About Us

The Northern Institute of Dance is a charity ballet school located in Prince George, BC. We provide comprehensive training and support to young, aspiring dancers to help them become professional ballet dancers. We instill discipline, professionalism, and a strong work ethic in our students, and create professional ballet productions in northern BC. We offer a cultural exchange program, and support our dancers' international ambitions. We rely on donations to fund our productions and bursary programs. Our goal is to cultivate global citizens who embody the positive culture and professionalism of ballet.

NID Artistic Director - Constanza Aguirre Hayes

Constanza Aguirre Hayes was born in Resistencia Chaco, Argentina. Starting her dance education at a young age, she grew a passion for the performing arts and spent her formative years studying in Argentina. After training in Chaco, Constanza received a full scholarship from the cultural minister of Buenos Aires to attend Teatro Colon in 2003. While studying in Teatro Colon, Constanza worked specifically with Lidia Segni, a world-renowned teacher, director, and international judge of the Prix de Lausanne. Constanza completed her Master of Classical Dance degree in 2007 through the guidance of Lidia.

Constanza Aguirre Hayes was born in Resistencia Chaco, Argentina. Starting her dance education at a young age, she grew a passion for the performing arts and spent her formative years studying in Argentina. After training in Chaco, Constanza received a full scholarship from the cultural minister of Buenos Aires to attend Teatro Colon in 2003. While studying in Teatro Colon, Constanza worked specifically with Lidia Segni, a world-renowned teacher, director, and international judge of the Prix de Lausanne. Constanza completed her Master of Classical Dance degree in 2007 through the guidance of Lidia.

Motivated to continue improving her studies, Constanza would complete courses with the Foundation of Julio Bocca, the Academy of American Ballet, and extracurricular classes in Teatro Colon. In 2006 she auditioned and was accepted to the Ballet Contemporary Institute of San Martin, where she would complete her Contemporary Dance Technique Bachelor Diploma. Passionate about dance, she spent four hours with Teatro Colon and four hours with San Martin daily; with her dedication and motivation, she was considered one of the most hard-working dancers of her generation.

During her time in San Martin, she would also immerse herself in other courses such as music and movement, functional autonomy, improvisation and composition, and dance history. While in San Martin, Constanza became certified in contemporary techniques such as Cunningham, Graham, Laban, Flying Low, contact improvisation, contemporary partnering, and jazz. After spending over 15 years in her dance education, she competed and won a soloist contract with Ballet Centro del Conocimiento in 2010. She would spend her next eleven years dancing with this company leading to career highlights as Aegina in Spartacus, Mercedes in Don Quixote, Suite of Angels, and Myrtha in Giselle. As well as having a successful career as a dancer, Constanza was constantly travelling as a desired choreographer. She worked with the Cultural Minister in Brazil promoting contemporary dance in Brazil in 2012 and is currently working with Promodança as a consultant and Contemporary Program Director.

Constanza was invited to Grupo Corpo in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, in 2014 to take classes and expand her contemporary knowledge. She was a guest teacher and ballet mistress in Contemporary Ballet of Chaco in 2016. She was invited to Netherlands Dance Theatre in 2017 by Thiago Bordin to study contemporary techniques. From 2012 to 2018, Constanza was the Contemporary Program Director for Academia Ballet de Moscú del Parque del Conocimiento. In 2018 Constanza opened her studio Posadas Ballet Studio, where she trained professionals and aspiring dancers till 2020. Constanza currently lives in Prince George, Canada, with her family and is looking forward to nurturing and educating future aspiring dancers.

Ballet Master - Miguel Nguyen

Born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Miguel Nguyen began his journey in the performing arts at a young age, training in hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, and ballet. He studied at several prestigious institutions, including the National Ballet School of Canada and Goh Ballet, as well as local studios such as Affinity and Danzmode.

After training for a year in Goh Ballet’s professional youth company, Miguel competed in the finals of YAGP New York under the guidance of Yao Ping Zhu.

After completing high school, Miguel represented Canada at the IDO (International Dance Organization) in Oslo, Norway (2008), where he won gold for his contemporary solo choreographed by Rachael Poirier and silver for self-choreography in jazz. In 2009, he was a finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) in New York and received an invitation to join Orlando Ballet II.

Under the direction of Peter Stark, Miguel danced roles in CinderellaBolero by Fernando Bujones, The NutcrackerBattle of the Sexes, and Le Corsaire by Robert Hill. He later won first place at YAGP Orlando for his self-choreographed contemporary solo and earned a scholarship to Jacob’s Pillow, where he trained under Anna-Marie Holmes, who helped him secure his first professional contract as a soloist with the State Ballet of Georgia, directed by Nina Ananiashvili. From 2010–2011 in Tbilisi, Georgia, he performed works by Yuri Possokhov, August Bournonville, Alexei Ratmansky, and George Balanchine.

Returning to Canada in 2012, Miguel freelanced with various companies, including the Ballet of Montreal under Eddy Toussaint, touring Mexico with both classical and contemporary repertoire. Later that year, he joined Coastal City Ballet, refining his artistry under Li Yaming, and was invited to adjudicate for Brazil’s Institute of Culture, Promodança.

In 2013, Miguel moved to Argentina, where he danced for seven years as a Principal Dancer with Ballet del Centro del Conocimiento, also guesting throughout Paraguay and Brazil. Renowned for his strong technique and charismatic stage presence, he portrayed leading roles such as Basilio (Don Quixote), Albrecht (Giselle), Siegfried (Swan Lake), Lucien (Paquita), and Solor (La Bayadère). He continued his collaboration with Promodança as a consultant, judge, and guest choreographer. In 2015, Miguel competed at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition and appeared as a guest dancer at the Seoul International Ballet Competition, training at the Korea National University of Arts during his stay.

