Haley Toal is an accomplished choreographer, instructor, adjudicator, mentor, and business owner from Courtenay, British Columbia. She holds her ISTD Associate certification and specializes in Tap, is a certified Acro teacher with Acrobatic Arts, is a certified Ukrainian dance instructor with the Shumka Dance Syllabus Academy, and has recently completed her Alixia Flexibility certification. Haley is also a certified dance competition adjudicator through the Canadian Dance Leadership Association. Now 25 years old, Haley has over 10+ years of extensive teaching experience, 8 years of business experience, and has earned countless awards for her choreography and training of dancers throughout her professional career… one which has only just begun!
Haley’s dance training began at Courtenay School of Dance at the age of 3. Haley then trained at Brian Kruse School of Dance for 10 years. Haley's love of dance and the performing arts led her to begin instructing dance as a Teacher's Assistant at age 11, studying closely under Brian Kruse. Her teaching experience includes working with dancers of all ages and abilities, from 3 years old to adult, as well as dancers with special needs and diverse abilities. As a dancer, Haley loved the stage and was well known for her memorable performance skills. She was recognized for her talent at the BC Ukrainian Cultural Festival as well as winning several awards and a convention scholarship at Dupree Dance Convention in Seattle, WA. More than any other style of dance, Haley attributes her love of performing to her days spent as a Ukrainian dancer with Dolyna Ukrainian Dancers in the Comox Valley - training underneath her mom Carrie Toal and Dolyna’s accomplished Artistic Director and “Auntie” Janette Martin-Lutzer. After her childhood and teenage years were spent extensively training in a plethora of dance disciplines and dance instruction, she opened VIREO School of Performing Arts Ltd. at the age of 17 to offer a uniquely positive dance experience to the Comox Valley.
As a teacher and mentor, Haley is unlike any other. Her passion lies in going above and beyond to help young people reach their goals and become their best selves. She is a compassionate person who takes every opportunity to teach valuable life skills that help prepare her students for a successful and happy life. She has been described as an encouraging, inspirational, and passionate teacher that knows how to draw the very best out of her students. Her studio is known for its family-oriented, inclusive environment with a strong focus on technique, dedication, and discipline.
In addition to a multitude of dance convention scholarships, her dancers have won countless overall high score scores, trophies and medals, and special judges awards at competitions in Canada and the United States. Aside from year end showcases and competitions, Haley’s students can be seen performing in school and community theatre, attending intensive summer dance programs, in college-level dance and theatre programs, and now as teachers themselves. Haley’s knowledge, experience and passion creates not only excellent dancers, but also contributes to raising the strong leaders of tomorrow.