Faculty

Chelsea Cofield

CHELSEA IS ORIGINALLY FROM COURTENAY, B.C. AND BEGAN HER DANCE TRAINING AT AGE THREE. SHE INSTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WITH DANCE AND  BEGAN COMPETING AT THE AGE OF 7, RECEIVING SEVERAL BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGHOUT HER 13 YEARS OF COMPETITIONS. CHELSEA CONTINUED TO TRAIN AND EXPAND HER KNOWLEDGE IN VARIOUS STYLES OF DANCE INCLUDING JAZZ, HIP HOP, LYRICAL, MODERN STAGE, BALLET, POINTE,  IRISH, MODERN, AND CONTEMPORARY. CHELSEA WAS THE NORTH ISLAND REPRESENTATIVE AT THE PROVINCIALS BOTH IN 2005 AND 2008. SHE HAS BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAIN WITH MANY DANCERS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS IN LOS ANGELES, LAS VEGAS, TORONTO, AS WELL AS ALL OVER B.C. ADDITIONALLY, CHELSEA WAS A MEMBER OF THE ARC YOUTH DANCE COMPANY AND ATTENDED THE DRIVE DANCE CENTRE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IN VANCOUVER.

IN 2010, CHELSEA WAS HONOURED TO BE CHOSEN AS THE EXTREME DANCE CONVENTION APPRENTICE WHICH ALLOWED HER TOUR SEVERAL CANADIAN CITIES WITH MELISSA WILLIAMS (CHOREOGRAPHER AND JUDGE FOR SYTYCDC). CHELSEA HAS PERFORMED FOR VARIOUS CORPORATE EVENTS, SUCH AS THE AUDI GRAND OPENING IN RICHMOND. IN 2011, SHE AUDITIONED FOR ‘SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA’ AND MADE IT TO THE FINALS IN TORONTO. SHE IS CERTIFIED THROUGH INTERNATIONAL DANCE TEACHING STANDARDS, ACROBATIC ARTS MODULE 1, AND PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT IMAGERY. CHELSEA is an award winning choreographer who BELIEVES IN ALWAYS CONTINUING HER EDUCATION AND IS OFTEN FOUND TAKING CLASSES AND COURSES.

Carley was born and raised on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She spent 16 years extensively training before moving to Toronto at age 18 to begin pursuing her dream of becoming a professional dancer. Over the years she has had the chance to compete and train all over the world. During Carley’s competitive years, she received “Dancer Of The Year” and a scholarship to train in Paris France, an apprenticeship to assist the Extreme Dance faculty with Melissa Williams (So You Think You Can Dance Canada), “The Next Level” award to train in Los Angeles; New York, “Adjudicators Choice“ as well as numerous scholarships from world-renowned choreographers.

Soon after graduation, Carley was accepted into the Toronto O.I.P. Dance Company. Since then, she has gone on to work with many of Toronto’s top choreographers. Carley has had the opportunity to work on projects and performances for Madonna, Deborah Cox, Capital Cities, Paloma Ford, Shawn Desman, Toronto Fashion Week, “Just Dance” the video game launch, The Much Music Video Awards with international pop-rock band “Hedley”, World Pride, The Pan American Games 1 Year Launch, and many more.

Carley was featured as a dancer for the LifetimeTV Movie “Perfect High” starring actress Bella Thorne, danced on the MMVA Red Carpet for Coleman Hell, shared the stage with Pop Star Kiesza at the Air Canada Centre, and worked with Melissa Molinaro on her latest Music Video. Carley also had the pleasure of assisting choreographer Christopher Scott for So You Think You Can Dance Top 6, where she danced as part of the Los Angeles Skeleton Crew. Additionally, Carley has had the opportunity to work on music videos / performances for Halsey ft. Big Sean, Chico Benymon ft. Redman, Skechers, LA Clippers Opening Show and more!

