Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts

🩰 RAD Exams 2026 🩰

What a wonderful week of ballet!!

Over 150 Kirkwood dancers stepped into the studio this past week and shared their hard work, dedication, and love of dance. From our youngest Pre-Primary dancers to our senior students, we could not be prouder of the commitment, courage, and growth shown by every dancer.

RAD exams are about so much more than steps and syllabus work. They are an opportunity for dancers to set goals, develop confidence, demonstrate perseverance, and celebrate their progress throughout the year.

A heartfelt thank you to our ballet faculty, especially Teacher Bev and Ms. Carolé, for the countless hours spent preparing dancers for this week. Your passion, patience, and dedication continue to inspire generations of dancers.

And of course, no RAD exam week would be complete without a bag of "Jubies" waiting at the end as a well-earned reward for a job well done.

Congratulations to all of our dancers. We are so proud of you and hope you enjoy a well-deserved summer break!

Introducing our second 2026 Graduate, Taylor Bryce! 🎓

Taylor has been a valued part of the Kirkwood family for many years, creating memories, friendships, and experiences.

After graduation, Taylor is excited to spend the summer working at a summer camp before beginning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education this fall as she pursues her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. We are also thrilled that she will be returning next season to teach some of our youngest dancers!

Some of Taylor’s favourite Kirkwood memories include performing in The Nutcracker and participating in Dance the Magic, but most of all, she is grateful for the friendships and connections she made along the way.

Taylor, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that the future holds.

Congratulations Taylor! ❤️

Introducing one of our 2026 graduates, Allison Lofstrom! 🎓

We are so excited to celebrate Allison as she prepares for her next chapter.

This fall, Allison will begin a Bachelor of Science with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Biology, with plans to pursue a career in Dentistry or Orthodontics.

When reflecting on her time at Kirkwood, Allison shared that while there are countless wonderful memories, the meaningful friendships she has built are what she treasures most and will cherish for a lifetime.

Allison, we are so proud of all you have accomplished and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you. 

Congratulations on your graduation! ❤️

☀️ SUMMER BOOT CAMP FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS ☀️

Meet Hanna Wheeler
Hanna Wheeler moved to Vancouver Island at age, 5 where she quickly discovered her love of dance.

Throughout her years of training, Hanna has studied various dance styles including ISTD modern, RAD ballet syllabus, contemporary, and jazz.

Since graduating in 2017, Hanna has had the opportunity to teach for multiple studios on Vancouver Island and is the Owner and Director of Surge Dance Project, a Youth Dance Company located in Duncan, BC.

Hanna has experience teaching a wide range of ages starting as little as three years old, to fifty plus. Her passion, dedication and attention to detail shines through her students and their intricate choreography.

As she grows as an educator, Hanna hopes to inspire youth to continue reaching for their highest potential while maintaining a positive, safe, and fun, learning environment.

Registration is NOW OPEN for Kirkwood Academy’s Summer Boot Camps!

✨ Register by June 1 and save 5% on tuition!

☀️ SUMMER BOOT CAMP FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS ☀️

Meet Andrew Delves

Andrew Delves has spent over 15 years in the dance world, training under notable artists like Laurel Toto, Mavis Staines, and Margaret Tracey, spending time at the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Royal New Zealand Ballet while training at Canada’s National Ballet School full-time. Today, he studies social sciences at the prestigious University of Toronto while working on qualifications as a personal training specialist for dancers and athletes.

Registration is NOW OPEN for Kirkwood Academy’s Summer Boot Camps!

✨ Register by June 1 and save 5% on tuition!

☀️ SUMMER BOOT CAMP FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS ☀️

Meet Molly Allan
Born and raised in White Rock, BC, Molly Allan has cultivated a deep passion for dance from a young age. Her dedication to the art form has led her to train extensively throughout the Lower Mainland, where she has developed strong technical foundations across a wide range of styles, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and musical theatre. Her versatility and commitment to growth have allowed her to evolve into a well-rounded and expressive performer/educator.

Molly’s professional journey began early when she performed with Patrick Roberge Productions, appearing at notable venues across Vancouver and gaining valuable stage experience. She was also given the incredible opportunity to perform with Coldplay during their Vancouver concert, showcasing her talent on an international stage. Driven to further refine her skills, Molly joined Harbour Dance Centre’s pre-professional Intensive Training Program, where she trained under esteemed mentors and immersed herself in innovative choreography that helped shape her artistic voice.

These experiences naturally led Molly toward a passion for teaching and choreography. As an educator, she is committed to creating a positive and inspiring environment where students feel encouraged to explore both their creativity and technical abilities. She strives to challenge and support young dancers, helping them build confidence, discipline, and a strong sense of self-expression. Currently, Molly teaches and choreographs at multiple studios and schools across Western Canada, where she continues to inspire the next generation of dancers.

Registration is NOW OPEN for Kirkwood Academy’s Summer Boot Camps!

✨ Register by June 1 and save 5% on tuition!

Congratulations to Ella Lambourne on being selected as a Provincial Representative at the Greater Victoria Festival! Ella was nominated in both Level 1 Modern and Level 1 Stage, and has chosen to represent with her Stage solos - an exciting and well-deserved accomplishment!

Fun fact: Ella loves all types of animals and is always practicing acro tricks when she’s not dancing.

We are so proud of you, Ella - you worked SO hard to achieve your goals this season!

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We are excited to share that Adera Stevenson has been selected as a Provincial Representative in Level 2 Stage at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival and will be heading to Prince George this June!

Adera continues to grow in her confidence and stage presence, bringing such joy, commitment, and personality to her performances and to her team.

Fun facts: Adera has naturally curly hair, started dancing at age 2, and loves strawberries 🍓

Congratulations, Adera!

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