Tel: 604-499-7246
Meiko Perkins RAD RTS - Founder & Artistic Director
Ms. Meiko, founder of Raincity Dance, is an active teaching member with both the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and Acrobatic Arts.
Meiko has created and implemented ballet curriculum for schools across the Greater Vancouver area. In addition to over two decades of teaching experience, she serves as a mentor for the RAD’s Certificate in Dance Teaching (RAD CDT) program.
She completed the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and studied the RAD syllabus at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in London, England. Meiko is certified in Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT), is a Silver Swans Licensee, a member of Benesh International.
Her teaching is grounded in classical technique and enriched by continued professional development in dance science and somatic practices, including workshops at the Prix De Lausanne in Switzerland, The Energy Source - Clare Guss-West, Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT), The Ballet Blog, the Feldenkrais Method, and Alixa Flexibility.
Meiko is also an active member of Acrobatic Arts, a professional training program that integrates classical dance with acrobatic elements to safely develop flexibility, strength, balance, and tumbling skills.
For the youngest dancers, Meiko focuses on developing coordination, musicality, and a love of movement through imaginative adventures. She continues to refine her original ballet curriculum for junior and adolescent dancers, giving students a solid foundation in ballet vocabulary, posture, and clean technique. As dancers progress, she fosters personal expression with performance quality, and emotional connection.
She is deeply committed to making dance a welcoming and inclusive art form for everyone—regardless of age, experience, or physical ability. Meiko believes that dance is more than artistic expression—it is a vital part of human development that builds coordination, emotional resilience, creativity, and social connection. She strives to create an environment where all students feel empowered and inspired to explore their own unique movement.
Sarah Jepsen - Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop
Sarah began dancing at age 9 in her hometown of Terrace, BC where she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary. Throughout her competitive career, Sarah competed at the provincial level for Ballet, won numerous scholarships and was ranked in the Top 3 for BC Annual Dance Competition's Performer of the Year.
Upon graduating high school, Sarah was accepted into Harbour Dance Centre's Intensive Training Program (ITP) where she trained with renowned teachers in commercial dance, acting and circus. Upon completing ITP, Sarah went on to join The Source Dance Company, where she primarily trained and performed in Contemporary, Jazz and Ballet. During her time with The Source, Sarah also pursued foundational Hip-hop training under Roberta Bierman at A3 District. Sarah's professional career included performances at The Heart of Gold Gala, Small Stage's Winter Series as well as appearances in music videos.
Sarah has experience teaching and choreographing Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip-hop. She strives to share her passion for dance with others and create a safe, positive and growth-orientated environment for young dancers.
Mona Lai - Ballet
Ms. Mona was born in Vancouver and raised in Hong Kong where she started dancing at the age of three. She received her training in Ballet, Chinese classical and folk dance, Modern and Tap dance at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). Currently in progress of obtaining the RAD Certificate in Dance Teaching (Ballet), Mona is the founder and studio director of Aura School of Dance. She is a certified teacher of the Beijing Dance Academy Graded Chinese Dance Examination Syllabus, Mat Pilates certified instructor, Yoga Alliance RYT 200 instructor, Progressive Ballet Technique (PBT) and certified Barre Fitness Instructor.
Completed projects and works include “The Living Archive”, a collaborative performance with the New Westminster Museum and Archives together with local new media artists, dancers and songwriters at the Anvil Center. Choreographer and Movement Director for Drama Lover Production’s original Cantonese musical “Love for Sale” presented at the Norman Rothstein Theatre in 2017.
Apart from dance, Mona was trained in Piano and has achieved Grade 8 of the Royal Schools of Music Examination.
Dickson Ly - Hip Hop
Dickson's journey into hip hop began with a studio drop-in class, sparking an instant passion that drove him to immerse himself in intensive training. He's been a pivotal member of elite crews like A3 Ryderz and Infamous, proudly representing Canada on global stages such as Hip Hop International and World of Dance. He was able to perform on popular shows like Canada's Got Talent. He has also made his mark in multiple national competitions such as Represent Dance, Hit the floor, Monsters of Hip Hop, Prelude, and Iconic Dance Competition.
With extensive experience teaching dancers of all ages and skill levels, Dickson not only choreographs for major competitions like "RDC" in Vancouver but also creates a comfortable learning environment, blending fun and knowledge to ensure every student thrives. He passionately shares his deep knowledge and love for hip hop's foundation and history, enriching his students' experience with both technical prowess and cultural insight.
