Leanne Kennedy – D.E.A. DIRECTOR
Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, Musical Theatre – Certified D.E.A. Levels 1 – 3, Certified Acrobatic Arts Module One and Licensed Zumba Instructor
Leanne has studied Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip- Hop and Musical Theatre with some of the best in the dance world in Vancouver, New York and Los Angeles. She became a certified instructor with the Dance Educators of America achieving Levels 1-3 at Western Kentucky University and in New York City. In 2021, Leanne became certified with Acrobatics Arts.
Leanne is a gifted dancer who received a Jazz Scholarship at age 15 to The Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in Hollywood CA, was cast as the role of “Jennyanydots” in the famous musical CATS, and has choreographed for the musicals OLIVER! and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has performed and choreographed for numerous dance productions, adjudicated Street Vibe! Hip-Hop competition and studied and performed Latin dance with Warren Eaton of Latinesque.
Leanne was born and raised in Tsawwassen and began dancing at the age of 4 at Delta Academy of Dance with Miss Beverly Rose, studying ballet and pointe. At 15 years old Leanne added Jazz, Tap and Musical Theatre to her weekly schedule and fell passionately in love with these genres. She started teaching at the young age of 17, starting with one teen class per week. She supplemented her teaching by working as a dental assistant, but as her passion for dance grew she became a full time instructor. Leanne taught at the Delta Academy of Dance (in Tsawwassen) for 10 years under the direction of George Ellenton.
Leanne moved to Kelowna with her husband and worked for Robb Card Dance Studio until returning to her home town in 2007. She was employed at Free Flight immediately and has been here ever since, giving birth to two wonderful little girls, Mila and Maisie both of whom dance at Free Flight Dance Co. Leanne has been proud owner of Free Flight Dance Co. since June 2017. Leanne is very passionate about bringing her love of dance and performance to all her classes. Leanne is an avid supporter of the community, holding true to our values of lovingly pushing each student to reach their potential as artists and humans.
Sarah Siviter – A.R.A.D. – Ballet and Flamenco and on the Board of Directors for The Flow Dance Ensemble
Sarah is an Elected Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD), London, UK. She is classically trained in R.A.D. Ballet. She passed all of the R.A.D Children’s Examinations at various dance schools in England and in B.C. Sarah went on to pass all Major R.A.D exams, including her Advanced Executants’ (now called Advance 2), with Ellen Andrews, International Major Examiner and R.A.D teacher for Canadian Dance World.
Sarah was a consistent trophy/scholarship winner at the Coquitlam & Surrey Dance Festival’s and a recipient of a Canada Council Grant in 1979. Other highlights in her professional dance and teaching studies included The Banff School of Fine Arts, studied with Reid Anderson, Karen Kain, Lynn Wallis and The Goh Ballet. In 1979, Sarah left B.C. to study at The Royal Academy of Dancing and then onto The Royal Ballet Upper School in London, England, where she studied for her Solo Seal, under Jean Bedells, International Examiner/Royal Ballet student Coach. Sarah was also invited to study choreography with Richard Glasstone, RBS.
Sarah has been a freelance Ballet teacher since the age of 16, enjoying much of her experience as a teacher in England. To add to her love of dance, she studied Flamenco dance for 7 years and has taken several exams, passing all with distinction.
Although she has retired from the studio’s scheduled classes, Sarah will remain part of our Faculty in the capacity of Ballet Mentor/Coach for all levels, pointe, competitive & performance choreographer. For scheduling with Miss Sarah please contact info@freeflightdance.com.
Sarah joined the faculty at Free Flight Dance Co. in 2009.
Rylier Sauder – Tap and Contemporary
Rylie has been dancing since the age of 3, training in various styles such as lyrical, jazz, contemporary, tap, hip-hop, ballet, and musical theatre. She has been a competitive dancer since the age of 6 winning multiple awards and scholarships over the years. She has recently explored in choreography and can’t wait to start her teaching career! Rylie is excited to create strong relationships with her students and hopes to make a positive impact on their dance careers. We are excited to have Miss Rylie join the Free Flight Faculty.
Sharon Quesnel – Admin
Sharon has had 17 years experience in human resources and 15 years bookkeeping experience. During
her volunteer work she has been wearing many hats whether it be sewing dance costumes, working behind stage or as office administration for Delta Academy of Dance where she served for over 10 years.
Sharon has also been involved in Fundraising for various sporting events, high school choir and band and most recently for Freshwave ministries. Sharon has also been a very enthusiastic sports participant for the last 25 years and is looking forward to helping you in her new position at Free Flight.
Sharon is a great addition to Free Flight Dance and we are so excited to have her join the family!