Our alumni are the architects of the dance world—performing on international stages, leading innovative studios, and cultivating wellness in communities across the globe.
Professional Dancers
International Companies & Productions
Oksana Maslechko Holstebro Teaters Dansekompagni (Denmark)
Afonso Godim Focus Cia de Dança (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Carolina Rodrigues Dezani Raça Cia de Dança (São Paulo, Brazil)
Payton Kennedy SQx Dance Company (Canada, Portugal)
Claire Viitaniemi Volkstheater Rostock (Rostock, Germany)
Bruce Perger Beto Carrero (Matias Barbosa/Penha, Brazil)
Agustin Gomes The Metropolitan Opera (New York City, USA)
Nicolas Ventura Batsheva Dance Company (Israel)
Jee Lam Cirque Du Soleil & Celine Dion (Canada / International)
Andre Grippi São Paulo Cia de Dança (São Paulo, Brazil)
Thiago Fayad Oper Bonn (Bonn, Germany)
Renan Carvalho Ballett des Stadttheaters Bremerhaven (Bremerhaven, Germany)
Renato Barbosa Divina Dança (São Paulo, Brazil)
Gustavo Madubuike Gainesville Ballet (Gainesville, USA)
Lucas Flygare Cia Jovem Teatro Guaíra (Curitiba, Brazil)
Canadian & Regional Companies
Arianna Savady Ballet Edmonton (Edmonton, AB)
Benedict Quedenbaum Ballet Edmonton (Edmonton, AB)
Lazaro Silva Lamondance Professional Company, Belle Spiral & Ne.Sans Opera (Vancouver, BC)
MacKye White Ballet Kelowna (Kelowna, BC)
Will Jessup Belle Spiral, Dance Novella & Ne.Sans Opera (Vancouver, BC)
Juan Duarte Ballet Vancouver and Ballet BC (Vancouver, BC)
Noah McKimm Cristina Bucci Dance Projects, Lamondance Professional Dance Company (Vancouver, BC)
Payton Kennedy Lamondance Professional Company (Vancouver, BC)
Elena Himbeault Lamondance Professional Company (Vancouver, BC)
Dania Grant Lamondance Professional Company (Vancouver, BC)
Avery Ebenal Lamondance Professional Company (Vancouver, BC)
Nali Richards Cristina Bucci Dance Projects (Vancouver, BC)
Yuha Tomita Dance Novella, Lamondance & Cristina Bucci Dance Projects (Vancouver, BC)
Ashley Rabinovitch Ballet Kelowna (Kelowna, BC)
Piper French Ballet BC, Johan Inger Youth Project & Inversedance (Vancouver, BC)
Bryn Bridgen Dance Novella & Ballet Vancouver (Vancouver, BC)
Gabriel Pinter Company Dancer & Costume Designer (Brazil)
Pedro Vinicius Ballet Stagium, Bohemia Ballet, Royal City Youth Ballet & Lamondance (Brazil / Canada)
Freelance Dancers & Emerging Artists
Arianna Elsworth Professional Dancer (London, UK / Vancouver, BC)
Linnea Goldstorm Professional Dancer (Vancouver, BC)
Kayla Malanfant Professional Dancer & Pilates Instructor (Vancouver, BC)
Camila Silva Professional Dancer & Yoga/Pilates Instructor (Vancouver, BC)
Jessica Felix Professional Dancer & Choreographer (Vancouver, BC)
Sève De Breizh Professional Dancer & Choreographer (France)
Maria Victoria Professional Dancer & Nutritionist (Brazil)
Farley Ferenze Dancer, Coach & Choreographer (Brazil)
Artistic Directors, Founders & Studio Owners
Davi Rodrigues Artistic Director, Lamondance (Vancouver, BC)
Christie Lee Manning Founder & Director, House of Jazz (London, UK)
Cierra Rohde Owner & Director, Dance Directions (Squamish, BC)
Paula Pacheco Director & Choreographer, Danza Dimensione & Festival Internacional de Dança Andrea Pacheco (Brazil)
Gustavo Gomes Creative Director, Gustavo Gomes & Co. (Cologne, Germany)
Andre Luiz Creative Director, Dancer & Choreographer (Munich, Germany)
Krystal Kohan Owner & Director, Thrive Dance Studio (Langley, BC)
Natalie Kohan Owner & Director, Thrive Dance Studio (Langley, BC)
Kat Trainor Director, Trainor Movement Co. (Vancouver, BC)
Igor Gomes Company Manager, Coastal City Ballet (Vancouver, BC)
Samantha Skelly Founder, Hungry for Happiness (San Diego, USA)
