One well-known Kelowna dance teacher is passing the torch to another.

Michelle Koricina will be taking over Lynn Deschner’s Dance Force, although it will look a little different.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.

The 27-year-old dance teacher is renaming and rebranding the studio, located on Baron Road, to focus more on acrobatics.

On July 4, The Kore Dance Project is to officially open its doors.  

“It’s basically been my dream forever to open my own studio,” said Koricina, who ended up getting a business degree along the way. “Now I’m here.”

Photo Credit: Photo Submitted.Koricina's students hit the stage at a competition in Ontario.

“I came to finish my bachelor’s degree at the college and because Kelowna is a beautiful place, I ended up loving it here and decided to stay. When this opportunity came up, it seemed like perfect timing.”

She danced competitively in Ontario for 10 years and has been teaching for 11.

“I teach mainly acrobatics, and I also teach tap and jazz. I hired teachers to teach all the other genres of dance,” said Koricina.

Photo Credit: Photo Submitted. A group of Koricina's acrobatic students in Ontario.

Kore will also offer ballet, hip-hop, contemporary and lyrical classes for dancers three and older. Adult dance classes will also be available.

To teach these classes, Koricina has hired three other teachers, all who have years of technical training.

“It’s very important,” she said of bringing in a high-caliber staff. “I really want to bring the studio up to a level where they can compete with the other studios in town, so I want to hire the best teachers I possibly can.”

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.Students at Deschner's Dance Force trying acrobatics for the first time on Monday night.

While Kelowna has a vivid arts community, there is no other studio in the city that specializes in acrobatics and competes in it, according to Koricina.

On Monday night, Koricina taught at her new studio for the first time, but for the next week, it is still Lynn Deschner’s Dance Force, which it has been since 1996.

Not only is Koricina taking on a new business venture, she’s also taking over a legacy.

“It means a lot, having met Lynn and getting to know her and her students,” said Koricina. “Her students just love her so much and they’re really dedicated to the studio and I want to try and keep that family atmosphere going with the studio.

“Lynn’s put a lot of work into what she’s done and I want to keep that going.”

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.Koricina working with students at Dance Force.

After watching Koricina teaching her students, some of 20 years, Deschner said she knew she made the right choice.

"It's bittersweet. I've been here 34 years, 68 shows, so, I'm really ready,” Deschner said. “I think she's the perfect one.

“The kids really liked her today so that makes me feel really good.”

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.

Deschner said she’s had many inquiries over the years, but wanted someone who was friendly and positive.  

She’s also excited that Koricina will be offering acrobatics, stunting and competition training.

“I'm happy that that's the route she's going because I know that that's what my kids are ready for,” she said.

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.Many of Deschner's students said they'll be signing up for acrobatic classes with Koricina.

Deschner has been teaching in Kelowna since 1981, and after all these years she’ll still be teaching two hours a day at Studio9 School of the Arts and popping in at Kore Dance Project every so often.

"I think it's going to be really good. That's what I think.”

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.Deschner watching Koricina teaching her students.

The grand opening of the new studio will be held July 23. For more information, visit their Facebook page.