Olivia Blackman

 

Dance Curriculum Coordinator and Instructor

 

Olivia began her dance training in ballet at Evolutions School of Dance. Her love for these styles allowed her to expand her training to include jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. Being a graduate of the Dance PVA program at Central Memorial High School, Olivia has also been exposed to diverse styles of dance such as West African, swing, and body percussion, to name a few. Olivia is an alumni of Maria Montessori Education Centre (MMEC).

Olivia is a student in the Teacher Training Program at the School of Alberta Ballet and is currently working towards completing her Intermediate and Advanced 1 exams (Cecchetti) ,as well as her Associate teaching exam. She is an assistant ballet instructor at the School of Alberta Ballet, a dance birthday party instructor and office support at Evolutions, and a substitute dance teacher at various studios. Last summer she was a full-time dance camp instructor at MRU Kids, where she learned many things about how to plan and execute successful dance classes for children from ages 5 – 13. She is passionate and looking forward to working meaningfully with young people who want to dance this summer!

Ava Blackman

 

Arts and Crafts Coordinator and Junior Instructor

Ava also began her dance training at Evolutions School of Dance. She has studied various genres, including ballet, acro, hip hop, jazz, tap, contemporary and West African. A lover of dance, she is currently finishing her first year of the Dance PVA program at Central Memorial High School. Ava is a graduate of the first Grade 9 Erdkinder class at Maria Montessori Education Centre (MMEC).

Ava has been a junior instructor at Evolutions for three years now, this year with a jazz and a ballet class. She is excited to be starting Moves and Grooves with her sister, where she can share her love of art and dance with children.

 

Sarah Blackman

Music Instructor and Logistics Support

Sarah is an experienced Elementary Montessori teacher. She helped start MMEC 12 years ago, and is currently the Elementary Director and a French and music teacher at the school. A pianist and also a member of MRU’s Kantorei choir, she has completed all three levels of Kodaly music teacher training and Orff level one. Taiko drumming is her latest musical endeavor, which she has begun studying at MRU. She will support Olivia and Ava with some camp logistics this summer and also provide daily music to all campers. Singing, games, Orff instrument play, and drumming will all be explored!