for her visits and work to uphold the values she instilled in us all. 

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.

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. 

Sara Bonderud A.N.A.T.D

Sara has been dancing in Kamloops since she was three years old. She began dancing with KDA when she was ten, fell in love with the studio, and has been around ever since. Sara began as a student teacher when she was in her early teens and began teaching her own classes in 2015.  She loves teaching all styles, but Musical Theatre has always had a special place in her heart.  Sara is also an elementary teacher in Kamloops when she is not teaching at the studio. 

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. 

Elizabeth (Lizzy) Horwood A.N.A.T.D

Lizzy has danced at KDA since she was a tiny ballerina.  She has trained in all styles of dance and is a versatile dancer and teacher.  "Miss Lizzy" has a special way with the little ones, but enjoys teaching all ages and all styles. Lizzy is a member of our coaching group for our Performance Team at KDA.  When she is not teaching she is busy with her University courses. 

Caitlin MacLaughlin A.N.A.T.D

Caitlin is another KDA raised teacher.  She returns to teaching dance after a short break and we couldn't be more excited!  Caitlin also is a beloved kindergarden teacher and she brings such kindness and patience to the table for her students both at school and at dance. 

Maia Matheson

Maia is another lovely young lady that has grown up at KDA.  She has trained in several styles of dance and enjoys all of them.  Maia is a busy girl between dance, school and work but finds the time to help with our Performance Team as well.  

Katie Rowe 

Katie grew up dancing at KDA.  She brings positivity and incredible vibes to every class that she teaches.  Katie is active teaching around Kamloops, including in local schools.  We are so excited to have her back from her time living in Vancouver and teaching for us!

Bella Hoffman

Bella is our energetic powerhouse that has grown up at KDA.  She has trained in several styles of dance and enjoys all of them.  Bella just graduated high school in 2024.  We look forward to Bella sharing her talents and contagious smile with more students this year. 

Georgia Morris

Georgia is a long standing family member at KDA.   Her quiet, gentle teaching style is lovely and the children always enjoy her classes.  We look forward to Georgia continuing with her teaching career and inspiring little dancers. 

Emily Jordan, Presley Kitsch, Dylan Lockwood and Mikalah Windsor 

These are KDA's "up and comings" and we are excited!  These girls bring energy and a passion for dance to every class they teach.  We are so happy to have them on our team and we look forward to the years ahead with these lovely girls.