Meet our Founder & Director
Fereshteh Zakery
An energetic, physically fit, and confident dance teacher, choreographer, and performer who's been a dance instructor for 15+ years, and a certified yoga instructor with a successful track record of improving students’ knowledge and understanding of dance. Fereshteh is a member of the Multiculturalism Advisory Committee of the City of Coquitlam and a member of the board of the Evergreen Cultural Centre.
Fereshteh holds recognized teaching qualifications, has experience teaching all age groups, and not only fully understands the needs of students, but also has the ability to connect with diverse cultures and communities through dance. She has experience teaching Iranian Folklore, adult ballet, Persian modern dance, belly dance, Azeri dance, ballroom, Zumba, and SAMA (Iranian classical and Sufi dance). She has created her own style, which is unique within Iranian culture, combining Iranian dance movements with Sama, inspired by Sufi philosophy, Persian poetry, traditional Iranian instruments, and symbolic long costumes.
She is relentlessly results-oriented and dedicated to achieving the highest possible standards across all curriculum stages. Her professional background also includes serving as an advisory member and art coordinator for BC Tirgan Festival, as well as art coordinator for the Vancouver Silk Road Festival. Through her artistic, educational, and community-based work, Fereshteh continues to use dance as a bridge between cultures, generations, and lived experiences.
CAREER HISTORY
Self-employed Dance instructor, Fame Art Group Funder, 2015-present, Coquitlam Instructor in Hercey Dance Company, 2014, Vancouver Self-Employed Dance instructor, 2003 – 2014, Iran
KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
An expert at using movements, gestures and body language to portray dance routines Ability to inspire passion in audience Confident teaching large groups of children in a classroom setting Good communication skills, both oral and written Physically fit and able to sustain a high level of energetic activity for long periods of time Genuinely excited about student’s progress Willingness to work with others and responding constructively to feedback.
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Zumba Instructor, Feb. (2016), Sufism Association, SAMA (2012) Romanna Private Dance School (1997 – 2005)