Natalia Teslia Owner, Artistic Director, Dance Instructor
Natalia is the Founder and Artistic Director of Gilea Dance Academy in Kelowna, British Columbia. With over 20 years of experience in choreography and dance education, she is dedicated to helping children and adults grow through movement, confidence, and creative expression.
In 2007, Natalia was awarded the “young specialist woman of the year award in culture” for all of Ukraine.
Natalia completed her formal dance training in Ukraine. She studied choreography at the College of Culture (2004–2007) and later earned her degree in Choreography from Bohdan Khmelnytsky National Pedagogical University (2014–2017), combining strong artistic training with professional teaching expertise.
Her students have successfully performed and competed internationally. In 2018, her team became World Champions at an international dance competition in Croatia — a proud moment that reflects her high standards, structured training approach, and commitment to student growth. They won many medals including 6 international gold medals. At the 2019 World Champion competition they won several medals and including 2 gold.
Natalia also judged Ukrainian and International competitions and festivals, which helped her grow immensely as a chorographer.
Natalia focuses on more than technique. She creates a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment where students feel supported, motivated, and inspired. Whether a child is dancing for fun or pursuing competitive goals, every student receives attention, discipline, and care.
After relocating to Canada in 2023, Natalia founded Gilea Dance Academy with a vision to build a strong and welcoming dance community in Kelowna — a place where families feel connected, students gain confidence, and dance becomes a lifelong source of joy and strength. For those looking for competitive excellence, Natalia will help them reach those goals.
She believes that when students feel confident in the studio, they carry that confidence into every part of their daily life.