Heidi Schmidtke (she/her) began training at Crossings Dance, Calgary, in ballet, contemporary and modern styles. Heidi danced for seven seasons with Corps Bara's youth company, which offered her many opportunities to perform in various pieces and study with many experienced choreographers. Heidi achieved her Advanced 2 RAD ballet exam and competed in the Genée International Ballet Competition, which took her to London in 2015, where she was inspired by the Royal Academy of Dance to study ballet full time. Heidi attended the Goh Ballet Academy where, with the youth company, she performed in productions of The Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, and in the Beijing Arts Festival. Heidi then joined Ballet Jorgen's junior company summer intensive where she studied under Ballet Jorgen faculty, company members, and guest choreographers Gadfly and Mafa Makhubalo. When Heidi returned to Calgary, she trained with the O2 Dance Company and performed at the Rocky Mountain Salsa Gala, the Alberta Culture Days, and in a music video for an emerging pop artist. Heidi joined Corps Bara Dance Theatre in 2018.

Stephanie Jurkova-Abaco is a dance artist, teacher, and choreographer residing in Mohkinstsis (Calgary) on Treaty 7 Territory. She is a graduate of the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the University of Calgary and was immersed in Decidedly Jazz Dancework’s Professional Training Program. Stephanie has had the opportunity to engage with local performing arts collectives such as Kloetzel&Co, Storybook Theatre, Calgary Core Contemporaries, BrownCow Collective and Casa De Naz. Stephanie is also the founder of Rhythm Embodied, a mobile dance company that teaches expression through movement to curious minds, bodies, and hearts. As a dance educator, her purpose is to spread happiness, share a sustainable approach to movement and help individual connect to their inner rhythm, regardless of culture, race, or ability.

Olivia is a passionate dance artist whose approach to movement is rooted in the belief that dance is more than technique — it is an exploration of the space where body and soul converge. Her philosophy embraces the idea that through mindful, intentional movement, we can bridge the gap between the internal and external, the seen and unseen. Her work reflects a commitment to authenticity and the transformative power of dance, aiming to elevate both performer and audience to higher states of awareness. Olivia received her pre-professional training at the Alberta Ballet School under the expertise of Maria Crothers and Julie Coleman. She achieved her Advanced 2 RAD exam, is a graduate of the RAD’s Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies Program and is a Rambert Grades Level 1 certified contemporary teacher. Olivia is a Registered Teacher with the RAD and find the most joy in teaching ballet, modern and contemporary to all ages. She strives to further her education and passion by attending international training intensives such as Joffrey Ballet School and Martha Graham School, as well as performing with and recently directing En Corps Dance Collective. Olivia is in her second season with Corps Bara.

Emily Fonda (she/her) is a contemporary dance artist based in Calgary, Alberta. Her training includes The Alberta Ballet School, The San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now Dance Arts Institute), and DART DSP in Berlin.

Emily was selected as an RBC Emerging Artist with Peggy Baker Dance Projects for the 2019–2020 season. Her repertoire includes works by Marie Chouinard, Christopher House, Peggy Baker, Jiri Pokorny, and Anton Lachky. She has collaborated with artists Dor Mamalia, Dariusz Nowak (HUMAN FIELDS), Antonin Rioche, and was a member of W&M 2 for the last two seasons.

Emily continues to freelance in Calgary, and is very excited to be joining Corps Bara Dance Theatre this season!

Izél Pienaar is a Calgary-based dance artist, choreographer, and instructor known for her versatility and expressive physicality. She has trained extensively across Contemporary, Modern, Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, and more, and has worked with programs such as Arts Umbrella, Springboard Danse, and Modus Operandi. Her creative practice is rooted in exploration, collaboration, and storytelling, with choreographic works including the short film Skin Within and the full-length piece Your Face With Mine.

Now in her first season with Corps Bara Dance Theatre, Izél brings a dynamic and inquisitive presence to the company, with a deep curiosity for creation and a commitment to meaningful artistic exchange.

Jason Owin F. Galeos is an independent Artist, long-time Dancer, and seasonal Teacher. He started dancing in 2003. He studied at the

University of Calgary, Department of Dance with a BA in 2012. He has

trained at ImPuls Tanz (Austria), Urban Dance Camp (Germany), & RUBBERBANDance (Montréal). He started J-SIK Movements as his own unique movement platform in 2015 and then became a Company Dancer for Decidedly Jazz Dance in 2018 (5 Seasons). His mission from becoming a well known street dancer, expanding his education, performing local to professional, has recognized him for his cross-genre approach, and profoundly down to earth attitude.