Jennifer Large

Jennifer was born and raised in Kelowna BC. She grew up dancing at the Canadian School of Ballet, learning ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre and performing annually in their Christmas presentation of the Nutcracker. She moved to Vancouver to attend massage therapy school, and continued her dance education at the harbour centre with hip hop classes, belly dancing and salsa. She moved back to Kelowna after starting a family and became heavily involved in the dance community teaching at the Canadian school of ballet, in schools , and through Parkinson Rec. She’s performed with various groups at fundraisers and events, music festivals, and in music videos.

Jennifer supports COHA as she herself had to use their recourses after losing her daughter Lola. COHA provided the grief support she needed to survive such a devastating loss and so she gratefully volunteers with Swinging with the Stars annually.

Jenny is instructing Team Rhythm Dream, with the assistance of Madi Koch.

Lucy Mitchell

Lucy Mitchell has 30+ years of performance experience in the arts, with over 20 of those years as a choreographer, director/producer and instructor. Lucy graduated with a BA Hons degree in dance and theatre performance from the renowned Bird College – Conservatoire for Dance & Musical Theatre, London, England. After graduating, Lucy has gone on to grow both her performing and teaching resume extensively throughout North America, whilst using the beautiful Okanagan as her homebase. Her resume boasts Live Theatre, Cruise Ships, Music Videos, Music Festivals, Multi-million Dollar Fundraisers, Arts Camps, TV and Film and more. She has been an integral part of growing the arts community here in Kelowna while creating both training & performance opportunities for her students.

She is thrilled to be back again as an instructor, sharing both her love and passion for the arts and our community. Lucy’s own mother spent her final days in hospice in the UK, so she understands first hand how important these services are.

This year, Lucy is instructing Team Dancing Divas.

Mackenzie Denis

Mackenzie began dancing at the age of 3 training in RAD ballet, Tap, Jazz and Contemporary. Throughout her years in competitive dance, she performed numerous roles in The Nutcracker including Clara, was invited to dance alongside professional dancers in Ballet Kelowna’s Canadiana Suite and travelled to San Diego to participate in Break the Floor’s Dancer Palooza where she took classes from choreographers such as Travis Wall, Teddy Forance, Mark Meismer and various others. After graduation, Mackenzie continued to pursue her passion by achieving her Royal Academy of Dance Certificate in Ballet Studies, Progressing Ballet Technique Certification and most recently her Acrobatic Arts Teacher Certification. She has been a faculty member at The Canadian School of Ballet since 2018 teaching ballet, tap, jazz and acro.

Mackenzie has performed at the Swinging with the Stars event in the past as a guest and is very excited to take part in it this year as an instructor!

This year, Mackenzie is instructing Team Love It.

Warren Eaton

Professional Ballroom and Latin dance teacher, performer and choreographer for over 30 years. Licentiate member of the International Dance Teachers Association(IDTA) and the Canadian Dancesport Federation(CDF). He is the proud owner of Latinesque Ballroom and Latin Dance Co. here in the Okanagan since 2004. Warren has competed both professionally, as well as with his students, and has taught in many different counties around the world(USA, England, China). He has been involved with Swinging With The Stars on 5 different occasions as both a teacher/choreographer, performer and most recently a judge.

This year, Warren is instructing Team Relentless Wellness.

Carley Bailey

Born and raised in Kelowna, BC, Carley Bailey grew up dancing at The Canadian School of Ballet under the tutelage of Lori Larson and Melville Brown. She went on to further her performance education at The Canadian College of Performing Arts where she trained under one of Canada’s most prominent instructors and choreographers, Jacques Lemay. Upon graduation, Carley was hired as a headlining singer and dancer on board Holland America and Carnival Cruise Lines. After 10 years of living out her dream as a professional singer and dancer, Carley returned to Kelowna. She spent the last 13 years as one of The Directors of The Canadian School of Ballet where she taught jazz, tap and performance to students of all ages. Carley recently retired from her role as Director but remains the Artistic Director of CSB’s performing arts group “Company B”. Carley is passionate about music and performance and is extremely grateful to be back as one of this year’s instructors for Swinging with the Stars.

This year, Carley is instructing Team Think Pink!

Tara Martin

Tara Martin spent her early dance training in Vancouver under the direction of Maureen Martinique, training in RAD syllabus and carried on to a professional career of teaching.

Upon moving to Whistler and being mentored by Codi Dalen, she developed a community Dance Program that has enabled children from many different backgrounds to have the opportunity to dance.

Tara feels that “dance is a hidden language of the soul” and feels extremely blessed to have been surrounded by so many talented teachers and students over the last 30 years. Her goal is to pass on her passion for the gift of dance to the next generation.

This year, Tara is instructing Team Beauty in Motion.

Anna Dermott

From the UK dance scene to the heart of the Okanagan, Anna is the passionate owner and instructor behind Hype Dance, a thriving drop-in studio for adult dancers in Kelowna. After years of honing her skills with professional dance experience and training in the UK, Anna returned to her hometown of Kelowna, driven to create a welcoming space where the community could come together through the joy of movement. Now in its 6th year, Hype Dance offers a diverse range of programs, from show-stopping performance programs & video series to drop-in dance classes – empowering adults of all levels to embrace their inner dancer.

This year, Anna is instructing Team Booth Babes.

Madi Koch

Madison was born and raised in Kelowna, where she developed a deep passion for giving back to her community. Throughout her life, she has dedicated much of her free time to supporting local initiatives and fostering a sense of connection among people in her community. With over 15 years of dance training in various styles, including ballet, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop, dance has taken her across Canada and the United States, where she has competed in numerous dance competitions, earning multiple awards for her performances. She is an enthusiastic participant in Swinging with the Stars and this marks her fifth year being involved in the event. For Madison, being part of Swinging with the Stars is more than just an opportunity to teach others how to dance—it’s a chance to strengthen the bonds within her community and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

This year, Madi is instructing Team Rhythm Dream alongside Jenny Large.