Carley has been instructing dance for over 15 years, is Acrobatic Arts Certified, and has judged competitions all throughout Canada. She spent 7 years in Los Angeles on her 0-1 Artist Visa signed with Go 2 Talent Agency, and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with Apex west performing arts!

Carley Cofield

BEN SCOONES

BORN AND RAISED IN VICTORIA, BEN HAS PURSUED OPPORTUNITIES IN STAGE ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE SINCE HE WAS YOUNG. THE SON OF A STAGE PERFORMER, BEN HAS BEEN AROUND MUSIC AND DANCE FOR HIS ENTIRE LIFE. BEN’S EXPERIENCE IS DERIVED FROM SEVERAL LOCAL PERFORMANCES, THROUGH ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL. DURING THIS TIME BEN CONTINUED TO DEVELOP HIS SKILLS BY TAKING PART IN SEVERAL WORKSHOPS AND LESSONS INCLUDING IMPROV, CHOIR, AND ACTING. AFTER GRADUATING, BEN TOOK TIME AWAY FROM THE STAGE TO PURSUE HIS FIRST CAREER, WHERE HE’S DEVELOPED YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS AN INSTRUCTOR IN SEVERAL DISCIPLINES. THIS INCLUDED BECOMING AN INSTRUCTIONAL WORKSHOP FACILITATOR, WHERE BEN COACH’S NEW INSTRUCTORS ON HOW TO TEACH IN A PROFESSIONAL SETTING, HIGHLIGHTING ACCESSIBILITY, DIVERSITY, AND HOW TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE FEEDBACK TO GET THE BEST RESULTS.

IN RECENT YEARS, BEN HAS RENEWED HIS COMMITMENT TO THE STAGE BY SUCCESSFULLY AUDITIONING FOR SHOWS WITH VICTORIA ON STAGE (VOS) INCLUDING MARY POPPINS AND THE WIZARD OF OZ. HE ALSO HAS A PASSION FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS AND HAS EXPERIENCE WITH SEVERAL TRAINING PROGRAMS TO HELP INDIVIDUALS REACH THEIR PERSONAL GOALS. BEN IS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO START THIS FAMILY BUSINESS AND GROW THE ARTS IN THE WEST SHORE. HE LOOKS FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW EACH NEW STUDENT THAT STEPS INTO THE STUDIO AND IS COMMITTED TO DOING SO WITH RESPECT AND INTEGRITY. WELCOME TO APEX WEST PERFORMING ARTS!

Melanie has lived in Victoria B.C. all her life and discovered her passion for music at a very young age. She started performing at the age of 4 with “The Voice Club”, a Pop and R&B singing and performing group. She discovered her love for dance at age 5 and has been trained in many dance styles including Jazz, RAD Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. Since then, she has participated in many competitions, festivals, and performances receiving outstanding marks and awards. She obtained teaching experience when she became an assistant teacher for young children in dance and also received her certification in Acrobatic Arts Module 1. In 2019, she received her Bachelor of Education at the University of Victoria and currently teaches and co-manages the Dance Program at Belmont Secondary School. She expanded her love for teaching and created Rebellious Movement, a business catered to adults receiving dance instruction in many different styles. She is excited and feels blessed to have been given this opportunity to share her passion for the arts at Apex West!

Melanie Narciso

Carenza ANGHARAD

Carenza began her dance training at the age of three, trying all styles of dance HER HOME studio offered. At age 13 she changed studios, FOCUSING ON training solely for ballet. In this time she completed up to level 7 of the R.A.D Ballet exam program. Once graduating high school, she went on to complete the Canadian College of Performing Arts two year diploma program. Post graduation, Carenza has started a family and is still performing! CARENZA CONTINUES TO SEEK OUT OPPORTUNITIES AND has been working with Victoria on Stage on there most recent productions since 2022. Carenza is also signed with DEI talent agency for film and tv work. Carenza HAS spent most of her life working with children as a member of Girl Guides of Canada. She was an active member for 14 years and completeD several award programs including her Chief Commissioner Gold award in 2017. She ran a spark and ember unit for several years, WHILE enjoying helping young women gAIN THE confidence to take on anything! Carenza is so excited to be INSTRUCTING AT APEX WEST PERFORMING ARTS AND sharing her love of this beautiful art form.

