Amanda (she/her)

I started yoga in my twenties in Edmonton and practiced on and off for years at various studios around Calgary and Edmonton. After having my son and taking time off work, I jumped into a 200 hour teacher training program not knowing much about yoga. Over the next 18 months of training, I fell in love with yoga and have consistently practiced, taught and trained for the past 10 years since.

Over various trainings I’ve been lucky to learn from some amazing mentors. Learning from them has allowed me to build classes where everyone is welcome. Whether you are walking through the door working in a handstand or require the assistance of a chair for all poses, my goal is for you to leave feeling refreshed, centered and happy.

I started taking Ballet Beats classes through my corporate job over lunch hours and the joy and fun of these classes hooked me. I did my Ballet Beats Teacher Training in 2023 just to immerse myself more in the classes and movement (and have even taking some Ballet 101 classes since then!).

It has been a wonderful gift to get to teach yoga for Ballet Beats and I am immensely grateful for every student and the wonderful space I’m so privileged to get to teach at.

Namaste.

Annica Larsson (she/her) 

For me, dancing and movement are just as important as breathing. Whether it be ballet, barre, yoga, ballroom or dancing in the kitchen, celebrating life with movement is a daily ritual for me. Since I was 4 years old or so, I could be found in the studio. This was my safe place as I grew into the woman I am today (and continue to grow into). The studio feels like home, which is why I love to not only attend classes but teach - share this joy with anyone else who feels the same joy being in the space together. Ballet Beats has been my home since 2016 and I am so grateful and humbled to be part of this beautiful community.

What would my loved ones say about me? Well... I THINK they would say I am kind-hearted, optimistic almost to a fault, and someone who they can depend on. I hope that my warmth translates to those who meet me and especially to my students; I love to create a safe space where everyone is welcome, and that the true joy comes from us all dancing together in whatever form. I hope to give back to my students what dance has given me, which is a place of belonging and freedom to be you.

Favorite quote: "If it costs you your peace, it's too expensive". Finding your peace and holding it sacred resonates in my soul. We are all on different paths in life, and my journey thus far has been to find peace and solace within myself; beautiful when you find contentment, happiness and calm and realize it was inside us all along!

Emma Truscott (she/her)

I am Emma and I am a queer social worker who grew up in Calgary. I have spent most of my life in Calgary - a place where I dance, live and work. I feel most at home when I am outside in nature and connecting with my body through movement. I am so grateful that I am able to benefit from nature in these surrounding lands.

Growing up, I loved to dance, I found my passion for dance in ballet as a child and that passion has continued until today. I have been teaching classes at Ballet Beats since 2019.  It is important to me that everyone feels welcome in my classes and that they can come to me with any accessibility requests or other accommodations.

Movement and dance have provided me with improved connection to my body and helped me stay well overall. We are so lucky to have this amazing community of dancers at Ballet Beats and it is my hope that by moving your body and dancing with me you can find connection with yourself and others as well! 

Jeanne Barry (she/her)

I found Ballet Beats in 2016, when a friend took me to a class. I did ballet for 8 years as a child, and various other forms of dance throughout my life, including Irish, modern, hip-hop, tango, and many more, so a dance-style workout class seemed perfect for me. Even though Kalyn absolutely destroyed me in that first class (with ballet burpees), I was hooked.

I did my Ballet Beats Teacher Training in 2018, and it was the beginning of a beautiful journey. Teaching has shown how much I am capable of, and how meaningful it is to see students improve and grow their abilities, as I have grown as a teacher. Dancing is my absolute favorite thing to do, and teaching here has also given me a great appreciation for fitness.

My mantra and favorite quote is “we can do hard things”, from Glennon Doyle. Life is not easy for any of us, and this mantra reminds me that whatever it is, we can get through it, especially together.

Some fun facts about me: I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa; my cats are named Meowcifer and Purrsephone; I am working on my Masters in Communications Management, and work in communications and marketing. I enjoy travel (as much as my love of dance) and reading, and plan to return, avidly, to these when I’m done my masters. I love dinosaurs, yoga, The Lord of the Rings, cute animals, my partner, friends, family, nature, the ocean, and cheese (though it does not love me back).

Jessica Ratushniak (she/her)

I have been teaching at Ballet Beats since 2014 after falling in love with the program as a student 6 months prior. My background includes recreational dance classes, competitive synchronized swimming and coaching.

I teach all styles of classes at Ballet Beats but the one that is extra special to me is Baby Beats! I have been teaching and creating Baby Beats classes since its inception - a postpartum safe version of our Barre style class. It has become such a beautiful community for new and expecting parents!

No matter the style I’m teaching my goal is to get you moving, sweating, and embracing your inner strength!

Kalyn Swihart(she/her)

See our founders full bio HERE

Katie Burns (she/her)

I have been instructor at Ballet Beats since 2014, after retiring from nearly a decade of dancing professionally around the world. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Dance (Ballet) from the University of Calgary in conjunction with School of Alberta Ballet - this is where I met my forever ballet bestie Kalyn (founder/owner of Ballet Beats). My passion for dance is ingrained in every movement I teach and I my goal is to pass on as much knowledge and love of dance that I can. My classes focus on technique, musicality and joy while sweating to a killer playlist. Beyond the studio, I am a  REALTOR® with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, ready to guide any rebel ballerina through their home buying or selling journey with grace and precision.