After years of performing internationally, Miguel discovered a deep passion for teaching. In 2018, alongside his wife Constanza Aguirre Hayes, he co-founded Posadas Ballet Studio in Argentina, serving as Associate Director and training pre-professional students in classical, jazz, and contemporary dance.

From 2021 to 2022, Miguel was the Artistic Director of Pro Arte in North Vancouver. In 2024, he served as an assessor for the BC Arts Council, supporting the development of dance across British Columbia.

In 2025, Miguel toured Argentina and Paraguay, performing at various festivals including the Japanese Cultural Centre in Asunción for the Asunción Baila Foundation. He was also an invited guest artist for the Los Andes Ballet Company Gala, performing Don Quixote Pas de Deux and a contemporary piece by Joaquín López, as well as a guest teacher for the Los Andes Ballet Company in Mendoza, Argentina.

Testimonials

  • ★★★★★

    Francisco Assis Dancer Ballet Contemporaneo Teatro San Martin Argentina

    I met Miguel in a competition in Brazil, where he was an international judge and taught classes. By the end of his master’s class, I wanted to be good just like him! Luckily, he offered me to work with him in Argentina in Ballet Centro del Conocimiento at the end of the competition! He also provided me with a full scholarship to train with him in his school, Posadas Ballet Studio, where I improved in several ways because I discovered his secrets and dedication. He is an excellent dancer and a better person. He made us work hard in his classes while still motivating us to be better; He is a great teacher, and he ingrained in our minds the discipline that dance needs to be a professional dancer, which is hard and healthy work.

    Francisco Assis

  • ★★★★★

    Soloist of the English National Ballet

    Working with Constanza was an absolute pleasure. She not only taught me contemporary dance techniques and choreographies but also showed me a new way to experience dance—through the heart. Constanza taught me that in both dance and life, you must be like a sponge, absorbing everything around you, because there is always something to learn. Her guidance helped me grow as both a dancer and an individual, and I am forever grateful for the lessons she shared.

    Ángel Maidana

  • ★★★★★

    Soloist of Ballet Centro Del Conocimiento, Argentina

    My experience working with Miguel Nguyen and Constanza Aguirre Hayes, was exceptional. For four years, I received high-quality ballet training that prepared me to achieve my goals. Additionally, the contemporary classes taught by Constanza were equally enriching. Thanks to her guidance and dedication, I was able to gain admission to the Ballet del Centro del Conocimiento in Posadas, Misiones, Argentina. This achievement is a testament to the constant support I received through dedicated audition classes and rehearsals. I am deeply grateful for the influence Miguel and Constanza have had on my artistic and professional development.

    Laura Lasa

  • ★★★★★

    Principal Dancer Ballet Centro Del Conocimiento Argentina

    Working alongside Miguel as peers in Argentina, I learned not only about his culture but also how to navigate a dancer's career. More than a colleague, he became a mentor and friend, sharing invaluable lessons on professionalism, technique, and emotional expression in dance. His guidance helped refine my skills and elevate my career. Miguel's profound knowledge and ability to communicate complex ideas inspired and motivated me to continuously improve as a professional dancer, making him a pivotal figure in my development.

    Emiliano Perviu

  • ★★★★★

    Professional Dancer Ballet Centro del Conocimiento Director at Posadas Ballet Studio

    I began studying with Miguel Nguyen and Constanza Aguirre in July 2018, focusing on classical technique with Miguel and later joining Constanza’s contemporary classes. Both teachers were incredibly welcoming, dedicated, and genuinely cared for their students. Under their guidance, I improved my technique and gained valuable life skills like perseverance and dedication. Thanks to Miguel’s support, I successfully auditioned for Ballet Centro del Conocimiento in December 2018, where I still work. Constanza also helped me discover a passion for contemporary dance, shaping the dancer and person I am today.

    Valetina Sosa

  • ★★★★★

    Probably two of the best dance teachers in British Columbia! My 12-year-old daughter was in their half-day program at Pro Arte in North Vancouver this past year for ballet modern and contemporary. Her improvement in technique and artistry is night and day. The students in their program are like a family supporting each other because that is the culture they promote, Constanza’s vocabulary for repertoire is first class and her modern and contemporary choreography is absolutely beautiful. Miguel‘s choreography For contemporary and lyrical tells beautiful stories that are very powerful on the stage. We feel so lucky to have found this magical team of dance instructors to help our budding ballerina pursue her dreams!

    Pamela Woyciehouski

  • ★★★★★

    Miguel and Constanza were Nina’s dance teachers. They are amazing teachers and Nina had advanced tremendously under their mentorship. I’m sad that we have lost them in GVA but a great opportunity for folks up North to get top-notch training!

    Lilach Marom

  • ★★★★★

    Principal Dancer at Teatro Colon, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    When we first danced together, I was young and inexperienced. Miguel was kind and patient with me. Since then, we have shared the stage and rehearsals many times, and I have always enjoyed his amazing energy and kindness. He is the kind of partner who wants you to be comfortable and work together to figure things out. I have many good memories of dancing with him, from Swan Lake to Les Sylphides and Walpurgis Night. It was an absolute pleasure!

    Beatriz Boos

  • ★★★★★

    Constanza And Miguel were my daughter’s ballet Teacher for the past year. She received personalized attention from both of them. My daughter grew tremendously into ballet. And won several competitions as scholarships for several ballet schools being trained by them. Both of them committed dance teachers always caring for their students.

    Martha Rojas de Alamo

    Northern Institute of Dance: Elevating Ballet in Northern BC

    Welcome to the Northern Institute of Dance YouTube channel, where we showcase the artistry and passion of our talented dancers. Based in Prince George, BC, NID provides exceptional ballet training for dancers of all ages, emphasizing both technical excellence and artistic expression.

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