Artistic Director/Owner Tempo Dance Academy
Since an early age, Irene trained extensively in all disciplines in dance to include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Modern and Musical Theatre.
In 1993, Irene founded and established Tempo Dance Academy in Nanaimo British Columbia. She has taught dance for twenty six years, directed and choreographed many stage productions, and spends much of her time operating the school on a full time basis as the Artistic Director. Irene is a certified mentor with the R.A.D., a graduate of the Grant Mac Ewan Dance Teachers’ Trainee Program and holds a Teaching Certificate and Diploma with the Royal Academy of Dance. Many of her students have gone on to become professional performers, registered teachers or studio owners.
During her spare time, Irene enjoys volunteering for many community organizations and particularly enjoys attending competitions and workshops throughout the year in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and most recently Phoenix Arizona at the Rhea Gold Dance Conference.
As a certified member of the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators as well as the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, Irene has had much success adjudicating for provincial festivals and competitions across Canada for both the Ballet and Stage sections.
Irene is a highly respected teacher, and her students enjoy her sense of humor, her passion and love of dance in all forms. Irene constantly strives to achieve the highest levels of teaching in order to pass on her experience to her students and staff members.
Kirsten Graham
Kirsten Graham is an accomplished performer, teacher and choreographer who beleives in the individual artistry of each dancer. Professionally, Kirsten toured Canada and Russia with the companies Le Juene Ballet du Quebec and Ballet North of Edmonton. Kirsten began her dance training at Kirkwood Academy in Nanaimo and attended the Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle and Banff School of Fine Arts. At the young age of 15, Kirsten was awarded the Solo Seal and competed internationally at the Adeline Genee awards in London, England. Kirsten later graduated from L’Ecole Superieure de Danse du Quebec in Montreal. Kirsten’s career also includes, work in Canadian film with Judith Marcuse in Vancouver and summer performances at the Butchart Gardens.
After her daughter was born, Kirsten turned her attention to teaching dance full time. She has since enjoyed being a guest instructor at various summer schools and adjudicating festival in B.C. Currently, Kirsten is on staff at Tempo Dance Academy in Nanaimo and does freelance choreography.
Genevieve Caron
Genevieve moved to Nanaimo in December 2005 from Montreal, Quebec. She graduated from the Universite du Quebec a Montreal in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in modern dance, creation and interpretation. Since then, she has danced for different corporate shows, sports events, video clips, show bands and many Quebec promotional tours for Molson. She has travelled to the Middle East as part of the Canadian Armed Forces Showtour and danced at the Montreal and Hull Casinos for the magic show Alain Choquette and Company. Genevieve was also a proud cheerleader for the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes for 7 seasons. She has trained in many dance styles: modern, contemporary, Simonson Jazz, jazz and hip-hop; attending classes in Montreal as well as dance conferences in Toronto, Vancouver and Las Vegas.
Genevieve started teaching jazz ballet at 15 years old and has been teaching dance ever since. She teaches students from 5 years old, all the way to adults… from jazz to flash dance, modern to cheerleading, creative dance to hip-hop! From 1999 to 2005, Genevieve was the choreographer and trainer for a College dance troupe in Montreal while leading dance workshops in different dance schools and high schools throughout Quebec. She also choreographed different theme shows for corporate events and promotional dance teams, and worked as the event and entertainment coordinator for a Montreal Dance Club.
Genevieve is looking forward to working with the Tempo Dance Academy students. She can’t wait to share her passion and love of dance, and life, with them! Be prepared to work hard, dance hard and laugh out loud! Let the classes begin!
Candice Thompson
At two years of age, Candice began her dance training at the Multi Gogo School of Dance in Nanaimo BC. When she turned five she continued her training at Tempo Dance Academy participating in disciplines to include Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. In her early teens she added Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Pointe to her schedule.
Candice began assistant teaching at the age of thirteen and it was here that she became aware of the love and desire to teach dance.
Throughout her many years of training Candice took part in RAD examinations for Ballet as well as CDTA examinations for Tap and Jazz receiving outstanding marks throughout. She participated in many local community events, competitions and dance conventions as far away as Las Vegas.
In 2007, Candice enrolled and was accepted for the Dance Teacher Training Program under the Royal Academy of Dance. Candice also successfully completed the IADA’s Dance Adjudication Training Seminar in Vancouver. She auditioned and was selected for a position on the Vi Raiders Junior Football Dance Team and enjoyed much success with the team, travelling all over BC.
In October 2008, Candice successfully completed her two year teacher training program and graduated receiving her diploma as a Registered and Certified RAD Instructor.
Candice is currently the office manager at Tempo Dance Academy as well as teaches pre-school, ballet, jazz and hip hop classes.
Candice finds it a joy to be able to share her knowledge and love of dance with her students.