Hometown: Calgary, AB

Instagram handle: @katieburns_reatlor

Favorite quote: “Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body.”-Martha Graham

Marissa Schenn (she/her)

Marissa started as a student at Ballet Beats and began her teaching journey in April 2015. She has an extensive dance background, is strong, passionate and has a heart of gold. She will gracefully lead you through class and encourage you to find your inner Rebel Ballerina!

Niki O’Reilly (She/ Her)

Class with me is dynamic! My intention is that you leave amazed at what you were able to accomplish. Perhaps you tested your boundaries and did that extra jack, or final kick.

A born and raised Calgarian, I found Ballet Beats in 2016. After my first class I knew I'd found the solution to all my workout challenges! I was hooked and never looked back. My training consists of classes multiple times a week for eight years and Ballet Beats Teacher Training in May of 2023. I want to advocate for the fact that it's truly never too late to start dancing. I’m a perfect example of the saying we advertise: No dance experience required! 

My experience as a student will make my classes unique and approachable to all. My personal style is to have fun and to learn from mistakes, and because of this I've been called ‘the comeback queen’. Should you fall, all that matters is that you make a strong comeback with your evolved experience. 

My hidden talent is that I can organize anything, and I mean anything. For a season of my life I drew buildings in Europe. Loved ones would say I am energetic, adventurous, and kind. Newest passion project is memorizing Ballet Beats series, as I am the newest teacher on our team. Likes on my spotify include Amy, Miley, Ruby Waters, and much more Alternative Indie but it's a mixed bag you’ll find a bit of wild EDM and of course Ozzy!

Patricia Ravina (she/her)

From: Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Qualities: Kind, Supportive, and Encouraging
Favourite Quote:  "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” Oscar Wilde

Dance Background: Trained in ballet, jazz, and modern dance growing up. Completed Ballet Beats Teacher Training in 2017 (and teaching ever since!).

What I love most about dance and movement: I love how present I feel while dancing.  A precious time when I get lost in the movement and music when everything else in life is briefly on hold.

Favourite Music Artist: I’m a Swiftie!

What you’ll experience in my classes: My classes are welcoming, fun, and supportive no matter your fitness level or dance experience.  You’ll deepen your body awareness while learning proper ballet technique and leave feeling energized, strong, graceful, and with a smile on your face.

Stacy Christensen (she/her)

I was born and raised in Calgary but spent 11 years in Winnipeg Manitoba. I have been dancing since I can remember and believe it is an opportunity to be present in the moment and forget about the stresses of life. I encountered Ballet Beats many years ago and was thrilled that it reconnected me with ballet in a positive way. Teaching is an opportunity to help others reconnect with their bodies.  

Three qualities I possess: patience, silliness and perception
My mantra: Lord have mercy

Sydney Salters (she/her)

I was born in Calgary, AB and grew up playing a little bit of every sport. I have been teaching at Ballet Beats since 2021, but I found this amazing community back in 2016! My passion is empowering you to try something you didn't think you could do and seeing you thrive. I am here to encourage you to listen to your body while pushing to become stronger.

When I'm not at the studio, you can find me working as a full-time engineer, teaching boxing classes, skiing, or watching hockey (Go Flames!!).

"Though she be but little, she is fierce." - Shakespeare

Yulia Kelemen (she/her)

To watch me dance is to hear my heart speak.

I was born in Lutsk, Ukraine, and have been dancing since I was 4 years old. I am truly blessed because my whole life revolves around this beautiful art form. At first, I mostly learned classical ballet and folk dance, in addition to rhythmic gymnastics. 

My first bachelor’s and master’s Degrees are in Foreign Languages, since my parents insisted that I get “real profession”. However, I decided to follow my dream and turn my passion into a career, so I graduated from the College of Culture and Arts named after I.F.Stravinsky majoring in ballet and folk dance and later got my Master’s in Dance and Choreography at Rivne State Humanitarian University.

My dreams came true – I worked as a ballet artist for Volyn Regional Philharmonics and as a college teacher in my Alma Mater. I was really fulfilled with my profession back in Ukraine.

Now I live and work in Calgary and I believe that this happened for a reason – I’m very open to new experiences and ready to learn and develop in many ways. I have a tremendous desire to share my passion for dance and hope that my experience will help my students to experience new horizons and change their lives in a positive way.

BELIEVE YOU CAN AND YOU ARE HALFWAY THERE!

Astrid Duriques (she/her)

Originally from Colombia, I have called Calgary my home for over 20 years. Dance has been a part of my life since I can remember. I started learning traditional Colombian dances in school at around the age of 5, and continued exploring these roots when I moved to Calgary. Over the years, my love for dance led me to Caribbean, Belly dance, African, and Bollywood styles.

My journey with Bollywood dance was particularly transformative. I fell in love with its rhythms, storytelling, and energy. For over a decade, I performed all around the city with a fantastic team that provided countless opportunities for growth and performance. The friendships and memories from this period I cherish to this day.

In 2018, I discovered Ballet Beats and felt an immediate connection from the very first class. I enjoyed the technical aspects and the athleticism, leaving each session feeling empowered and energized. The program has significantly strengthened me and brings me so much joy every time I attend a class with our amazing community.

In my spare time, I'm an avid reader (read 90 books a year) and I volunteer to support local community groups addressing food insecurity, such as The Beltline Community Fridge and Grow Calgary. I firmly believe in mutual aid, our collective ability to make a difference in our community, and that everyone deserves access to healthy and nutritious food. 

My professional focus lies in process improvement and organisational change management. Over the past few years, I have worked as a project coordinator for various organisations. Since joining the Ballet Beats team as the Studio Manager, it has been deeply fulfilling to support and be part of this team, and to become more involved in this amazing community.