Lauren Rose Founder & Certified Sleep Consultant, Tiny Starts Sleep (Vancouver, BC)
Choreographers, Educators & Rehearsal Directors
Nicolas Ventura Rehearsal Director, Ballet BC (Vancouver, BC)
Kim Dixon Dance Teacher & Choreographer (Vancouver, BC)
Hailley Caulfield Dance Teacher (Vancouver, BC)
Sarah Tse Dance Teacher, Deas Island Dance (Delta, BC)
Kiona Graham Dance Teacher & Choreographer (Vancouver, BC)
Hayley Galati Dance Teacher & Choreographer (Vancouver, BC)
Elisse Beckett Dance Teacher (Vancouver, BC)
Tiago Camargo Ballet Teacher, Ballet Jovem Minas Gerais & Lamondance (Brazil / Canada)
Mariana Moraes Teacher & Choreographer, Dansstudio Arabesque & Huys Arts (Belgium)
Giovanna Faria Teacher, CiaAthletica Estádio Do Morumbi (Brazil)
Luisa Gomes Teacher, Art Fitness Studio Sabrina Lermen (Brazil)
Natasha Caldwell BC Lions Dancer (Vancouver, BC)
Health, Movement & Wellness Practitioners
Alejandra Miranda Fascial Stretch Therapy Practitioner (Vancouver, BC)
Hannah Sim Yoga Instructor, Lamondance (Vancouver, BC)
Joy Wardle Yoga Instructor (Vancouver, BC)
Annie Au Trauma-Informed Yin Yoga Instructor (Vancouver, BC)
Bia Dreux Fitness Coach (London, UK)
Giulia Scarpa Movement Researcher & Teacher, Entrepassos Dança (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
Marcelle Lemos Osteopath, IDOT - Instituto de Osteopatia (Brazil)
Juliana Hettema Youth Worker, Archway Community Services (Abbotsford, BC)
Diego Belop Dance & Performing Arts Photographer (Brazil / Germany)
Crystal Wills Innovate Educators (Gibsons, BC)
Stories of Impact
Here are just a few of the many impactful stories from our alumni, showcasing the difference our programs have made.
We are happy to share the success of our former dancers. They have gone on to work with international companies such as Holstebro Dansekompagni (Holstebro, Denmark), Batsheva Dance Company (Israel), São Paulo Cia de Dança (Brazil), Divinadança (Brazil), Nordhausen Ballet (Germany), Theater Osnabrück (Germany), Halle Opera House (Germany), Grazer Oper (Austria), Tanzkompanie der Oper Graz (Germany), Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company, Gainesville Ballet (USA), Wen Wei Dance (Canada), Ballet BC (Vancouver, Canada), 45 Degrees, and Cirque du Soleil (Montreal), among others.
Oksana Maslechko
"Before finding Lamondance, I was uncertain of what my next step was. Getting the chance to be a part of Lamon has truly changed my life. I am incredibly grateful to be able to take my passion for dance so seriously. I've been provided with so many opportunities and experiences that have helped me grow not only as an artist but as an individual. I thank Davi Rodrigues and Lamondance because, without them, I wouldn't be where I am today." - Oksana Maslechko
Gabriel Costa Prado
My name is Gabriel Costa Prado, I am 22 years old, and I am participating in the Training Program of the Lamondance Company, Season 16 - Through the scholarship program. Every day since my arrival here has been the realization of a big dream. Leaving my country to study dance is already something magnificent, but the experience I am having with Lamon Dance has exceeded my expectations. I am extremely happy and grateful for all the classes and rehearsals, for the new friends I have made, and for the new experiences I have lived. I was very well welcomed and supported by everyone since my first day. Instead of a hostile and competitive environment, I found a place full of companions who help me to be better every day, and I feel that this is essential for my growth. And all this experience has only been possible thanks to the scholarship I received, which is allowing me to live the highlight of my entire professional training."
