Faculty Biographies

Meet the internationally trained faculty behind Prefontaine Ballet in North Vancouver. Our experienced ballet educators combine professional performance careers, world-class training, and a passion for developing technically strong, confident, and artistic dancers.

A ballet dancer in a tutu performing a pose on stage with her arms outstretched and one leg lifted, with a dark background.
A ballet dancer in a tutu performing a pose on stage with her arms outstretched and one leg lifted, with a dark background.
Nicole Prefontaine performing classical ballet. Ballet educator at Canada's National Ballet School and faculty member at Prefontaine Ballet, serving dancers from North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.
Nicole Prefontaine performing classical ballet. Ballet educator at Canada's National Ballet School and faculty member at Prefontaine Ballet, serving dancers from North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.
A blurry, black and white photo of a ballerina practicing dance moves in front of a curtain.

Patricia Prefontaine

Founder & Artistic Director | International Classical Ballet Educator | Mentor & Dance Instructor

A woman with long dark hair and brown eyes wearing a light pink blouse, sitting on a sofa.

Patricia Prefontaine is the Founder and Artistic Director of Prefontaine Ballet School in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and an internationally trained classical ballet educator with deep roots in the Cuban and European classical traditions.

Her training includes full-time study at the Escuela Nacional de Danza of the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes(INBA) in Mexico under the direction of Josefina Lavalle, as well as advanced training at the Academia de Ballet de Coyoacán with Ms. Anna del Castillo. She danced professionally as a member of Compania Nacional de Bellas Artes (INBA). Her broad pedagogical lineage reflects direct study with some of the most influential figures in ballet education, including Directors Ramona de Saá and Respected Fernando Alonso of the Cuban National Ballet School, alongside distinguished teachers including Silvia Ramirez from INBA, the Beijing Dance Academy, and Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet. Ms. Patricia received her Bachelors in Acting.

Ms. Patricia Prefontaine’s teaching emphasizes strong classical technique, musicality, and artistic confidence. In addition to her work as a ballet educator, she has maintained an extensive international career in theatre, film, and television in the United States, Canada and Mexico, enriching her teaching with professional stage and performance experience.

One of Ms. Patricia’s most meaningful accomplishments is her lifelong support, both as a mother and as fellow artist, of her daughters’ artistic careers, those of accomplished dancers Nicole Prefontaine and Martina Prefontaine. She continues to remain deeply inspired by their artistry, talent, and achievements.

Ms. Patricia brings a deep personal commitment to mentorship, reflected in the care and dedication she shows her students and in her work as an educator.

Martina Prefontaine

Former Professional Ballet Dancer | STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor | Classical Ballet & Contemporary Dance Educator

Ballet dancer performing a pose on stage, balancing on one leg with arms extended.
Ballet dancer performing a pose on stage, balancing on one leg with arms extended.

Martina Prefontaine is an accomplished former professional ballet dancer, STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor, and educator specializing in classical ballet, contemporary, and character dance. She teaches at Prefontaine Ballet School in North Vancouver, British Columbia, where, alongside her mother, Patricia Prefontaine, she is committed to cultivating technically accomplished, healthy, and expressive artists.

As a performer, Martina enjoyed an international career spanning North America and Europe, with professional engagements including the Hungarian National Ballet (Hungarian State Opera), San Francisco Ballet, and The Joffrey Ballet. Throughout her competitive career, she achieved the four highest distinctions in youth ballet competition, earning the Hope Award twice and winning the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) Regional Champion in both Seattle and Boston. Martina was honoured as a Gold Medalist at both the Youth America Grand Prix New York Finals and the Sibiu International Ballet Competition, Romania. 

Her professional training, completed on full merit scholarships, includes long-term and short-term studies at some of the world's most distinguished ballet institutions, including the San Francisco Ballet School, the Ellison Ballet Professional Training Program in New York City, the Paris Opera Ballet School, the Princess Grace Academy of Monaco, and the School of American Ballet (SAB). Throughout her training, Martina studied with distinguished teachers from numerous classical ballet lineages, some of whom include Kate Robbins, Jolanta Valeikaite, and Patrick Armand. In addition to her professional dance training, Martina completed Ballet History at Canada's National Ballet School Continuing Education Program and has pursued formal studies in anatomy and movement science. Her expertise is further complemented by a STOTT PILATES® certification across all apparatus, including Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, Chair, and Barrels.Martina Prefontaine was widely recognized for her exceptional artistry and stage presence, as well as for her meticulous technical detail and precision in classical movement, possessing a rare ability to captivate audiences with a sense of effortless grace and emotional depth that lingered long after the curtain fell.

