Fall 2026 Cohort
Monday September 28-Friday October 2, 2026
The Village Dance Academy 1868 Spall Road, Kelowna BC
Cost: $425
This program is for you if you are...
Motivated.
Independent.
Athletic.
Professional.
Remarkable.
Curriculum
Each seasonal Session is 5 full days with 2 classes per day and optional student-teacher meetings.
Daily Schedule:
10am-12noon - Contact Improvisation and Release Techniques - skills and practice
12-12:30pm Lunch Break ( please bring a packed lunch as there will only be thirty minutes between classes)
12:30-3pm Creation Lab - Over the five days we will create a new, original piece of choreography, that may include elements of improvisation, Contact Improvisation, solo or group choreography, any special skills that students brings; for example: singing, playing a musical instrument, speaking; reciting improvised or written text, or acting. Creation will come from the group’s unique set of skills. Be prepared for a rigorous creative process that will be challenging, fun and exciting.
I create with a focus on encouraging each student to step outside of their comfort zone. The final piece will be presented on the last day, Friday October 2, from 2:30-3pm, as a studio sharing for parents and friends. Please invite whomever you like!
Your Teachers
Jennifer McLeish Lewis
Originally from Calgary - Treaty 7 Territory, Jennifer is a dance artist who performs, choreographs, and teaches now on Coast Salish Territory in Vancouver.
From the time she was eight, Jennifer trained across Canada at The Alberta Ballet School, The School of Toronto Dance Theatre and in Vancouver at MainDance.
As a dancer, she has performed in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Jennifer was a performer with MACHiNENOiSY (Delia Brett and Daelik) and MMHOP (Martha Carter) both for a decade from 2002- 2012.
Her experience in Contemporary Dance, Ballet, and Contact Improvisation are all forms she draws on in the creative process. As a choreographer, Jennifer has had her work professionally presented since 2002, notably at the Vancouver International Dance Festival 2024, Dancing on the Edge 2019 and 2025, in Calgary at Fluid Festival 2024, at the Seattle International Dance Festival 2014, in underground shows in Montreal since 2016 and in Berlin in 2006.
In the summer of 2016 she had the honour of completing a two week choreographic residency at Ballet Kelowna, where she remounted a duet and created a solo. New Works Arts Management represented her in 2017-2018, presenting her work three times in 2018, including a week-long choreographic residency at The Annex Theatre in Vancouver.
In April 2019, she presented a trio at the EDAM Choreographic Showcase. Recently she choreographed and co-starred in a short film entitled, “We” with Canadian director Lynne Stopkewich. “We” was made possible by The Canada Council for the Arts and The British Columbia Arts Council.
Haley McCloskey
Hailey McCloskey is an Okanagan based dancer, dance facilitator and producer. She did her formative dance training at Dance Arts Institute (formerly The School of Toronto Dance Theatre), UBC Vancouver (BA Anthropology).
Hailey has had the privilege of working with Karen Jamieson Dance in community engaged dance facilitation, Compagni V’ni Dansi and Raven Spirit as a dancer, and training at EDAM dance in Vancouver. Hailey’s dream of dancing in nature came through working on Accidental Tourists (film) with Body Research along the coast of the U.S., and participating in the Canadian Wilderness Residency Project.
She worked as an independent dancer and facilitator in Vancouver for many years before moving back to her hometown in Kelowna to become an RMT. Here, she is excited about contributing to the growing dance community through interdisciplinary performance, Contact Improvisation, and Dancing with Parkinson’s.
A word about accessibility.
Personal boundaries are always respected and consent is discussed in depth.
Contact Improvisation is a partnering dance form that requires being touched and to touch. It is important that all dancers have either seen or experienced the form and are comfortable with close physical proximity.
Ultimately, every adult is responsible for themselves. Both male and female dancers are encouraged to apply. Please indicate your preferred pronouns on the application form. 2SLBTQIA+ inclusive.
While this course is designed for male and female dancers ages 18+, if you are 17 and interested in this program, parent’s permission and an interview can be conducted to assess maturity and fit for the program.
Special consideration will be given to disabled dancers and dancers with health challenges; please communicate these clearly and in advance.
Acceptance is determined by the director and is on a case by case scenario. Not everyone who applies will be accepted.
Question? Please don’t hesitate to reach out: cortescastaways @ gmail.com
Are you interested, but need to get to know me better? Let’s do a video call! I am available for twenty minute discovery calls to see if what I offer is a good fit for you.