Our Team

Serenella Sol

Artistic Director

Serenella Sol is a Calgary-based dancer, choreographer, and multidisciplinary artist. She grew up in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where she began her ballet training at the age of three. In 2007, she immigrated to Canada and continued her studies in ballet and contemporary dance in both Vancouver and Calgary. She holds a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Dance from the University of Calgary.

Serenella has trained internationally through summer intensives in Spain, the United States, Salzburg, the Netherlands, and France. Her professional performance credits include La Caravan Company (2011), Jeunesse Company (2012), and W&M Physical Theatre (2013–2019). Her choreographic work has been presented at the Alberta Dance Festival (Dancers’ Studio West), Fluid Festival, and Montage. In 2016, she produced and choreographed her own show, Coming of Age.

A multidisciplinary artist at heart, Serenella has consistently explored the intersections of contemporary dance with photography, theatre, and film. In 2023, she performed in Sublimity, a theatrical dance work directed and choreographed by Mike Czuba and Melissa Tuplin. In 2022, with support from the Canada Council for the Arts and Calgary Arts Development, she created SALOPICA I & II, two short films co-directed with Callum McCormack. These works reflect on her experience as an immigrant, artist, and woman, and have been screened at CIFF, WildDogs International Screendance Festival, Fall for Dance North’s 8 Count Short Film Series, and other international film festivals.

In 2021, Serenella founded Ballet Bodies YYC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making ballet more accessible, inclusive, and artistically fulfilling. She currently serves as its Artistic Director. Since its inception, Ballet Bodies YYC has produced three sold-out In Motion performances, all of which brought new, diverse audiences to the theatre and showcased the talents of adult dancers from all walks of life.

Outside of the studio, Serenella has worked extensively in Calgary’s nonprofit and public sectors. Her roles at Immigrant Services Calgary and the City of Calgary focused on supporting underserved and equity-deserving communities. She has led community programming, coordinated cultural initiatives, and contributed to strategic planning processes that advance equity, access, and meaningful engagement across the city.

Serenella is passionate about using art as a tool to foster community, belonging, and emotional connection, and equally committed to building systems that centre inclusion and collaboration.

Beth Durnie

Programs Coordinator

Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Beth grew up dancing at various local studios, including Alberta Ballet School’s Professional Division, Wright Studios, and Crossings Dance. Upon graduating from Hattori-Williamson School of Ballet, Beth went on to complete the Arts Umbrella Dance Diploma Program in Vancouver, BC, under the direction of Artemis Gordon.

While an active part of the Vancouver dance scene, Beth had the privilege of collaborating in-studio with and performing works by internationally celebrated choreographers such as Crystal Pite, Emily Molnar, Medhi Walerski, and Lesley Telford, among others. Her performance career has included performing internationally with Ballet BC and local appearances with acclaimed companies, including Inverso Productions, Calgary Opera, Corps Bara Dance Theatre, and Ballet Bodies YYC.

Beth’s dedication to continuous growth has led her to attend several prestigious summer intensives, including the Alonzo King LINES Pre-Professional Summer Program, Banff Centre for the Arts: Creative Gesture, and the Arts Umbrella International Summer Dance Intensive. As a choreographer, Beth has crafted multiple commissioned works for Corps Bara Dance Theatre and Corps Bara II, Crossings Youth Dance Company, and Ballet Bodies YYC. Her creative portfolio spans both stage productions and dance films, often exploring themes of authenticity, emotion, and the human condition.

A passionate dance educator and mentor, Beth is committed to nurturing inquisitive, courageous, and expressive young artists. She seeks to foster an inclusive environment where dancers can embrace curiosity. Beyond the studio, Beth is a steadfast advocate for holistic movement and lifelong wellness. Her experience as an intern strength and conditioning coach with X-Factory Athlete Wellness Centre provided valuable insight into elite-level athletic training environments.

Most recently, Beth graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Distinction from the University of Calgary. In September 2024, she joined Ballet Bodies YYC as Programs Coordinator, where she plays an integral role in shaping the organization’s programming and supporting its mission of accessible, community-centred dance. She remains an active member of Ballet Bodies YYC, where she continues to pursue her passion for movement, education, and inclusive arts practice.