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.
Lourdes Amigo - Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz
Lourdes, "Ms. Lulu" is a Spanish professional dancer and dance instructor whose passion for movement began at an early age. She started Rhythmic Gymnastics at the age of four, competing at the European level until she was twelve. At six years old, she also began training in Ballet and Jazz, and quickly discovered that dance was her true passion.
Throughout her training, Lourdes expanded her studies to include Contemporary and Latin dance, developing a versatile and well-rounded artistic background. She graduated from the Professional Dance Program at Escuela de Danza Martina Tessaro in Spain while also completing Ballet and Contemporary examinations through the Australian Teachers of Dancing (ATOD).
Since the age of eighteen, Lourdes has performed professionally with dance companies across Spain and Japan, gaining experience in a wide range of productions and performance styles. Alongside her performing career, teaching has always been one of her greatest passions. She specializes in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, and Latin dance, and has worked with students of all ages and levels. In Spain, she primarily coached teenagers, preparing them for competitions while helping them develop both strong technique and confidence as performers.
Lourdes recently moved to Vancouver, where she is excited to continue sharing her love of dance with the local community. She is passionate about creating a positive and inspiring learning environment, encouraging every student to grow not only as a dancer, but also as an artist and individual.
.jpg)
Ana Paulina Angulo Guerrero - Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Modern
Ana Paulina is a Mexican dancer, choreographer, and movement educator based in Vancouver, BC. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Dance and has dedicated her career to both performing and teaching, combining technical excellence with a genuine passion for helping others grow through movement.
With over 14 years of teaching experience, Ana has worked with dancers of all ages and levels in both Mexico and Canada. She specializes in contemporary, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, jazz funk, and modern dance, creating classes that balance strong technique, musicality, creativity, and self expression. Her teaching philosophy focuses on building confidence while encouraging each student to develop their own artistic voice in a supportive and inspiring environment.
As a performer, Ana has participated in stage productions, live events, television appearances, music videos, and commercial projects, allowing her to bring real world industry experience into the studio. Beyond dance, Ana is a Breathwork Facilitator and is completing her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training. Her background in movement, breathwork, and mindfulness allows her to approach dance education holistically, helping students move with greater awareness, confidence, and resilience. Ana believes dance is more than learning choreography. It is a powerful tool for self expression, connection, and personal growth. Her goal is for every student to leave class feeling stronger, more confident, and inspired both inside and outside the studio.
Rina Gomi - Ballet
Rina Gomi was born in Kagawa, Japan and began ballet at the age of two, training under Mayo Ikeda at Mayo Ballet School. She became a finalist in both the NBA National Ballet Competition and the Shikoku Ballet Competition, and also pursued rhythmic gymnastics for six years, winning first place in the team category at the Kagawa Prefectural High School Newcomers Competition. In 2015, she won a prize in the high school division of the NAMUE Classical Ballet Competition in Nagoya and was accepted into the summer program at the Royal Ballet School of Antwerp in Belgium. That same year, she studied at the Ballet Course of Showa University of Music Junior College and at Yamaji Rumiko Ballet Studio, graduating in 2017. In 2016, she received the Excellence Award in the senior division of the Okayama National Ballet Competition and earned the right to participate in the Munich International Summer Program. In 2017, she attended the Melbourne City Ballet Company Winter Intensive in Australia and was offered a position as a Finishing Artist through the company audition. From 2017 to 2021, she taught children and youth at Mayo Ballet School. She also holds teaching certifications in BESJ Mat Pilates and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).
Alice Guillot - Ballet
Alice began dancing at the age of 7 at her local ballet school in her home country, France. She became passionate about ballet and after graduating high school she joined the prestigious Central School of Ballet in London (UK), where she graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts. During her last year she took part in the spring tour with Ballet Central, under the direction of Christopher Marney, and danced in pieces by renowned choreographers on more than 20 stages throughout England. Upon graduation Alice joined the Royal Opera House to dance in the opera Death in Venice.
In 2021, Alice moved to Vancouver to join Coastal City Ballet. During her 4 seasons there she had the opportunity to dance in multiple full length ballets and new creations, allowing her to develop her technique and artistry. Some of her favourite roles were Cinderella (2022) and Aurora in the Sleeping Beauty (2023). Alice also joined Ballet Ouest de Montréal in 2023 and 2024 for their annual tour of the Nutcracker, and has since continued her dance career as a freelancer in Vancouver.
Alice is passionate about sharing her knowledge to dancers of all ages. In her classes, you can expect a warm and encouraging environment focused on musicality, expression, and strong technical foundations. Alice combines classical technique with creative imagery to help students refine their movement quality, build confidence, and connect emotionally to the music.
