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Amy Adams
Amy began her passionate journey of dance training over 20 years ago in Mississauga, ON. She graduated from the dance program at Cawthra Park Secondary School, while also training at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, modern and pointe. Amy then attained her B.A. in Psychology from McMaster University, where she further found her passion for both dancing and choreographing when she co-founded and directed McMaster’s competitive dance team, Verve.
Most recently, Amy completed the International Student Visa Training Program at Broadway Dance Center in NYC where she worked with some of the top teachers and choreographers in the industry.
Some of Amy’s performance experience includes dancing for Icona Pop on Good Morning America (NYC), Classified’s “Pay Day” music video, Much Music’s Electric Circus NYE Bash and The Bazaar Dance Showcase, which has featured her as both a dancer and choreographer.
Amy’s goal as a dancer, teacher and choreographer is to evoke inspiration, discovery and growth in every dancer she works with, while pushing the boundaries of creativity and hard work within the industry.
Addison Brasil
Addison Brasil is a professional artist originally from Toronto, Canada, specializing in dance, acting, teaching and choreography. Addison has sought out opportunities globally to develop, create and perform.
After many years of competing both regionally and internationally and winning various awards and titles, he finished his competitive dance career as a member of the Canadian National Dance Team. He earned a silver medal and was ranked as one of the top ten male dancers in the world while representing Canada at the 2006 IDO World Championships. Addison earned a scholarship to complete his Bachelors Degree, graduating with honors, from the distinguished Conservatory Dance Program at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA.
As a professional performer and choreographer, Addison has been fortunate to have worked in many productions with distinguished organizations. His performance highlights include Beauty & The Beast for Disney, West Side Story (West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, TONY Award winner Ann Reinking’s workshop Piano Keys and multiple shows across Asia for Royal Caribbean Productions. He was also proud to contribute to the Theatre20 creative team for their inaugural production of the Dora Award nominated Bloodless: The Trial of Burke and Hare in Toronto at the Panasonic Theatre.
Additionally, Mr. Brasil has performed commercially for many major companies including Walt Disney World, Hilton International, Honda, Mary Kay and more! Addison has performed works conceived by Doug Varone, Kiesha Lalama, Douglas Bentz, Ronald Tassone Ann Reinking and appeared on the TV show Degrassi: The Next Generation.
Addison has also taught, choreographed and directed well received work for various productions, dance studios, companies and corporate industrials. Mr. Brasil is the Artistic Director of the PrePro Artist Collective (triple threat intensive series) and is also the Co-Founder and Chair of the Team Brother Bear Foundation, which supports children and families living with brain tumors.
Carolyn Bristowe
Carolyn Bristowe born and raised in a small town outside of Kitchener has over 10 years experience in the Industry. Training competitively since the age of 5 Carolyn has become an accomplished dancer, choreographer & teacher. Her performing career has ranged from musical theatre, industrials, and film and as dance captain for Royal Caribbean. Now keeping her feet on land, Carolyn directs and owns
Innovative Dance where she trains dancers of all ages both recreationally & competitively. She is honored to grow the love of dance through our youth today.
Tia Blake
Tia Blake, a St. Catharines veteran, has been dancing since before she could walk.
Starting with predance at the age of 2 and continuing throughout high school she enjoyed jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop and lyrical; her favourite being jazz and lyrical.
During her competition career Tia had the privilege of travelling with Team Canada to Germany on the tap team and Poland on the jazz, ballet and modern team. Being a Nationals qualifier, taking classes at “Steps” in New York City, winning many first overalls in jazz and contemporary and learning from the expertise of Stacey Tookey, Jay T. Schramek, Nico Archambault and Jeff Dimitriou, Tia learned a lot throughout her competition years.
Once competing had to take a spot on the shelf, Tia now lives vicariously through her students within both recreational and competitive programs. Travelling to L.A with her scholarship-winning students, she prides herself on helping her students grow. Over the years Tia has added hip-hop and acro to her repertoire to allow for more versatility in her capabilities. Her students have won many first overall awards as well Tia herself has received numerous choreography awards.
Tia’s creativity streams from hip-hop choreography for a Niagara’s own music video, dancing, choreographing and acting in Manhattan Film Festival’s “Lost Penny”, choreography work for the Teacher Expo 2015 and her workshop classes with “Dance Attack” Workshops. Tia is eager to continue learning and gaining experience among different avenues of the dance world, in hopes to bring a fresh eye to competition. Her passion for dance is evident in all the work that she does from predance classes to advanced classes. Tia continues to choreograph, teach and take classes to keep herself busy and educated in the dance industry that we all love.
Jennifer Barton
Jennifer Barton holds her B.A. (Dance) from the University of Waterloo as well as a B.Ed. from Trent University for the P/J/I divisions. She is a Full Member of the Canadian Dance Teacher Association, holds her Teacher Training Diploma from Dance Masters of America, is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, a certified teacher of the Acrobatic Arts Professional Curriculum and a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Jennifer has taught ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip hop, modern, contemporary, lyrical and musical theatre for the past 20 years both in Ontario and throughout the U.S. Jennifer is formally the head
instructor and camp co-coordinator for the Kawartha Lakes Summer Playhouse. She was also the Artistic Director of Dance at a private studio in the Durham region as well as formally owned and operated her own successful dance studio for many years. Her choreography, directing and/or producing credits include everything from the Miss Iowa Pageant to The Wizard of Oz and The Nutcracker. Throughout her career students have received top marks and awards for technique, creativity and choreography at both the regional and international level. Many students have moved on to continue their studies of dance at post-secondary institutions with
former students currently performing in New York, Toronto and Germany. Currently, Jennifer is an Artist in Residence at the York Region District School Board as well as the Durham District School Board, working on various projects to promote dance education. She is also a dance instructor for Travelling Stage as well as within a private dance studio. Most recently she wrote the acrobatics course outline for Centennial College’s new dance program and is a faculty member in the dance department.
Creating a positive dance experience to our students is one of the most important jobs we as dance educators can provide to this generation of young dancers.
Rhea Bowman
Rhea Bowman has been in the dance industry for over 20 years. She is a graduate of the York University BFA Honors Dance program specializing in Pedagogy and Movement Analysis with a minor in History. She has trained extensively for close to two decades in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Ballroom, Hip Hop, and Afro-Caribbean dance.
Rhea holds memberships and certifications with the Canadian Dance Teachers
Association, and The Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers, the Royal
Academy of Dancing: Advanced 1, Acrobatic Arts, Zumba and High Five Quality at Play: Healthy Child Development.
She has performed professionally and competed throughout Canada, United States, the Caribbean and South America. Performance credits include Ballet Creole Dance Company (Spring Rites), JB Productions – York University, The Master Students Showcase- York University and various shows with Steppin' Out Theatrical Productions (The Pajama Game).
Rhea has worked with many private studios providing dance instruction, as well
as teaching Master Classes in Modern and Afro-Caribbean through out Canada.
