Diana and Gillian have received numerous personal accolades, awards & grants for outstanding choreography & contributions to the arts. Many of our graduate students have been accepted at prestigious International dance schools such as Julliard, Royal Winnipeg Ballet & Ryerson University in Toronto to further their love of dance.
As dance educators we take on the role of mentors maintaining a professional relationship with all of our students and parents, and are reliable, responsible and inspiring.
Diana Radcliffe
Diana continues to bring her expertise in dance training & choreography to dancers of all ages. Her knowledge has contributed to developing many talented & aspiring young dancers, successful studio competitive programs, summer dance programs & creating new outlets for young dancers to learn & grow.
Prior to owning a studio Diana was contracted throughout the city teaching & choreographing for local studios for 10 years strong after working globally as a Professional dancer.
Dancing professionally gave Diana the opportunity to be featured as a dancer in 42nd Street Rainbow Stage Winnipeg, Toronto Raptors Dance team, various corporate Industrials, Celebrity Cruises feature dancer/dance captain, and “Ariel” from The Little Mermaid in the opening cast of Tokyo Disney Sea in Japan.
Diana has also received numerous personal accolades, awards & grants for outstanding choreography & contributions to the arts.
Diana is thrilled to be able to continue to share her love of dance with many more children at Mahogany Dance Arts.
Gillian Howatt, RAD, RTS
Gillian Howatt trained locally in Calgary, Alberta before moving to one of Canada’s largest dance communities in Toronto, Ontario to study and perfect her art. She performed professionally and trained under the guidance of professional teachers from such well-known companies as The National Ballet of Canada, The Kirov Ballet, The Alberta Ballet and The London Contemporary Dance Theater.
Upon completion of university, Gillian traveled throughout Europe before returning home to Calgary to open her first dance studio. Gillian has been a successful dance studio owner for over 25 years, sharing her love and passion for dance with children of all ages and levels.
Gillian Howatt is specialized in Classical Ballet studies. She holds certificates in dance teaching education from three establishments:
- The Royal Academy of Dance, London England. Selected by RAD Toronto to mentor dance instructors in Alberta
- Ryerson University, Toronto Ontario. Studied under the direction of Nadia Potts, ex-professional lead dancer with the National Ballet of Canada
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, London England. Certification in Ballet, Modern, National, Character
Gillian is the proud mom of two wonderful children, Emily and Owen.
Gillian loves to share her knowledge and passion for dance with all of the children at Mahogany Dance Arts!