Drawing from both the Russian and French classical traditions, Martina's teaching emphasizes refined technique, musicality, artistry, and healthy movement mechanics. Her approach integrates evidence-informed conditioning, proper alignment, pre-pointe preparation, injury-aware training, and the principles of STOTT PILATES® to help dancers build strength, longevity, and confidence. Through an anatomy-based and Pilates-informed approach, she strives to create a strong physical foundation that allows dancers to move with greater freedom, confidence, and artistic expression. Martina believes that technical mastery is the gateway to storytelling, character interpretation, and expressive performance, empowering dancers to develop both the physical capabilities and artistic awareness needed to fully embody movement.

  • Prefontaine Ballet faculty achievement – Hope Award at Youth America Grand Prix 2012, recognizing excellence in international classical ballet.

    Hope Award YAGP 2012

    Martina Prefontaine

  • Prefontaine Ballet faculty achievement – Hope Award at Youth America Grand Prix 2013, an international classical ballet competition.

    Hope Award YAGP 2013

    Martina Prefontaine

  • outh America Grand Prix 2013 award recognizing outstanding achievement in classical ballet competition and training.

    Ist Place YAGP Final 2013

    Martina Prefontaine

  • Prefontaine Ballet faculty achievement – Youth Grand Prix Award at Youth America Grand Prix 2014 for excellence in classical ballet.

    Youth Grand Prix Award YAGP 2014

    Martina Prefontaine

  • Prefontaine Ballet faculty achievement – Youth Grand Prix Award at Youth America Grand Prix 2015, recognizing exceptional classical ballet performance.

    Youth Grand Prix Award YAGP 2015

    Martina Prefontaine

Nicole Prefontaine

Professional Ballet Instructor | Canada's National Ballet School Faculty | Classical & Contemporary Dance Educator

Nicole Prefontaine is a ballet dancer and educator with extensive training in both classical and contemporary dance forms. She completed the Teacher Training Program at Canada's National Ballet School, where she studied R.A.D., Cecchetti, N.B.S. Curriculum, music, anatomy, and conditioning, obtaining her RTS (Registered Teaching Status) with the Royal Academy of Dance. Nicole graduated with honours, receiving the highest distinction awarded to a graduating teacher—the Betty Oliphant Award—in recognition of the exceptional promise she demonstrated throughout her years of study. A former scholarship student at the San Francisco Ballet School, she performed in ballets such as George Balanchine’s Serenade, Kenneth Macmillan’s Soiree Musicale, and Helgi Tomasson’s Handel Celebrations.

Nicole’s short-term training includes participation in prestigious programs like the Orsolina 28 Juliano Nunes Creation Week in Italy, the Paris Opera Ballet Cross Threads Summer Program, Pro Arte Danza in Toronto, and workshops with renowned companies such as American Ballet Theatre and Forsythe Technologies.

Nicole is a choreographer and has crafted multiple contemporary solos for young dancers participating in the Youth America Grand Prix. She currently teaches at Canada's National Ballet School, where she shares her expertise and passion for dance with the Toronto dance community. When in Vancouver, Nicole enjoys working with Prefontaine Ballet students, preparing them for their RAD examinations and sharing her passion for contemporary dance through original choreography and training.

Nicole Prefontaine performing classical ballet. Ballet educator at Canada's National Ballet School and faculty member at Prefontaine Ballet, serving dancers from North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, and the North Shore.

  • Prefontaine Ballet's faculty includes internationally trained ballet educators Ms. Patricia Prefontaine, Ms. Martina Prefontaine, and Ms. Nicole Prefontaine. Together, they bring decades of professional teaching, performance, choreography, and mentorship experience, providing students with exceptional classical ballet education in North Vancouver.

  • Our faculty combines international professional performance experience with training from some of the world's most respected ballet institutions. Their backgrounds include Canada's National Ballet School, San Francisco Ballet School, Paris Opera Ballet School, the Princess Grace Academy of Monaco, and other internationally recognized programs, creating a well-rounded and inspiring learning environment.

  • Our instructors believe that excellent ballet training begins with a strong technical foundation. Through individualized instruction, healthy movement practices, musicality, artistic expression, and positive mentorship, we help every dancer develop confidence, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for dance. We pride ourselves on providing individualized training based on each dancer’s needs, witnessing effective results on a daily basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Members of our faculty have performed professionally with internationally respected ballet companies and have trained under renowned ballet educators. Their real-world performance experience enriches classroom instruction by connecting classical technique with artistry and stage performance.

  • Every dancer develops at their own pace. Our faculty provides personalized guidance based on each student's age, experience, technical ability, and goals, helping dancers build confidence while progressing safely through each stage of their ballet education.

  • Prefontaine Ballet offers internationally trained instructors who are passionate about developing technically strong, healthy, and expressive dancers. Through professional mentorship, small group classes, individualized instruction, and a commitment to artistic excellence, our faculty provides a supportive environment where students can reach their full potential in classical ballet and dance.