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Bonnie Leach
Bonnie has focused her life and education on the performing arts, and her extensive training as a dancer, choreographer, director and dance educator has lead her around the world. Bonnie has worked to achieve a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theatre, and she is a professional dance instructor recently awarded her life time membership with the British Association Teachers of Dance. She is also a certified professional instructor with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association and the Performing ArtsEducator’s of Canada.
She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work as a choreographer, always striving to create new, innovative and unique pieces. Her students have competed at both provincial and international levels, and many have since gone on to become highly respected teachers and
choreographers. Many of Bonnie’s former students have been accepted into professional modern and contemporary dance programs throughout Canada.
Over the past 18 years, Bonnie has directed and choreographed numerous main stage musical productions. Some her credits include, Cats, Miss Saigon, Hair, Oliver, Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd, Grease, The Wizard of Oz, The Melville Boys, and Beauty and the Beast.
Bonnie and her husband Dave are the proud owners and artistic directors of Excalibur Theatre Arts Company, in Prince George, British Columbia. Founded in 1998, Excalibur now stands as Prince George’s premiere dance and theatre company, and is proud to offer high quality education in all areas of the performing arts.
Bonnie is happy to be doing what she loves to do, surrounded by people she admires. She truly enjoys travelling to adjudicate festivals, as she adores meeting and teaching young dancers who continue to inspire her with their determination and love of dance.
June Lawrence
Mrs. June Lawrence is a graduate of York University with an Honours Degree in Fine Arts (Dance Major) and is a Full Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers' Association, Ballet and Stage Divisions. Mrs. Lawrence has served on the Ballet, Stage and Executive Committees of the CDTA in addition to her role as Ballet and Stage Examiner. She is also proud to be a member of The Canadian Dance Masters Association and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Mrs. Lawrence owns and operates a successful dance studio in the Mississauga community. Her role as Director, dance educator and teacher has given June the opportunity to see first hand the benefits of Dance in a child’s life. As part of her continuing education, Mrs. Lawrence attends workshops, seminars and conferences both locally and internationally
Wendy Laidlaw
Wendy Laidlaw is a Director, Choreographer, Instructor and Adjudicator who shares and celebrates her love and knowledge of dance! She is currently in her 18th season as the Owner/Artistic Director of Just 4 Kicks Academy of Dance.
She is a graduate of the Sandy Collens Dance Studio in Gravenhurst where her love for dance started and grew with thanks to her mentor Sandy Collens.
Wendy has been a full stage (Jazz, Acro, Tap) and Ballet member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (C.D.T.A)for 22 years. She also holds her A.D.A.P.T. certification in Jazz and Tap as well as her Junior and Intermediate certification with Acrobatique, Miss Wendy is also a certified Dance Adjudicator holding memberships with the International Dance Adjudicators (I.A.D.A) as well as P.A.A. (Professional Adjudicators Alliance). She also continues to give workshops at other studios as well as at local schools in the area, and has had the privledge of instructing/directing the credited dance program at Gravenhurst High School.
Many of Wendy’s students have had continued success in the dance industry, such as Geroge Brown College, O.I.P., Conteur Dance Company, Music Videos, Disney Cruise Lines, Toronto Blue Jays- J. Crew, Dance Olympus V.I.P., Toronto Rock, Canadian National Jr. Showdance Team 2010/2011 and Jr./Sr. Tap teams 2010/2011/2012(Germany) and the Canadian National Sr. Ballet, Modern and Jazz teams 2010, 2011, 2013 (Poland).
Wendy continues to educate herself through several workshops and summer classes travelling to New York City (Broadway Dance Center), Orlando, Las Vegas (Dance Olympus), O.I.P. (Toronto) and attends Triple Threat, Move, and The Dance Project Conventions. She is a firm believer of continued education to provide the best dance instruction possible for her students.
Chelasea Leaman
As an active educator in the Dance Industry for almost 10 years, Chelsea has
travelled the world through dance. She recently travelled to Amman, Jordan
in the Middle East to instruct dance at Stardust Academy for the Performing
Arts - a partnership with Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts, of
which Chelsea is Kids Faculty, and is also a Triple Threat Graduate. Not only
did Chelsea teach dance to young, hopeful, emerging talent, but she also co-
wrote her own Musical “Come Fly with Us” that starred Amman's very own
Princess Aysha El Batayneh and included audiences from the Royal
Jordanian family. In addition to being Faculty at Randolph Academy for the
Performing Arts in Toronto, ON, Chelsea is the Director of the Dance Program at The Toronto Cricket Curling and Skating Club. Chelsea is trained and certified in Jazz & Tap in the prestigious ADAPT Syllabus, the BATD Syllabus in Jazz, Tap and Ballet as well as a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Chelsea's true passion is in choreographing and has won numerous of awards for her choreography.
Chelsea has also assisted in choreography alongside choreographer David
Connolly in Showtime’s Network Series Covert Affairs for Piper Perabo, and
also assisted in choreography for the US National Tour of Hair the Musical to
name a few. Throughout all of Chelsea's involvement in the Entertainment industry, Chelsea is most excited to share her knowledge and excitement with Canada's budding talent in the dance community. Chelsea's wish as an adjudicator is to encourage and motivate young dancers to strive to be the best storyteller's they can be.
