A.I.S.T.D. Dip. / AAM1

Cat Newcombe began her dance training at 4 years old in the Cowichan Valley, under the professional guidance of respected dance educator Lorraine Blake F.I.S.T.D/Examiner of the Theatre branch of the I.S.T.D.  Receiving high praise for her performance and technical ability, Cat completed her R.A.D examinations up to Intermediate and Grade 8 Ballet, as well as numerous I.S.T.D tap and modern theatre vocational examinations. After graduation in June 2016, Cat attended West Coast Academy of Performing Arts the following September. She continued to train in Jazz and Modern with Angela Mousseau, as well as work towards her first teaching qualification. In June 2017 Cat was awarded her Associate of the I.S.T.D in Modern Theatre.

In 2015 and 2018, Cat was invited to attend courses presented by the I.S.T.D with Penelope Boyse (Arts Umbrella), Pamela Eddleston (F.I.S.T.D/Examiner), and Wendy O’Dowd (I.S.T.D) in Victoria and Vancouver. In 2019, Cat trained with Tereza Theodoulou (I.S.T.D Chair of Modern Theatre) at Arts Umbrella, on the further development of the Modern Theatre syllabus, as well as new teaching techniques.  That same year, Cat completed her Advanced Two Modern examination, as well as the Associate Diploma teaching exam. 

In 2019, Cat was awarded her Acrobatic Arts (Module One) Certification. She is delighted to introduce this new genre to her students, and offer dynamic stretching, strengthening, and acrobatic dance techniques. Cat is eager to continue her studies in Acrobatic Arts, as well as other accredited conditioning and flexibility methods.

Cat’s dynamic and engaging choreography has earned her respect and recognition from her students and community. She believes continuous personal development as a dance educator is vital to student success, and is dedicated to helping students grow and learn.