Grace GRANT

Meet Grace Grant, a dance enthusiast from Penticton, BC. Her journey with dance began at the age of 3 and continued through her formative years at Okanagan Dance Studios until age 19. Grace pursued her passion for dance further by studying ballet and modern dance at York University in 2019. Recently, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Camosun College in Victoria in April 2024.

With her dual background in dance and fitness, Grace brings a unique blend of expertise to her classes. Specializing in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre, she is thrilled to join the vibrant community at Apex West Performing Arts and can't wait to meet all the amazing individuals ready to embark on this dance journey together.

Kelsey bushey

Kelsey is a performing artist who graduated with her diploma from the Canadian College of performing arts. Dancing since the age of 5, Kelsey has been fortunate enough to study ballet, tap, jazz, modern, musical theatre, lyrical, and contemporary styles. Kelsey is passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of performer, and knows that everyone is capable of being an incredible artist given a positive, inviting foundation. In addition to performing, Kelsey completed her Education Assistant certificate through SD62 - focusing on providing tools and resources for children with learning disabilities. She continues to support families in our local community. 

Kelsey’s passion for musical theatre continues to grow and is a proud member of Victoria On Stage. Recent credits include: Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Oz, The Rocky Horror Picture show and recently Mary Poppins.

Karli Kuemper

Karli started dancing in her hometown at the age of three. At twelve she decided to study ballet full time and moved to Victoria where she was accepted into the professional division at Victoria Academy of Ballet. After a few years she switched to the russian training method and had the opportunity to dance with incredible teachers in the cities of New York, St. Petersburg, and Kyiv. She is influenced greatly by the kindness, care, thoughtfulness, and inexhaustible energy of her teachers in Eastern Europe and approaches her teaching with these values of utmost importance. Karli is currently studying kinesiology to improve her understanding of the scientific approach to movement. She is passionate about ballet methodology and continues her research into both the anatomy and biomechanics as well as the traditions, impact, and intent of the art. 

Haley Waldhaus

HALEY IS A PASSIONATE DANCE INSTRUCTOR FROM COURTENAY, BC, WHERE SHE BEGAN HER DANCE TRAINING AT AGE 3 AND CONTINUED TO STUDY AND COMPETE ACROSS THE ISLAND AND LOWER MAINLAND FOR 15 YEARS. HALEY HAS TRAINED IN JAZZ, CONTEMPORARY,  BALLET, POINTE, MODERN, STAGE, AND IRISH DANCE. AFTER GRADUATION, SHE CONTINUED TO PURSUE DANCE AS A PERFORMER AND CHOREOGRAPHER FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA DANCE COMPANY FROM 2018 TO 2022, EXPANDING HER REPERTOIRE IN CONTEMPORARY, COMMERCIAL JAZZ, AND STREET JAZZ. DURING HER TIME WITH THE COMPANY, HALEY PERFORMED IN SEVERAL SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SHOWS AND TRAINED IN LOS ANGELES WITH THE TEAM IN THE SPRING OF 2019. HALEY RECENTLY GRADUATED WITH A BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING FROM UVIC AND CURRENTLY LIVES AND WORKS IN VICTORIA, WHERE SHE STAYS ACTIVE IN THE DANCE COMMUNITY THROUGH CLASSES, PERFORMANCES, VOLUNTEERING AND TEACHING. HALEY IS THRILLED TO BE JOINING THE APEX WEST PERFORMING ARTS TEAM AND IS LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING HER PASSION FOR DANCE WITH THIS COMMUNITY!