Director, Alberta Ballet School
Ashley McNeil Fellow + Examiner, CI-CIBC, Enrico Cecchetti Diploma
Ashley McNeil’s early ballet training began in Owen Sound, Ontario under the tutelage of Eleanor Brennan, followed by attending National Ballet School. Ashley furthered her training at The School of Dance, Ottawa and Quinte Ballet School where she later graduated under the direction of Brian Scott and Joyce Shietze.
In 2004, Ms. McNeil joined the faculty of Alberta Ballet School to teach Professional Division. During this time, she contributed to the University of Calgary’s Bachelor of Arts; Dance undergraduate degree. By 2011, Ms. McNeil was Head of the Junior School for the Professional Division, and in 2013, she became the School’s Artistic Principal.
Ms. McNeil has achieved her Fellowship designations from Cecchetti Canada. In 2011, Ms. McNeil was awarded The Margaret Saul Scholarship Award, and the Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma under the tutelage of Ms. Nancy Kilgour.
In 2017, Ms. McNeil joined the board of examiners for Cecchetti Canada. She is also a jury member for World Ballet Arts Grand Prix and Youth America Grand Prix.
Academic Principal
Ms. Candice Beermann B.Sc.,B.Ed.,M.Ed.
Ms. Beermann has diverse experiences in the field of education both locally and abroad, and she is eager to bring her knowledge and skills to the School. Her educational philosophy is based on the belief that given the right opportunities, all students can learn. She believes that students should develop the skills needed to be life-long learners while endeavouring to be positive global citizens.
Ms. Beermann earned her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Calgary in 2000 and her Bachelor of Education specializing in Secondary Science in 2002. In 2012, Ms. Beermann was accepted to Boston College’s Lynch School of Education where she completed her Master of Education in School Leadership and Administration.
Ms. Beermann began her educational career in the Calgary Catholic School District first as a grade 7-9 science and humanities teacher and then as a grade 10-12 chemistry teacher. Ms. Beermann spent seven years with the district as teacher, department head, and coordinator for the International Baccalaureate program before accepting a position in New York as a founding member of the EF International Academy boarding school staff in 2009.
In 2014, Ms. Beermann accepted a Vice Principal position at Newton South High School just outside of Boston. She spent five years there working alongside the Principal before deciding to return to Calgary. Ms. Beermann joined the Calgary Board of Education as a high school Assistant Principal in 2019.
Ms. Beermann has studied ballet all of her life and has a deep appreciation for the artistic spirit and the hard work needed to pursue a career in dance. She is eager to help students experience excellence in their academics as they follow their passion as dancers.
Head of Residence
Kalpana Gurung BA, MA
Kalpana joined the Alberta Ballet School family in 2013 upon moving to Calgary from Pokhara, Nepal where she was an educator in both elementary and junior schools. Kalpana’s experience educating young students led to her development as a youth program coordinator in the non-profit sector where she planned and managed the administration of vocational programs for socially underprivileged youth. Becoming Head of Residence in 2017, Kalpana is passionate about making our students feel at home while in residence in every possible way.
Ms. Gurung holds a BA in Sociology and a MA in English Literature from Tribhuvan University and was a radio presenter in Pokhara, where she focused her program content on the empowerment of women and ethic minorities.
Director, Open and Provincial Programs, Head of Junior School
Taryn Samson LCC-CIBC, Enrico Cecchetti Diploma
Taryn Samson, a native Calgarian, received her early training under Gillian Howatt. She began her professional training at Canada's National Ballet School and then at the Alberta Ballet School under the direction of Murray and Nancy Kilgour. Ms. Samson performed with Alberta Ballet in performances including Mikko Nissinen’s “The Nutcracker” and Christopher Wheeldon’s “A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream”.
Ms. Samson joined the Alberta Ballet School’s Professional Division as a full-time faculty member in 2011 and has worked to refine her skills under the mentorship of esteemed teachers such as Murray and Nancy Kilgour, Joyce Shietze, Ashley McNeil and Diane van Schoor. Ms. Samson was promoted to Head of Junior School in 2013 and Director of Open and Provincial Programs in 2021.
Ms. Samson holds her Licentiate with Cecchetti Canada and was the 2013 recipient of the Margaret Saul Scholarship Award for Professional Development. She is also one of few that holds the prestigious Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma, the highest qualification in the method, and achieved this honor through the mentorship of Nancy Kilgour.
Ms. Samson is the first Canadian to become an Affiliate teacher of The Royal Ballet School certified in the Affiliate Training and Assessment Program. She has also received a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Mount Royal University.
Head of Senior School
Janet Tait
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Ms. Tait trained at the Sculy/Borovansky School of Ballet, Sydney and The Victorian College of the Arts under the tutelage of Vaganova method teacher, Janina Cunovas.
