affinity

Shandi Sporer
Having trained at Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts, Shandi started her dance career with the National Ballet of Canada in 1994.  In 1999 she returned to Vancouver to study kinesiology at Simon Fraser University.  While completing her degree Shandi continued to dance and has performed in Vancouver’s 12 Minutes Max XXXII (2006) as well as La Fute Magique with the Canadian Pacific Ballet in Victoria (May 2007). Currently, Shandi is enjoying the challenges of and fulfillment from teaching students at Affinity Dance.  She has also undertaken part-time studies in osteopathy at the Canadian College of Osteopathy in the hopes of educating and helping others to achieve health and balance.

Ashley Sweett
Starting dance at the age of three years old, Ashley Sweett has been training extensively in all varieties of dance. Born and raised in Langley, British Columbia, she graduated as a dance major from the Langley Fine Arts School and as a member of modern dance company "Esprit de Corps." During her involvement in the company she traveled to such places as Florida, Pennsylvania and New York to perform in the National High school Dance Festival. As a raised dancer from Affinity Dance, she was a regular competitor in numerous competitions and festivals, receiving Provincial Dance Representative on more than one occasion. Since the age of fifteen she has been an active performer for Patrick Ruberg Productions, seen in multiple performances at the Pacific Coliseum including playing the Pop Star role of "Dana" from in "Cirque Pop." After high school Ashley has continued her dance career as a member of Source Dance Company under direction of Joanne Pesusich. She is also a full time choreographer/trainer at Affinity Dance Inc. Ashley is a girl with big dreams ahead of her and looks forward to pursuing a productive career in the entertainment field. Ashley is very excited to be involved in the Summer 2008 Program at Affinity Dance again this year.

Heather Kendell
Heather Kendell originates from Ontario, where she received her initial training. During this time she performed with a local ballet company, Danse Elite, as first soloist and member of the corps de ballet in the company’s production of the Nutcracker. Prior to leaving Ontario, Heather received a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies degree from Brock University (1997).

She moved to British Columbia to continue her dance training and post-secondary education at Simon Fraser University (SFU). Ms Kendell received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a major in Dance and minor in Kinesiology (2002), from SFU in addition to a Certificate in Health and Fitness (2002). She was invited to perform with the Off Centre Performance Company for two consecutive years. Ms Kendell has gained ample performance experience by working with Danse Elite, Off Centre Performance Company, The Company Experience, Ballet du Printemps and CollabArt Creations.

Heather is a well-respected instructor, choreographer and dancer and is responsible for developing strong, artistic and capable young dancers. Sharing her passion for both modern and contemporary dance is of utmost importance to Heather. She believes to be a well-rounded mover; dancers should study ballet and contemporary dance together as they are true counterparts. Heather is looking forward to working with the staff and students of Affinity Dance, and we are so excited to have her as part of our team!!!!

Kayla Dunbar
Kayla is a graduate of Langley Fine Arts where she was both a dance major and a drama major. She is co-owner and choreographer of a modern dance company, Paper Bag Productions, and she is co-owner and producer of a musical theatre production company, Blockhead Productions. She has been seen in many musicals and dance shows here in Vancouver such as: Kindling (Crossing Borders Dance Exchange), Bye Bye Birdie (Footlight Theatre Co.), You're A Good Man Charlie Brown (Blockhead Productions), Emily (Gateway Theatre) and 42nd Street (Royal City Musical Theatre). Last summer she starred as Frenchie in Grease at Theatre Under The Stars in Stanley Park. Kayla’s most recent professional performances this year include Oliver and West Side Story. We are so happy to have Kayla with us again this year for this exciting Summer Camp!!