Faculty
Lindsay Tusche –
Owner, co-founder and Artistic Director
Lindsay co-founded Dance Unlimited with Barb Stokes in 1993 with the goal of creating a studio where students could develop a true passion for dance while learning in a positive, supportive, and enjoyable environment. More than three decades later, that vision continues to guide everything she does.
Lindsay began dancing at the age of three and trained with respected instructors including Bebe Eversfield, Maureen Eastick, Sherry Black, and Sylvia Hosie. Her training includes Musical Theatre, Tap, Jazz, Voice, and R.A.D. Ballet, where she completed several examinations with outstanding results. Alongside her dance education, Lindsay also trained in figure skating and earned her B.C.R.P.A. Fitness certification.
Throughout her career, Lindsay has continued to grow as both a dancer and educator by attending conventions and professional training throughout Canada and the United States. Her performance experience includes appearances with the UVIC Air Canada Cheerleaders, the David Foster Celebrity Baseball Game, Expo ’86 World Fair, and performances with children’s entertainer Bob Schneider. She has also appeared in productions and choreographed for several stage productions.
Lindsay has been teaching and inspiring dancers in Victoria since 1989 through programs with the Greater Victoria School District, Island Catholic Schools, Saanich and Juan de Fuca Parks & Recreation, and Jazzercise Fitness Centre.
Under Lindsay’s direction, Dance Unlimited’s Performing Companies have travelled to attend conventions, master classes, and performances across North America, including Disneyland, Walt Disney World, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix, and Edmonton.
Lindsay is passionate about helping dancers build confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love of dance, while creating a studio community where every student feels encouraged to grow and succeed.
Deborah James R.A.D. – Instructor
Deborah has studied dance for over 35 years and has been teaching Ballet, Tap and Musical Theatre in Victoria for over 30 years. She has trained in Ballet, Jazz and Tap and has completed her Royal Academy of Dance examinations with high success. Deborah went on to achieve her R.A.D. Teacher status and presently her students have achieved outstanding marks in their examinations and assessments. Deborah is a passionate teacher who continues to encourage, motivate and inspire her students to achieve their personal best. She applies this philosophy for herself as well, consisitently attending R.A.D. seminars and courses to keep herself updated and in the know. Deborah is also an accredited Montessori School educator (IAPM) and applies this training into her dance classes.
Jasmyn Evered – A.A.C – Instructor
Jasmyn began dancing at the age of three at The Coast Academy of Dance in her hometown on the Sunshine Coast. Over the years, she has trained extensively in a wide range of styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Hip-Hop, Acro, and Pointe. She has completed her ISTD Modern exams from Grade One through Advanced One and earned her ISTD Modern Theatre Teaching Diploma in November 2020 after successfully passing the ISTD Modern Theatre Associate exam. Jasmyn is also certified in Acrobatic Arts Module 1 and Module 2 and holds her Aerial and Back Handspring Certification, and Back Tuck and Back Layout Certification through Acrobatic Arts. She continues to expand her knowledge and skills by attending classes and teacher training conventions. Throughout her dance career, Jasmyn has had numerous performance opportunities, including multiple roles in the Sunshine Coast’s local production of The Nutcracker, where she progressed from Party Girl at age nine to leading roles such as Clara, Mirliton, Snow, Flower, Ballerina Doll, and Arabian Lead. She began dancing competitively at age 11, travelling to Poland with Team Canada, and has since competed in many competitions, earning high awards for group pieces, duets, solos, and choreography. Jasmyn recently graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. While studying at UVic, she was also a member of the UVic Dance Team, where she had the opportunity to continue performing and further connect with the dance community. She is passionate about bringing her knowledge of how the body works into the studio to help students move safely while developing their skills and artistry. Jasmyn is grateful for the opportunity to inspire and support young dancers, and she loves working with such a passionate group of students and teachers. She’s honoured to be a part of an amazing dance studio and community where she can share her love for dance and grow alongside others who are just as excited about it. She looks forward to keeping that passion alive through her teaching.