Vinicius Batista
The scholarship was important to me because without it, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the trip to Canada and take part in the training program. Being in this program has been extremely important, as I’ve been receiving contemporary dance training that I wouldn’t find in the country I come from, and that will make a huge difference in both my résumé and professional experience. The professionals I’ve been introduced to and have been working with have given me valuable insights, and I’ve had learning opportunities that will make a real difference in the job market.
Paris Litnosky
During my ongoing time at Lamondance, I’ve been given the space, environment and opportunities that have allowed me the ability to grow my own artistic desires as a dancer, and prepare me with technical abilities that will be required in my development for a career in the arts. Additionally, I find myself feeling very grateful that I have had the chance to participate in a prominent and established program that is close to home. During my third year, I have been presented with the privilege to work alongside the Lamondance professional company and the training program. This is allowing me to collaborate and create with other dancers who I admire as role models, as well as be a role model myself to new dancers in the program. Along with that, I am able to connect and network with other professionals in our community to open more doors in my career. As my training comes to an end, I excitedly anticipate my career and the opportunities that may come my way. With that, reflecting on my training, I have grown in my confidence, giving me the privilege to discover my own artistry and grow in many other aspects of my life. For me, Lamondance has rewarded me with skills and expertise that are beyond valuable, and will continue to shape me as a dancer, an artist and a person.
Mackye White
My time at Lamondance opened my eyes to the world of dance and began to help me discover the artist I want to be. The faculty always reminded us we are constantly growing and changing. They gave me a family of like minded people, each one so kind and helpful, constantly pushing each other to explore movement and new ideas. Our directors, choreographers and teachers did more than they knew. They became our mentors and friends over the 2 years I was there. Creating such amazing connections and networks within the community that I will always be thankful for. Of course none of this would have been possible for me if I hadn't been so fortunate to receive the BIPOC Scholarship from Lamondance. It was the reason I was able to attend the program and continue my pursuit of dance. My time at Lamondance shaped me like no other, it was a very important chapter of my life. One I will always be thankful for. I am currently dancing professionally with Ballet Kelowna under the direction of Simone Orlando which has been amazing.
Ashley Rabinovitch
Throughout my two years at Lamondance, I grew so much as a dancer and really stepped my skills up to the next level. This is what helped get me to where I am now with the confidence to back it. During my training I received many great opportunities to work with so many amazing choreographers and teachers and I was able to learn so much from all of them. Lamon is truly unlike any other program and I am so grateful for everything it has taught me. I am currently dancing professionally with Ballet Kelowna under the direction of Simone Orlando which has been amazing, and I know that without my two years at Lamon, this would not have been possible. I highly recommend Lamondance to anyone looking to prepare themselves as a professional dancer.
Jee Lam
LMD came at a time in my life when I wasn't sure where I was going or what I was doing, but I knew that I needed to dance. LMD -- Lara, Monica, Davi -- gave me the environment I needed to begin exploring who I was as a young, but maturing, dancer. LMD gave me a family. It gave me mentors and refuelled my passion for dance. The variety of choreographic style and training that was given to us expanded and strengthened my physicality and maturity. I began to discover the different textures available within movement, and uncovered physicality I didn't know how to access. The numerous performance opportunities we had allowed me to grow equally onstage and in the studio. With LMD I travelled to Brasilia for the International Dance Festival where my dance family grew even larger. We performed and trained there for 3 weeks. Sharing the love of dance with the talented dancers of Brazil was incredibly inspiring and opened my eyes to a new level of dedication. Thanks to LMD I had the opportunity of furthering my training at the Lines Ballet Training Program in San Francisco. Since then I have attended Springboard Danse Montreal, appeared in the film Centre Stage 3, and performed with Ballet Ouest in their production of the Nutcracker, which toured in Québec. This summer I have the opportunity to work with 45 Degrees and Cirque du Soleil in their production "Stone," in Trois-Rivières. All of these opportunities are possible thanks to Lamondance being there for me and giving me the courage, space, trust, challenges, and love with which to grow. "It is here that I began to discover the different textures available within movement, and learned how to access physicality that had previously been unavailable to me." "Thanks to LMD I have had the opportunity of furthering my training..."
