Dancers — Bellingham Repertory Dance

Elizabeth Belyea - she/her

Elizabeth started dance classes at the local community center in her hometown of Holland Landing, Ontario, Canada. Over the years she trained and performed at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, BalletMet Columbus, Ballet Idaho, Eugene Ballet, Alaska Dance Theatre, Ashani Dances, and Vytal Movement. Elizabeth works with technical media in the non-profit research sector, and spends her spare time exploring and traveling with her husband and dog. She holds a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts and an MA in Communications and Leadership from Gonzaga University. This is Elizabeth’s seventh season with BRD, and she continues to be inspired by the creative, kind, and supportive community that she has found there.

Erin Keeney - she/her

Erin began dancing in Vermont, where she grew up, experimenting in the styles of ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater, hip hop and contemporary. She has earned her BFA in Dance from Western Washington University with a minor in Arts Enterprise and Cultural Innovation with the hopes of creating a life-long career in the dance industry. She creates works inspired by characters or archetypes, stories and powerful music. Erin looks forward to her time dancing, creating, and expanding relationships in Bellingham Repertory Dance.

Hannah Donk - she/her

Hannah grew up dancing in Puyallup, WA and then moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University where she earned her BFA in dance and BS in kinesiology. After her undergraduate studies, she moved to Spokane, WA to attend graduate school at Eastern Washington University and earn her Doctorate in physical therapy. During her time in Spokane, Hannah was a part of Vytal Movement Dance where she danced, choreographed, and served on the Board of Directors. Hannah fell in love with Bellingham (and her husband) when she first moved here and has now returned to start her career as a physical therapist specialized in pelvic health. When she is not moving her own body or helping others move theirs, you can find her curled up with a book or some yarn, taking care of her plants, spending time with her husband, or enjoying a game night with friends. This is Hannah's first season with BRD and she is excited to be a part of this awesome community of people/artists/movers.

Juliette Machado - she/her

Juliette has been a member of Bellingham Repertory Dance since 2014. She is so grateful for the past decade of movement and play with such wonderful people. Juliette received her BFA in Dance from Western Washington University, and was adjunct dance faculty at Whatcom Community College from 2019-2023. These days, you can find her running the annual 7-Day Dance Festival or writing emails, building spreadsheets, and dreaming big in her role as Executive Director of BAAY — Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth.

Marísa Fernandez - she/her

Marísa grew up in Monterey, California, where she trained in ballet and contemporary dance at SpectorDance studio for ten years. She earned her BS in Kinesiology and a Minor in Dance from Western Washington University in 2017, and most recently, her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2024. Marísa currently works as a behavioral health counselor at Unity Care Northwest and has been dancing with BRD since 2018 (Season 13). Marísa looks forward to continuing her passion as a movement artist, finding ways to merge science, athleticism, artistry, and expression — alongside this beautiful community of colleagues and artists.

Megan Erasmus - she/her

Megan grew up in South Africa, Canada, and Sammamish, Washington. She started dancing regularly when she was 12, and trained in contemporary, hip hop, and ballet. She recently graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and a Minor in Dance. This year, Megan performed in the 2024 Seattle International Dance Festival (SIDF) with Ethan Pak Rome Movement. She loves teaching dance, making collages, and spending time with any animal she meets. Megan is thrilled to be dancing with BRD this season and looks forward to further connecting with the Bellingham dance community.

Paige Pimmel - she/her

Paige is originally from Denver, Colorado. She has been dancing since she was 9, and moved to Bellingham in 2018 to graduate with a BFA in Dance and a Minor in Psychology at Western Washington University in 2022. Paige enjoys exploring the different textures of the natural world around her through movement studies, investigating the textures of mold, fungi, barnacles, eroded rocks, etc. Paige also performs in drag under the alias, Mold, who is usually adorned in handmade yarn wigs and clown inspired makeup.

Sadie Robinson - she/her

Sadie was born in Mexico City, and grew up dancing in Walla Walla, Washington. She trained at the Walla Walla Dance Company under the guidance of Nancy Wells and her daughters, Justine and Jennifer Clark. She recently graduated from Western Washington University with a major in Psychology and a minor in Dance. This will be her first year with Bellingham Repertory Dance, and she is thrilled to embark on this new journey. Primarily a contemporary dancer, Sadie also has a strong background in jazz, ballet, and modern dance. She is excited to start her dance career with BRD, connecting with the Bellingham dance community and exploring new creative opportunities!

Sam Brigham - they/them

Sam grew up in Michigan, dancing and romping around in the woods and moving their body in any way possible. They grew up studying mostly ballet, and spent summers at Carolina Ballet and BalletMet. While at the University of Oregon and since moving to Bellingham, Sam has found a lot of freedom in contemporary dance, and is excited about having more opportunities to wiggle since joining BRD. They currently work at the Max Higbee Center, and are passionate about finding ways for people of all ages and abilities to move and express themselves in whatever ways feel best. When they’re not dancing, Sam can be found making art, playing cards, riling up other people’s dogs, and working on their circus skills.

Soleil Chappelle - they/them

Soleil is a dance artist, educator, and bodyworker. Their work is interwoven by a curiosity for felt-sense, bodily, and ecological experience. Originally from Seattle, Soleil grew up dancing in Kaleidoscope Dance Company directed by Anne Green Gilbert. They received a BFA in Performance from Naropa University in 2011 where they studied with Barbara Dilley. Soleil was co-artistic director of the dance theater company, Language of Fish from 2010-2014 in Boulder, CO. They then received an MA in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness from California Institute of Integral Studies in 2016. While in the Bay Area, Soleil was impacted by the experimental dance community, particularly studying with Sara Shelton Mann and Kathleen Hermsdorf. Soleil joined BRD in 2019 when they moved back to the PNW. Soleil created the class foundDANCE: Foundations in Contemporary Dance to create a joyful space for the broader Bellingham community to access dance. Additionally, they teach modern dance at Whatcom Community College. Soleil has a craniosacral and massage therapy private practice called Body Swells. More info can be found at bodyswells.com.

Talia Sheinkopf - she/her

Talia was born in Bellingham and here she still is. In a brief stint out of town, Talia studied history at Vassar College and was a member of Vassar Repertory Dance Theater for four years. She also had the opportunity to spend a semester at Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. Naturally a lifelong BRD fan, she is eager to dance in the company again for her second year. She feels lucky to be part of a community of dancers that fosters the sense of freedom in movement that she holds very dear. Talia is passionate about handstands, NYT word puzzles, and laughing. Mostly, she loves very much to dance!

Tatyana Stahler - she/her

Tatyana is a mover, educator, dancer, and artist originally from central Washington, now a proud Bellingham community member. She is a graduate of WWU with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, with a focus in Health and Fitness Specialization, as well as a Master of Education focused in Adult and Higher Ed. Tatyana is the owner/lead instructor of Focal Point Pilates & Movement Studio, a brand new studio in the heart of the Fountain District. And she has been teaching Pilates for almost a decade in the Bellingham community.

When Tatyana is not leading Pilates classes, running a business, or dancing with BRD, she loves spending time with her husband Lewis and their two energetic puppies, Hero and Raya. Tatyana has lived in Bellingham since 2010 and enjoys the beautiful scenery, welcoming community, and delicious coffee that the community provides. Throughout her time in BRD, Tatyana has appreciated working with amazing choreographers and dancing alongside many talented movers. The thoughtful work BRD brings to the Bellingham community is why Tatyana is honored to continue her time as a member of BRD.