FACULTY
Angela Bosco
Co-Owner, Co-Director, Instructor, Choreographer
Angela’s love for teaching is as strong as her passion for dancing and performing. She has spent the last 12 years loving every second she spends instructing and inspiring dancers to push themselves to their full potential while enjoying the time they spend in the studio. Angela's choreography has received various awards at dance competitions over the years and her routines have placed first overall at multiple competitions in the Greater Vancouver area. Also an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Angela's passion for movement and motivating others has lead her to enjoy instructing various types of fitness classes including Barre, HIIT, Strength Training and IBDC's very own DanceFit Program! Angela's fun-loving approach toward instructing is contagious and she loves to share it with Inspired By's students and their families.
Taryn Patterson
Co-Owner, Co-Director, Instructor, Choreographer
Over the past decade Taryn has had the pleasure of teaching thousands of students, both recreationally and competitively. She has taught a variety of styles including jazz, stage, lyrical, ballet and hip hop. Her love of dance and performing continues to grow as she watches her students light up on stage. In 2017, Taryn received her Costuming for Stage and Screen Diploma from Capilano University and works part-time in the film industry when she is not teaching her IBDC students. Taryn is excited to share her passion for dance with the students at Inspired By Dance Company.
Sahara Elliot
Hip Hop Instructor & Choreographer
Sahara started dancing when she was 7, which sparked a passion for movement and creativity. She trained in various styles, leading to a focus in hip hop and street jazz. Post high school, Sahara trained with KTL (Kill The Lights Co.) for 3 years, helping her develop a strengthened style of teaching and choreography. Sahara brings her love for life into her teaching, and is excited to be a part of such a wonderful team!
Sydney Warburton
Preschool Dance, Jazz,
Hip Hop, Tap Instructor
Sydney has been dancing since the age of 3 and has loved being in the dance community ever since. Sydney has a passion for working with children and started assistant teaching at the age of 11. After graduating high school, Sydney became a full-time dance instructor and felt extremely lucky to be in a position where she was able to positively affect children's lives. Sydney's other passion includes advocating for mental health rights and education for children and youth. She is in her last year of her psychology degree and consequently brings additional knowledge on development and working with children. Sydney is so excited to be a part of the Inspired By team and share her positivity and love for dance with her students!
Seira Shimamura
Ballet Instructor
Born in Nishinomiya, Japan, Seira has been dancing since the age of four. She has trained in Russian Vaganova ballet, Cecchetti ballet, jazz, modern ballet and Japanese dance. She has performed and received awards at numerous international competitions including the YAGP New York City Finals, Kobe World Dance Competition, Japan Grand Prix, and the Dance World Cup. Seira began teaching in 2008 at the Sawako Murase Ballet studio. In 2013, Seira graduated from the four-year degree program of the Osaka Performing Arts University. Over the years, Seira enhanced her knowledge and developed advanced teaching skills through class practicums at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and she graduated from their Teacher Training Program in 2016. She holds her Associates qualifications in Cecchetti. Seira is very passionate and enthusiastic about working with students and has found that teaching dance is her calling. She continues to study and upgrade her training in order to give her students the best possible instruction for their advancement in dance.
Lexi Vajda
Ballet Instructor, Company Instructor & Choreographer
Lexi Vajda is an independent dance artist and dance maker who has the privilege of living and working on the unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. She has interpreted and performed the works of various companies and choreographers across Canada. Her independent choreographies investigate alternative and peripheral spaces for choreography as well as collaborative creative practices. Lexi regularly teaches contemporary technique at various dance schools throughout the lower mainland, Modus Operandi and at Harbour Dance Centre and was the recipient of the 2016 Mayor’s Arts Award for emerging dance artist.
Jen Harden
Preschool Dance, Jazz,
Hip Hop, Tap Instructor
Jen is an experienced teacher, choreographer and dancer from Kelowna, BC. She trained at the Canadian School of Ballet for 16 years, primarily in RAD ballet, tap and jazz, where she completed her RAD Advanced 1 ballet exam with excellent results. She also had the privilege of performing in 11 performances of The Nutcracker, including the role of “Arabian Queen” and has competed in various competitions around the Okanagan. Jen has always had a passion for working with kids and has been teaching dance for the past 6 years in tap and jazz. She has worked with both recreational and competitive students and loves every minute she gets in the studio with them! Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from UBC and currently works as an elementary school teacher. Jen is super excited to be sharing her love of dance with IBDC this year!
Neve Kelly
Assistant Instructor,
Guest Choreographer
Neve has been dancing from the age of six and has been immersed in the dance community ever since. She finds joy in teaching different disciplines of dance to people of all ages and levels of experience. Neve believes in giving all her students an equal opportunity to excel at dance and loves to create an inclusive, safe space for anyone and everyone who wants to dance. While supporting dancers to reach their full potential, Neve maintains a fun and positive environment for all. Neve is currently in the process of receiving her ECE (Early Childhood Education) Certification at the Creative Minds Early Learning Institute, where different learning styles are not only accepted but also celebrated.
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Tanner Plecas
Guest Choreographer
Since retiring from dancing professionally, Tanner has been a full-time choreographer and dance instructor for the last 10 years. He is passionate about building strong technique in his dancers, and providing them with a understanding of what can be achieved through hard work and commitment. His award-winning choreography is remembered for its athleticism and inventive perspectives. Tanner is thrilled to be apart of this new journey of studio training.