Staff

Miss Tanya has taught with DanceWorks for over a dozen years in the areas of Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Swing, and more.  She has an extensive dance background including both her professional dance training, as well as experience performing across Canada.

Even though Miss Tanya has moved to BC to be closer to her family, we are excited to still have her expertise both as a guest instructor, a consultant choreographer, and a Zoom Instructor.  We want to thank Tanya for her continued support not only for DanceWorks & Candlewick, but also for our local dance community here in southern Manitoba.

Cathy moved to Morden from Winnipeg and has taught Celtic/Irish with DanceWorks for a number of years. Celtic dancing or Irish Step Dancing has become famous from the shows Riverdance and Lord of the dance. With numerous years of dance training and teaching in Celtic, Cathy originally danced with three different instructors, and achieved several dancing accomplishments. Dancing competively for several years has given her the chance to compete in many competitions and she has participated in the North American National Dance Championships for a number of years. Cathy has achieved several awards and top placings at several competitions across Canada and the U.S.A. Irish Dancing gave Cathy the chance to perform many shows including Winnipeg’s summer festival of Folkarama at the Irish Pavilion; and at Epcot Center in Orlando Florida Disney World for two weeks.

Cathy has most recently brought her own students to perform not only for the Folkorama Festival in Winnipeg, but to a number of other festivals, and events in southern Manitoba.  Cathy's competitive dancers have earned many awards at a number of competitions.

Cathy is currently working towards achieving her Teachers Certificate from the Registered Teachers Association of Irish Dance from the Irish Dancing Commission of Registered Teachers Association in Dublin Ireland.

Photo by Janet Haslam Photography

B.A. Music / Piano (Grade 10) / ORFF (Level 1)

Originally from Oakville, MB, Vanessa has numerous years of experience and training in music. Supplemented by her work with children and youth over the years and in various capacities, she continued her training in college with a Bachelor's Degree in Music, offering her opportunity not only to tour Canada, but also part of Europe.

While attending college, Vanessa met Richard and together they ventured into the adventure of working with youth and the arts. She has provided multiple support and initiatives with her talents in music, administration, and costuming. She has been involved in these areas for over 20 years in numerous capacities. Vanessa has been involved as studio administrative assistant for over 16 years and lends her talents/training in music, piano, as well as in Tap and Ballroom. Vanessa participates in numerous community and musical/theatrical productions both as a pianist as well as with Front of House coordination.

Photo by Janet Haslam Photography

B.Th. / Exec. Producer (Candlewick Productions)
Theatre Professor (Steinbach Bible College)
Founder/Board Member (Manitoba's Passion Play)

Growing up and living near La Riviere, MB, Richard has had a passion for drama and the arts originating early on in life. With an extensive list of theatre, music, and leadership training/experiences, Richard has worked in a variety of theatre settings. He has also worked with youth across the province in numerous education, theatre, and ministry formats.

In 1998, Richard founded Oak Valley Productions (developing the outdoor theatre in La Riviere and Manitoba’s Passion Play), and in 2002 he began Candlewick Productions. Richard’s numerous activities with Candlewick include: Drama Professor at Steinbach Bible College (for over 20 years); teaching children’s theatre classes; directing youth, college, and community musicals (both solo as well as in partnerships with Prairie Spirit School Division and Steinbach Bible College); connecting with schools both as an Artist in the School (particularly hosting several successful ArtSmarts II programs) as well as a workshop host; coordinating both high-school and college internship programs; providing technical theatre rentals and assistance; directing and producing various theatrical productions; writing and producing a number of productions; and also serving in a number of contract arrangements.

Candlewick Productions produces a number of theatrical presentations throughout the year. Some recent notable productions Richard has produced/directed include: "Fiddler on the Roof", "Little Women", "Masks Off", "Newsies", "Beauty and the Beast", "Esther: Queen of Persia", "It's a Wonderful Life", "Mary Poppins", "Freud's Last Session", among many, many others.

Richard serves and has served in various capacities of leadership on several community, church, theatre, and tourism boards. He has had a number of theatre endeavors including the creation of the Oak Valley Outdoor theatre (La Riviere) where he continues to act as a board member. He serves on the Manitou Opera House Management Committee and Foundation, as well as owner and renovator of the Kenmor Theatre (Morden). Internationally, Richard has worked with Belize Camping Experience and several schools offering drama workshops & presentations in the country of Belize.

Over the past 30+ years, Richard has acted or given direction in well over 230 plays as well as technical assistance to dozens of others.  Acting, directing, and working with youth and adults alike are his love and joy second to his family.

Photo by Janet Haslam Photography

Kierstyn came to DanceWorks in 2014 at the age of 7 and started her dance in Hip Hop.  She has now been dancing for over 8 years, and though focussing in Hip Hop, she has also been involved with Jazz and the competitive Dynamix Dance Troupe for a few years.  She has been a teacher's assistant for several years and enjoys leading groups in the dance experience.

Kierstyn has performed solos in local Dance Festivals as well as with the Dynamix Troupe in larger competitions not to mention also being involved with Community Musical Theatre productions.

Kierstyn loves dance and has a heart to teach others.