Isla Spotswood
I experienced remarkable change during my time at Lamondance. I was wary of pursuing dance seriously after high school and had many questions of what a career in the arts would look like. I took a leap of faith joining the Lamondance training program, and moved to North Vancouver to embark on a new journey. At Lamondance I felt like the faculty truly believed in me and were invested in my progression as a dance artist. With attentive guidance and encouragement from my instructors, I started to see my own potential and began believing in myself too. I was amazed at what I was capable of achieving with this new found intention and motivation in my practice. Lamondance provided an environment that allowed me to discover my unique artistic voice and helped me find the courage to seek out challenges and opportunities that would enhance my personal growth. What I value most from my time at Lamondance is the support I received every step of the way, especially from my loving peers. The connections and friendships that I made within the program and company is what made my experience so special and fulfilling. These people will be my colleagues and friends for life, and Lamondance will always be an important piece of my story. After Lamondance Isla went to GibneyPRO - professional training program NY & Anderson Carvalho Dance Company (aka ACDC) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Arianna Elsworth
During my two years being part of the Lamondance Professional Training program, I made so many deep connections & learned so much about who I am as a dancer and an artist. The opportunities I received at Lamondance were so incredible & I met some of the most inspiring & good people in my life. I am so grateful for how the program prepared me for the professional dance world by helping me develop much of my artistry, a strong work ethic & so much more that I've carried, and will continue to carry into my future! I'm glad to have been part of the program throughout its incredible 12th & 13th season - it was a really great experience!’
Afonso Junior Gomes
Everyone talks about how amazing it is to work with Lamondance because it makes you an incredible professional, working with many amazing artists. And that’s true, but Lamondance is more than that, speaking from my experience: Lamondance has changed my life; it has elevated me in the field of contemporary dance. It has made me a skilled professional with a wealth of experience. It has shown me how important it is to understand others’ stories and admire how people tell their stories through their bodies. It’s hard to explain how the environment at Lamondance transforms us for the better. Today, I am a recognized teacher and choreographer in my country. I have taught classes in more than ten countries and judged at national and international festivals. With my work, I obtained the highest score at the World Ballet Competition in contemporary solo in 2022. I have had two choreographies invited to the final gala of the YAGP, and I have won the Excellence Award at Danzamerica. I always pass on everything I have learned at Lamondance. I am very grateful, and without a doubt, I know it was the best experience of my life.
Paula Pacheco
"It's funny how we look back and see how we have changed, learned, and grown in more than just movements, but also in how to behave in the dance world and in all possible environments in life. Lamondance changed my way of thinking, dancing, and my perspective on life. It was a challenge being there, and also the best moment of my life. Making friends and learning how to become a professional, not just as a dancer, but as a person, has made me the person that I am today, and is still shaping the person that I want to be in the future. Today in Brazil, my way of dancing inspires other people. Thank you, Lamondance, for three seasons of a lot of research and work with good professionals. I look forward to what is coming."
Juan Duarte
We are very proud to announce that our alumni Juan Duarte will be working with Ballet BC as an Emerging Artist for the 2019/2020 season! Juan graduated from the Lamondance two-year contemporary dance program in Vancouver, BC where he started in 2016. Right after completing his studies with Lamondance, Juan had the opportunity to work with other local programs before given the opportunity to participate with Ballet BC's 2019/20 Emerging Artists! We wish all the best to Juan and looking forward to seeing him on stage with the company.
Gustavo Madubuike
Lamondance was an amazing experience in my life. I was able to grow so much as a professional dancer. During my training I had incredible teachers and choreographers from whom I was able to learn a lot. One of the most important things I’ve learned there was to share experiences and collaborate with other dancers specially being from another country, it was great to be part of an environment that could help me to became a solid and strong professional dancer. I am so thankful for all the things that I was able to experience while my studies with Lamondance and it guided me to the company that I’m currently working “Virginia National Ballet in US”.