He has trained under choreographers and directors such as Erik Perena, Roberta Bierman, Jane Marlinga, Carlo Atienza, Prince Nii, Julia Bose, and Jerome Esplana. Where he continues to expand his knowledge as he becomes an upcoming teacher/choreographer.
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Oyku Mensan Merzeci RAD RTS - Ballet
Ms. O. was born in Istanbul and has had a passion for dance since she was very young. She has been teaching for 14 years and has been with Raincity Dance since 2019 as a Ballet Teacher.
Oyku began her Classical Ballet training at the age of 3, trained and graduated from Performing Arts Department of Istanbul University Conservatory with distinction (2002). She pursued further training and graduated from Yıldız Alpar Ballet Academy in 2009.
She was a student of Ms. Alpar, the founder of the first private ballet school in Istanbul, who was awarded a lifelong achievement for her contribution to Ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance. During Oyku’s education, she worked with Oya Barbara Karanis, Aylin Kalem, Seda Altuğ, Deniz Kılınç, Emre Sökmen and Theresa Jane Brown.
Simultaneously, she attended the Royal Academy of Dance Major Examinations and successfully completed her exams as a young dancer. In 2017, Oyku completed the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and she has been a Registered Teacher with RAD since.
Oyku believes in continuous improvement and constantly keeps herself up-to-date on Classical Ballet and Dance education. She has been attending workshops and courses of Classical Ballet and teacher training in the United Kingdom and Canada. She nurtures her students’ talents, inspiring them to not only improve their skills but also kindle a deep love for the art of dance.
Kiera Neufeld-Heinrichs - Ballet, Lyrical, Tap
Ms. Kiera started dancing at 7 years old in small town Saskatchewan. She enjoyed learning ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical and hip hop and obtained her CDTA Advanced certificates in jazz and tap and RAD Advanced 1. She had the opportunity to perform in Vancouver, New York, Wisconsin, and numerous prairie cities. She no longer dances competitively but performs in community musical theatre, most recently in Mamma Mia and Into the Woods (as Milky White, the magical cow) for Touchstone Theatre’s yearly fundraiser “The Lawyer Show”. Kiera now choreographs The Lawyer Show, including the Addam’s Family in 2025, and 9 to 5 opening in May 2026. Kiera has taught all ages of students, all levels of ability, and all types of dance over her 17 year teaching career.
Dance has taught Kiera discipline, perseverance, confidence, and how to have fun. Her goal is for all students to feel welcome and respected while free to express themselves, try new things, and learn to trust and love their bodies.
Sydney Poulton - Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern
Sydney is a Vancouver-based artist who has been dancing for 18 years across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Growing up, she had the opportunity to train with many teachers and studios, specializing in Contemporary, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, and Lyrical.
After graduating from Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts in 2021, Sydney moved to North Vancouver to pursue dance full-time, joining Lamondance Company’s pre-professional training program, where she focused on Contemporary and Ballet. During her time with Lamondance, she had the privilege of working with renowned artists, including Nicholas Ventura, Davi Rodrigues, Brandon Lee Alley, Margarida Macieira, Eowynn and Isak Enquist, Sidney Chukas, and many more.
After completing her final year in the program in 2024, Sydney began teaching at various studios across the Lower Mainland, sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with hundreds of students. She looks forward to continuing to develop her artistry, expanding her expertise, and inspiring the next generation of dancers.
Sibel Rivera - Ballet
Ms. Sibel started dancing at the age of 3 under the direction of Karemia del Rey in her home town in Sinaloa, Mexico.
She first started competing internationally at the age of 11 at The Vignale Ragazzi Contest in Italy where she was awarded with the Grand Prix, followed by other competitions in Cuba and Mexico where she won Gold and bronze medals.
She complemented her training with Summer intensives at Boston Ballet and City Ballet of San Diego. (Master classes with Ramona de Saa, Aurora Bosch, Nelson Madrigal, Lorna Feijoo, Ashley Bouder, Daniel Ulricht, Megan Fairchild etc.)
At the age of 16 she moved to la Habana Cuba to complete a three year certification at The Cuban National Ballet School as a ballerina and professor which consisted in a diverse training including ballet, physical preparation, educational methodology, psychology, contemporary, choreography creation, kinesiology, folklore among others.
At her time there, she was featured twice on Cuban National Television dancing for the Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel and other recognized members of the government.
After her graduation she became an apprentice with the Profesional Company of The City Ballet of San Diego in the US and was casted to dance principal roles such as Clara in the Nutcracker and Alice in Alice in Wonderland.
She also taught ballet and repertoire classes at two different schools in San Diego.
