I grew up in Vegreville, AB. My parents signed me up for Ukrainian dancing when I was 6 years old. I was hooked on dance classes ever since. From there, I branched into ballet and did a lot of my training at the Edmonton School of Ballet. At age 19, I attended my first dance convention and discovered “hip hop” dance. I now had a new favourite genre. At the time, Edmonton wasn’t very big into the hip hop scene so I moved to Vancouver. I joined the Source Dance Company out of Harbour Dance Center. After living there for a couple of years, I went to Seattle and trained at Westlake Dance Center. There I joined Kolanie Mark’s team, Physical Graffiti.
I attended many dance conventions, one of which was Monsters of Hip Hop. This is where I was scouted and signed on with MSA. What a day that was! Talk about a dream come true. I remember that moment so clearly. I was talking on the payphone (yes I’m severely dating myself here). The MSA agent came up to me, touched my shoulder, and said, “We need more dancers like you in LA.” So what do you think I did next?
I ended up in Vegas/LA for 8 years. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many dancers, directors, and celebrities as a choreographer, dancer, and celebrity fitness trainer across Europe, Canada, and the USA. Some of my favourite professional experiences include; the NBA, 3 Grammy Award Shows, America’s Got Talent Live, Michael Jackson’s movie premiere in Las Vegas and being a faculty member of the Dance Teacher’s Web Conference in Las Vegas. I loved teaching at The Rock Center for Dance in Las Vegas, IDA Hollywood Dance Studio and Your Neighbourhood Studio in LA. Choreographing for Las Vegas Celebrity DJ Shows, the Las Vegas Classic Fitness Competition, the TV Show, “Masters of Illusion” and being assistant choreographer for the Paul Mitchell hair shows in Las Vegas were ALL AMAZING experiences. I have also choreographed for weddings, numerous choreographer showcases and dance competition teams throughout Canada and the United States. I also worked as a celebrity fitness trainer in Los Angeles at the Tracy Anderson Method studio.
Although everything was going smoothly in LA, I started to miss home and wanted to start a family (I also wanted to not drive 3 hours one way in traffic). So, I drove home, signed up on eHarmony and met my wonderful husband Brent. We have two awesome daughters named Charlotte and Clara.
I’m so grateful for the amazing culture that has been built at DREALEE | Fitness + Dance. I opened a studio because I have a deep passion for movement. I also love helping people become stronger, healthier and happier. Little did I know that this passion would evolve into something bigger – A community of people who value kindness, integrity and friendships.
Looking for entertainment for your next event? Email drea@drealee.com. I’d love to help you out with your vision!