She has also been very involved with the school curriculum in the Toronto District School board and Catholic School Board teaching at schools such as Cardinal Carter academy of the arts, Emery Collegiate and Downsview Collegiate. Rhea has had the opportunity to work closely with dance artists and educators from all over Canada and the United States, some of which include John Ottman – National Ballet School of Canada, Elisabeth Leyds-Holms – National Ballet School of Canada, Partick Parson – Ballet Creole, Helen Jones – Toronto Dance Theatre, and Donna Krasnow – York University and The Limon Institute NYC, just to name a few.
Rhea has founded the Antilles Dance Troupe in 2011, which is a Caribbean dance group that spreads awareness about cultural dance in university settings. The troupe now travel and perform different places in Toronto and Ontario. Encouraging many to embrace non-western forms of dance. Rhea has been an Independent artist and choreographer in the industry choreographing for international artist such as Blacko blaze alongside many other African and Caribbean artists.
Rhea believes it is important to stay up to date within the dance community and continues to educate herself and be a working dance professional; she is currently teaching at Uptown! Music and Dance, providing a wide genre of experience and wealth of knowledge to her students.
Tiffani Beauparlant Kretz
Tiffani Beauparlant Kretz is from St. Catharines, Ontario. She has been a part of the dance world since the age of 7. She has been teaching at Rythum Plus Dance Company since 1999 and teaches for the District School Board of Niagara where she runs the dance program at A.N. Myer Secondary School. At Rythum Plus, she specializes in tap but also teaches jazz, lyrical, hip hop, and turning technique. She is a certified Tap (examiner) and Acro teacher with Dance Master’s of America Chapter #38. She has a Bachelor of Arts in French (specialist) from Brock University, a dance specialist from York University, and a Canadian teacher certification from D’Youville College in Buffalo.
As a dancer, Tiffani has toured with Hoctor’s “Dance Caravan” as a Caravan Kid and assistant to Barry YoungBlood. She placed 2nd runner-up Miss Dance of Canada in 2000. She was also a proud member of the Canadian National Tap Team in 2000 that traveled to Reisa, Germany to win the world silver medal.
Tiffani is a successful teacher and choreographer. Her students have won numerous overall high score awards as well as regional titles for C.D.M.A and A.D.A including “Teen Miss Dance of Canada”, “Jr. Miss Dance of Canada”, "Teen Dancer of the Year”, and “Jr. Dancer of the Year”. Tiffani’s choreography has been featured in many shows including MAC makeup’s “Fashion Cares” as well as the “Greg Frewin Las Vegas Magic Review” in Niagara Falls.
As a plus sized model, Tiffani has modelled in and choreographed numerous bridal and fashion shows and can be seen in ads for NV Clinical, Slim’n’Lift Aire, Slim Away, and on the TV series GhostlyEncounters.
Tiffani also enjoys sharing her love for dance by adjudicating many competitions throughout Ontario as she is a part of the Professional Adjudicators' Alliance.
Rebecca Brettingham
Rebecca Brettingham is the Owner and Director of Dance Extreme Inc. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, acro and tap. Over the years, Rebecca has adjudicated for numerous dance organizations and competitions as well as teaching workshops throughout Canada and the United States.
She is a certified instructor with Dance Educators of America and Dance Masters of Canada, Chapter #38 where she sits on the board of directors. Rebecca graduated from Dance Masters of America’s Teacher’s Training School at Kent State University and the State University of New York in Buffalo.
Rebecca’s students have gone on to various professional schools for dance and theatre and some are now working professionally. In 2012, Dance Extreme was honoured to perform at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, UK including a performance at Olympic Stadium.
Caralee Buchwald
Caralee Buchwald has been part of the dance community for over 30 years. She discovered her love of dance at an early age and grew up as a competitive dancer in various dance forms. She is a graduate of Ryerson University’s Dance Program where she studied under Nadia Potts, Karen Duplisea and Vicki St. Denys.
She is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, and a member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance.
She has enjoyed teaching, choreographing and sharing her passion for dance as a ballet director, guest teacher, and children’s program coordinator for the past 15 years.
She has won several awards including highest ballet marks, choreography awards, special awards and overalls for her work. Many of her students have gone on to become performers, teachers and choreographers. Others have been accepted to Quinte Ballet School, National Ballet School of Canada, Miami City Ballet, Joffrey Ballet School, Cirque du Soleil. She is very proud of her students and their many accomplishments.
Caralee continues to enhance her professional development by attending courses, seminars and classes.
Christy Adamson
Christy is an accomplished Music Theatre performer having just completed her fifth production of CATS at the Panasonic Theatre in Toronto. She has dance captained countless productions and performed on The Mirvish stage in WAR HORSE and THE BOYS IN THE PHOTOGRAPH. Favorite shows include A CHORUS LINE, EVITA, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, KISS ME KATE, and playing the role of Jolene Oakes and Resident Choreographer in the US National Tour of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS.
Before transitioning to music theatre Christy was a Principal dancer with THE OMO DANCE COMPANY, a technique based contemporary company influenced by Lester Horton.
Christy has taught workshops in the Dance, Music Theatre, and Drama departments in schools, colleges, and studios across the country and has her Advanced certificate in RAD Ballet, ISTD Modern, and CDTA Jazz.
Christy was the Assistant Choreographer for the DORA AWARDS and three seasons of CANADIAN IDOL and is a proud member of the PAA.
Stephanie Bergeron
Stephanie Bergeron is a true multi-hyphenate artist based in the GTA- dancer, choreographer, actor, singer, adjudicator, and dance instructor. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) in Dance from Ryerson University, and is also a graduate of Unionville High School’s Arts York Dance program, and proud member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance. Ms. Bergeron is an incredibly versatile and well-rounded performer; having trained as a competitive dancer for
many years, she earned numerous high-point awards and top overall titles in many styles. She is proud to have worked with and performed under a number of notable choreographers, including Matjash Mrozewski, David Earle, Valerie Calam, Robert Glumbek, Brian Friedman, Keith ‘Tyce’ Diorio, Shannon Mather, Nadia Potts, Karen Duplisea, and Vicki St. Denys. Among her many performances, Ms. Bergeron has danced for the Canadian Opera Company, Telus, Bell Technical Solutions, Cineplex/TIFF, performed as a supernumerary character artist for the
National Ballet of Canada (Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Manon), and has starred in several independent films.
Ms. Bergeron has extensive experience teaching and choreographing competitively, recreationally, and privately. She has been invited as a Recurring Guest Artist and Commissioned Choreographer for Unionville High School, Alexander Mackenzie High School, Westmount Collegiate, and Claude Watson at Earl Haig Secondary, as Rehearsal Mistress for Ballet Jorgen’s The Nutcracker, and as a Guest Artist for many workshops and master classes across Ontario. Ms. Bergeron’s choreography has been featured at Disneyland California,
Harbourfront Centre Toronto, and in countless theatres across the province. Many of her students have gone on to earn top competitive awards and First Overall placements, and have been accepted into such programs as Arts Unionville, the National Ballet School Associates Program, and the dance programs at Ryerson University, York University, Concordia University, and
George Brown College.