Brooklyn Tusche – A.A.C – Instructor
Brooklyn was dancing before she could walk and was on stage performing for the first time before she was 2. Throughout her 18 years of dance education, Brooklyn trained in RAD Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Acro, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Tap. In addition, she trained in Aerial Arts, including Lyra and Silks. As part of her studio’s Performing Companies, Brooklyn was invited, and has travelled to perform in Disneyland and Disney World. She most recently was chosen by industry professionals to attend the, by invitation only, Hollywood Summer Tour and was awarded a full scholarship to Harbour Dance. In her many years of competing, she has been recognized by judges for her breathtaking emotion and outstanding performance qualities, earning her multiple first places, numerous awards, and special recognition. Brooklyn began assisting at the at the studio at the age of 9, was one of the first assistants in the Assistant Teacher Training Program at 12, and then 5 years later began training dancers in Jazz, Lyrical and the Performing Companies. Brooklyn has guest taught for the Claremont, Dunsmuir and Belmont Dance programs and was an Assistant with RNS Soar ’24. During her many years of assistant teaching, she developed a love for the creative process of choreography and quickly discovered her desire to share her love of dance and performing with her students. Recently, she followed another dream of hers – modelling and acting, and is now represented by Coultish Management. She continues to maintain her strong passion for the arts by training at conventions and teacher conferences in Canada and the US. She has trained under the incredible Shannon Mather and Nicole Smith. It was at one of those conventions where she was so inspired after taking class with the creator of Acrobatic Arts, Mandy Yip, that she decided to obtain her certification in Acrobatic Arts Module 1. Brooklyn strives to encourage confidence, respect, and a love of dance in her students.
Makenna Pitre – A.A.C – Instructor and Office
Makenna started dancing at age three and it immediately became her passion. Over the years she has trained in many styles including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro and Musical Theatre. Makenna completed several ADAPT Jazz and Tap syllabus exams, receiving top marks and also received scholarships and bursaries. She started competing at age 10, and was awarded first place overalls, top ten overalls, adjudicator awards, cash prizes, and an invitation from Peak Invitational to attend Nationals. Makenna is certified in Acrobatic Arts Module 1 as well as Aerial Progressions and Spotting. Makenna has always enjoyed helping and working with her peers in and out of the dance studio and has fallen in love with teaching. She continues to learn and grow as a teacher by attending teaching conventions, taking classes and collaborating with her fellow dance teachers. She has trained with the incredible Shannon Mather and Nicole Smith and many more. Makenna loves to share her passion for dance with her students.
Melissa Wetmore – Instructor
Melissa grew up in Vancouver, where she trained in the pre-professional competitive division at the Richmond Academy of Dance under world-renowned teachers and guest choreographers. She received comprehensive training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary, and Contemporary Ballet. Since relocating to Vancouver Island in 2019, she has been an active member of the dance community teaching classes and creating choreography. She continues her professional development by attending international teaching conventions and taking local dance classes, and is currently completing the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Teaching Certification. Melissa is passionate about sharing her love of dance and is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of dancers.
Calista Phillips – Instructor
Calista began dancing at a young age and hasn’t looked back! She quickly fell in love with the musicality of dance and art of choreography which inspired her first piece at age 12. Calista has trained in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical and Musical Theatre, with a concentration on Tap and Ballet. Performing in competitions across the island, with solos, duos and groups, she was awarded the “Tap Award” from the Cowichan Music Festival four times, alongside high placements and honours. She has also completed her Grade 8 and Intermediate RAD Ballet exams with distinction, and Advanced 1 and 2 ISTD Tap exams with distinction. Aside from teaching at various studios in the lower Island, Calista continues her professional development by taking classes at Van Tap, The Rhythm Room, and Pineapple Studios, taking private mentorship from Tap master Leo Manzari (student of Maurice Hines), and attending the ISTD summer intensive program in Chichester UK (summer of 2024). Calista completed her ISTD Associate exam in 2026, and is continuing to study for her Associate Diploma exam while continuing her Religion and Journalism studies at UVic. She can’t wait for an amazing upcoming season at Dance Unlimited!