Matthew Montgomery
Matthew Montgomery has been training in all area's of dance for the past 18 years of his life. He graduated Ryerson University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree majoring in Dance Performance. Matthew has had the privilege of working with esteemed choreographers such as D.A. Hoskins, Viki St. Denys, Kenny Pearl, Niki Wozniak, Julia Aplin, Hari Krishnan, and David Earle. He has been fortunate enough to have toured throughout Canada and the United States with Being Human Dance Theatre, INdance, and Dancetheatre David Earle. Matthew is also a multiple award winning choreographer with a number of Outstanding Performance Awards for his choreography. He has been teaching for six years, with a number of students moving on to professional careers in dance and training programs throughout Canada and the United States. He has taught numerous master classes in both Contemporary and Hip Hop at different conventions held in Toronto and throughout Canada. Matthew is also a featured soloist in Deleriums 'Days Turn Into Nights' music video, as well as Serena Ryders 'Slow' music video. He loves teaching students of all ages and is eager to continue his own training in dance as well as sharing his passion for dance with the younger generation.
Hillary McCarrel
Hillary McCarrel is a creative teacher, artistic choreographer and current performer with extensive experience working with dancers of all ages. She is a certified dance instructor, certified member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA) and diverse performer, playing an active role in the Toronto dance scene.
Hillary has trained extensively in jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, lyrical,
contemporary, modern, hip hop and specializes in commercial jazz and street jazz. Originally hailing from Calgary, Alberta she grew up as a dedicated competitive dancer. During this time she was honored with several awards and scholarships and had the opportunity to actively study with Sean Cheesman, who can now be seen on SYTYCD Canada/USA.
Upon moving to Toronto, Hillary attended and graduated from Ryerson University’s BFA program. She is immersed in the active and dynamic Toronto dance scene and has performed at various Toronto venues. She was a member of the Bella Divas, an all female hip hop group and is currently a commercial jazz performer and company member with LR Productions. Her performance credits include: STOMP Urban Dance, Making Waves Festival Dundas square, Talent Defined Urban Showcase, The Baazar, Women in Dance, Pegasus Dance Showcase and various corporate events for commercial clients.
As a present instructor and choreographer in Toronto, she has over 10 years of
recreational and competitive dance experience. For Hillary, dance is a way of life and outlet of self-expression that she strives to share with young, eager minds.
Vanessa Muff
Vanessa has been dancing since the age of three, and has competed for over ten years. Her dance genres are Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acro, Contemporary and Hip Hop. Vanessa is currently taking open classes with Shawn Byfield, a well known dancer and choreographer to improve her dancing skills and because of her passion for dance.
For many years Vanessa has been a part of The Toronto Argonauts Jr. Cheer dance team and has performed a number of times at the Rogers Centre in front of thousands of people. She also has been competing in pageants since the age of six and has won numerous titles. Currently she holds the title of "Miss All Canadian 2012". Vanessa is also a member of Actra and has done film; her latest was a role as a gymnast on My Babysitters a Vampire. Most recent model/fashion was with Toronto Fashion Incubator modelling designer dresses.
Vanessa will be attending university in the fall to obtain a BFA / BEd to study dance. A future goal as a career is to be dance/phys ed teacher. Being a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance is a foot in the door and a dance step in the right direction.
Nikki Loiero
Nikki has over 15 years of experience in competitive dance. Before this she was a competitive gymnast at a National level. She has studied under the Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers for 3 years and is an A.D.A.P.T Certified Dance Instructor as well as under the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Furthermore she has graduated from Cardinal Carter School of the Arts with a dance diploma and the University of Toronto with her Bachelors of Arts Degree. As a competitive dancer Nikki was an award-winning soloist and received her Advanced Ballet Honors Certificate with the Royal Academy of Dance as well as her Advanced Tap and Jazz Honors Certificates. Nikki has choreographed for studios across the GTA and has taught at workshops throughout Ontario. She has had the opportunity of being on the Team Canada audition panel as well as assisting with Team Canada Choreography. Nikki possesses extensive training and teaching abilities in jazz, tap, ballet, acro, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theatre, adagio, and samba. As a professional dancer Nikki has appeared on television and in industrial shows across Canada and the US including CBC’s T.V show “Over The Rainbow”. Nikki has had the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Tyce Diorio and Sean Cheesman. Nikki's choreography has been well recognized at many competitions. Above all Nikki's passion is being a dance instructor because her ultimate drive is to pass on her intensity, technical skills, artistic talents and passion to students of all ages, the combination of these things; Nikki believes, is the recipe to success!