Bella Hilton - Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop
Ms. Bella began dancing at the age of 3 and spent 14 years training at Boundless Dance Studio in Calgary, developing a strong foundation in jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, and hip hop, where she also taught for 2 years until graduation. After graduating In 2024, she attended the prestigious Intensive Training Program at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, where she had the opportunity to refine her technique, performance skills, grow as an artist, as well as learn from hundreds of Canada’s top choreographers and teachers. Bella has had the opportunity to perform in over 10 major dance shows in Vancouver, concept videos, and short films, as well as even creating and choreographing her own.
Over the years, Bella has achieved distinction on her Grade 8 RAD ballet exam, completed numerous ADAPT tap and jazz examinations, was invited to represent Team Canada Tap in 2022, competed in the Showtime Grand Championships, competed in the Evolve Alberta provincials alongside her team, and was honoured with the Nuvo Vancouver Senior Breakout Artist Scholarship.
Last year, she taught at two studios in Calgary, winning multiple choreography awards at competitions.
Now, Bella is back in Vancouver and so excited to share her passion for dance and performance with her students at Raincity. She hopes to inspire them to grow not only as dancers, but also as confident, creative individuals who love expressing themselves through movement.
Oyku Mensan Merzeci RAD RTS - Ballet
Ms. O was born in Istanbul and developed a passion for dance at an early age. She has been teaching ballet since 2008 and has been a Ballet Instructor at Raincity Dance since 2019.
Ms. O began her Classical Ballet training at the age of three and graduated with distinction from the Performing Arts Department of the Istanbul University Conservatory in 2002. She continued her professional training at the Yıldız Alpar Ballet Academy, graduating in 2009. During her studies, she trained under renowned instructors including Yıldız Alpar, Oya Barbara Karanis, Aylin Kalem, Seda Altuğ, Deniz Kılınç, Emre Sökmen.
Alongside her formal education, Ms. O successfully completed the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Major Examinations. In 2017, she earned the RAD Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies and became a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance.
Committed to lifelong learning, Ms. O regularly participates in professional development workshops and teacher training programs. She is passionate about helping students develop strong technical foundations, artistic expression, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for the art of dance.
Kayleigh Rankin - Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Hip Hop
Kayleigh began her dance training in Victoria BC, where she studied a wide range of styles, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, tap, and acrobatics. She trained and competed across North America, earning numerous overall titles, scholarships, and special awards throughout her competitive career.Before pursuing dance, Kayleigh trained in rhythmic gymnastics until the age of 13, where she developed the strength, flexibility, and artistry that continue to influence her movement today.
In 2022, Kayleigh moved to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is currently a professional dancer for both the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League and the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League. Kayleigh is passionate about sharing her love of dance with the next generation of dancers. She strives to create a positive, supportive environment where students can build confidence, develop strong technique, and discover the joy of performing.
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.
Mercedes Seddon - Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical
Ms. Mercedes is a born and raised Calgarian. After dancing her entire childhood she graduated high school in 2022 and set out pursuing a career as a professional dancer and choreographer.
In 2023 Mercedes completed the prestigious Intensive Training Program [ITP] at Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, BC. The ITP program provided Mercedes comprehensive training, helping her to bridge the gap from competitive to professional dance. Through ITP, Mercedes has worked with renowned choreographers, appeared in multiple concept videos, and trained with some of Canada's best dancers.
Most recently, Mercedes had the opportunity to be a performer for the launch of a new luxury clothing line. She has also performed in the Lumiere Festival, Dance on Robson, the 2023 Collaboration Show, Lamond Show, Gymnastic BC’s Awards Banquet, Uproar Dance Team, Moscow Ballet's Nutcracker, and many more.
Mercedes loves teaching all age groups. From pre-primary all the way to advanced level she believes there’s something special about all ages. Mercedes specializes in teaching ballet, jazz, lyrical, and all street styles.
Mackenzie Tenta - Hip Hop
Mackenzie grew up in Invermere, BC where she trained and competed in various dance styles; hip hop quickly became her favorite. Her teaching experience began at a young age when she coached and created choreography for competitive hip hop students in Invermere, and developed a dance fit program at the local seniors home. Since coming to Vancouver, Mackenzie coaches the competitive hip hop team at Gladstone Secondary School and teaches a drop-in hip hop class at the Space - House of Performing Arts.
She has competed with the team Nonstop at several competitions such as International Dance League, and World of Dance Summit. Mackenzie trains with Higher Ground Dance Company, focusing on freestyle and street styles such hip hop, breaking, popping, locking, and many more. Recently, she has battled with Higher Ground at the events Massive Monkeys and One for the City.
Her goal as an instructor is to create a positive and high energy environment to challenge students and facilitate growth; she is very excited to continue to share her love of dance with the community!
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.