Ms. Tait began her professional dance career with Victoria Ballet. In 1983 she joined London City Ballet, and then West Australian Ballet in 1987 as a principal dancer. It was at this time that she began teaching for various ballet companies including The West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, and Graduate College of Dance.
In 2000, Ms. Tait was appointed Resident Guest Teacher with the Singapore Dance Theatre and also taught at LaSalle University SIA as teacher and assessor. She moved to Canada in 2002 to teach and coach at Alberta Ballet School, and served as Ballet Mistress for Alberta Ballet in 2005.
In 2011, she was appointed as Classical Tutor at The New Zealand School of Dance, returning once again to Calgary in 2013 to take up the duties of Head of Senior School at Alberta Ballet School.
Head of Wardrobe
Quynh Chestnut
Quynh immigrated to Canada in 1980 and immediately put her talent to work in the theater community starting with Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects and four years at the Banff Centre of Performing Arts.
Following her theatre work, Quynh spend over 5 years in wardrobe and costuming for motion pictures and television including: Lonesome Dove - The Outlaw Years, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Emmy Award winner Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, Into the West, Passchendaele, HellBoy, Brokeback Mountain, Shanghai Noon, Assassination of Jesse James and Underworld to name a few.
Quynh joined the Alberta Ballet Company in 2010 and become Head of Wardrobe at Alberta Ballet School in 2015. Quynh costumes all students in both the Professional and Open Divisions in Calgary, with over 750 students custom fitted for our Year End Performance each year.
Senior School Ballet Teacher
Murray Kilgour
Murray Kilgour’s dance training began in Vancouver with Kay Armstrong. He continued at Canada's National Ballet School under the tutelage of Betty Oliphant.
In 1967, Mr. Kilgour joined the National Ballet of Canada, where he danced many soloist and principal roles. He left Canada in 1971 and joined the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden. In 1973, he joined Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet (now Birmingham Royal Ballet), where he was a soloist and principal dancer.
Mr. Kilgour studied educational methods at the Paris Opera School, School of American Ballet, and State School in the former East Berlin. From 1980 to 1989, Mr. Kilgour taught at the Royal Ballet School, and Central School of Ballet in London, England as Head of Male Dance. In 2000, Mr. Kilgour taught as a guest with the National Ballet of Canada and the National Ballet School.
Mr. Kilgour was invited with his wife Nancy to come to Calgary in 2001 to take over the Directorship of Alberta Ballet School. In 2008, he received the Rozsa Foundation Award for excellence in Arts Administration in Education.
Mr. Kilgour continues his role at the School as Senior Teacher concentrating on the Professional Graduate class, pas de deux classes and repertoire.
Director of Alberta Ballet Trainee Program
Aram Manukyan
Aram Manukyan began his ballet training at Armenian Choreography Academy where he studied the Vaganova method under Rafael Avnikian and Maxim Martirosian. He finished his training with a full scholarship at the Russian University of Theatre Arts.
Mr. Manukyan returned to Armenia and danced with Armenian National Ballet before taking a soloist position with Ukrainian State Opera Ballet Theatre. Mr. Manukyan would later dance principal and soloist roles with companies in Annapolis, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Sarasota.
Mr. Manukyan then became Artistic Director of the BGLV/Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. From there, Murray Kilgour invited him to Alberta as a ballet and character dance teacher. It was at Alberta Ballet School where he took up the Cecchetti method under Nancy Kilgour and pas de deux with Murray Kilgour.
With the launch of the Alberta Ballet II, a pre-professional program for youth dancers, in July 2014, Mr. Manukyan was appointed the program's Director. A jury member for many International Ballet Competitions, Mr. Manukyan is now Artistic Coordinator and Director of the Alberta Ballet Trainee Program at Alberta Ballet School.
Head of Contemporary Dance
Graham McKelvie
Graham McKelvie was born and raised in Saskatoon where he began his training with Hazel Ann Olson at Saskatoon School of Ballet. He continued his training as a scholarship student at Canada's National Ballet School and then in the professional training program at the School of the Toronto Dance Theatre.
In 1988 he joined the Toronto Dance Theatre, and was until 2011, a principal dancer with Coleman et Lemieux et Compagnie. His award-winning choreographic work have been presented internationally, most notably in various cities across Canada and Japan. Mr. McKelvie has taught at the School of the Toronto Dance Theatre, National Ballet School, and York University. Mr. McKelvie was first a guest teacher at Kobe Jogakuin University in Japan before becoming a full-time staff member from 2011 to 2014.
Since 2015, Mr. McKelvie has been the Head of Contemporary Dance Training at Alberta Ballet School. He continues to teach master classes across Canada.