Sonia Lepore
Sonia is an accomplished dancer, teacher, and choreographer who strives to motivate, inspire, and nurture her dancers by cultivating artistry and refined knowledge of technique. Her passion for dance led her to train in ballet, jazz, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, tap, musical theatre, modern, and contemporary throughout her dancing career. Sonia is a graduate of York University, holding a B.F.A. (Honours Specialized Dance) and a B.Ed. She also holds her Associate Ballet qualification within the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, and looks forward to becoming qualified with ADAPT in the near future, as she is currently studying in the Teacher Training School for Tap and Jazz under the direction of the Foley family. She was recently seen performing in Darcey Callison’s premiere of “Down the Road” (York University).
Sonia is both a resident teacher/choreographer and guest artist at several dance studios in the GTA where she continues to challenge and inspire her students. Her dancers are the recipients of various overall top marks and adjudicator choice awards in solo, duet, and group categories at all age levels. Sonia has also been awarded with several Choreography Awards, including Top Choreography of the Competition (Star Catchers, Dance Odyssey). Sonia finds the true success of her students in their artistic growth, increasing confidence, and expanding love for dance.
Sonia’s passion for dance is evident in her teaching style and the relationship she creates with her dancers. She continually partakes in dance workshops, conventions and conferences led by some of the world’s most sought after dancer figures in order to stay current with dance trends, techniques, and injury prevention methods, and enjoys learning as much as she does teaching.
Michelle Mitchell
Michelle’s career spans a “lifetime” in dance with 34 years training in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, House, Funk, Ballroom, Latin, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Contemporary and Argentine Tango. Michelle has been teaching and training students for 21 yrs. Michelle grew up in a studio competing throughout Canada and the U.S. She has an Honors B.F.A. in Acting from the University of Windsor and has done countless stage shows, commercials and infomercials. Michelle is fully trained in the Cecchetti American and Canadian Syllabus (I.S.T.D.), received full training in the National Ballet Teacher’s program, Al Gilbert Tap Syllabus (U.S.), All Bronze and Silver American Smooth and Rhythm (Ballroom and Latin dances). Michelle believes in continuous training for dancers, even as a choreographer and teacher. She currently studies under Los Angeles Guru , Master Teacher Paula Morgan and is one of only 6 Canadian Teachers Certified in the Morgan Technique for all Dance, the most up and coming dancer’s techniques of this modern century. Michelle currently is the owner and director of her Oshawa based dance studio for 10 years and has trained with many choreographers like Melissa Williams, Brian Friedman, Joe Tremaine, Doug Caldwell, Jeannie Hill, Kujo, Marty Kudelka, Bradley Rapier and countless others. Michelle wishes everyone a fantastic performance touching the audience and stage today! Dance is an endless, wonderful journey!
Helen May-Jankowski
Helen May-Jankowski ISTD DDE (CB MT T N), AISTD (D/F/R’n’R), Acrobatic Arts M2 certified, Acrobatique certified, UDO Street Dance, LAMDA; Musical Theatre Studies and Drama & PAA Credited
Helen started her dance journey aged 3 in Leicestershire, England, UK! Now based in Ontario, Helen continues to share her passion and love for dance and dance teaching.
At the age of 19, Helen was accepted to train professionally, full time, for 3 years at Studio 10 Dance & Drama, in Liverpool, UK. Whilst here, Helen gained full teaching status with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) in genres Classical ballet, Jazz, Modern Theatre, Tap Dance, National Dance, Disco/Freestyle/Rock’n’Roll with LAMDA; Musical Theatre studies and Drama and studied to a professional level in Modern Ballroom, Latin American Dance, Hip Hop & Commercial, Contemporary, Double work and Pas De Deux.
Helen has over 12 years of teaching experience, including teaching at a prestigious university in Wales, UK and experience working as an Artistic and Executive Director in Alberta, Canada. She is now a proud owner and studio director within the Georgian Triangle, offering elite training and programs for inspiring dance professionals, both dancers and dance teachers.
Helen inspires to be the best teacher possible and she continually develops her career by furthering her dance education with teaching accreditations when she isn’t busy at the studio! Apart from Helen's internationally recognized teaching status with the ISTD, Helen's additional teaching certification's include being Acrobatic Arts Module 2 certified, Acrobatique certified, UDO street dance credited and Professional Adjudicators Alliance Credited.
Helen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and is excited to share this in the hope to inspire others.
Katie Murphy
Katie has been a teacher and choreographer for eight years. She has trained in jazz, tap, ballet, modern, hip hop, lyrical and contemporary and was a competitive dancer for over ten years. Her students have competed throughout North America and have won countless awards. She has studied with many prestigious choreographers and teachers throughout her career and post secondary education. She recently graduated with honors from the BFA program at York University with an honors degree in Dance. She is also a graduate from George Brown College where she spent three years training and performing in an intense professional training program and graduated with a Diploma and Certificate in the Performing Arts. Katie has judged for the STOMP Urban Dance Competition in Toronto. She is also a member of CDMA and a Certified ADAPT teacher. As a teacher, she strives to train healthy, strong and technical dancers with an emphasis on performance and team work.
Julia Mounsteven
Owner and Artistic Director of Strictly Dance, Julia has been sharing her love and passion for dance as a teacher and choreographer for the past 25 years. Julia studied dance at a young age in Brampton as well as the Banff School of Fine Arts , Les Ballet Jazz to name a few. She has been a member of the CDTA for over 20 years.
