REGISTRATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 IS JUNE 25TH – JUNE 26TH
REGISTRATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 IS JUNE 25TH – JUNE 26TH
Miss Joy is a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and holds the RAD Teaching Certificate, allowing her to enter students of all levels into ballet examinations. She also serves as a RAD Classical Ballet Teacher Supervisor and mentor, helping guide the next generation of instructors.
As a full-time instructor at Joy’s Dance Factory, Miss Joy has an extensive background in choreography and performance. She has choreographed for Lethbridge Musical Theatre, Foremost Theatrical Society, and the Lethbridge Symphony, and has adjudicated at various dance festivals. Her choreography has been showcased in major events, including the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Alberta Winter Games and both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2001 Alberta Senior Games in Lethbridge.
Miss Joy is an Honorary Accredited ADAPT Teacher and has successfully entered students into ADAPT (Brian Foley) Jazz and Tap examinations from Junior to Advanced levels. She is also licensed to teach the Al Gilbert Tap Syllabus, from Primary through Grade 9.
Throughout her career, she has trained with renowned teachers across Canada and the United States and brings a broad and deep knowledge of tap, jazz, musical theatre, preschool movement, and ballet to her teaching. Many of her former students have gone on to become professional dancers and instructors themselves, a true testament to her impact and dedication to dance education.
Aurielle Ackerman is proud to be a second-generation teacher at Joy’s Dance Factory, having grown up dancing in its very studios. Her training has taken her far and wide, attending prestigious summer intensives including the Banff Centre Dance Training Program, Alberta Ballet Summer School, Okanagan Summer Dance Intensive, ADAPT Summer School, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Division Summer School.
From 2009 to 2011, Aurielle was a full-time student in the Professional Division of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Alongside her training at JDF, she has had the privilege of studying under renowned instructors such as Ana Maria Campos, Lynette Kelley, Jacqueline Weber, Jorden Morris, Sandra Holtzappel, Gabriela Rehak, Maritel Centurion, Oleksandra Kondratyeva, Elizabeth Wells, and Tiffany Knight.
Aurielle holds an impressive list of credentials, including the RAD’s highest honour—the Solo Seal Award—as well as Distinction in RAD Advanced 2 and Grade 8 Ballet. She also earned a Highly Commended Plus in the ADAPT Intermediate III Jazz Examination and Honors in her Al Gilbert Tap Examinations.
Throughout her training, Aurielle served as a demonstrator for the ADAPT teacher training program, instructional courses, and videos, while also performing in year-end recitals and competitions. Today, she is a registered RAD teacher and certified ADAPT instructor, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the next generation of dancers at JDF.
Haley Van Rijn is a professional dancer, teacher, and choreographer originally from Coaldale, Alberta. Her passion for dance began at a young age, training under Gerry Unger at Dance Images. After graduating, Haley moved to Vancouver, BC to pursue her dance career more seriously.
She began her training in Harbour Dance Centre’s Intensive Training Program, which led to numerous performance opportunities in shows such as Main Event, Brilliant Fashion Show, Urban Alchemy, Sephora Grand Opening, and iYi Inspired. In 2013, she was accepted into The Source Dance Company, where she trained under some of North America’s top choreographers.
A highlight of her career was performing live in Janet Jackson’s Unbreakable Tour during the Vancouver stop. Haley later became the resident Hip Hop teacher at LCI Dance Arts Academy and continues to share her talent and energy with the next generation of dancers.
Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta, Miss Kelsi discovered her passion for dance at the age of six. She trained at Joy’s Dance Factory in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Character Dance, and Lyrical, developing a strong foundation in both technique and performance.
Kelsi furthered her training at prestigious summer programs including the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, State Street Ballet, and Pro Danza in Italy. Her professional career took her around the world as a performer with Norwegian and Carnival Cruise Lines.
After returning home, Kelsi taught at Joy’s Dance Factory for a time and is thrilled to be back once again—sharing her love of dance with the next generation of students.
Miss Jennifer de Boer is a former student and junior teacher at Joy’s Dance Factory. After spending a few years filling in for instructors, she is excited to return this fall as an assistant teacher for the acro classes.
Jennifer began her journey as a competitive gymnast but discovered her true passion for dance as a preteen. While training at Joy’s, she studied ballet, jazz, tap, and gymnastics, competed in dance festivals, and attended several conventions and summer intensives.
She holds her ADAPT Advanced 3 Jazz certificate and RAD Grade 5 Ballet certificate. Miss Jenn is thrilled to be back in the studio, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation of dancers.
Miss Krystyn Jahn grew up in Lethbridge and has loved dancing and performing for as long as she can remember. She earned her Education degree from the University of Alberta in 2003 and spent several years teaching elementary school. Now a proud mom of four—who all love to dance—Krystyn brings her passion for both teaching and movement into every class.
She especially enjoys working with preschool-aged dancers, focusing on early ballet technique, musicality, and creative movement. Krystyn holds her Intermediate R.A.D. Ballet certificate, as well as Grade 8 Al Gilbert Tap and Intermediate 3 Brian Foley Jazz certifications.
Since 2006, she has been teaching dance to young children on and off and is so happy to be back in the studio doing what she loves most.
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