Shawn Bracke
"Shawn's diverse experience as a performer, choreographer, instructor and adjudicator have taken him all over North America and Europe. He currently resides in Toronto, ON and works commercially as a dancer/choreographer and instructor.
An ACTRA Apprentice member - Shawn's major credits in both North America and Europe include: "The Next Step" - Family Channel, "Victoria Duffield" - chor. Luther Brown, "Dartmoor" - dir. Steven Spielberg, "MTV" & "Samsung", The Source Dance Co. (Vancouver) & Royal Caribbean Productions.
Originally from Edmonton, Alberta - he trained extensively in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, street and vernacular styles under Variations Academy of Performing Arts as well as graduated from Victoria School for the Performing Arts.
As an adjudicator, he has had the privilege to judge across Canada, Italy and the UK for various styles of dance competitions. Having taught at major studios including "Harbour Dance Centre" - Vancouver, BC, "Pineapple Studios" - London, UK, "Liverpool Institute for the Arts" - Liverpool, UK, "Studio Harmonic" - Paris, France - Shawn has seen much talent and is known for developing students in a way that enhances their own unique style.
Currently a full time faculty member at Metro Movement, one of Canada's most reputable professional dance studios - Shawn is known for his diverse style as a contemporary choreographer and his strong knowledge of all styles of dance. A member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, he looks forward to sharing his knowledge!
Laura Belliveau
Laura’s passion for dance was discovered at a young age and she has received extensive training in various dance forms. She studied at a prestigious studio in the Greater Toronto Area for 11 years, competing in many dance competitions across Canada and the United States. There she was trained in B.A.T.D. (British Association of Teachers ofDancing) Syllabus and received high quality marks in her exams. She has studied several disciplines including; Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Musical Theatre, Lyrical and Contemporary. She is currently training in A.D.A.P.T. (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers) with Brian Foley.
Throughout her time as a dance instructor her students have excelled at competitions receiving High Gold and Platinum awards as well as multiple scholarships. She has also received an award for most entertaining choreography in 2011. In addition to choreographing and training competitive dancers, Laura was involved in introducing dance into daycares and schools in and around her area with U Got Dance Inc. She also shares her love of dance by teaching at a not for profit organization as well as dance studios throughout the Durham region.
Laura is looking forward to a long career in the dance field and is a proud member of P.A.A.
Tiffany Beveridge
Tiffany is a Director, Choreographer and a passionate dance Teacher trained in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acro, Theatre, Lyrical/Contemp and Hip Hop.
Her professional experience includes back up dancing for Canadian Rapper Belly at numerous shows including Summer Rush-Toronto and Halifax, MMVA's 2007, MTV Live and Much on Demand.
Tiffany choreographed and performed at the 2005 Much Music Video Awards, performed on stage with the well-known popular rapper, Snoop Dogg in his 2003 world tour when he came to Toronto, and choreographed and danced for Angel City and artist Lara McAllen on her North American debut tour.
She has trained with Master Choreographers like Mia Michaels, Sonyah Tayeh, Bobby Newberry, Finis Jung and much more.
Tiffany is the current Coach and Director of the Hamilton Nationals Lacrosse Cheerleaders of the MLL. She was the director and choreographer for the Hamilton Bulldogs Ice Girls of the American Hockey League, and danced with the Hamilton Tiger Cat Cheerleading Team of the Canadian Football League for 6 Seasons. She also has theatre experience, performing as a singer/dancer in stage productions across Hamilton. Tiffany can be seen in Johnny Reid's music video "Darlin"which topped the charts on the CMT Chevy top 20 countdown. She has also won many overall and special awards with her creative concepts and fun choreography! Tiffany is a proud member of the P.A.A!
Karen Maria Belyea
Ms Belyea has over 36 years of performing, teaching and choreographic experience and has been artistic director for several dance studios.
She is a registered teacher with of the Royal Academy of Dance, completing the 3-year Teacher’s Certification Program and Dance Masters of America. Many of her graduate students have achieved professional status as teachers and dancers getting into programs at Ryerson, York University, George Brown College, Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre and Quinte and National Ballet Schools, ABT Summer and Alvin Ailey Summer Programs. Her unique choreography has won top awards at both the national and international level winning for choreography and overall high scores.
She is a member of Professional Adjudicators Alliance and sits on the board of the Arts Council of Northumberland.
Nola Antony
Nola Antony has been teaching and performing in many styles of dance for over 25 years. She has been trained under R.A.D. A.D.A.P.T. and Al Gilbert syllabus. Nola teaches jazz, tap, ballet (pointe), lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre at both recreational and competitive levels and her students have won numerous high-score and choreography awards. She is a certified dance teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) and is certified with Professional Adjudication Alliance (P.A.A.). Nola has also obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.). She is currently teaching the dance curriculum for the Triple Threat Academy in Fort McMurray, AB as well as doing workshops and dance intensives.
Nola’s students have enjoyed success as professionals in the dance industry, being accepted into dance universities, dancing with Disney Cruise ships, attending the Alberta Ballet school and performing in music videos with artists such as Michael Buble, K-os, and These Kids Wear Crowns.
During her career Nola has worked as assistant choreographer for the “ Miss Teen Lethbridge” pageant, choreographer of “Singing in the Rain”, as well as choreographer for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Celebration in Fort McMurray. Recently Nola has been adjudicating for dance competitions across Canada. Nola has a passion for performance, teaching and technique. She enjoys working with children and helping them to discover themselves through the expression of dance.
Libby Avalos
Libby Avalos is a passionate and established Dance Educator, with a mission to inspire individuals become the best version of themselves through the power of The Arts.
She "retired" from the stage in late 2011, after being abroad for over a decade. During that time away, Libby lived, trained, and performed in New York City for several years, and spent many years traveling as a performer and Dance Captain on cruise lines. After marrying her true love and settling into York Region, she focused her energies back onto her lifelong passion- Teaching.
Libby is the Visionary and Co-Director of ARTSies Inc, an after-school program providing Musical Theatre education and performance experiences to children in grades 1-8. She is also the Artistic Director of the Flato Markham Theatre Discovery Camps, a position she has held for the past 6 years. She works full time in the Education sector, providing Interactive Assembly Experiences and Teacher PD using the GROOVE pedagogy. An active member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, Libby sits on the panel of judges for several dance competitions across Canada. She can also be found teaching and choreographing in local dance studios. Her ability to inspire, motivate, and empower students makes her an in-demand teacher, and her choreography has won several awards.
