About Carlson's School of Dance

Carlson's Teachers

  • Ricki-Lee Allison

    Co-Owner & Director

    Ricki-Lee started dance at the age of 5 with Margaret Carlson's Pre-Primary Ballet class. She has trained in ballet, modern, hip hop, jazz, tap and musical theatre. Miss Ricki has over 15 years of experience teaching in various communities on Vancouver Island, creating dance classes for all...

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  • Reija Best

    Though she is now retired, Reija is always a part of Carlson's!Trained in Germany and Finland, Reija has coached figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics, creative dance, formation jazz dance and choreography at the national level. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and is a five-time...

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  • Bonnie Nicholas

    I.S.T.D. | R.A.D

    A Carlson’s alumna, Bonnie achieved her Intermediate Vocational Certificate in RAD and her Advanced 1 level in ISTD Modern Jazz while a student at Carlson’s, as well as being a regular in Reija’s Free Jazz Classes. Summer Schools, Festival competitions, Musical Society Shows...

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  • Lindsay Randall

    Beginning her dance training with ballet at the age of 4, Lindsay’s background includes Ballet and Jazz at Carlson’s (culminating in her RAD Intermediate Vocational Certificate in Ballet) and Highland Dance with Kathy White School. She participated for many years at the Cowichan...

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  • Kim Robb

    Co-Owner

    Kim, a registered teacher with the RAD and an associate teacher for Tap with the AITD, trained at the Carousel School of Dance in Jersey C.I. and at the Doreen Bird College of Theatre Dance in London. She graduated as an Associate in ballet, modern and national dance with the ISTD. Kim came from...

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  • Carlow Rush

    Returning to the Carlson's Faculty after taking a break to compete, we are so excited to have Carlow back!  Students of all ages love his upbeat, positive energy as he shares his knowlege.  Carlow may look familiar as one of the faces on NBC's World of Dance with the duo Funkanometry...

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  • Jessica Scott

    Miss Jessica Scott grew up dancing at Carlson's and we are so excited to have her teaching adult classes.  During the day you will find her teaching for School District 79 and after school hours you can find her in the studio teaching and taking classes.  Her passion for dance shines...

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  • Calista Phillips

    We can't wait to have Calista back at Carlson's!Having trained at numerous studios on the island, Calista's students will benefit from her all her experiences, kind heart, and love of dance.Calista began dancing at a young age and hasn’t looked back. She quickly fell in love with the...

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  • Rachel Halbot

    Rachel Halbot is a dedicated and versatile dancer from Vancouver Island who has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of five. Over the years, she has developed strong technical training and artistic expression across a wide range of dance styles, including jazz, contemporary,...

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  • Kahari Lezama

    We are so excited to welcome Kahari back to the Cowichan Valley! As a young dancer, Kahari took lessons at Carlson’s and when he moved to Vancouver he continued to further his training. Kahari has been on NBC's World of Dance Season 3 & 4 and Canada's Got Talent Season 2. He has...

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