Professional Division Instructor
Jennifer Fournier
Jennifer Fournier danced for 22 years with the National Ballet of Canada and is one of Canada’s most distinguished ballet dancers. She received her training at Canada’s National Ballet School under Betty Oliphant and joined the National Ballet upon her graduation. Fournier has danced leading roles in almost every major ballet in the classical repertoire: Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Myrtha in Giselle, Swanhilda in Coppelia, Kitri in Don Quixote Act III, Nikiya in La Bayadere, the Sylph in La Sylphide, and Pas de Six in Napoli. Fournier was privileged to dance many roles in the Balanchine repertoire including Waltz Girl in Serenade, principal roles in Balanchine’s Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds, all of the muses in Apollo, and leading roles in Mozartiana, Stravinsky Violin Concerto, Episodes, Symphony in C, Four Temperaments. She has also danced Ashton’s Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan, principal Woman in Song of the Earth, Second Movement in Concerto, the Mistress in Manon, and the lead in Elite Syncopations. She assisted in the creation of roles in ballets by Glen Tetley, James Kudelka, William Forsythe, John Neumeier, and others.
During her career, Fournier worked with some of the most renowned artists of the 20th century including Kenneth MacMillan, Lynn Seymour, Suzanne Farrell, Ib Anderson, Natalia Makarova, Celia Franca, Karen Kain, and Nikolaj Hubbe. Since her retirement, she has coached repertoire and taught classes for ballet companies and professional schools such as the National Ballet of Canada, Canada’s National Ballet School, Alberta Ballet School, and Goh Ballet. She is also a contributing writer for Dance International. Fournier has a Bachelor of Arts from Trinity College, University of Toronto, is married to Martin Cej, and is the mother of Olivia and Henry. She currently works in Development at the Calgary Philharmonic.
Professional Division Instructor
Nathalie Nadeau-Hope LCC-CIBC
Trained at L’École Supérieure de Danse de Québec in Montréal, Nathalie graduated under the tutelage of Daniel Seillier, a graduate of The Paris Opera Ballet School, National Ballet of Canada teacher and recipient of the Order of Canada.
Nathalie trained and danced in Montréal, but her career was cut short due to an injury. She continued her performing career in Musical Theatre and was privileged to join the Canadian company of Phantom of the Opera in leading roles with both the Toronto and Touring cast. Her love of movement and teaching, along with her desire to help others recover from injury and prevent injuries are close to her heart. This led Nathalie to continue her studies in postural rehabilitation, anatomy and physiology and holds her certificate from the Ferdinand Penchenat Method (with Thérèse Cadrin-Petit). She now helps athletes, dancers and many people of all walks of life with injury recovery while increasing their skill level and performance ability. Nathalie introduced The Fitness Table to Calgary in 1996.
Nathalie holds her Licentiate Certificate with Cecchetti Canada, gained under the mentorship of Nancy Kilgour, who is a recipient of the Order of Canada. Nathalie is a Professional Division Senior Level Ballet Teacher, as well as the Head of Alberta Ballet School's Health and Wellness Program. Nathalie also shares her knowledge at The Fitness Table Calgary as a postural and core instructor.
Since 2018, Nathalie has held the role of The Nutcracker Children Cast Rehearsal Director for Alberta Ballet in Calgary.
Nathalie has a beautiful family that she loves and is thankful to always be surrounded by wonderful friends and family.
Senior Ballet Teacher and Choreographic Associate
Edmund Stripe Enrico Cecchetti Diploma
Edmund Stripe was born in London, England and trained at the Royal Ballet School under the tutelage of Walter Trevor, Nancy Kilgour, Piers Beaumont, and Richard Glasstone.
In 1980 he joined Ballet Gulbenkian as a soloist. In 1984, Mr. Stripe moved to London City Ballet as principal dancer, and from 1987 to 1997 was principal dancer with West Australian Ballet. It was at this time that he created many major works for the company including children’s ballets.
In 1991, Mr. Stripe attained the Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma (Distinction) and was appointed honourary member of the Cecchetti Society of Australia (now Cecchetti Ballet Australia) in 1999. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Stripe served as Ballet Master of Singapore Dance School in 2000, and then Ballet Master at Alberta Ballet in 2002.
From 2011 to 2013, Mr. Stripe taught on the faculty of the New Zealand School of Dance. In 2013, Mr. Stripe returned to Calgary and Alberta Ballet School where he is currently Senior Teacher and Choreographic Associate.
Junior School Ballet Teacher, Program Manager
Catherine Walker LCC-CIBC
Born in London, Ontario Catherine Walker moved to Montreal to complete her pre professional training at Ecole Supérieure de Danse du Québec, and finished her training in New York City.
Ms. Walker has danced professionally with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Festival Ballet and Calgary City Ballet, and Alberta Ballet.
