Instructors

Winter 2024 Teaching Faculty

Fall classes are run Monday & Thursday evenings at Vimy Ridge Academy
8205 90 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

Raena Waddell

Modern | Mondays 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Fascinated with the human body communicating through movement, Raena has built a 20+ year career as a dancer, choreographer and movement instructor in Edmonton. She has premiered 18 of her own choreographic works in Alberta, recognized by the Edmonton Arts Council, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and receiving Brian Webb Dance Company Award training extensively with both Heidi Bunting and Brian Webb. Raena has continued her education in Garuda Matwork, Barre and Apparatus with founder, James D’Silva. Raena holds her Pilates Method, Hatha and Yin Yoga certification studying with Tracy Friesen, Melanie Checknita and Joe Barnett. Away from the stage, inspired by numerous choreographers and body work philosophies, Raena teaches movement classes in hopes to encourage a sense of curiosity in her students as to how and what makes their body move. She has 15 years experience as an Instructor with the City of Edmonton working with students of all abilities and levels. Currently, Raena continues to train and perform as a dancer and teaches movement classes for students in person in Edmonton and online around the world.

Stephanie Lilley

Contemporary Jazz | Thursdays 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Stephanie, 2017 Mayor's Award for the Arts nominee, is the Artistic Director of Viva Dance Company. Under their leadership, the company has performed over 300 times to date and is a staple in the Edmonton arts community. In addition to The Edmonton Singing Christmas Tree, Fringe Festivals across the country, galas and charity events, the company also brings dance to new markets such as hockey arenas (Edmonton Oil Kings) and fashion shows (Western Canada Fashion Week).
Stephanie has a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (BKin) as well as a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA). Although an experienced teacher and performer, they continue to be a student themself. Stephanie underwent bilateral hip replacement surgery in 2020 and is dancing their way back to peak health. They are working towards another master’s degree in which they are writing a thesis about their experience with hip replacement and their return to professional dance. Some of their most influential teachers include their children, Jude (9) and Gloria (7).