Mirella Agro
Mirella Agro's passion for dancing started over 25 years ago. She studied at The National Ballet School of Canada in their Professional Development Program. Performed with The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company in Sleeping Beauty starring Evelyn Hart. Also was a member of The Canadian Ballet Youth Ensemble and performed in Pinnochio, with Robert Desrosiers. Mirella performed with the Paula Moreno Spanish Dance Company for two years. She is now the owner and director of Flamenquitas Spanish Dancers.
Teaching since 2001 and specializing in flamenco and ballet at Xklusiv Dance Productions Inc. and Steps Performing Arts Centre. She is a full member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association in ballet. Educating students from levels Primary to Advanced and preparing them for ballet exams. Choreographing routines for competitions as well as adjudicating the auditions for our competitive team.
Flamenquitas Spanish Dancers was founded in 2007 by Mirella. Organized and performed in Dance for Empowerment to raise funds for Women for Women International. Performing for the Bishops of Hamilton, Take Back the Night at City Hall and many more special events. Mirella has a passion for dance and a desire to share it with you.
Patti Broadfoot
For over 25 years, Patti has been educating dancers at studios across Southwestern Ontario. Her teaching career has reached as far as Europe guest teaching for a student/teacher exchange program. In 2005, she opened "On Your Toes Performing Arts Centre" and it has become one of the fastest growing studios in the region. In addition to being a successful Owner / Director, she is also an accomplished teacher and choreographer and is certified with the Royal Academy of Dance. Her expertise extends across all disciplines of dance including: Modern, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap. Her diversity of training also includes the of syllabus of: BATD, CDTA and ISTD.
Patti's students have successfully competed in dozens of dance competitions across Canada and the US. In addition to their success at regional competitions, many have garnered national recognition as well. They have performed with the Canadian National team in Germany as well as many students going into professional careers in theatre, teaching and dance companies. Many of her students have won numerous overall awards, some including top soloists for "Showstoppers" Regional competition going onto be featured in their opening number at their National Finals 4 years in a row. Patti's award winning teaching and choreography has also produced many overall groups as well as "Most potential dancer 2009 & 2010". She and her students are sought after by teachers and choreographers.
Beyond the studio, Patti has used dance as an outreach in the community since her youth. As a performer, she was part of the acclaimed show "From Folk to Funk". She performed for dignitaries at the Labatt's Estate annual "Tea", the National Ballet of Canada and for school boards across Ontario. She continues to use her arts leadership skills and dance training to choreograph and teach community and high school productions. You may have seen her work in: "This Year Next Year" (ITOPA theatre); "Guys and Dolls" (St Mary's High School) and dance programs at various schools in Oxford County. Patti is committed to growing as an artist and actively pursues the latest artistic trends in dance and pedagogic methods.
Paula Birch
is a professional performer, instructor, choreographer & adjucator with over 20 years with experience in many aspects of the dance world
For 15 years Paula owned and directed P & M School of Dance now called Pure Movement Dance Studio; where her students won successfully in competitions locally and nationally. Paula was a competitive dancer for 10 years receiving many awards, scholarships and recognition. Her passion is teaching all ages and levels from recreational to professional.
Paula’s teaching method encourages dancers to develop personal creativity and expression along with healthy techniques. She inspires self-motivation in life through dance, guiding each individual to aspire toward their own unique potential; teaching correct yet natural technique in variant dance forms for a broad foundation.
She has trained in many styles of dance from tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical, hip-hop, funk & reggae; taking classes from renowned teachers & choreographers.
Paula’s accomplishments include: Model for Dell Computers, Montreal’s Next Top Model; Placed Top 5, Miss Teen Pageant 3rd Runner up.
Guest Speaker for many high schools in Montreal; on bringing dance into their community. Actor on Student Bodies and many commercials; Adjucator for many competitions. Animator for entertainment companies, car shows, grand Prix, festivals & fundraisers.
Music Videos; Jacynthe, Blaque Ivory, La Brigade, Steffie Shock, Daniel Desnoyers to name a few…
Paula’s professional performances include Chum, Labatt, Telethon of Stars, Walt Disney World, Ashanti’s Canadian Tour.
Choreography for Tribute To Michael Jackson, fashion shows, community events and many artists. Just Gotta Dance Talent Competition Regional Director
Currently guest teacher for many workshops, elementary & high schools.
Paula also coached and practiced soccer and figure skating for over 10years.
Being a parent of a dancer she understands how the experience of competitions can help their development as dancers and young people. Dance has always been apart of Paula’s life and her goals are to achieve higher at every challenge and obstacle that may arise in her expertise of dance. Paula resides in Montreal where she continues to study, collaborate and produce, challenging herself as an artist and human being.
Julie Barban
Originally hailing from Sault Ste. Marie Ontario, Julie studied and trained in ballet, tap and jazz at the prestigious Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts taking yearly BATD exams and competing throughout Ontario. Julie continued her studies at Ryerson and Dancespace under the direction of Kennetha O’Heany in Toronto.
It was at this time Julie decided to focus her teaching skills on ballet and became a registered teacher for the Royal Academy of Dance. Julie then moved to Calgary Alberta where she continued to teach and enter children in RAD exams, choreograph for competitions and continued her studies in Child Psychology, Anatomy, History of Ballet and Music in Relation to Dance to achieve the RAD teaching diploma.
Coming back to Ontario to raise her family, Julie settled in Haliburton and is the proud owner and director of Heritage Ballet celebrating it’s 10th year. Heritage Ballet is a small family oriented studio offering ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, yearly exams and the opportunity to compete throughout Ontario and upstate New York.
Julie also produces and choreographs a yearly production of The Nutcracker which has become a Christmas tradition for the Haliburton community.
Julie is an active teacher in the Artists In School program overseen by the Haliburton Arts Council which gives local artists the opportunity to teach within the local schools.
Julie has also had extensive choreography opportunities with local theatre groups Highlands Summer Festival and Highlands Little Theatre, R. Murray Schafer’s productions in Haliburton Forest and was the local choreographer for Dusk Dances 2007 youth piece and Dusk Dances 2010 community piece. Julie is proud to be a member of PAA!
Catia Angelini
Catia has been involved in jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, musical theatre and lyrical for about twenty five years now. Her favourite form of dance is tap and has created a style all her own combining many different elements. She has attended the Bradley Tap Festival, dancing alongside Savion Glover. Catia was a competitive dancer for 15 years, achieving many awards, scholarships and recognition around the world. She is a two-time recipient and silver medalist for the Canadian National Tap Team from 1999 to 2000, at the world Tap Dance Championships held in Germany.
Along with her achievements, she has choreographed for and helped many of her own students to win numerous medals including gold at the World Tap Dance Championships. Ms. Angelini was the choreographer, costume designer for the 2001 Hamilton Junior TigerCat and Hamilton Screaming Eagle cheerleaders. She has been a choreographer and dance instructor for competitive and recreational students in jazz, tap, musical theatre and hip hop for almost fifteen years now. Catia has led most if not all of her students to achieve “champion” status and much recognition to say the least. She has also choreographed many musicals and various productions for schools and communities in her area. Catia has choreographed and danced for many musical artists including The Fame Gang, Principle Source, Ms. Thai, Taj, The Stylordz, Sabina, Charly B, etc. for music videos and concerts.
