2024/25 FACULTY
Carrie Toal (Wooly), Studio Manager
Haley Toal, Owner & Director
Haley Toal is an accomplished choreographer, instructor, dance competition and festival adjudicator, mentor, and business owner from Courtenay, British Columbia. She holds her ISTD Associate certification and specializes in Tap, is a certified Acro teacher with Acrobatic Arts, is a certified Ukrainian dance instructor with the Shumka Dance Syllabus Academy, among other certifications. Haley is also a certified dance competition adjudicator through the Dance Leadership Institute as well as specifically an Acro Dance adjudicator through Acrobatic Arts. At just 26 years old, Haley has over 10+ years of extensive teaching experience, 9 years of business experience, and has earned countless awards for her choreography and training of dancers throughout her professional career… one which has only just begun!
Haley’s dance training began at Courtenay School of Dance at the age of 3. Haley then trained at Brian Kruse School of Dance for 10 years. Haley's love of dance and the performing arts led her to begin instructing dance as a Teacher's Assistant at age 11, studying closely under Brian Kruse. Her teaching experience includes working with dancers of all ages and abilities, from 3 years old to adult, as well as dancers with special needs and diverse abilities. As a dancer, Haley loved the stage and was well known for her memorable performance skills. She was recognized for her talent at the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival as well as winning several awards and a convention scholarship at Dupree Dance Convention in Seattle, WA. More than any other style of dance, Haley attributes her love of performing to her days spent as a Ukrainian dancer with Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers in the Comox Valley - training underneath her mom Carrie Toal and Dolyna’s accomplished Artistic Director and “Auntie” Janette Martin-Lutzer. After her childhood and teenage years were spent extensively training in a plethora of dance disciplines and dance instruction, she opened VIREO School of Performing Arts Ltd. at the age of 17 to offer a uniquely positive dance experience to the Comox Valley.
As a teacher and mentor, Haley is unlike any other. Her passion lies in going above and beyond to help young people reach their goals and become their best selves. She is a compassionate person who takes every opportunity to teach valuable life skills that help prepare her students for a successful and happy life. She has been described as an encouraging, inspirational, and passionate teacher that knows how to draw the very best out of her students. Her studio is known for its family-oriented, inclusive environment with a strong focus on technique, dedication, and discipline.
In addition to a multitude of dance convention scholarships, her dancers have won countless overall high score scores, trophies and medals, and special judges awards at competitions in Canada and the United States. Aside from year end showcases and competitions, Haley’s students can be seen performing in school and community theatre, attending intensive summer dance programs, in college-level dance and theatre programs, and now as teachers themselves. Haley’s knowledge, experience and passion creates not only excellent dancers, but also contributes to raising the strong leaders of tomorrow.
Katherine Vincent, Instructor
Katherine is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher with over 10 years of teaching experience. Katherine grew up dancing in Toronto, Ontario and received many awards, training, and performance opportunities. Upon graduating high school, Katherine moved to Vancouver, BC where she pursued her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at SFU School for Contemporary Arts studying contemporary, modern, and ballet dance styles. During her time at SFU Katherine was an avid member of the Dance Student Union and trained and performed works by renowned choreographers and teachers. At SFU, Katherine apprenticed with Vancouver based companies and produced the show Ascension in collaboration with the SFU music, theatre production and visual arts students. After her time at SFU, Katherine had the opportunity to dance, train and work in Canada and abroad. Katherine has worked with choreographers based in Vancouver, Brussels and Berlin and her own choreographic works have been performed and presented in Vancouver, Amsterdam, and Brussels. Katherine has trained internationally with David Zambrano (Brussels), Company 605 (Vancouver), Helen Walkley (Vancouver), Toronto Dance Theatre, EDAM Dance (Vancouver), Billie Hanne (Berlin) and in Fighting Monkey Practice (Amsterdam). Katherine is also a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor!
Alexis Dueck, Instructor
Alexis Dueck is an accomplished gymnast and dancer. Alexis did competitive dance and gymnastics for several years, receiving accolades for her solo, duet, and group performances at various competitions across British Columbia and Washington State. She has always loved training hard and performing on stage, but Alexis’ most special memories from her time as a competitive dancer at VIREO are all the strong bonds she made with her teammates over the years while travelling and performing together.
Aside from her many years as a dancer and gymnast, Alexis is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor as well as a certified Alixia Flexibility instructor. As a teacher, Alexis is very nurturing and creates a fun and exciting environment for her students to learn and achieve new skills. Her favourite thing about teaching is helping young dancers accomplish something new, and celebrating them along the way!
Alexis’ favourite thing about dance is moving her body and being in a hard-working environment with like-minded individuals. Outside of dance, Alexis loves to spend time with her friends and family. She is so excited to share her passion for dance and acrobatics/gymnastics with the next generation of dancers at VIREO this season!
Liss Fisette, Vocal Instructor
Liss Fisette began her musical training at 11 years old with piano lessons and playing flute in band. She quickly flew through levels of piano exams. At 16 she was offered the opportunity to start teaching piano students of her own. Liss had always wanted to teach even as a small child, so the job came naturally to her. At the same time an interest in singing started to emerge. She had always loved musicals and the desire to sing was strong. Although she started out at university in sciences it quickly became clear to her that music and teaching were what she truly wanted to do. In 2000 she began her bachelor's of music degree with a major in piano. She graduated in 2004 with the highest grades in her graduating class. Although piano was always her major she found teachers and opportunities to advance her voice training. When she moved back to the Comox Valley in 2004 she started teaching private lessons and continued to study voice. Her passion for teaching and music is obvious in her students and their love of what they have learned. We are so excited to have Liss join us again for the 2024/25 season to share all of her musical expertise!
