Laura Killeen

ADAPT, RWID & YPAD | Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Stage, Rhythm Works Integrative Dance

Originally hailing from Ontario, Laura grew up dancing at the Burlington Dance Academy where she trained intensively in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap and Lyrical, Acro and Modern. Studying the Cecchetti Ballet syllabus from esteemed teachers Patricia Bradshaw, Paula Ramsay and Tania Infante, Laura completed her Advanced 1 Exam in 2003.

Through her teens, Laura was passionate about working with younger dancers and had the privilege of doing both under the direction of her teaching mentor, Sarah Dempsey.  Laura served as the Director of Stagelight Musical Theatre Summer Camp, a comprehensive performing arts program for kids; a position she has excitedly resumed during summers at Driftwood, directing productions of Frozen, Mary Poppins, Wizard of Oz, Trolls, Annie, The Jungle Book & Willy Wonka Jr. and Disney’s 101 Dalmatians (Kids).

Laura studied Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University, while serving as a Residence Life Don and founding member of the Laurier Musical Theatre Club.  Holding the position of Choreographer for four consecutive years, Laura worked on full-scale musical productions of Hair, Fame, Urinetown and Batboy, creating unique stage movement for each cast.

In 2011, Laura received her teaching certificate from the Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers with a focus in Jazz and Tap. She has also completed her instructor certification in the Rhythm Works Integrative Dance (RWID) program, designed for those with individual learning differences and other special needs.

Miss Laura furthered her studies at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle in 2015, successfully completing the two-week intensive Summer Dance Institute for Teachers. Under the brilliant guidance of Anne Green Gilbert and Dionne Kamara, Laura’s professional development was focused on Brain-Compatible Dance Education and Teaching Methods. 

Before the studio was born, Laura spent two wonderful seasons working as the assistant studio manager for Marlowe Windsor at Dance Co in Vancouver.  In July 2013, her life-long dream of being a studio owner was fulfilled by opening Driftwood Dance Academy.

Miss Laura is sincerely proud of and thankful for the flourishing studio community and looks forward to sharing the gift of dance and all its benefits with her students during Driftwood’s 11th season!