Ms. Angelini is the proud and successful owner and artistic director of Inurtia Dance Creations located in Hamilton. Here they offer classes for all ages in jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, acro, flamenco, hip hop, breakdancing, stretch, Latin, ballroom, guitar and vocal. In only her first year, she had accomplished to guide her students who had never danced before achieve National and World Titles! Catia is a proud member of the PAA (Professional Ajudicators Alliance).
You may have also seen her and her students at various events and special viewing as the CH Morning Show, Wild Water Works, Hamilton Carnival, Hamilton PotPourri, and various Hamilton Black History productions.
Catia’s latest accomplishment was receiving the PLATINUM award for the best dance studio in the Hamilton Readers Choice Awards. She hopes you can “Experience The Power Of Dance” with her some day!
Irene Booth
Irene is a graduate of the Grant MacEwan Dance Teachers’ Trainee Program and holds a Teaching Certificate and Diploma with the Royal Academy of Dance for Ballet and Canadian Dancer Teachers’ Association for Tap and Jazz.
Currently, Irene serves on the Executive Board as Ballet Chairman for the CDTA BC Branch, a position she has held for the past three years.
In 1993, Irene founded and established Tempo Dance Academy in Nanaimo, BC.
With twenty-two years of teaching experience, Irene spends much of her time mentoring and teaching her students as well as operating the school on a full time basis. Irene is a certified mentor with the R.A.D.
Irene is a highly respected teacher, and her students enjoy her sense of humour, her passion and love of dance in all forms. Irene constantly strives to achieve the highest levels of teaching in order to pass on her experience to her students and staff members.
Loretta Beamish
Loretta received her teacher’s training in London, England at the College of the Royal Academy of Dance, where she graduated with a Diploma in Teaching of Dance as well as becoming a Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance: an honour given only to those who have graduated from the Academy. Upon graduation, she taught in London for a year then moved home to Canada to teach in Edmonton for the next eleven years as Ballet Director of Castle Downs School of Dance. Her production of Beauty and the Beast was invited to Romania for a Canadian-Romanian student exchange performance in Bucharest. She was then invited back to teach a summer course in Bucharest.
Loretta has had the opportunity to travel twice to St. Petersburg, Russia to study in the Russian Vaganova ballet technique with some of the best instructors in the world. She now incorporates this style into her open ballet classes.
Loretta moved to Kelowna in 1995, where she became co-owner of The Pacific Interior School of Dance. During this time she also staged several productions including the full- length ballets of La Sylphide and The Tin Soldier.
In 2003, Loretta took over Stage Door Dance Studios, which she ran for three years. She recently sold the studio and is now free-lance instructing for several studios in Kelowna. She also continues to guest teach and adjudicate throughout BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and the USA.
Many of Loretta’s students are dancing professionally or teaching. But what she is most proud of is her own two children. Josh has his own professional dance company, “Move, the Company” in Vancouver and Chelsea is dancing with “The Source Company” in Vancouver as well as teaching. She looks forward to watching their continued growth in the dance world.
Ashley Arnold
Ashley Arnold grew up in Montreal, Quebec training at Studio Dans’Atout in R.A.D. ballet, I.S.T.D. tap and modern, A.D.A.P.T. jazz, and hip hop. She started her professional career at a young age, appearing in children’s television series. Having a passion for the creative process of choreography and performance, Ashley went on to earn a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance from Concordia University. With her degree, she has choreographed for multiple Montreal-based events, and has performed in music videos, fundraisers and improvisation events in the city. Ashley is an A.D.A.P.T. trained teacher and has a strong background in competitive coaching, allowing her students to succeed with multiple awards and scholarships. Not only does she have a solid foundation in dance education and choreography, she is a certified massage therapist, displaying her deep understanding of the human body, anatomy and mechanics. Ashley is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and is excited to share her versatile professional experiences and passion for dance with any panel.
Sarah Baker-Kroll
Sarah is an inspiring and knowledgeable dance teacher and choreographer currently living in Northern Ontario. She has 18 years’ experience teaching dance as Owner and Director of Northern Ballet Academy in Manitoba and as a Ballet teacher at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School where she also studied the Vagonova training method. Sarah’s students have attended competitions in Canada and the United States, going on to earn many awards and scholarships, including university and Royal Winnipeg Ballet School scholarships. Many of her students have gone on to all aspects of dance careers including Broadway, University and Professional and Teacher Training Programs
Sarah was trained in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, National dance and Tap at Ryerson’s Dance Program with some of Canada’s top teachers including Nadia Potts, Glen Gilmour, Audrey Looker, Anushka Roes, Stelio Calagias and Lesley Ballantyne.
She has performed in many amateur productions such as The Bells Are Ringing, South Pacific and Guys and Dolls and also worked with choreographers such as Juan Antonio and Claudia Moore.
Sarah is a registered member of the Royal Academy of Dance, entering students for exams for over 18 years and is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Sarah enjoys spreading the love of dance while teaching workshops in Ballet, Pointe, Repertoire, and Stretch and Strength.
Mary Blake
Mary Blake’s love for dance began at the early age of 3. She is an accomplished teacher, dancer, and choreographer who has travelled through Canada and the States training, dancing and supporting her dancers. Mary has been teaching both recreational and competitive dancers for over 15 years and loves watching the dancers of all ages grow up and achieve their dreams and shine on stage. Some of her students have won the title of Junior Miss Dance Canada and Teen Mister Dance Canada with several first overalls. While she herself has won many choreography and judges choice awards over the years. She has trained in all styles of dance including Jazz, Ballet, Acro, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, Pointe, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. She has trained with many of the best teachers and choreographers through travelling to New York City and taking part at classes at Steps and attending Pulse. Mary is always going above and beyond to ensure she has the best trained knowledge and experience to help her kids stay competitive. She has helped in choreographing a movie “The Lost Penny” for a film festival in New York City. As well some of her dancers have performed in “The Nutcracker” in St. Catharines, “Dance Star” with Edyta Sliwinska at Casino Niagara, “Mary Poppins” in Niagara Falls and many others. While many of her dancers have travelled to Poland, Germany and Italy to compete for Team Canada. Mary is excited to venture out every once and awhile from teaching, nurturing and choreographing to helping others shine and express themselves on stage while continuing to be a huge part of the dance studio who she has danced with and taught at all these years. Dance is such a passion to Mary and is excited to share with the World of Dance.
