Michelle Fracchia-West​

Michelle Fracchia-West originates from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and started her ballet training at the age of two and attained her advanced levels in both ballet and jazz by the age of 16. She studied with numerous choreographers, dance instructors and ballet mistresses and masters from around the world, including at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, the Alberta Ballet School and the Banff Centre. When injuries prevented a professional dance career, she moved her dance training into the realm of teaching.

After completing her teacher training, she was promoted to Ballet Director of Brenda’s School of Baton and Dance, where she taught for 16 years. In 2015, she founded Ignite Danceworks Inc, Saskatchewan’s only Intensive Training Program facility, dedicated to providing pre-professional dance training to dancers starting at the age of three years old. She is considered one of Saskatchewan’s leading ballet instructors, both for her innovative award-winning choreography, and for her teaching abilities, working with dancers of all ages and abilities. She has had countless alumni move forth into professional dance careers as dancers, teachers and choreographers on the international circuit.

Michelle Fracchia-West has 27 years teaching and coaching experience, working with dancers of all ages, abilities and levels. She holds her Associate Diploma with Cecchetti Canada, and is a mentor and certified teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. Other certifications include Alixa Flexibility, Progressing Ballet Technique, ADAPT and Acrobatic Arts. This past year she also taught at Alberta Ballet School. Michelle is sought-after as a guest instructor in Saskatchewan and as an adjudicator. She is thrilled to bring her knowledge and skills to AAOD and looks forward to working with all dancers this season!