Jennifer MacPherson
Jennifer MacPherson is an Associate Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (Tap, Jazz and Ballet divisions) and a soon-to-be member of the Performing Arts Educators of Canada. She began dancing at the age of three and it has been her passion ever since. Jennifer’s credits include performing and competing throughout Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.. She was the youngest ever performer to entertain guests at Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, has choreographed award-winning dances at Music Festivals and has also choreographed/danced in an independent film, “Movin’ On Up”, which was nominated for award at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.
Elise Samson
Elise began dancing ballet at the age of three with Harbour Dancentre. She quickly came to realize her love of dance as she continued adding multiple dance disciplines, including: jazz, tap, musical theatre, and modern/contemporary- later incorporating point and hip-hop. Elise has completed all of the Royal Academy of Dance ballet examinations receiving high marks throughout. She has also been an avid competitor in many dance competitions as well as various performances and events around the island.
At 17, she began as a student teacher, both at a local dance school, and an assortment of school dance programs throughout the community. She quickly went on to become one of the principal teachers at Heritage Dance School, and has done so for the last several years. Elise also plans to begin training next year for a certificate in ballet teaching through the Royal Academy of Dance.
As well as dancing, she has also completed 2 years of Fine Arts, and 2 years of Child and Youth Care courses, at Vancouver Island University. She is very excited to meet all the students, and looks forward to a successful year!
Hayden Fong
Hayden is a rising professional artist, just a few years after finding his passion for dance he has shot into the industry with amazing talent and adaptability. He started off, as an urban hip-hop dancer and Bboy, were he got his first taste of performing in shows and music videos. Wanting to open up the whole world of dance he has moved into training in ballet, modern, jazz and contemporary. He has trained in Drive Dance Center’s “Scholarship Program” which has propelled him further into the dance world. Through this training Hayden has heightened his abilities and is being recognized for it. Since starting his pursuit as a professional dancer, he has gotten to work and train with many internationally known professionals such as, Martha Carter (mmHOP), Jojo Zolina (OTI/La Douche), and the New Pornographers. Also by being part of two local dance crews, Style-O-Phonics and FlowEthics, which have given him the chance to perform and many reputable shows, For the Luv of it, I Heart Van Art, Vanoc Snow Hoppers, and Unrated, Warner Bros. Media event. Along with his training, Hayden has been noted for his freestyle and choreographic abilities. His musicality and versatile style stands him out above the crowd, were he can adapt what the music is telling him, and share that story in his performance. With all this Hayden has quickly risen in the dance community, and is becoming and well recognized face.
Faculty
Irene Booth RAD RTS, CDTA, PAEC
Artistic Director/Owner Tempo Dance Academy
Since an early age, Irene trained extensively in all disciplines in dance to include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Pointe, Modern and Musical Theatre.
In 1993, Irene founded and established Tempo Dance Academy in Nanaimo British Columbia. She has taught dance for twenty six years, directed and choreographed many stage productions, and spends much of her time operating the school on a full time basis as the Artistic Director. Irene is a certified mentor with the R.A.D., a graduate of the Grant Mac Ewan Dance Teachers’ Trainee Program and holds a Teaching Certificate and Diploma with the Royal Academy of Dance. Many of her students have gone on to become professional performers, registered teachers or studio owners.
During her spare time, Irene enjoys volunteering for many community organizations and particularly enjoys attending competitions and workshops throughout the year in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and most recently Phoenix Arizona at the Rhea Gold Dance Conference.
As a certified member of the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators as well as the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, Irene has had much success adjudicating for provincial festivals and competitions across Canada for both the Ballet and Stage sections.
Irene is a highly respected teacher, and her students enjoy her sense of humor, her passion and love of dance in all forms. Irene constantly strives to achieve the highest levels of teaching in order to pass on her experience to her students and staff members.
Kirsten Graham
Kirsten Graham is an accomplished performer, teacher and choreographer who beleives in the individual artistry of each dancer. Professionally, Kirsten toured Canada and Russia with the companies Le Juene Ballet du Quebec and Ballet North of Edmonton. Kirsten began her dance training at Kirkwood Academy in Nanaimo and attended the Pacific Northwest Ballet School in Seattle and Banff School of Fine Arts. At the young age of 15, Kirsten was awarded the Solo Seal and competed internationally at the Adeline Genee awards in London, England. Kirsten later graduated from L’Ecole Superieure de Danse du Quebec in Montreal. Kirsten’s career also includes, work in Canadian film with Judith Marcuse in Vancouver and summer performances at the Butchart Gardens.
After her daughter was born, Kirsten turned her attention to teaching dance full time. She has since enjoyed being a guest instructor at various summer schools and adjudicating festival in B.C. Currently, Kirsten is on staff at Tempo Dance Academy in Nanaimo and does freelance choreography.