Lorelle Evered – Instructor
Bio and photo to come!
Cambria Lukoni – Junior Instructor
Cambria is a passionate and versatile dancer who has trained extensively in all styles of dance since she was young. In 2024, she proudly represented her country as a member of Team Canada Acro, showcasing her talent on the international stage. Cambria was also selected as a finalist for Tempus—a prestigious performance opportunity alongside cast members from Dancing with the Stars and Cirque du Soleil. With over three years of experience as an assistant teacher, Cambria loves mentoring younger dancers and sharing her knowledge. She has a special passion for choreography and the creative process, bringing fresh ideas and artistry to every piece she works on. Cambria is excited to continue growing as both a performer, teacher and choreographer while inspiring others through her love of dance.
Maliya Brozuk- Junior Instructor
Maliya began dancing at the age of two and has loved it from the moment she stepped into the studio. She has trained in a wide variety of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acro, Tap, and Hiphop. Since the age of eight, Maliya has competed in numerous dance competitions, performing in solos, duets, trios, and group pieces. She has been recognized through judges’ choice awards and has earned top overall awards. Over the past five years, Maliya has assisted in dance classes where she has developed strong skills as an instructor including leadership, communication, and the ability to adapt her teaching style to support dancers of all ages and levels. She has also completed the Acrobatic Arts Assistant Teacher Certification and looks forward to continuing to expand her knowledge in the future. Maliya is passionate about sharing her love for dance and inspiring others. She strives to encourage creativity while fostering a positive and supportive environment for everyone. Maliya is excited to continue growing as a dancer and a teacher.
Barb Stokes – Co-founder
Barb began her teaching journey in 1978 with the Victoria School District, where her passion for working with children quickly became clear. Throughout the years, she remained deeply involved in the school community, volunteering her time and inspiring students who went on to receive top awards and perform in Honor Performances.
Her love for the performing arts, creativity and energy led her to direct several memorable productions. Barb’s own training in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet helped shape the strong foundation she shared with her students.
In addition to serving as a director and instructor at Dance Unlimited, Barb also worked as a Special Student Assistant for the Victoria School District, continuing her lifelong commitment to supporting and encouraging young people.
Although Barb is no longer an owner or teacher at the studio, her presence and influence remain an important part of Dance Unlimited’s story. Her genuine care for children, along with the dedication and respect she showed every student, helped create the nurturing environment that our studio is proud of today.
Leticia Pang R.A.D. – Instructor
A Victoria native, Leticia’s training took place at Pacific Dance Centre. She was also fortunate to receive training from the National Ballet School of Canada, the Banff Centre for Performing Arts, and Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Her professional dance career includes numerous summers at the Banff Festival Ballet and 10 years with Ballet Jörgen Canada. She has performed ballets such as Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Coppélia, and works by Balanchine. She has also been privileged to work with and to perform the new works of great choreographers such as Crystal Pite, Wen Wei Wang, Mark Godden, Roberto Campanella, and many other talented Canadian choreographers. Leticia began her teaching career here in Victoria upon retiring from her professional dance career in 2002 and has taught at many schools both on Vancouver Island and on the mainland.
Chelsea Maskiewich – Instructor
Chelsea has lived and breathed dance since she began training in her hometown of Victoria, BC at the age of three. Her experience has taken her to some of the top studios in the world including the Millennium Dance Complex and the Edge Performing Arts Centre located in Hollywood, California. At the age of 11 she was selected by Rising Moments Talent Agency to be featured on their website and to get the opportunity to train and work one-on-one with top choreographers in California. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege to take classes and train with numerous top choreographers across North America. She received numerous awards and scholarships at festivals and competitions and was chosen to represent Victoria at the BC Provincial dance festival for eight consecutive years where she placed as Runner up in 2011. Chelsea’s commercial experience includes dancing in music videos and movies such as “Brighter At Night” by Ash Koley, “Slave2Love” by Stef Lang, “Sunglasses” by Sophia Mock, and Disney’s “Descendants”. Chelsea has had extensive experience teaching several disciplines of dance since the age of 16 including tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, open and hip-hop at multiple dance studios. She has completed and passed her Advanced 2 Tap and Advanced Modern exams with Honours. In 2018 she received the Tap Dance Professional Scholarship, awarded by West Coast Tap, for her skill and passion for sharing the art of tap dance. Yearly, Chelsea continues to educate herself and continues igniting her passion for dance by attending dance teacher conventions, workshops and classes across Canada and the USA.