Julia having developed many students passion for dance have continued their dance training in professional venues such as Colleges, Universities, The National Ballet School, The Quinte Ballet School.
Julia enters students yearly in Ballet Examinations. She has also won several awards for choreography in Ballet and Modern. Many students she has taught have received scholarships in both Ballet and Modern for competitive performances. Many of her students have entered into professional careers in dance both in Canada and abroad.
As a mother of three children herself she brings to her instruction not only professional integrity but her nurturing qualities as well.
Julia is proud to be a part of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and continues to support the integrity and professionalism of adjudicators across the country.
Sarah McLeod
Sarah McLeod, ABATD, AISTD
Sarah is an enthusiastic teacher with a passion for dance. She began her dance studies with the Kiana School of Dance Arts in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. She received extensive ballet training in the professional divisions of the National Ballet School of Canada, Quinte Ballet School, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Sarah graduated from the Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. There, she established a competitive dance background in ballet, jazz, lyrical, and tap and obtained her associate status with the British Academy of Teachers of Dancing (BATD). Sarah is a graduate from the National Ballet School Teacher’s program and was awarded her Cecchetti associate, and National associate with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Sarah has taught and choreographed for various schools in British Columbia and Southern Ontario. She is currently teaching in the Niagara region, and director of a competitive dance program. She is a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance
Terri Matthews
Terri began her dancing with Maxine’s School of Dance in Downsview, Ontario. After competing throughout North America, Terri continued to study with various teachers including Allain Lupien, Debbie Dee, William Orlowski, Sean Byfield and many more. Terri has been teaching throughout Ontario for 25 years through her own school and as a Workshop/Guest Instructor for others. Terri was the chosen choreographer for Dusk Dances 2008 Season as well as choreographing for the HIghlands Little Theatre’s Anne of Green Gables, Grease and Annie Jr. to name a few. As a certified level 1 gymnastic coach and level 2 theory gymnastic coach as well as attending acro/gym training camps with Cirque de Soleil and Gymnastics Ontario, Terri has developed a passion for acrobatics and creating new work and directions in the acrobatic field. Terri is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Terri is an adjudicator for Terpsichore and Luv2dance dance competitions for the 2010 dance season
Katy Miller, RAD RTS
Katy is the owner and Artistic Director of Dance Essence in London, Ont. She has been a reputable teacher and choreographer for over 5 years. Her students have been nationally recognized and her studio has been award winning each year. Her students have been accepted and gone on to schools such as The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, The Quinte Ballet School of Canada and The Joffrey Ballet School, among others. Katy has been recognized for her choreography and has won numerous adjudicators choice awards.
She has been dancing for over 20 years in many dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, modern and contemporary. After dancing competitively she was accepted to The Ailey School affiliated with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre in New York City where she furthered her studies in ballet, modern, african and tap. She then took part in an international internship with Steps on Broadway where she worked closely with world renowned teachers and choreographers. Katy has been involved in numerous teaching courses through-out Canada and is a fully registered member with the Royal Academy of Dance. She has also completed her RAD certification in Ballet Teacher Studies. Katy currently guest teaches at various studios across Ontario and is proud a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Katy aims to make every experience positive and rewarding for all involved.
Jessica Mannara
Jessica found her passion at the age of ten, when she started competing at national and international levels. She has had many years experience in jazz, tap, ballet, hip- hop, acrobatics, contemporary and musical theater. In her older years she began to realize her career in dance. Jessica has competed in many worldwide competitions and has competed several times with team Canada at the International Dance Organization in Germany. With the routine “Birdz Du Freak” ranked fourth at worlds, she has been showcased through City TVs Breakfast television, CP24 and local community channel for Rogers’s television. This routine was also on Canada’s Got Talent and qualified to the second round. “Birdz Du Freak” has also received an honorary award by the mayor of Vaughan, Maurizio Bevilaqua. Jessica has taken part in New York City’s Capezio A.C.E Awards, Toronto’s Choreographers Ball and has performed “Birdz Du Freak” to open up for Blake McGrath’s Toronto concert. Jessica is also showcased in the Hamster Dance 2.0 Music Video by the Boomtang Boys. She has recently become Acrobatic Arts Certified and is eligible to put her students through their level 1 – level 6 Acrobatic Examinations.
Jessica has recently become a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Jessica is a fourth year BFA dance student at York University, working towards a professional career as a choreographer. Jessica is working closely with mentor choreographers Julia Sasso, Carol Anderson and Patrizia Ferlisi. Jessica is the artistic director and founder of D’Air Dance Collective, an emerging Toronto based company that binds together artists from different art forms since August of 2015. Jessica has successfully produced D’Air Dance Collective’s first sold out performance, The Carn‘Evil’ in January 2016, where she raised a little over $6,000.00 for Arts Healing Hearts, a charitable organization that works closely with SickKids Hospital. Jessica’s work has been showcased at the Mayors Gala, Moda Fashion show and StArt Youth Festival and Fever After Dark Choreographers show case. D’Air Dance Collective has also been offered opportunities to perform in upcoming festivals such as The Carasauga Missasauga Festival. Jessica’s Mantra is to provide a safe learning environment where dancers are encouraged to take artistic risks. She strives to provide a place where personal growth is recognized.
