| About Donya |
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I began dancing when I was 5, and continued for the following 20 years, studying ballet, jazz, Ukrainian folk dance, contemporary dance, tap and bellydance. I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from SFU in 2002. My first theatrical performance was as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, and that particular show happened to take me all the way to the stage at Carnegie Hall, New York City, at the tender age of 13! I believe I was hooked at that point, but actually didn’t pursue theatre until I was 20, and on a hiatus from my University studies. I then spent several years as an active member of the Vancouver musical theatre scene, taking acting and voice classes along the way, and learning all I could about theatrical performance. As a teenager, I also spent a few years singing and choreographing barbershop music, and became a Regional quartet and chorus champion at 18. My experiential performance education was rounded out by two tours of Southeast Asia as a pop singer in a Top 40 band, singing six nights a week in 5-star hotels in Manila, Seoul, Bangkok and New Delhi. I’ve been teaching voice since 2002, and have developed a teaching style integrating my knowledge of movement and dance, natural voice technique, acting, and various body movement re-education techniques. My goal is to cultivate the magic that happens when people sing together; the creation of something greater than the sum of its parts; the inexplicable and undeniable euphoria felt by a group of voices singing in harmony. I believe that every voice deserves the euphoria of singing; every voice can grow, learn, play, and be expressive. Want to experience the sheer joy of your voice? It would be my pleasure to join you on your journey! |

After spending most of my life as a singer and dancer, I’ve discovered that what I really am is a teacher! I marvel continually at what a privilege it is to teach people musical performance skills; I have experienced so much joy in my life through performing, and it’s an honour for me to share my passion for music, singing and performance with others. So… how did I get here?