Carly Kennedy – A.A.C – Instructor
Carly started dancing at three years old at the Coast Academy of Dance on the Sunshine Coast. Over the past 16 years, she has trained in various styles such as ISTD Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, ISTD Modern, ISTD Tap, Broadway, and Acro. She has completed all of her ISTD Modern and Tap exams from Grade 1 through to Advanced 2, along with the ISTD Modern Theatre Teachers Associate completed in May 2022, earning her ISTD Modern Teachers Diploma. Carly has had many performance and choreographing opportunities throughout her dance career. She started competing at the age of 12, attending many competitions in BC, entering solos, duets, trios, groups, and choreography of her own. She was selected to represent Canada in Germany in 2017 for the IDO Dance World Championships. Carly started experimenting with her own choreography at the age of 16, where she choreographed a solo for herself which was entered into competition receiving high achievement. Since then, she has choreographed numerous solos and duets to perform herself, and other dancers. Carly took her first year of post-secondary at the University of Victoria studying Biology when she discovered a passion for Nursing. She has continued teaching since graduating in 2022 teaching numerous summer camps, and working with students one one-on-one at the Coast Academy of Dance. She continues to train attending teacher conventions and is an Acrobatic Arts Module 1 certified teacher.She is absolutely thrilled to continue doing what she loves and share her passion with her students.
Francesca Manson – Instructor
Francesca has been dancing since the age of 2.5 at The Coast Academy of Dance on The Sunshine Coast. She loves doing all styles of dance: ballet, contemporary, ISTD modern, jazz, acro and Broadway. She has completed all her ISTD modern exams from grade 1 to advanced 2, along with a few other ISTD exams in ballet, jazz and tap throughout the years of training. Additionally, she was able to earn her ISTD Modern Teachers Diploma through the ISTD Modern Theatre Teachers Associate which was completed in May 2022. Starting competing at the age of 12 she was entered in many groups, solos, duos and trios in various styles. She also took part in competing with self-choreography solos from grade 9 through the end of high school, where she was recognized highly with achievements and recognition. Throughout the associate program, she was able to have many choreographing opportunities for local shows and competitions for herself and others of varying ages. Aside from competitions, she participated in the audition and performance of the local Nutcracker for 8 years playing various parts from the story. Additionally, she was chosen to represent Canada in the 2017 IDO Showdance World Championships in Germany. She was also selected from the Sunshine Coast Arts Festival to come to Victoria to partake in Provincials in 2018. As for performances, she was a part of the lead role for the production Becoming by Becky Izad, In 2020 she auditioned and got the opportunity to be a part of the Josh Beamish production. Francesca is now entering her 3rd year in Elementary Education at the University of Victoria working towards becoming a teacher. She has always loved working with children and is so grateful she now gets the opportunity to teach both in academic and dance schools, where she can share her passion for learning and dance.
Erica Lalonde – Instructor and Office Admin
Erica started dancing at the young age of 2, and has trained in Tap, Jazz, RAD Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop & Lyrical. Her 15-year teaching career includes Studios, School Districts, Guest teaching, and choreographing for musicals such as Grease, NeverNeverland & Little Shop of Horrors. She has attended, and continues to attend conventions to further her training and expand her knowledge to share with her students. She’s attended competitions across Canada and the United States and has performed both locally and internationally, including Disneyland. Erica was selected as a Provincial Representative at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival and has won many awards and scholarships over the years. Erica oversees our Broadway Babies, Showstoppers, Teeny and Pre-Primary Tappers, sharing her outgoing and fun energy with them.