Stephanie Ang
Stefanie has always had a passion for dance and has been involved in the dance industry for over twenty years. She began dance at the age of three training in jazz, tap, ballet, acrobatics, lyrical, hip hop and modern; studying RAD, Cecchetti, ADAPT and DMA syllabus. Stefanie has competed since the age of six at national and international competitions and has been rewarded with such scholarships as Overall Soloist and Most Promising Senior Dancer. She also has been trained in artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics and aerial circus arts. Stefanie has appeared in various print work, commercials, television shows, and runways; working with Chatelane, Halt Renew, PAN AM games and Tiny Talent Time, to name a few. She was also the face of The Big Sisters champagne running in Chicago. At fourteen Stefanie received an invitation to a private audition for Cirque Du Soleil in Montreal, where she was one of the last 3 finalists. Stefanie is a graduated from Mayfield Secondary School of the Arts where she received an Arts Letter for her contribution to the dance program as well the Spirit Dance Scholarship Award for her outstanding choreography in Mayfield’s musical productions and dance shows. Stefanie has been teaching both recreational and competitive dance for over 15 years now, she has produced many award-winning routines and is often recognized for her unique and innovative choreography. Her students have won numerous overall high scores and scholarship awards at several competitions. Her choreography has won such awards as the Judges Choice award for “PRECISION” and Highest Score of the competition. Stefanie continues to teach, choreograph and conduct workshop classes at various studios across the GTA. Stefanie is a well-respected dance teacher and her passion of dance shows through her student’s achievements. She loves being able to pass on her experiences, knowledge and talent to all aspiring students.
Stephanie Bayley
Stephanie has been inspiring and educating dancers for over 10 years. She has a wealth of knowledge regarding the biomechanics of human movement and its application to dance as she holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. Stephanie brings a unique element to the judging panel as she is also a qualified Ontario school teacher who has extensive experience in providing assessment and feedback to students at the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels.
Having had many successes in the dance industry at a young age, Stephanie has had the experience of performing and competing in elite competitions at the National and International levels. She has graced the stages of New York City as well as that of local community theatre stages as an ensemble dancer in a variety of productions and roles. Throughout the years she has won awards for her technique in tap, ballet, lyrical, and jazz.
Stephanie currently specializes in teaching the principles of technique as well as methods of improvisation, though she has an extensive background educating and training dancers in tap, ballet, jazz, and lyrical.
Her choreographic talent has been recognized at the competitive level and she works to create opportunities to inspire other young dancers to develop their own styles, insights, and creative talents. Stephanie's focus is on the POSITIVE - an inspiring outlook that is both desired and welcomed in the industry.
She looks forward to having the pleasure of viewing your performances this weekend and hopes that everyone enjoys and embraces every second they get to spend out on that stage!
Stephanie's main goal is to be able to share with fellow dancers, teachers, and parents all that she has learned, in hopes of making a difference in the lives of those who share her greatest passion.
“If you dance with your heart your body will follow.” – Mia Michaels
RYAN ADKINS
Ryan has been involved in the dance world since 1995 and circus arts since 2003. While training at Rythum Plus Dance Company, Ryan studied at Cawthra Park Secondary School as a dance major where he graduated with an RAD Certification in Dance. Upon graduation, Ryan decided to expand on his technical expertise and continue his training with Toronto Circus School and Toronto Dance Theatre.
Ryan is a former Mr. Dance of Canada for Dance Masters of America. He has worked professionally for The Canadian Opera Company, Stage West, Drayton Entertainment and Tokyo Disney Resorts. Ryan has also been dance captain for Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, and has also been aerial coordinator for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.
Ryan gives back to the artistic community by performing at corporate events, coaching at dance studios and circus clubs, adjudicating dance competitions, and guest teaching at workshops. Ryan loves teaching and being able to give kids the opportunity to grow as artists, technicians, and performers.
Megan Alfano
C.D.T.A
Megan started her dance training at the age of 4 and has been tapping, twirling, and teaching ever since! She holds her Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association Stage Division Full Member – Ontario Division (Jazz and Tap).
In Saskatchewan she was the Director of the Regina Musical Theatre Studio, running both the recreational, examination and competitive dance and musical theatre programs. Megan was also the Director and choreographer for the youth performance company called the Mini Express and The Expressions. In that time she also spent over 12 years as the Choreographer and Assistant to the Artistic Director of the touring Performance Company, Saskatchewan Express, gaining teaching expertise in jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, and lyrical.
She has been the choreographer for many high schools and arts organizations in both Saskatchewan and Ontario with highlights including The Lion King, Honk!, Cinderella, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Titanic, Carousel, Seussical, High School Musical, Oliver!, Grease!, Guys and Dolls, Cats, Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd.
In 2009 Megan was the Rehearsal Director and her students were selected as the children’s chorus of the Touring Production of The Wizard of Oz and in 2012 she had the opportunity to choreograph and assist during the CBC’s Canadian Country Music Awards. She was also selected to choreograph for Johnny Reid’s performance at the Labor Day Classic, as well as Co-Direct and Choreograph the Cheer Team for the Saskatchewan Roughriders Season in 2007.
Now living in London, Ontario Megan has had the opportunity to work professionally as a choreographer at The Grand Theatre (Legally Blonde, Ring of Fire, Addams Family, Colours in the Storm), the Blyth Festival (Berlin Blues) as well as choreograph for Original Kids Theatre Company. Currently Megan is on faculty at Fanshawe College teaching movement in the Theatre Arts Program, as well as a choreographer and dance instructor at St. Mary’s Choir and Orchestra School in London, Ontario. In the summer of 2016 she was excited to help create the inaugural season for programming at the Drayton Theatre’s Youth Musical Theatre Program. This is in addition to continuing to teach both recreational, competitive and examination dance students of all ages. She is a well-respected dance festival and competition adjudicator.
Megan adores teaching the young and the young at heart, and knows firsthand what a difference the arts can make in their lives.
Kristen Bowen
Kristen Bowen is a dynamic dance instructor and creative choreographer. She has been a part of the dance industry for the last 20 years, starting out as a competitive dancer from Brampton, ON at Deborah Thomson’s School of Dance. There, she trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Lyrical and Contemporary. While with Deborah Thomson she had the opportunity to work with many outstanding choreographers and teachers such as Carolyn Keefer, Starsha Dalmer, Faye Rauw and Tiffany McLachlan.
Kristen also had the opportunity to attend Mayfield Secondary School in their Regional Arts Program, majoring in Dance. At Mayfield she studied Ballet, Jazz and Modern.
After high school, Kristen started teaching and choreographing right away; first, at Deborah Thomson’s School of Dance and then, in 2014, at Grand River Academy of Dance.
At Grand River Academy of Dance, she choreographed award winning numbers across a variety of styles including Musical Theatre, Acro and Jazz. Her students have won numerous scholarships and opportunities to expand themselves within the dance community.
Continuing her education, Kristen became a certified A.D.A.P.T. teacher in 2016 and recently completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with the Royal Academy of Dance. Kristen is continuing to develop by working towards her Acro certification with Acrobatique. Kristen is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and Dance Educators International.
Kristen has choreographed for many charity events for multiple organizations such as the MS Society and Work for a Cure. She has also volunteered her time working with different school boards in Ontario to spread dance to all children.
