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Faculty
Originally from Port Colborne, Ontario, Heather received her initial dance training at Port Colborne Dance Academy. Her passion for performing truly began when she was part of local ballet company, Danse Elite, as first soloist and member of the corps de ballet in the company’s production of The Nutcracker and was a guest performer in the Niagara Symphony children’s production, Garfield.
Prior to leaving Ontario, Heather received a Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies degree from Brock University (1997), then moved to British Columbia to continue her dance training and post- secondary education at Simon Fraser University (SFU). She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, with a major in Dance and minor in Kinesiology (2002), as well as a Certificate in Health and Fitness (2002) from SFU.
Heather attained her Associate status with ISTD, Cecchetti Branch in 2005 and was granted top honours by receiving a “pass with distinction”. In 2006 she received her Associate Diploma status and in 2012 attained her Licentiate status with the Cecchetti Society of Canada. In 2019, she successfully attained the Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma. In 2023 Heather was granted her Fellowship with Cecchetti Canada. She also has her Licentiate membership in the Ballet and Modern Divisions CDTA, BC Branch.
Artistic Director
BFA, Minor in Kinesiology | Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma | Fellowship with Cecchetti Canada
Heather Kendell
Heather believes it is important to upgrade, and diversify, her teaching certifications. She has completed a 200- hour Yoga Teacher Training program and is a registered instructor with Yoga Alliance. She has completed a 20- hour Yin Yoga teacher-training program and 20-hour Restorative Yoga teacher-training program. Heather is a certified Pilates Level 1: Mat instructor through Body Harmonics. Heather has completed the PBT (Progressing Ballet Technique) Teacher Training Certification Program (Part 1 & 2), as well as received certificates from Allegro Performance & Wellness, including Module 1: Healthy Dance Practice and Injury Management for Dance Teachers and Module 2: Training Flexibility Safely.
Heather has served on the executive boards of various dance organizations. She volunteered as a member of the Katherine Labelle Dance Society, which became Modus Dance, the Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association, BC Branch and the National CDTA Modern and Ballet Committees. During that time, she had the honour of being a BC Representative at the National CDTA ballet syllabus meetings and took part in the development of the National CDTA Ballet Examination Syllabus. She was also the Secretary for the Cecchetti Canada BC Committee.
Heather was responsible for proposing, implementing and developing the Modern Division of the CDTA BC Branch, which then led to the development of similar divisions across Canada. As the Modern Division Chairperson for CDTA, BC Branch Heather wrote the Professional Membership Examination requirements for the Modern Division. She wrote the Junior Modern Examination Syllabus and a portion of the Senior Syllabus for students studying modern dance, which is now being used Nationally by the CDTA. Heather was the National CDTA Modern Consultant for 2 years. She was a Ballet and Modern Examiner for CDTA but resigned in 2014 to focus on teaching.
Heather has gained ample performance experience by working with Danse Elite, Off Centre Performance Company, The Company Experience, Ballet du Printemps and CollabArt Creations. She performed in works by Shannon McMurchy, Claire French, Sylvain Brochu, Santa Aloi and Cheryl Prophet. She had much success with her former company, DansArts et al., and now Inertia Dance Co.
Heather is a well-respected dance instructor responsible for developing strong, artistic young dancers in a kinesthetically appropriate manner. Many of her students have been accepted into professional training institutions, gone on to perform professionally and have even become dance instructors. She has won awards for both her ballet and modern choreography. Heather is honoured and excited to return to Port Colborne, joining with Shaelynn in a collaborative venture that will advocate for the arts within the city.
BFA, Honours | Associate Diploma with Cecchetti Canada | Awarded Cecchetti Adv. 2
Shaelynn has had the opportunity to work with choreographers including Carol Anderson, Michael Greyeyes, Susan Lee and Michelle Silagy. These experiences have helped shape her approach to teaching, giving her a strong appreciation for both the technical and creative sides of dance.
Shaelynn believes that strong technique is the foundation for a dancer to grow with confidence and artistry. In her classes, she places an emphasis on proper alignment, musicality, technical development, artistry, and individual growth, while encouraging students to challenge themselves and find their own expression as dancers. She strives to create an environment that is both supportive and motivating, where dancers are encouraged to work hard, build confidence, and develop a genuine appreciation for their training.
With a combination of university-level dance education, extensive classical ballet training, formal teacher education, professional qualifications, and years of experience in the studio, Shaelynn is passionate about providing dancers with the knowledge, mentorship, and foundation they need to reach their individual potential.
I am incredibly excited and grateful to have the opportunity to embark on this incredible journey alongside my mentor and dear friend, Heather. I look forward to sharing my passion, love, and appreciation for the arts with the next generation of dancers, inspiring their creativity and confidence, and discovering the many artistic possibilities that lie ahead for Inertia Arts Collective.
Shaelynn Lobbezoo
Studio Manager
Shaelynn began her dance journey in the Niagara area at a young age and quickly developed a passion for both the artistry and discipline of dance. That passion led her to pursue extensive training in ballet and a wide range of dance disciplines, eventually shaping her career as an educator.
Shaelynn holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Dance from York University, graduating with Honours. She is an Honours graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program, where she developed a strong foundation in dance pedagogy, technique, anatomy, musicality, and age-appropriate instruction. Her training has encompassed Cecchetti, RAD, and Vaganova ballet methods, as well as National/Character, Creative Dance for Young Children, Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, Tap, and Lyrical.
Her dedication to classical ballet has been reflected throughout her examinations and continued education. Shaelynn has completed her Advanced 2 Cecchetti Ballet, and holds her Associate Diploma CC-CICB, Ballet Division Associate CDTA, and ISTD National Dance Associate. She also serves on the Cecchetti Canada, Ontario Committee, allowing her to remain actively involved in the Cecchetti community.
Since beginning her teaching career in 2018, Shaelynn has worked with dancers ranging from recreational students to competitive and pre-professional levels.