Devan Généreux
Lamondance was the perfect stepping stone towards my professional dance career. It prepared me for what dancing in a professional setting was like while still having the opportunity for discovery and exploration found in a dance class. It connected me to so many talented artists who pushed me to grow and stay inspired. By providing opportunity for travel, Lamondance is unlike any other training program. My two years of training at Lamondance was crucial for my development and is something I will always hold close to my heart. It led me to further pursue my dance career by moving to Toronto and graduating from The Conteur Academy and participating in Proartedanza SIP.
Amanda Vlahovic
After graduating from Arts Umbrella's 2 year Dance Diploma program, I found myself seeking a training program to further my expolaration and passion in dance. While working with Lamondance as a season 5 and 6 dancer, it opened up opportunities and connections to work with other people such as the response. with Amber Funk Barton and the International Dance Festival in Brasilia, Brazil as a part of season 7. Lamondance has encouraged me to reach personal goals and gave me a safe space to work with so many talanted dancers. Since ending my journey and enrolling at the Art Institute of Vancouver for their Culinary Arts and Restaurant Ownership Program, I owe so much to Lamondance with the person I have become and the person I thrive to be.
Hailley Caulfield-Postle
I had the most incredible experience working in Lamon Dance. The training gained from it has shaped my dancing, teaching and training ever since. Lamon offers the highest quality of training in contemporary and modern dance. It is a program I always recommend to my graduating students who are looking to continue and expand their training in modern and contemporary dancing. I am forever grateful for Monica, Lara and Davi for offering all of their skill to me and my fellow Lamon dancers, it truly felt like a family.
Mariana Moraes
I have trained with Lamondance for 4 seasons starting in 2012, I was part of season 3 to season 6 and it was a great, challenging and fun journey where I was able To develop and learn so much during this time, the combination of ballet, contemporary and improvisation technique classes, amazing coaching and the positive environment gave me just the perfect opportunity to develop my talent and start to pursue my passion for dance as a career. While and after my training with Lamondance I was able to participate as a dancer in dance performances, dance photoshoots and film and television jobs. Currently I'm teaching and choreographing professionally in Vancouver in many schools and projects and have been offered so many opportunities that for sure wouldn't be possible if it wasn't for not just the training but the support that has be given to me ever since my training started. I highly recommended and encourage Lamondance program if you want to pursue a career in dance.
Christie Lee Manning
Lamondance helped evolve me from a dancer to an artist. It taught me how to trust myself in my movement. It gave me invaluable direction, strength, and knowledge that I will carry with me throughout my entire career. Joining Lamondance was one of the smartest decisions I ever made. I highly recommend this experience to anyone!.
Crystal Wills
I had a pleasure of training with Lamondance in 2010 as part of my continuing professional development. Lamondance offered the kind of high quality training I needed to return to a professional career, after recovering from a longtime injury, and left me feeling stronger and more engaged as a performer. Since working with Lamondance, I’ve travelled to Germany, Brazil, New York, Toronto and throughout BC as a professional performer. I have worked with MOVE: The Company, with choreographer: Caitlin Griffin, on Centre Stage: En Pointe as an assistant choreographer, in Students films at the Vancouver Film School, and many other independent projects. Additionally, I have been honoured to continually guest perform with Lamondance over the past 5 years. I highly recommend Lamondance to any semi-professional looking to expand on their training and knowledge in contemporary.
Andre Grippi
Lamondance was the perfect amount of contemporary dance I could have had to learn exactly what my body capabilities were. Before joining Lamondace I had only classical and jazz training, and the program was a very good space to learn how to merge whatever knowledge I had and make pure dance out of it, expressful and meaningful. After LMD, I was a trainee at the Joffrey ballet in Chicago, where I got the opportunity to work with the main company on the production of the Merry Widow, and then I joined Sao Paulo Cia De Dança, where I am for 5 years now, dancing a very intriguing repertoire, going from brazilian choreographers to Jyri Killian, Nacho Duato , William Forsythe, Edouard Lock... This is a wish come true was possible due to all the base studies I had, and LMD was definitely a very important part of it.