Teachers
At Loch Murray, our dance teachers are qualified, energetic and kind. They have danced together for many years, which is apparent in their amazing dynamic.
The teachers at Loch Murray are:
Mélanie Lemieux, Highland Teacher (BATD)
Mélanie has been dancing for 20 years, and teaching highland dance for 10 of those years. She was dance captain for the RCMP Pipes and Drums Dance Team for 5 years. A successful competitive dancer, Melanie won many awards at 13 SDCCS InterProvincial Competitions and Regional competitions. The award winning choreographies of Loch Murray owe their status to the efforts of Melanie. Skillful in Highland, National, Salsa, Hip Hop and many other dance forms, her love of performance always shines through. Melanie works tirelessly with many charities & performs yearly on the Cancer Centre Telethon.
Kelsey Campbell, Highland Teacher (BATD)
Kelsey is an Oscar winning championship dancer who placed 6th in the World's at Cowal, Dunoon in August, 2009. She was 3rd Runner up at the British Commonwealth Games and has been 1st Runner up in the North American Championships twice. A former Ontario Representative to the Canadians, Kelsey has many scholarships and awards to her name including James L. McKenzie for dance and the Senior Grand Meritus award in 2007 and 2008 for scholastic achievement. Kelsey is currently studying Earth Sciences at Ottawa University.
Kathleen Simms, Irish Teacher
Kathleen Simms, a senior Canterbury student, has an extensive background in theatre arts and has acted as Stage Manager for several productions at the Shenkman Centre. Katlheen is a mature, gifted performer and teacher in Irish dance. She is leading the Irish program this season.
Anna Gregory, Highland Teacher (SDTA), Irish Class Assistant
Anna passed her SDTA exam with Distinction, indicating a mark of 95% or higher. A strong competitive Highland Dancer, Anna has proved to be a "double threat" as she has embraced the Irish program and will continue to assist with Irish classes. Anna is beginning her masters in Physiotherapy this Fall.
Olivia Allan, Highland Teacher (SDTA)
Olivia is a favourite with the young dancers. She has a real flair for choreography and performance and has danced in gold and silver medal choreographies in the duet and group categories, both Regional and International. Miss "O" coached a young dancer to ongoing trophy wins throughout Novice and a large portion of the Intermediate category.
Brianna Campbell, Highland Teacher (BATD)
Brianna won “Dancer of the Day” at Canada’s first Premiership Competition in 2012. She also qualified to compete in the World Championships in Cowal, Dunoon. Brianna is also an accomplished pianist and vocalist, sharing these talents in concerts in Eastern Ontario.
Guest Teacher
Mrs. Terrie Kember, Founder and former Director Loch Murray Dancers, life member of the SDTA, BATD & OHDA.
Terrie is a professional member of Scotdance Canada and has been a judge with the SOBHD (Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing) for over 40 years. A former principal dancer with the Alberta Ballet Company, Terrie has training in Ballet (RAD), Highland, National, Jazz, Stage, Country and Irish Dance. Terrie is a professional voice actress, an Apprentice member of ACTRA, Executive Model with Models International Management and the founding Director and Choreographer of the RCMP Pipes & Drums Dance Team. Terrie’s choreographies were most often gold medal winners and she has coached many champion dancers.