Nadine Moniz
Nadine Moniz is a Canadian dancer & choreographer from Orillia, Ontario. For 18 years she has studied the art of jazz, lyrical, tap, acrobatics, ballet & musical theatre at Letʼs Dance Studio of Dance taking yearly B.A.T.D & C.D.T.A exams, and competing throughout Ontario. Nadine has won many titles and various scholarships for programs & workshops. Some of those scholarships include: Dance Fuzion Summer Intensive with Annie Wood, The Next Level with Mia Michaels, Brian Friedman & Luther Brown, and Be Discovered in L.A jazz program. At the age of 12, Nadine auditioned for the Sunshine Festival Theatreʼs production of “Bye Bye Birdie” with 50 other dancers and landed her first role. Her education continued under the ballet tutelage of Lynn Morrison of Lynn Morrison School of Ballet, jazz classes at ViBE Studio with Marnie & Rena Schwartz and summer intensive camps at All That Dance Studio (Toronto). For the past 12 years, Nadine continued her love for the art of dance with teaching and choreographing at various schools around Ontario including Barrie Dance Conservatory, Just 4 Kicks Academy and Humber College to name a few. Additionally, her choreography has won many accolades for her creative concepts and unique style. Nadine moved to the GTA at the age of 18 to attend Humber College for her advanced diploma in arts. She took workshops and open classes at various studios including Sean Boutiliers Academy of Dance & Lenny Lenʼs Flavor Shop Dance. Additionally, she went on to do numerous auditions including: Blue Jays Dance Team, Raptors Dance Pak, SYTYCD Canada & Canadaʼs National Jazz & Modern Team in which she landed a spot. During her time at Humber College, she competed at
O.U.C.H (Ontario University Competition Hip-Hop) 2008 & 2009 then when on to start her own Jazz/Contemporary Dance Club with other fellow dancers in 2010, growing from 6 dancers to now over 50 active members. Nadine is a certified Dance Adjudicator holding a membership with the P.A.A (Professional Adjudicators Alliance) A.D.A.P.T acrobatique and is in the process of becoming an A.D.A.P.T jazz & tap member. Many of Nadineʼs students have had continued success in the dance industry such as George Brown Collegeʼs Jazz Program, Ryerson Universityʼs Dance Program and Canadaʼs Tap & Jazz Teams. Nadine has always had a passion for dance her whole life and enjoys growing & adapting within the industry. Nadine is a proud member of the P.A.A!
Chantelle Lemay
Chantelle Lemay is a Choreographer, Instructor and certified Adjudicator who loves to share her innovative style and knowledge of dance! She is currently in her 4th season as an instructor/choreographer at Barrie Dance Conservatory.
She is a graduate of Just 4 Kicks Academy of Dance in Gravenhurst where her love and passion for dance began to flourish with the help of mentor Wendy Laidlaw. After competing internationally for over 10 years and graduating the competitive program in Gravenhurst, Chantelle moved to Toronto to study Commercial Dance at George Brown College (2012). While living in the city she taught at multiple dance studios in the GTA recreationally and competitively. She was fortunate enough to teach and mentor students that moved onto professional careers such as The Next Step. She also holds her A.D.A.P.T certification in jazz and tap since 2012 and actively practices the syllabus in her dance classes. Chantelle has had the privilege of working under several dance educators and brilliant choreographers such as Derek Sangster, Dana Bondy, Candice Helm, Blake Mcgrath, Donyelle Jones, and Brian and Faye Foley.
As the result of a versatile teacher and choreographer, Chantelle's students have won many special awards, scholarships and overalls throughout North America. She also has been recognized on several occasions for her outstanding choreography. To keep her creativity up to high standards she continues to educate herself through seminars, workshops and classes (O.I.P, VIP Dance Events, Triple Threat, MOVE etc).
Chantelle is a proud member of the Adjudicator Alliance and continues to instruct her students with the poise and professionalism she has been certified with.
Janice Lynn
Janice Lynn has been involved in dance education for the past 33 years. She owned and was the Artistic Director of a successful dance studio in Whitby, Ontario for 27 years. She now offers her knowledge and expertise to various studios in the Toronto area teaching tap, jazz, acrobatics, ballet, lyrical and stage. Under her direction, many of her students have won prestigious awards both locally and internationally. Her students participate in annual dance examinations, year end recitals and charity events. Many of her students have gone onto professional careers in dance including studio owners, cruise line performers, theatrical performers and singers. Janice has adjudicated at a regional and national level in Canada and is proud to represent the B.A.T.D. (British Association of Teachers of Dancing) as a Fellow Member, and as an Examiner in the genres of tap, jazz, modern, acrobatics, stage, freestyle and ballet. It is Janice’s belief that education in dance is vital to our industry and therefore continues to expand her knowledge and training each year by taking part in seminars and conventions that help her maintain high standards. Her ongoing passion and focus is in encouraging and developing young performers. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with many more dancers. “Shine Your Way”!