Because of the pandemic she moved back to Mexico. That year she got a contract as Principal Dancer at "Compañía de ballet Clásico de Puebla, México". Where she danced contemporary, neoclassical and classical repertoire. She was selected to be part of the Company National Tour and private events for the Mexican government.
She never stoped teaching ballet, latin rhythms and physical preparation classes to all levels and got a certification in Positive Psychiatry and Mental health with the University of Sydney.
In 2021 she moved to Vancouver to complement her ballerina-professor career with a kinesiology Diploma.
Amanda Ryman - Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical
Ms. Amanda is from Calgary, Alberta, and began her dance journey at the age of 3. With 20 years of dance experience and 10 years competing, Amanda is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Musical Theatre, Acro, and Hip Hop. Her training includes Urban Dance Projects, Ambition Performing Arts, and Airborne Dance Centre in Calgary, along with summer training from Ballet Kelowna. She has had the privilege of learning from esteemed teachers and choreographers such as Michelle Dawley, Chaela Houston, Acacia Schachte, and Joanna Like.
In 2024, Amanda received her certification in Acrobatics Arts, becoming a certified Acro teacher. She also holds a certification from IDTS (International Dance Teaching Standards). She has completed university courses in Modern Technique, Kinesiology, Dancer's Health and Nutrition, Choreography, and various psychology courses, including Adolescent Development, Child Development, Health and Wellness, Neuroscience, Psychopathology, and Brain and Behaviour. She also trained in techniques from Martha Graham, Alvin Ailey, Merce Cunningham, Lester Horton, and José Limón during her university studies. Additionally, she has completed up to her Advanced 1 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Examinations.
While much of Amanda's dance career has been dedicated to competing at dance competitions, she has also danced in promotional videos for Ausha Productions Dance Company and Monica Model Management. Additionally, she has performed in large theatre productions such as The Sound of Music and Oliver Twist.
With 6 years of experience in various aspects of dance studio management, Amanda is proficient in team management, stage and performance management, and overall studio operations. She has played key roles in coordinating and managing productions, performances, recitals, showcases, events, and competitions. Her comprehensive experience ensures the smooth execution of all studio activities.
Amanda has taught a wide range of classes, from early childhood to adult, tailoring her teaching approach to suit the developmental stages and skill levels of her students. Her students consistently perform well at competitions, earning special awards and scholarships. Amanda herself has been recognized with choreography awards, reflecting her dedication and love of dance.
Amanda is also trained vocally and occasionally performs in Calgary and Vancouver. Her teaching style combines fun with technical precision, inspiring students to achieve their goals and instilling a love for dance, music, and technique.
Trishana Tuyet-Pham - Acro, Jazz, Lyrical
Trishana began training in competitive gymnastics at the age of 6 and started dancing at the age of 8. She trained in Jazz, Ballet, Acro, and Lyrical and her love of expression began. She adored floor gymnastics, which later became a love for rhythm, passion, and expression through movement and dance. She began coaching competitive gymnastics at the age of 14 and went on to get her NCCP Level 1 Gymnastics certification - she then found her love for teaching at a young age and began teaching piano and dance; Acro, Ballet, Flexibility + Conditioning, Tumbling, Jazz, and Lyrical.
She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Design at the University of British Columbia to continue her streak of creativity and creation. She is thrilled to continue her teaching journey in various aspects of rhythm and musicality. She specializes in Acro & Tumbling and hopes she can inspire her students to push their boundaries and achieve skills that they might not have thought they could do. She puts huge importance on building strong relationships with her dancers in order to be successful in building confidence, drive, and skill in not just dance, but outside of the studio as well.
Naomi Wright - Acro, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical
Naomi began her dance training in the heart of small-town Alberta with Miss Joanne's School of dance at the age of 5 training in all styles including acrobatics under the Acrobatic Arts curriculum. Her competitive years were filled with many titles and scholarships allowing her to train all over the country at different conventions and even the opportunity to train at Los Angeles`s The Edge.
After graduation, she moved to Vancouver to train under Harbour Dance Center`s Intensive Training Program, (ITP) where she trained in commercial dance, acting, and circus. Her professional performances included We Day, Vancouver's International Dance Festival, and Small Stage`s Winter Series, along with appearances in multiple music videos.
Naomi specializes in teaching jazz, lyrical, and contemporary, and in 2022 she received her certification in Acrobatics Arts to become a certified Acro teacher. Naomi is passionate about making her classes a safe space for students to push themselves and develop their love for dance. She hopes her students leave feeling inspired and confident in their abilities so they may achieve great things in and out of the studio.