Affectionately known by her VIREO family as Wooly, Carrie Toal brings decades of business and customer service expertise to the studio, as well as years upon years of dance knowledge. From sewing costumes, to chaperoning competition and field trips, to preparing dancers for the competition stage, to teaching valuable life lessons to young dancers, to ensuring that the studio runs smoothly, Wooly does it all! She is excited to be a part of the VIREO administrative team for the 24/25 dance season!
Jessica Carter, Instructor
Jessica Carter is an award winning choreographer and passionate teacher with more then10 years teaching experience. Carter has a diverse scope of movement practices teaching open modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and hip-hop dance styles. Carter is also trained in Stott Pilates and has completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training. Carter brings forward knowledge, passion and creativity to inspire her students. She continually strives to develop a supportive classroom environment where students can work on their personal goals and build confidence.
In Early years, Carter grew up dancing at Gemini Dance Studios and Nanaimo Ballet School while participating in Dancestreams Youth Company. As a young dancer she received many bursaries and scholarships and took every opportunity to further her dance training. Upon Graduation Carter moved to Vancouver to train at Arts Umbrella and then Drive Dance Scholarship program. During her time in the city Carter had the privilege of working with many talented teachers and choreographers as well as participating in professional level performances.
Carter began professional choreography while working for True Colours Youth Company along side Livea Gill Harding for 5 consecutive years. During this time is when Carter realized her passion was for more than dancing, but also teaching and creating. Carter’s choreography has been presented and showcased throughout Vancouver Island winning awards through local festivals and provincial competitions. Carter is most recognized for her creativity of movement in contact and partner work. Carter’s main success has been as a teacher. She has taught for Gemini Dance Studios, Triple Heat Academy of Performing Arts, Urban Dance Connection, Studio North Dance Academy, Dance Unlimited Performing Arts, Hip Hop Coalition, Vireo School of Performing Arts and Inner Pursuit Fitness.
Carter currently teaches at a variety of studios within the Comox Valley covering dance, yoga, Pilates and barre fitness. Carter is passionate about movement and is eager to continue her learning and training.
Rebecca McLane, Instructor
Rebecca received exceptional training at the Parksville Ballet School under the direction of Linda Klassen during her youth. Rebecca fell in love with traveling as soon as she moved to England to dance. She studied all dance styles at Laine Theatre Arts. Returning to Canada Rebecca graduated from the Contemporary Division of the School Of Dance in Ottawa, Canada. She worked with Canadian dance luminaries such as Brian Webb, Peter Boneham, Massimo Agostinelli, Sarah Bild, Serge Bennathan, Yvonne Coutts, Sylvie Desrosiers, Tedd Robinson, Meagan O Shea and Cathy Kyle Fenton.
After graduation she created her first professional piece while being mentored by Peter Boneham. Performing professionally in the Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto area, Rebecca decided to pick up and see more of the world. Traveling to Melbourne Australia, Rebecca performed in Adelaide’s Fringe festival, A collaboration of music, art and dance all improvised. To add to Rebecca’s diploma in Contemporary dance She then went on to complete a 500hr Yoga Teacher Training at the Australian Yoga Academy. After 4 years of working, learning and teaching in Australia it was time for a change, Rebecca took the long way home and stopped in India to complete a 200hr Vinyasa yoga teacher training. Upon returning home Rebecca continued her Cecchetti studies with Linda Klassen. Rebecca’s award winning choreography has had an impact up and down Vancouver Island. Rebecca keeps learning and training in order to continue to share her passion and love of movement with the dancers of her home community.
Skylar Dutrisac, Instructor
Skylar Dutrisac is an accomplished, dedicated, and passionate dancer. Her training started in Spruce Grove, Alberta where she entered the competitive dance world at the tender age of 5. At the age of 9, Skylar moved to the Comox Valley and began training at VIREO School of Performing Arts, immediately jumping into the intensive competitive dance program - with dancers almost a decade older than her!
While many young dancers would shy away from dancing with older, more experienced students, Skylar embraced the opportunity and was thrilled to be welcomed with open arms. Her technique and skills quickly developed as she was pushed to her limits with a smile on her face! The impact that the older dancers’ kindness and inclusivity had on her greatly influences her role at VIREO today - Skylar is a leader, a mentor, and incredibly looked up to by the young dancers at the studio.
As an accomplished competitive dancer, Skylar has travelled across Canada and the United States participating in regional and national dance competitions and conventions. She has won countless awards for her performances, received numerous scholarships with RADIX Dance Convention and NUVO Dance Convention, completed dance examinations (ISTD Tap), and has a vast amount of convention and audition experience. With training in ballet, pointe, hip hop, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, acro, tumbling, and even Ukrainian dance, Skylar has done it all. Skylar continues to further her dance and teaching knowledge by attending several training programs throughout the summers, and training additionally with Prism Dance Connections in Nanaimo, BC.
After many years of training and assisting, Skylar looks forward to sharing her knowledge of and passion for dance to the students of VIREO!