Kristen is currently teaching and choreographing for studios in Ontario, specializing in Ballet and Acro.
Samantha Brooks
Samantha is a professional teacher with an extensive dance background. She has been teaching dance in the GTA for over 10 years. Sam is thrilled to have opened a studio, to share her passion and knowledge of dance with her students. She is an award winning choreographer, and member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Samantha graduated with honors from York University’s BFA dance program in 2011. She studied and excelled in ballet and modern techniques including Limon, Graham and Cunningham. Under the direction of Donna Krasnow, Elizabeth Lleyds-Holmes, Megan Andrews , Jennifer Bolt, Carol Anderson, Terrill Maguire and Julia Sasso. Samantha was chosen to perform extensively throughout her time at York University appearing on their stages countless times.
After graduation Samantha continued performing, her presence and talents have been seen across the GTA including the Air Canada Centre. Samantha has also performed at the Mod Club in Toronto, at the Annual Greek Fashion Show, Hearts of Durham Charity Ball at Deer Creek Golf Club and Bazaar held at the Opera House in Toronto. She also holds a certificate to teach Prenatal Yoga.
Samantha’s teaching focuses on the fundamentals of movement, strong technique, etiquette, and inspiring performance qualities. She believes all of these combined are what creates beautiful, intelligent and confident dancers.
Jessica Bartlett
Jessica Bartlett has been dancing since the young age of 3. She was trained in many different styles such as Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Acrobatics and Tap. As her training years came to an end Jessica then decided to continue her education in dance at George Brown College where she graduated from the Dance Performance Preparation Program, as well as the Dance Performance Studies Program. While studying at George Brown, Jessica received more extensive training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Modern dance while working with choreographers such as Cynthia Macedo, Jane Wooding, Derek Sangster, Ray Hogg, Meredith Thompson, and Eddie Kastrau. Jessica also had the opportunity to work with the George Brown Dance Ensemble which included repertoire pieces from Ballet Jorgen Canada.
Jessica is now a judge, choreographer, studio owner and certified A.D.A.P.T and Acrobatic Arts teacher. Jessica was excited to continue her journey in the industry by spreading her love for dance with all of her students. She is currently working with all ages starting from Pre-Dance all the way to senior levels and loves watching her dancers develop! She is so excited to be here and share her love and knowledge of dance with all of you.
Avery Lane Beatty
Avery Lane Beatty found the passion for dance in her first ballet class, at the age of 3. She began her training as a competitive dancer, studying all styles of dance. Since then, she has completed exams with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, Royal Academy of Dance, The Cecchetti Society and the Vaganova Syllabus. Avery has trained with The National Ballet School of Canada and The Joffrey Ballet. Throughout her training, she has specialized in Ballet, Contemporary and Modern, as well as composition and Improvisation techniques. Avery has had the pleasure of training with many renowned artists, including Eryn Waltman, Peggy Baker, Kelly Shaw, Ryan Lee, Martine Lamy, Jonathan Renna, Davis Robertson, Julia Cratchley, Colleen Snell and Sheona Bell. Avery graduated from The Conteur Academy, where she spent two years exploring new Contemporary and Modern techniques. Avery had the pleasure of performing at the In Situ festival with Frog In Hand, Conteur’s 2017 Production of Fill In The Blanks and with Peggy Baker Dance Projects in their production of MOVE. Avery takes a special interest in building a strong technical foundation in her own students, as well as the ability to explore all avenues this amazing art form has to offer. As a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, she is humbled to share her knowledge and passion with every dancer she has the pleasure of adjudicating.
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Cherie Ansems
Cherie has been dancing since the age of 7, as well as being a competitive gymnast during her teens. Is a registered member of the B.A.T.D (British Association of Teachers of Dancing)since 1989. Owns and operates the East London Dance Club since 1994. Tap and Jazz instructor for London Academy of Dance, London, Ontario (Dorothy Cox-Scruton) for 7 Seasons (1995 to 2001). She has had troupe performances at Disney World, Florida, July 2012 and 2017.Proud member of PAA (Professional Adjudicators Alliance).
Cherie has choreographed local productions of “Leader of the Pack” and “Joseph”, and routines for the Jazzy Tappers of London, for 10 seasons.
Students have attended competitions in the South-western Ontario Region, receiving many “special judges” and overall awards. Many students have gone on to be certified instructors with their own studios, performers in “Cirque de Soliel” and competition directors.
ADAM ASHBY
Adam has had a passion for the performing arts since the young age of five and has danced at the competitive level for over ten years. Currently working towards memberships and certifications for both Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and Canadian Dance Teachers Association Adam is always looking for ways to expand his knowledge in the performing arts. Recently Adam choreographed two Disney Musicals in his community, Aladdin and Annie. Adam tours elementary schools teaching a variety of dances and styles to children all around Ontario. He has performed at the prestigious Stars Come Out concert presented by Theatre By The Bay and Larissa Mair for the past three years. He has trained with industry professionals such as Jay T Schramek, Carla Tucker, Edwina Douglas and Issac Haig. He has performed in many musicals and shows with performances as Finch in Newsies, Angel in Rent, Harry Witherspoon in Lucky Stiff, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid and Gaston in Beauty and the Beast. Adam is a proud member of PAA and is looking forward to bringing his knowledge of dance and his desire to help every dancer all around the world improve their craft.
Senyo Akakpo
Senyo is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He has worked and studied in multiple styles of dance like ballet, contemporary and improv, but specializes in the knowledge, history and techniques of hip-hop and other urban dance styles.
Working with all ages and levels, Senyo has choreographed and taught to children and adults over the last 5 years, but has been apart of the professional dance industry for over 10 years and is a proud member of the professional adjudicators alliance. To bring knowledge and expertise to studios, he has studied hip hop culture and dance all over North America, as well as obtained a degree from Ryerson University in psychology and human biology.
His choreography has been featured in festivals like the Juno’s and Culture Shock in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Senyo has taught for many companies like Dark Dance , Army of Sass, City Dance Corp, The Travelling Artist, Culture Shock Toronto, as well as being enlisted as the chosen representative of Canada by the Cuban government to teach hip hop at the Teade dance Festival in 2019. His knowledge and skill has allowed him the opportunity to work as a dancer for Feist, Jakhoy, the Arkells and organizations like the CFL’s Argonauts and Tigercats, and the Pan Am Games. His work as a dancer choreographer and teacher has allowed him to travel to places all across North America and South America. Mr Akakpo is so grateful for every opportunity to work with aspiring dancers and share his knowledge!
Christopher Bull
Christopher Bull's career in dance began in 1997 when he was selected to join the stage with the Kiev Ballet as Fritz, the boys who breaks the Nutcracker and later winning 6th overall Soloist at the IDO World Show Dance Competition. From there, Mr. Chris has shared the stage and with such legends as Karen Kain and Rex Harrington. A graduate of George Brown for Theatre and Performing Arts, Mr. Chris’ career has been diverse and thrilling, working internationally with ballet companies as both a company member and Soloist, to cruise ships as an Aerial Acrobat and Musical Theatre, recently winning an award for his work as a Nun is Sister Act: the Musical.
