Instructors

Cody Olafson

Biography coming soon!

Erin Ko

Erin Ko is a Hatha Yoga instructor who teaches Vinyasa Flow western style yoga classes.

Erin’s motivation to teach yoga is to offer knowledge and enlightenment back into the world with the Intention to light the path, lighten the load, and enlighten the being of each other.

Erin has been a student of Yoga for more than 10 years, beginning with yoga at home and progressing to classes, and yoga teacher training. Erin has been teaching yoga in Southern Alberta for 3 years, currently teaching classes for the Lethbridge YMCA, Lethbridge YWCA, The Lethbridge Fitness Club, The Community Learning Council of Lethbridge, and First Choice Savings and Credit Union.

Erin’s current philosophy for the practise of Yoga is “explore and challenge the limits of the body, connect to spirituality, and seek mindfulness and simple clarity.” Erin’s typical class structure is breath practise (pranayama), movement (asana) and mindful exploration, restful relaxation (shavasana), and honouring closure.

Erin owns Healthy Start Fitness, a local Personal Training, Nutrition Coaching and Yoga Service. Her certifications include Personal Training Specialist (CanFit Pro), Nutrition and Wellness Specialist (CanFit Pro), Yoga Immersion (Gaiatri), CPR (St. Johns Ambulance), TRX STC (Fitness Anywhere), Group Fitness Instructor (YMCA). 

Janelle Dyck

I transitioned from dance to fitness instructing when I was still in high school, and I became certified to instruct fitness classes 20 years ago.  In 1997 I received my Bachelor of Management majoring in Marketing from the University of Lethbridge.  In the Fall of 1997, I moved with my husband to live in Japan where he played pro-hockey, and I began instructing fitness classes at a studio in the city where we lived. Twelve years later, and two daughters later, my husband retired from hockey and we became permanent residents of Lethbridge! Currently my certifications are CanFitPro Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer, CPR & AED, TRX certified with Fitness Anywhere, Benderball, & Wee Wigglers fitness for kids 4months to 3 years old. 

Group fitness instructing is something that I love to do, and I enjoy meeting all the people who come to my classes! I am currently instructing group fitness classes at the University of Lethbridge, and I am very excited now to be introducing the Wee Wigglers programs here at Ammena Dance Company!

I’m very passionate about the benefits of fitness for children, even at a young age. The early years are a critical period for healthy development, and the Wee Wigglers program has been created by experts in the fields of education and children’s fitness to provide a unique opportunity for children to engage in age appropriate exercises and movements that will enhance both physical and cognitive development.

Lise-Anne Talhami

I have been dancing since I was a child. My mother enrolled me in ballet classes at Studio One when I was three and then at the Joliffe Academy of Dance, in Lethbridge, when I was four. I was quickly captured by the fluid movements of ballet. Soon after I began to study National and Modern dance with Carol Godlington. I instantly fell in love with both the musical and cultural aspects of National dance. This love of multiculturalism came naturally to me as I had grown up in a music loving family. From ABBA to Julio Iglesias, from Om Kolthom to Fairuz, music was always playing in our home. I was introduced to Middle Eastern and Latin music by my father who is Lebanese, to Indian music by my Aunt, who is East Indian, and to Western music by my Canadian mother. With all of these influences in my life I could not ignore the strong pull that International dance had on me.

In 1994 I began to search for other dance forms. This led me to Ballroom, Street Style Latin and Hip Hop, and eventually to their root, African dance. In 1997 I went to study with the National Baroque Dance Company and learned the foundations of Ballet and Notation. In 1998, I went to Montreal to study Ballroom with world champion Patrick Boivard. The diversity of Montreal allowed me to realize my dream and to take classes in every dance form I could imagine. Upon my return to Lethbridge I have continued to travel and attend seminars and workshops with some of the world's famous instructors: Yousouff Koumbassa, Hadia, Fifi Abdo, Dina of Egypt, Saida, Tito Seif, Mohammed El Hosseny, Aida Noor, Rivera, and Pineapple Studio's of London. I began teaching at the University of Lethbridge in 2003 and have continued there as well as outsourcing to many other locations in Lethbridge during the three years. In 2004 I opened the studio in downtown Lethbridge, offering classes for all ages and levels of fitness. Classes range from the sensual BELLYDANCE to exciting scenes from BOLLYWOOD movies, the large movements of WEST AFRICAN to the hot LATIN AMERICAN dances, as well as a great stretch and strengthening workout from STRECH FUSION.

Lorelei Waters Huss

Lorelei is currently employed by the University Of Lethbridge Fitness Centre as a Fitness Consultant and Personal Trainer. She also leads group fitness classes at the University and at the Lethbridge Senior Centre Organization. Lorelei has always had a passion for fitness. She enjoys running and endurance training and has completed many Marathons, Triathlons, and has completed a 100km Ultra Marathon.

"Within 30 we are connected to more than 1,000 people – all of whom we can theoretically help make healthier, fitter, and happier just by our contagious example."