Danielle Munoz
Danielle Munoz is a native of Pickering, Ontario and has been dancing since the age of four. She began her training at Jacqueline’s School of Dance and then attended the York University dance program where she graduated with an Honours Fine Arts degree majoring in dance, as well as a Bachelor of Education degree specializing in Dance and Music. Danielle successfully completed all her exams within the B.A.T.D. including her Associates. She is experienced in many genres of dance ranging from jazz to tap, modern to hip hop and many others in between.
Danielle has had the opportunity to attend workshops and classes taught by some of the best including Mia Michaels, Jerome Bobb, Travis Wall, Tyce Diorio and Brian Friedman.
Danielle has performed in several shows including Cabaret, Pajama Game, Legally Blonde, Drowsy Chaperone and Mystery of Edwin Drood. She has also performed for the Toronto FC soccer team, several community events and a number of industrial shows in and around Toronto.
She spent a few years bringing her many talents to the UK where she helped students realize their highest potential by helping them achieve the highest award levels in their BTEC examinations. She also established dance programs ensuring kids who didn’t have access to dance classes were still able to garner a love for dancing. She continues to teach here in Canada at a studio in Markham and whenever possible, guest teaches at various schools and studios in and around the Toronto and Durham area. She is also an experienced choreographer who has choreographed several shows throughout Toronto and the Durham area.
Currently, Danielle is establishing herself as a highschool dance and music teacher in the Thames Valley School Board in London, Ontario.
Danielle looks forward to sharing her passion for dance with every chance she gets!
Tessa McDermott
Tessa McDermott is an award-winning choreographer and instructor known for her innovative concepts. She is the Co-Owner/Director of The Dance Rage Dance Competition. Undergoing its second season, TDR has inspired Tessa to push her limits through choreography and to continue educating herself with the art of dance.
Tessa has been a part of the dance industry for 23 years. Beginning her passion at the age of 6, Tessa grew as a dancer and danced competitively for 7 years throughout Ontario. Tessa has extensive training in Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, and Hip Hop. Tessa has been teaching and choreographing competitively for over 11 years with surrounding studios in Guelph, Ontario with students successfully receiving many Scholarships, Top Scores, and Professional Opportunities. Tessa has choreographed for Disney World’s Magic Music Days and endless community productions and events in Ontario. Tessa has also taught dance in many high schools as part of their curriculum.
With being a dedicated choreographer, Tessa has also been exposed as a performer in Shawn Desman’s “Electric/Night Like This” music video which won Video Of The Year at the MuchMusic Awards in Toronto. Tessa has also performed in many local events.
To further be proficient in her dance education, Tessa is a proud certified member of Dance Masters of America and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Tessa is constantly inspired by her students, the ever growing dance world, and her role as a raw and fearless Choreographer, Instructor, and Director. Tessa continues to train and educate herself by attending numerous workshops and conventions across North America.
Tessa lives on creativity and passion. Tessa encourages every dancer to trust themselves, express their emotions with every breath, and strive to reach their potential. Tessa urges dancers to use the stage as an outlet to exude and share with the audience how beautiful the art of dance is.
ERIKA MCMILLAN
Erika McMillan is an award-winning instructor and choreographer best known for her leading-edge concepts. She is the Owner and Artistic Director of The Movement Dance Company in Guelph, Ontario, where she has propelled her studio to win many top honours including "Overall Studio of the Weekend", "Top Choreography" and "National Title Qualifier". Erika has also had students successfully accepted into The National Ballet of Canada, Quinte School of Ballet, The Ballet Jorgen and the Ballet Jorgen's "Nutcracker".
Erika has been a part of the dance industry for over 29 years, beginning her training at the young age of two, and dancing competitively for 12 years. She has extensive training in jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, musical theatre, ballet, lyrical and contemporary, and completed exams with B.A.T.D in both tap and jazz. Erika is well known as an emerging choreographer and instructor, and has choreographed for Disney World's Magic Music Days, The Hamilton Ticats Halftime Show and countless community events and productions across Ontario. As well as being a passionate choreography and educator, she is an experienced performer on stage and television. Favourites include the American Bowl Halftime Show, Toronto's Breakfast Television and Motus O Dance Company's "A Mid-Summer's Night Dream".
After completing her Honours Degree in Political Science and Post-Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications, Erika worked on Season 3 of CTV's So You Think You Can Dance Canada, facilitating media relations, dancer media training and season photo shoots. Further excelling her dance education, Erika is a proud, certified member with Dance Masters of America and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Erika is consistently inspired by her role as a choreographer and dance educator, and continues her own training by attending a variety of workshops and conventions across North America. Erika is known for her raw and emotional approach to teaching and has used her experience and connection with her students to help guide them to win top honours of their own.
