Prism Directors
Katie Deelman & Samantha Mason
Vancouver Island born dancers, Katie Deelman and Samantha Mason have had the pleasure of watching the various genres of dance in many local communities evolve and grow with the always changing industry. With a combined 25 years of experience, they have taught for numerous dance schools from Victoria to Port Alberni and everywhere in between. These experiences have allowed them the opportunity to see where something which focuses on advanced jazz training (like Prism does) could be a valuable asset to Vancouver Island’s youth. Prism Dance Connections (PDC) offers both technical training classes as well as a performance team focusing on the dance styles of jazz, lyrical jazz, contemporary and modern stage. It is intended for dancers age 10 + who are looking to supplement their current studio training with an additional opportunity. PDC seeks to support dancers by providing extra class hours, more stage time, workshops and other unique opportunities.
PDC was born out of a desire to do more than just train dancers; it was created to make healthy, strong, well rounded dance professionals. Katie and Sam share a creative connection that inspires and pushes one another and they look forward to participating in the success of Prism Dance Connections and its students.
Nadia Rodrigues
Nadia Rodrigues (she/her) is a Vancouver, British Columbia based dancer, dance educator and choreographer. Becoming deeply immersed in the arts at a young age, her passion for movement and artistry is infectious and continues to flourish throughout her professional career.
Nadia’s drive for her craft has led her to training professionally under some of the industry’s best artists. As a former company dancer of the Source Dance Company under the artistic direction of Joanne Pesusich, she has trained with renowned choreographers and casting directors from Vancouver, Los Angeles, Toronto, the UK, and more. Nadia is now on the leadership team of the Source Dance Company, and is deeply invested in fostering a welcoming and supportive collective, while mentoring young emerging artists.
From the studio, to stage, to film, Nadia has had the privilege of working with Emmy winning choreographer, Mandy Moore, on Season 2 of NBC’s Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist. Additional credits include the opening number for Crazy 8’s Dance Festival directed by Max Beauchamp, Innovate Dance Film Showcase, Small Stage Productions and more.
As a devoted dance artist, Nadia is passionate about storytelling through her movement and choreography. She continues to teach and share her love of dance across BC, including credits such as the Medallion Club Gala, and various Vancouver-based productions. Nadia’s work continues to challenge and inspire, creating art that is grounded in connection with others.
Shay Kuebler
As a child of the 80’s, Shay grew up with a passion for The Ninja Turtles and action movies. This would bring him to martial arts, theatre and dance at the age of 5. As he became a professional performer and choreographer, he placed an increased focus on versatility where he’s trained across the world in multiple forms of dance, music, martial arts, theatre, production design and screenwriting. Shay’s versatility as an artist has seen him work as a principal actor, stunt performer, dancer, movement director, choreographer and director for the stage and screen. Some of his choreography and directing highlights include: SEE, Psych, HP Computers, Bravo Fact, Denner (Switzerland), Travelodge, Ballet BC, Ballet Edmonton, Princess Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Entertainment. With Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Shay was an artistic/show director and choreographer for some of the company’s largest and most demanding productions. These productions integrated circus arts, martial arts, acrobatics, trick-line, highline, tramp wall, 3D aerial, high diving, synchronized swimming and dance in state-of-the-art theatres. In 2014, Shay founded his own dance-theatre company Radical System Art (RSA). RSA creates live and digital performances that captivate audiences through versatile performance languages, impactful themes, athleticism and rich production design. As a director, choreographer, producer, composer and performer, Shay has created 7 fullevening shows with RSA that have toured all over the world.
Rachel Halbot
Rachel Halbot is a versatile dancer from Vancouver Island who has trained in styles such as jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, acro, and lyrical since age five. She spent 13 years competing in the Cowichan Valley before joining the Performance Team at Prism Dance Connections in Nanaimo. Through competitions and performances, she built strong technique and stage experience. Now, Rachel is passionate about teaching and choreography, aiming to inspire young dancers to grow in confidence and creativity.
Katie Littlejohn
Katie Littlejohn has been practicing as an RMT since 2008 and is the owner of Wild Coast Wellness. She is recently Balanced Body Pilates trained and grew up dancing with Katie & Sam, giving her a unique understanding of the body through a dancer’s lens. Katie is excited to work with Prism dancers this season, supporting strength, recovery, alignment, and mindful movement.