Genevieve Caron
Genevieve moved to Nanaimo in December 2005 from Montreal, Quebec. She graduated from the Universite du Quebec a Montreal in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in modern dance, creation and interpretation. Since then, she has danced for different corporate shows, sports events, video clips, show bands and many Quebec promotional tours for Molson. She has travelled to the Middle East as part of the Canadian Armed Forces Showtour and danced at the Montreal and Hull Casinos for the magic show Alain Choquette and Company. Genevieve was also a proud cheerleader for the Canadian Football League’s Montreal Alouettes for 7 seasons. She has trained in many dance styles: modern, contemporary, Simonson Jazz, jazz and hip-hop; attending classes in Montreal as well as dance conferences in Toronto, Vancouver and Las Vegas.
Genevieve started teaching jazz ballet at 15 years old and has been teaching dance ever since. She teaches students from 5 years old, all the way to adults… from jazz to flash dance, modern to cheerleading, creative dance to hip-hop! From 1999 to 2005, Genevieve was the choreographer and trainer for a College dance troupe in Montreal while leading dance workshops in different dance schools and high schools throughout Quebec. She also choreographed different theme shows for corporate events and promotional dance teams, and worked as the event and entertainment coordinator for a Montreal Dance Club.
Genevieve is looking forward to working with the Tempo Dance Academy students. She can’t wait to share her passion and love of dance, and life, with them! Be prepared to work hard, dance hard and laugh out loud! Let the classes begin!
Candice Thompson
At two years of age, Candice began her dance training at the Multi Gogo School of Dance in Nanaimo BC. When she turned five she continued her training at Tempo Dance Academy participating in disciplines to include Ballet, Jazz, and Tap. In her early teens she added Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Pointe to her schedule.
Candice began assistant teaching at the age of thirteen and it was here that she became aware of the love and desire to teach dance.
Throughout her many years of training Candice took part in RAD examinations for Ballet as well as CDTA examinations for Tap and Jazz receiving outstanding marks throughout. She participated in many local community events, competitions and dance conventions as far away as Las Vegas.
In 2007, Candice enrolled and was accepted for the Dance Teacher Training Program under the Royal Academy of Dance. Candice also successfully completed the IADA’s Dance Adjudication Training Seminar in Vancouver. She auditioned and was selected for a position on the Vi Raiders Junior Football Dance Team and enjoyed much success with the team, travelling all over BC.
In October 2008, Candice successfully completed her two year teacher training program and graduated receiving her diploma as a Registered and Certified RAD Instructor.
Candice is currently the office manager at Tempo Dance Academy as well as teaches pre-school, ballet, jazz and hip hop classes.
Candice finds it a joy to be able to share her knowledge and love of dance with her students.
Jennifer MacPherson
Jennifer MacPherson is an Associate Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (Tap, Jazz and Ballet divisions) and a soon-to-be member of the Performing Arts Educators of Canada. She began dancing at the age of three and it has been her passion ever since. Jennifer’s credits include performing and competing throughout Canada, the U.S. and the U.K.. She was the youngest ever performer to entertain guests at Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, has choreographed award-winning dances at Music Festivals and has also choreographed/danced in an independent film, “Movin’ On Up”, which was nominated for award at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival.
Elise Samson
Elise began dancing ballet at the age of three with Harbour Dancentre. She quickly came to realize her love of dance as she continued adding multiple dance disciplines, including: jazz, tap, musical theatre, and modern/contemporary- later incorporating point and hip-hop. Elise has completed all of the Royal Academy of Dance ballet examinations receiving high marks throughout. She has also been an avid competitor in many dance competitions as well as various performances and events around the island.
At 17, she began as a student teacher, both at a local dance school, and an assortment of school dance programs throughout the community. She quickly went on to become one of the principal teachers at Heritage Dance School, and has done so for the last several years. Elise also plans to begin training next year for a certificate in ballet teaching through the Royal Academy of Dance.
As well as dancing, she has also completed 2 years of Fine Arts, and 2 years of Child and Youth Care courses, at Vancouver Island University. She is very excited to meet all the students, and looks forward to a successful year!
Hayden Fong
Hayden is a rising professional artist, just a few years after finding his passion for dance he has shot into the industry with amazing talent and adaptability. He started off, as an urban hip-hop dancer and Bboy, were he got his first taste of performing in shows and music videos. Wanting to open up the whole world of dance he has moved into training in ballet, modern, jazz and contemporary. He has trained in Drive Dance Center’s “Scholarship Program” which has propelled him further into the dance world. Through this training Hayden has heightened his abilities and is being recognized for it. Since starting his pursuit as a professional dancer, he has gotten to work and train with many internationally known professionals such as, Martha Carter (mmHOP), Jojo Zolina (OTI/La Douche), and the New Pornographers. Also by being part of two local dance crews, Style-O-Phonics and FlowEthics, which have given him the chance to perform and many reputable shows, For the Luv of it, I Heart Van Art, Vanoc Snow Hoppers, and Unrated, Warner Bros. Media event. Along with his training, Hayden has been noted for his freestyle and choreographic abilities. His musicality and versatile style stands him out above the crowd, were he can adapt what the music is telling him, and share that story in his performance. With all this Hayden has quickly risen in the dance community, and is becoming and well recognized face.