Instructors

Paula is the owner/operator and one of the instructors of Dance Through Life. Paula’s dance career started at the age of 5 when she started Highland Dancing under the direction of Dawn Tronnes. Paula Highland danced for a total of 15 years and spent many of those years as a competitive dancer winning many titles including an Alberta Championship.

In 1996, Paula moved to Edmonton where she started dancing with the Strathcona School of Dance with a Canadian Step-Dancing Group. She was hooked instantly and continued her studies in Step-Dancing.

In 2000 Paula decided to start teaching Step-Dancing to adults and her passion for dance has lead her to a dream come true. Paula has been teaching Canadian Step Dancing every since and offers classes for brand new beginners to Advanced.  Paula was certified in May 2009 as a Zumba Instructor and is certified in Zumba Gold and Zumba Toning.  Paula’s love for dance and performing has brought her to continue her studies in Ukrainian Dancing, Bellydance, Burlesque and Country Line Dancing.  In October 2015 Paula was certified as one of the only Hot Hula Fitness instructors in Calgary.  Paula currently teaches at many facilities around Calgary including 55 Plus Clubs and the Calgary Winterclub.

Paula is part of Mynt Dance Productions with Karen Iwanski where they perform at many difference venues in many different styles.  The have been honoured to be part of a production at the Lougheed House and have worked during Stampede with many companies including The Roadhouse, Gerlitz Ranch and Cowboys and for many large corporate clients.

Paula feels it is never too late to start dancing! She warmly welcomes everyone to the studio!

Karen Iwanski has committed her life to the love of dance and fitness.  Karen comes to Dance Through Life with 40 years of instructing dance and fitness.  She began her dance career in Toronto and continued after travelling and moving to Calgary.  She has performed extensively in both dance and theatre productions throughout her dancing/acting life.

Karen is formally trained in Ballet, Tap and Jazz and has spent many years studying many types of dance including the art of Flamenco—studying in Spain.  She not only teaches many types of dance but is a Personal Trainer and obtained her degree in Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto, and holds certifications in many types of fitness classes in land and water.  Karen has taught in dance and fitness studios in Toronto, Calgary and Hamburg Germany, teaching from 3yrs to Seniors.

She has spent over 35 years as a choreographer, dancer and performer for many local dance and theatre companies in Toronto and Calgary including Morpheus Theatre,  Front Row Centre Players Society and Cappucino Musical Theatre to name a few.

Karen is also involved with MYNT DANCE PRODUCTIONS with Paula B. where they perform many different styles of dance at different venues around Calgary and surrounding area.  They have been honoured to perform at Lougheed House, Gerlitz Ranch, The Roadhouse and for many large corporate events.

Karen believes in the empowerment and joy dance brings to our lives.

Never stop dancing—Dance Through Your Life