Xiao Han Yan

B.A. B.Ed. M.A. A.R.A.D. TTP Dip. (NBS). ISTD (Cecchetti/National).

   Ms. Yan was trained at Beijing Dance Academy, the most prestigious professional dance school in China. After 7 years of professional training in Vaganova method under some of the most credentialed ballet professionals such as Wang Shu Xiang, Li Chun Hua and Zhong Run Liang, Ms. Yan went on to work with the Central Ballet of China. Upon moving to Canada, she successfully completed her Bachelor of Education and M.A degree from York University and obtained her Teaching Diploma with Distinction from Canada’s National Ballet School, where she was awarded Royal Academy of Dance and Cecchetti teaching qualifications. The learning journey never stops for Ms Yan as she  believes that it will always push one to continue progressing. Ms. Yan has taught in many professional schools both in China and in Canada such as Beijing Run Liang Dance Academy and Canada’s National Ballet School. Her students range from pre-school age to adults, many of them have already started their careers as professional dancers. While working in the studio, she enjoys sharing her passion and understanding of dance with her students and is always being truthful with these young individuals on how they progress Ultimately she is thrilled to see the rapid learning progression in these individuals. Her philosophy is best summed up as follows:

“I believe that we learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. In each, it is the performance of a dedicated precise set of acts, physical or intellectual, from which comes shape of achievement, a sense of one’s being, a satisfaction of spirit.”

– Martha Graham