Instructors

ARTISTIC DIRECTORSusan Laing »

BALLET INSTRUCTORKaren Macagnino »

BEGINNER JAZZ / TAPAngela Dumont »

LYRICALAlisa Bialas »

HIP HOPNikki Robinson »

Miss Susan, as she is known by her students, has a beautiful smile and a caring personality. Besides being an accomplished instructor in Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Highland, Musical Theatre and Creative Dance, she also helps guide students through many of life’s challenges. She is disciplined yet fair. Her students thrive under her instruction and guidance. She has performed in many venues including television, local performances, charity events, theatre productions and even onstage at Disneyland. She has studied with some of the world’s best in Jazz, Tap, Highland, Modern, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, and African & Swing. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree-Drama–from the University of Calgary. She is a full Member of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance. Miss Susan is proud to be a part of the Airdrie Community. September 2011 will be the start of her 20th season in Airdrie. She has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for the past 19 years. She believes in the power of dance.
“Miss Karen” is our Mary Poppins of Ballet. She started dancing at the age of 3 in the United Kingdom. She trained for many years in England in Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, Street Dance, Free Movement and Character. She was an acclaimed dancer and teacher in the UK for many years. With an adventurous side to her spirit, Karen and her family decided to pull up roots and move half way across the world to Airdrie, Alberta. She opened Airdrie Ballet Studio, which ran successfully for 3 years. After redefining her career goals and refocusing the priority of her family she decided to close the Airdrie Ballet Studio. As a returning member on staff, she brings with her a pure love of dance, a great sense of humor and a quirky word or two that needs explanation every once in a while. In the winter of 2008, Miss Karen completed all of her final testing and now holds her RAD teachers certificate!!! We are very pleased to have Miss Karen on our staff.
Angela began dancing with Miss Susan at the age of 11. She studied Jazz for many years and then branched off into Tap, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Dance and children are true loves to Miss Angela. Angela holds her Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies. She is a beautiful role model for dancers and knows first hand how the “spirit of Airdrie Dance Academy” can influence your life.
Miss Alisa, a former student at Airdrie Dance Academy is currently enrolled at the University of Calgary in the Bachelor of Fine Arts—Dance—Degree program. She is a beautiful performer and talented choreographer. She is focusing her education on choreography and loves teaching. She has assisted Miss Susan for many years and knows what makes Airdrie Dance Academy special.
Nikki, a 2010 grad from George McDougall High School is on staff for the second year. She has trained in Hip Hop with some of the best including Greg Campbellock Jr, Poppin Pete, Suga Pop and Caleaf Sellers. She is also a proud alumni of Airdrie Dance Academy. Her classes are fun and challenging.