Mr. Chris, having studied Adapt, BTDA, CDTA and Vaganova methods, is the owner of Elev8 Dance, a dance school in Hamilton ON, where he regularly teaches, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Modern and Contemporary styles of dance and works with dancers as young as 3 years old.
Lynn Ahmad
Lynn Ahmad is the co-owner and Director of Ballet at the Port Perry Dance Academy, in Port Perry Ontario. Lynn is an active teacher and choreographer for dance studios in and around the GTA since 1987.
Lynn is an international Examiner and Tutor for the Royal Academy of Dance and is also a Certified Teacher for the American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) National Training Curriculum in Primary through Level 7 & Partnering. (The ABT’s curriculum is based on both the Vaganova and Cecchetti Ballet Methods). Lynn’s qualifications, experience and passion allow her to bring the best elements of the world’s leading Ballet training methods to her students.
In addition, Lynn has prepared students for major dance competitions both locally and abroad. Her record includes numerous choreographic and overall awards. As an Adjudicator and Examiner, Lynn’s experience gives her an international perspective of dance having assessed and graded dancers from Canada, North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Many of Lynn’s students have garnered scholarships and awards moving on to further education at universities like the University of Toronto, the University of Ottawa, University of Waterloo York University, Ryerson University, Tisch University (NYC), George Brown College and Randolph College for the Performing Arts among many others. Her students have gained acceptance to the National Ballet School, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Quinte Ballet School. Still other students have become professional entertainers whose careers have taken them all over the world.
Lynn is also a member of both the International Adjudicators’ Alliance (IADA) and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Lynn is proud to share her knowledge and love of dance with her students and wishes all the competitors the best of luck.
Amy Anderson
Amy is an award winning Choreographer and teacher based out of Ontario Canada. Amy has
been dancing since the age of 3. With more than 20 years dance experience including traveling
to both Tennessee and Florida as a competitive dancer and training with the legendary Luther
Brown and Shawn Byfield, Amy brings her well rounded dance education to every class she
teaches.
She has extensive experience teaching both competitive and recreational students in various
studios across Durham region in multiple styles including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acro, Lyrical and
Hip Hop. Amy is the owner and creative director of Dynamic Dance and Fitness located in
Newcastle Ontario
Amy has many certifications including:
● Certified gymnastics instructor
● Certified Professional Adjudicators Alliance
● Certified dance instructor through B.A.T.D. and C.T.D.A.
● Certified Acro coach
● Canfitpro certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition
● Early Childhood Educator and is currently working in a Kindergarten class room.
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Taylor Bojanowski
Taylor Bojanowski is a dancer, choreographer and teacher from Toronto, Ontario. She is part of the 2017 graduation class from Toronto Metropolitan Universities (formally known as Ryerson University) Performance Dance BFA Program, where she studied under the direction of Vicki St.Denys. Taylor was a competitive award winning dancer for 13 years, receiving many scholarships throughout that time. Some of Taylor’s scholarships included the opportunity to train in Paris for a week and learn from talented artists from around the world. Taylor also attended the National Ballet Schools summer program in 2006 and was accepted into the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School program in 2007. Taylor is also a member and certified in the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
While attending Toronto MU, Taylor was the 2017 recipient of the “Theatre Dance Program” award. She has always been very driven to pursue a dance career, originally dedicating herself solely to classical ballet, but later discovered her passion for contemporary dance. Throughout her professional training she has had the pleasure of working with many prominent teachers such as Vicki St. Denys, Tanya Evidente, Karen Duplisea, Kenny Pearl, Louis Louberge-Coté. Taylor also had the privilege of working with choreographers including James Kudelka, O.C, Canadian choreographer and former Artistic Director of the National Ballet, Peggy Baker one of Canada’s foremost contemporary dance artist and Artistic Director of Peggy Baker Dance Projects, David Earl, Canadian Choreographer who was the co-founder and former co-artistic director of Toronto Dance Theatre, Roberto Campanella artistic director of ProArteDanza, Robert Glumbeck co-artistic director of ProArteDanza, William Yong artistic director of Zata Omm and Kevin O’Day artistic director of the Nationaltheater Mannheim Ballett, renamed Kevin O’Day Ballett NTM.
Taylor had the privilege of being the understudy for ProArteDanza 2016/17 season and worked along side the company. She was also the recipient of the Apprentice Contract with the company in 2017. Taylor rehearsed and preformed in ProArteDanza piece titled “Op-Sha” created and choreographed by Kevin O’Day. Taylor has been a company member with ProArteDanza since 2018 and is working on their upcoming season with the company.
While Taylor focus’ on her performance career, she has found her love for teaching. She is an award winning choreographer and teacher with over 10 years of teaching experience, who is always looking forward to working with dedicated and passionate dancers. Her goal is to create a positive and open environment to help children and young adults feel confident while discovering themselves as an artist!
Alyssa Aceti
Alyssa Aceti is a young & energetic choreographer and dancer from Hamilton, ON, that has been dancing since the age of 2. Alyssa competed at an elite level for 18 years, completed her Vaganovna ballet exams, is formally trained in all styles (including tap, contemporary, modern, hip hop, musical theatre etc.) and has worked with many industry professionals/choreographers such as Mitchell Jackson, Derek Piquette, Rebecca Zizek, Mathew Clarke, Michael Rhodes. Alyssa danced as an adult group member and soloist for the Team Canada Tap Team at the IDO World championship in Riesa, Germany where she ranked as the top adult female Canadian soloist. Since then, Alyssa has had the privilege of watching several of her students follow in her footsteps making it to the world cup themselves! Aside from her professional dance career, she has completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University and graduated as a captain, dancer, and choreographer for McMasters varsity competitive team during her time there, being a part of the team for all 4 years!
Alongside Alyssa’s career as a competitive dancer, she works as a freelance and in studio choreographer for elite competitive students all around Ontario! Being highly proficient in tap, contemporary and modern she specializes in travelling to studios around Ontario setting work, teaching technique classes, and offering mentorship to her students! Alyssa is highly recognized for her unique choreography and ability to captivate audiences with her work. She continues to collect many choreography awards and gains much recognition for her work & positive-engaging teaching style. Alyssa also continues to guide her student to place at the top of categories, obtain several high score/genre specific accolades, and scholarships to prestigious dance experiences from top Canadian competitions.
Moreover, she is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, facilitates her classes using recognized technique methods and recognized syllabuses such as United Taps, Graham technique, Horton technique, has had extensive experience as a competitive dancer, with competitive classes and choreography and other various levels of dance.
Most importantly Alyssa is passionate about her craft and strives to facilitate a fun-loving, and positive environment wherever she goes. She loves the honesty and pure joy that comes with this art form and cannot wait to see what you all bring to the stage!