Meet Our Faculty

Founder and CEO, Artistic Director · Competitive Company Director · Senior Dance Faculty

Leah Burley, M.Ed.

Leah is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance and received extensive training in all styles of dance from a young age, studying with renowned teachers such as Kim Breiland, Bebe Eversfield, Janice Tooby-MacDonald, Irene Jupp, Sylvia Hosie, and many others. An accomplished professional dancer, musical theatre performer, and award-winning choreographer, her career has brought her to stages in Victoria, Toronto, and New York.

Leah teaches Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, and Contemporary technique, and crafts standout choreography for Warmland's acclaimed competitive companies. With a Master's in Educational Leadership and training as a Waldorf Educator, she brings a deep understanding of childhood development to her teaching. In 2013, Leah founded Warmland Dance, an award-winning studio celebrated for its innovation, excellence, and genuine heart.

Tap Company Director · Senior Dance Faculty

Adriana Digiovanni, B.A.

Adriana graduated from the Faculty of Dance at Pontifical Catholic University of Parana in 1994. She is an internationally recognized teacher and choreographer in classical ballet, jazz, and tap dance. Adriana was also the owner of Centro de Artes Adriana Digiovanni in Brazil, where she made significant contributions to the dance community.

Dance Faculty

Tatiana Hassan

Tatiana Hassan is a Colombian visual artist, dancer, choreographer, musician, and astrologer with over 20 years of international experience in dance and the arts. She combines her artistic and spiritual practices to create transformative healing experiences through visual art, music, and movement.

Passionate about fostering self-expression and community connection, Tatiana finds joy in building magical spaces and is honored to align her work with Unfolding, blending her love for community, spirituality, and art.

Competitions Director/Choreographer · Assistant to Artistic Director

Anna Dickey

Anna has been dancing for 14 years, training in RAD Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Hip Hop, Stage, and Musical Theatre. She has learned from internationally renowned choreographers and dancers, known for her dedication to musicality and technique. Anna began performing at age 5 in the Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker, has danced in Disneyland, and competed internationally. She now trains under Ms. Leah and assists in classes, inspiring dancers to express themselves creatively.

Musical Theatre Program Director

Sarina Sorensen, B.Ed., M.A.

Sarina holds a diploma in Musical Theatre from Randolph College for the Performing Arts, a BFA in Drama from the University of Calgary, and a B.Ed. from UBC.

With over 15 years of experience, she has taught various dance styles, acting, music, and musical theatre across the country. Sarina has also served as Creative Director of Music and Director of Musical Theatre at a performing arts academy. She is dedicated to providing engaging, high-quality education that fosters creativity and self-confidence.

Dance Faculty

Lynn Weaver

bio coming soon

Aerial Silks and Cirque Instructor

Anja King

Anja, a Cowichan Valley native, trained in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, and contemporary dance, and performed in musicals with the Cowichan Musical Society.

She honed her skills at top dance conventions like Coastal Dance Rage and Jump Dance, and summer intensives with Fusion Dance Company and Harbour Dance Centre.

Anja's credits include performing in Disney's Descendants. A certified Dance Cirque instructor, she's excited to bring this dynamic style to Lake Cowichan this fall.

Aerial Silks and Cirque Instructor

Joel MacGregor

bio coming soon

Finance Manager

Pamela Shakespeare

bio coming soon

WAA Community Engagement Coordinator

Dana Crudo

bio coming soon