Erika is proud to be a part of the ever-growing dance community, and strives to inspire and encourage young dancers to reach their full and endless potential
Amanda Muzzin
Amanda Muzzin is a professional dancer, teacher and choreographer from Mississauga, Ontario. Amanda began her training as a competitive dancer at the young age of 3 at the Mississauga School of Dance. She has trained extensively for two decades in the disciplines of jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, acro, modern, and musical theatre, lyrical and contemporary.
Amanda Muzzin holds her BA specialized honours from York University (in Theatre and Dance), her BEd in Junior/Intermediate/Senior Dance and Drama from York University as well as a Masters of Education from Wilfred Laurier. Amanda founded York Lions Dance Energy in 2013 and took on the role of Captain of the University’s new varsity competitive dance team for the 4 years of her university degree, where she brought the team to the First Overall Top School in Canada.
Amanda now works for the Mississauga School of Dance as a competitive choreographer, where her routines and choreography have won and been recognized for numerous special awards and overalls such as top young choreographer at ADA and many more. She is also a high school dance and drama teacher with the GTA Catholic boards DPCDSB and HCDSB. Amanda also works for the City of Mississauga and has helped develop the Contemporary program by designing syllabus and integrating improvisation and creative movement.
Amanda has merged her love of dance and theatre by choreographing for Toronto based musicals such as “Waiting For God” performed at the Panasonic Theatre in Toronto. Amanda has also helped develop the Meadowvale Theatre Young Company in their first performances in 2015 “Cinderella” and 2016 “Snow White” as the Stage Manager. Amanda continues to train as a dancer, performer, choreographer and teacher. She is a member of KALOS: The program, where she continues to train, perform and learn on Toronto stages. She was also chosen to pose and was featured in the dance book “Dance Thru Life”. Amanda is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. She has also completed ballet exams under the Royal Academy of Dance. She is currently a guest teacher and choreographs for various organizations, schools and dance studios across Canada and the United States.
Amanda hopes to start dance programs at high schools that do not offer dance as an elective to allow for further opportunities in kinaesthetic moving and experiences.
Kerry Moore
You could say Kerry has devoted her life to dance. At the age of 2 ½ she began Tap and Ballet classes in her hometown in England. After her family relocated to Canada, she was fortunate to continue her training at the Anna Marie Oliver School of Dance in Guelph Ontario. It was here that she completed all her Ballet examinations through the R.A.D. and Tap and Jazz with the C.D.T.A. receiving the prestigious mark of High Honours for her Advanced Tap exam.
Over the years Kerry has had the pleasure of dancing in many musicals under the direction of Alan Lund, artistic director of the Charlottetown Festival, including Carousel, Kiss Me Kate and The King and I. She also danced with William Orlowski, one of Canada’s greatest tap dancers and founder of the National Tap Dance Company of Canada. In 2009 she opened her own dance studio where she loves working with her students and sharing her passion for dance with them. A dance parents once told her, “what you teach these students goes way beyond the studio walls”.
Running her successful studio, attending workshops and continuing to educate herself in all genres of dance has brought Kerry to an exciting time in her dance life. With a keen eye for technique and a love of choreography, Kerry is excited to be adjudicating and sharing her knowledge and passion with dancers all across Canada!
Ming-Bo Lam
Ming-Bo Lam is known, first and foremost, for her love of dance and her ability to share that passion with all whom she encounters. Raised on Vancouver Island, her early years were focused on ballet and modern, and included training with Dancestreams Pre-Professional Youth Dance Company and at Arts Umbrella. Lam went on to graduate with an Honours BFA in Theatre Performance Dance, from Ryerson University in Toronto, as Valedictorian. While completing her undergrad, she worked with choreographers including Matjash Mrozewski and Robert Glumbek. Since graduating, she has crossed the line between classical dance genres and the commercial industry, performing at the Much Music Video Awards, with the Toronto Raptors’ Dance Pak, at the NBA All Star Weekend 2016, and numerous private and corporate events.
Lam also has extensive experience working with dance film. Her work has been featured by The Dance Current, and her most recent project was accepted to both the Toronto International Short Film Festival, and the Utah Dance Film Festival.
Currently, Lam is based in Toronto, Ontario, working full-time as a freelance dancer, choreographer, and adjudicator. She also teaches at Toronto’s largest drop-in dance studio, the Underground Dance Centre. A proud member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance, she looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the next generation of dancers! You can learn more about her work at www.mingbolam.com
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.
Tracy Lampman, DMA, BATD
Tracy Lampman has been in the dance industry for over 40 years. and has grown up in the competitive dance world as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer. She has extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Lyrical and has studied with the finest teachers and institutions in Ontario and Buffalo. During that time, Tracy became a certified dance teacher with the Dance Masters of America, Chapter 38 and The British Association of Teachers of Dance and has completed all of her ballet exams with the Royal Academy of Dance. Tracy was also a dancer with the Mississauga City Dance Company and Canada’s Wonderland.
Tracy has owned and operated her own successful Studio for 8 years and she has taught all ages of recreational and competitive dancers across Ontario and has won numerous awards and titles across Canada and the United States for her dancing and her choreography. Studio Spirit Awards, Top Marks of the Competition Awards, Choreography Awards, are just to name a few of Tracy’s teaching and choreography accomplishments.