Ms. Walker holds a Licentiate Designation with the Cecchetti Society of Canada. Previously she held the posts of Principal, Co-Artistic Director, and Ballet Instructor at Halifax Dance. Her past accomplishments include serving as Ballet Mistress for Mocean Dance, and Verve Mwendo. She has also worked as a Sessional Instructor at the University of Calgary.
A teacher in the Professional Division at Alberta Ballet School since 2017, Ms. Walker is also the Program Manager and a Certified Pilates instructor.
Physiotherapist
Jonathan Glass BSKin; MScPT
Jonathan is a born and raised Calgarian. He obtained a Bachelor of Kinesiology from Acadia University, followed by his Master of Science in Physiotherapy at the University of Alberta.
Highly involved in sports himself, Jonathan worked with his university hockey and football teams and continues to enjoy working with athletes from all levels. Through continued mentorship with Physiotherapy leaders, Jonathan has developed a special interest in hip, shoulder, and spinal injuries.
Jonathan loves to learn and is continually adding to his knowledge and skills in the field of sports and musculoskeletal injuries. He has attained certifications from both the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute and Functional Dry Needling (IMS). He has also completed courses focusing on his Diploma in Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy. Regular literature searches help ensure the delivery of appropriate evidence-based physiotherapy. Jonathan’s focus lies in providing accurate assessment and ensuring every client’s concern is understood and treated thoroughly to achieve their individual goals.
In his spare time, Jonathan smiles when he is outside! His favourite activity involves wearing out the granny gear on his mountain bike over mountain passes, exploring the city on foot or two-wheels, listening to great music, laughing, and trying to keep pace with his two young children.
Jonathan has been working as a physiotherapist in the downtown core in Calgary since 2011.
Artistic Advisor
Diane van Schoor FISTD [CB] FRSA, Enrico Cecchetti Diploma
Born in South Africa, Diane van Schoor was trained by Jennifer Louw, later the University of Cape Town Ballet School [Director Dulcie Howes] and danced professionally for CAPAB Ballet [Director David Poole]. She founded her School of Classical Ballet and held a lectureship in Movement Studies in the Dramatic Arts Faculty, University of Stellenbosch.
Past Artistic Director of The Cecchetti Society of Southern Africa, she holds The Enrico Cecchetti Mabel Ryan Medal, Enrico Cecchetti Diploma and Fellowships of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing London [ISTD] and Royal Society for the Arts. She is the recipient of the Cecchetti Dedication Award 2000, for services to Ballet in South Africa and in 2011 was awarded The Enrico Cecchetti Gold Medal by the ISTD, a lifetime achievement award in recognition of her promotion of classical ballet around the world. She is a Trustee of the Cecchetti Society Trust in the UK and an ABT® Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 6, 7 and Partnering of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.
Diane frequently presents papers at international conferences and has acted as subject consultant for various dance publications. She is an Honorary Committee Member of the Wayne State University for Fine and Performing Arts USA, Honorary Member of The Cecchetti Council of America, Founding Member of Cecchetti International and an Advisory Panel Member for the Margaret Saul Scholarship in Canada. She has taught at many of the world’s leading schools and companies including The Royal Ballet and both Upper and Lower Schools, The Paris Opera Ballet School, The Vaganova Academy, The National Ballet School of Canada, Royal Winnipeg and Alberta Ballet and their Schools in Canada, New English Ballet Theatre, the Bartholin Seminars in Copenhagen and in the USA, Sweden, China and Japan.
In 2000 Diane joined the artistic staff of The Royal Ballet School [Director Gailene Stock CBE AM]. She taught Graduates at White Lodge, 2nd Year Diploma at the Upper School, choreographed for the Royal Opera House Main Stage for the Royal Ballet School’s annual performances and for the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain. She is the former Ballet Principal of The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge, a post she held from 2004-2014.
During the past few years Diane taught the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma to a selection of dancers from The Royal Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet for a heritage legacy film for the Cecchetti Trust UK. She acted as Artistic Director for the film project. She is a freelance master teacher, coach and examiner, teaching and consulting internationally.
Academic Instructor
Nichol McKinnon B.A. in Dramatic Arts Education, Minor in English Education, Computer and Technology Specialization from the University of Lethbridge. BA General Humanities, (English, History and Drama) from the University of Lethbridge.
Teaching English 10, English Language Arts 9, Career and Technology Foundations 9
Academic Instructor
Bauback Naderi B.Ed Mathermatics
Mr. Naderi graduated from the University of Alberta with an Education degree majoring in Mathematics. He delivers the high school math program at ABS.
Academic Instructor
Krysten Plosz BSc Biology, B.Ed. Secondary Science Education, M.Ed. Educational Technology and Instructional Design
Guest Teachers
- Christopher Anderson
- Josh Beamish
- Christiana Bennett
- Deborah Bowes
- Jean Grande-Maître
- Davida Monk
- Racheal Prince
- Diane van Schoor