Samantha Madill – Instructor
Samantha thrives when she is performing on stage, or teaching choreography, or learning new performance skills. She has been dancing since she was three years old and has trained in many styles including Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, R.A.D Ballet and Tap. She has performed in dance festivals and competitions since she was six years old and has won scholarships and multiple awards. Samantha has thoroughly enjoyed choreographing several musical productions for Triple Threat Performing Arts Society and Theatre Al Dente since she was 12 years old and has showcased her choreography for Broadway directors in New York at the Broadway Student Summit. Most recently she enjoyed teaching a musical theatre dance unit at Braefoot Elementary School. She is passionate about dancing, learning, teaching, and community connections. She is excited to share her passion for Musical Theatre with her students.
Taylor-Lyn Bruce – Instructor
Taylor-Lyn was in the studio before she could walk and was on the stage by the time she was 2. She has trained in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Modern Stage, Tap, Modern, Contemporary and RAD Ballet completing her Grade 8 exam. At the age of 8 Taylor was invited to be part of the studio’s Performing Companies and at age 11 was part of the studio’s Crew. She has travelled and performed in Disney World and Disneyland multiple times. She has competed in many competitions earning multiple awards and adjudicator awards. Taylor started assisting when she was 11 and knew that in the studio teaching is where she belonged. She is excited to share her love of hip-hop with her students and getting them to bring their stage face!
Ava Smith – Instructor
Ava grew up on Vancouver Island and has been dancing since the age of three. She started dancing at Rhythm Dance Academy and was later invited to join companies such as Helix Dance Theatre and Prism Dance Connections. She also trained at Vibe Studios Nanaimo. She started dancing competitively at the age of 11 and is trained in ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, modern stage, and hip-hop. Ava has won many awards and recognition from adjudicators and choreographers at competitions and dance master classes. Ava worked professionally as a dancer in the 2018 Nanaimo production of Blackstones and Bathtubs for Canada’s 150 year celebration, and in a music video for a local Canadian artist in 2022. She has taken classes from top industry choreographers in Vancouver and L.A., at studios such as Millenium Dance Complex and The Brea Space. Ava just completed her term as the Co-Captain of the University of Victoria Dance Team for the 2025/2026 season. She has been on this team for the past five years. During her five years on the team, Ava choreographed numerous jazz, contemporary and hip-hop pieces that were competed and shared at year end shows. This past year she choreographed a hip hop routine for 28 dancers which was performed at UVic Basketball games, the team year end show and competed at Star Talent Nanaimo where it won the “Crispy Clean” award. Ava just graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Honours Geography and is now working full-time as an Environmental Technician. Ava will be continuing to train in hip-hop through local drop in classes and be joining a heels training company in Victoria this fall. Ava is so excited to get to continue dancing after university and to have the opportunity to work with young dancers to help them build foundational skills in hip hop. Ava has always loved how the art of dance allows you to tell a story and share self expression. She is really excited to be a member of the Dance Unlimited community!
Leighton Byers – Junior Instructor
Leighton has been dancing since she first stepped into a studio at the age of two, and her passion has only grown stronger over the last 14 years. Leighton is a versatile and dedicated dancer with extensive training across a wide range of styles, including Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her achievements, having successfully completed her Grade 8 and Intermediate RAD Ballet exams with Distinction. A seasoned competitor, Leighton can be found performing as a soloist, in duets, trios, and company performances, earning accolades such as tap scholarships and top award recognition for her competitive work. Her exceptional performance qualities have earned her an invitation to Summit Nationals. Beyond the stage, Leighton is committed to her continued professional development; she was honoured to be awarded a Tap Scholarship to train with industry professionals at the Tap Dance Centre in Ontario. Leighton has also been honing her skills as an assistant teacher at the studio for the last few years, developing a keen understanding of classroom dynamics and student engagement. Leighton is deeply passionate about inspiring other dancers to chase their creative dreams. She is excited to share her knowledge and love for dance, striving to encourage confidence, respect, and a love of dance in her students. She looks forward to continuing her growth as both a dancer and teacher well into the future.