Kirsti Bennett

Kirsti Bennett, the owner of Studio K Dance Gallery, was born and raised in Camrose and started dancing at the age of 5. She studied Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theater, Hip Hop and Lyrical. She has studied the Al Gilbert tap syllabus, RAD and Vaganova Ballet. Kirsti is also Acrobatic Arts certified. Kirsti has had the opportunity to work with many different choreographers and instructors to enhance her dance expertise. She has worked with faculty and choreographers of Groove Street and Street Groove Productions, Blake McGrath, Alixa Sutton, The 605 Collective, the Northern Alberta Dance Association and Alberta Dance Educators Association. Kirsti has taught dance at a few different schools around Alberta and is requested for guest and summer school teaching. She recently started adjudicating at festivals in central Alberta and loves sharing her passion, energy and enthusiasm for dance with dancers across the province. Kirsti shares her love of dance with her sister who teaches in central Alberta. They enjoy working together to give their dancers the best possible experience. They team up to operate successful dance festivals in central Alberta. Kirsti’s award winning, creative choreography has brought her awards across the province. Kirsti has been teaching dance in Sundre for 14 years, making life long connections. She strives to create the heartfelt family atmosphere at SKDG, where all dancers are part of one big family. Her students love her energy and passion for dance. She is thrilled to see all the dancers shine in life as well as in the classroom and on the stage!

Antoinelle Leibel

Antoinelle started dancing at the age of 6; training in Camrose, Alberta. A competitive dancer, she is well trained in Jazz and Lyrical, both Vagonova and RAD Ballet, the Al Gilbert Tap Syllabus, has completed the Level 1 Acrobatic Arts Certificate Program. She has taught students of all ages & abilities at multiple studios in Central Alberta for over 15 years, receiving many top awards including Outstanding, Most Promising and Choreography Awards, as well as Overall Top Group Awards & Division Champions for her routines. Antoinelle has created her own distinct style of dance and her choreography is original and engaging. She worked with her instructor team to create and choreograph a show aboard Carnival Cruise Lines in 2013, and again to bring a fleet of dancers to perform in Disneyland in 2015. She has also worked with local gymnasts and equestrian vaulters by training and creating choreography for them, as well as judging gymnastic fun-meets. Antoinelle is a very enthusiastic teacher who strives to take a creative platform in her instructing by allowing her dancers to see, feel, and both physically and mentally understand their movements and motions while dancing. She has enjoyed the opportunity to work with and learn from many different choreographers & instructors; she stays current by attending conferences and conventions around Alberta & the US. Being sisters, Antoinelle & Kirsti regularly collaborate on ideas, music, costumes & choreography. Together, the two own & operate “Sparkle Dance Festival”- a passionate project for them both!

Kim Pettie

Born and raised in England, Kim received her foundational training through winning a scholarship to attend The Royal Ballet School, White Lodge at age 11. It was here that she performed in a multitude of performances at The Royal Opera House (Covent Garden) along with gaining Distinction in her vocational RAD Exam’s and training in the Cecchetti and Vaganova styles as well.

Kim completed her training at Central School Of Ballet where she was part of the Ballet Central Touring Company. Here she gained a diploma in classical ballet and performing arts.

Upon graduating Kim appeared as a dancer with Jean Ann Ryan Productions in various countries. In London, England Kim appeared as a dancer in commercials, TV, music videos and fashion shows for - T-Mobile, The BBC, E4, MTV, The World Cup in Dubai, The Prince Of Brunei, Hurts, Aveda, and Jones Bootmaker.

In May 2011, Kim was delighted to be asked to perform in a one off performance for the Queen at Buckingham Palace titled ‘ A Celebration of Young People In The Performing Arts.’ Kim has also performed for the Queen in a private contemporary dance performance for the opening of Southook LNG terminal.

Kim has taught at various prestigious Ballet and Performing Arts Schools internationally including The Kensington Ballet school, Regal Ballet school, The Rona Hart School Of dance, Perform Art Studios, Dance Collective and Danzmode Productions.

Kim, with her husband and three young sons, is back in Sundre and is delighted to be a part of the SKDG family for her 3rd season!