Some of Tracy's students have gone on to have professional careers in the dance industry; opening their own dance studio or performing and choreography. Blake McGrath from "So You Think You Can Dance" and Tina Pereira a First Soloist with the National Ballet of Canada began their dance training with Tracy.
Tracy has a passion for dance, a love for children and enjoys teaching this wonderful art form.
Michelle McClelland
Michelle is a highly sought-after teacher and choreographer with over 25 years of experience. She has competed nationally and internationally, receiving top marks, overall awards, and workshop scholarships. She is a licensed RAD Registered Teacher, an AISTD Modern Teacher, and a graduate of the prestigious O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute Performing Arts program. Michelle spent a year studying in England and received her BA (Hons) with Distinction from Queen’s University.
Michelle earned her MFA in Choreography and Dance Dramaturgy from York University, where she was also a guest teacher and choreographer for the York Dance Ensemble. Michelle has been a workshop teacher and adjudicator for the Muskoka Ballet Gala and she has also choreographed for film projects. Always looking to bring arts to the community, Michelle is a part of the “Artist in Schools” program with the York Catholic School Board, teaching drama and dance. Michelle is constantly taking workshops and courses to ensure she provides the highest quality of training. Most recently, she has been certified in the distinguished Progressing Ballet Technique program by Marie Walton-Mahon. Michelle’s students have been accepted to notable dance programs and performances, including, York University, Ballet Jorgen, and World Performers Canada. Michelle is a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and she hopes to inspire all dancers with her guidance and knowledge. Known for her caring approach, Michelle’s greatest joy lies in helping dancers develop their own sense of artistry!
Trudy Lewis
Trudy Lewis has been involved in the dance industry for over 30 years as a successful dancer, professional instructor, award winning choreographer and adjudicator. She attended the Dance Teacher program at McEwan University and has dance certification with the Al Gilbert Jazz and Tap Dance Syllabus, Royal Academy of Dance, British Association Teachers of Dancing, RAD Dance Educator Syllabus, Cecchetti Dance Syllabus and Acrobatic Arts Canada. She has competed and studied in various cities throughout Canada and the United States, including such places as Oregon, Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York to name a few.
Over the years, her students have entered examinations and competed in competitions in all genres with great success, having won countless awards and scholarships. Many of her students have gone on to further their careers in the performing arts through teaching and performing professionally. Trudy has received numerous choreography awards and accolades over the span of an exceptional teaching career and continues to set high technical and artistic standards for herself as well as her students. She is looking forward to the privilege of sharing her experience and love of dance with so many talented young people.
Josh Nitkin
Josh Nitkin is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and holds certification with PAA (Professional Adjudicators Alliance), BATD (British Association of Teachers of Dancing) and PAEC (Performing Arts Educators of Canada) in Tap, Jazz and Urban with which he helped create the syllabus. Josh has 30 years of training and performance in Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Modern, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and more! With 15 years of teaching, Josh's students have gone on to win numerous overall awards and have garnered choreography awards as well. Josh is a sought after Adjudicator across Canada and the United States. Having adjudicated for Dance Masters of America (North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Houston, Great Lakes), American Dance Awards, Terpsichore Dance Celebration/Dance Starz, AmeriCup, Dance Xtreme Nationals, Millennium Productions Nationals, Peak Invitational and many others. Josh is also a former dancer with Celebrity Cruise Lines and Corpus Dance Projects, having performed in Alaska, France, the UK, Belgium, Japan and all over Central and South America.
Rachel Maria Lepera-Martelle
Rachel is an accomplished dancer, instructor, choreographer and adjudicator with over 30 years of dance experience.
Following the B.A.T.D., C.D.T.A. and R.A.D. syllabi, Rachel instructs and choreographs in jazz, tap, lyrical, acrobatics, hip hop, strength & flexibility (a.k.a. stretch), technique, contemporary, ballet, musical theatre, song & dance and social dance. Rachel is a certified "Strip To Fit" instructor in fused dance and fitness burlesque dance and is also a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Rachel is the Co-Studio Director of “Pulse Dance Works Inc.” in Markham-Toronto, Ontario; she is also an award winning and accredited freelance fashion designer, as well as the designer for a Toronto based premium bag and carry goods company.
In addition, Rachel is a highly experienced and sought after dance adjudicator, known for providing constructive and encouraging technical critiques. Rachel adjudicates dance competitions throughout Canada on a regular basis, while continuing to instruct both recreational and competitive classes at her own studio. As a former competitive dancer herself, Rachel competed extensively in Canada and the USA for many years, winning numerous awards and scholarships. Rachel has, and continues to, attend several workshops, intensives and training programs to continue to further her dance education and continue to evolve as both an educator and an artist.
Having over 15 years of instrumental and vocal music experience and training, Rachel has choreographed & performed in musicals with credits that include "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat", "My Fair Lady", "Little Shop of Horrors", "The Sound of Music", "Oliver" and "The Little Match Girl", as well as choreographing movement for a children's choir.
Rachel is known for her engaging, motivating and unique style of teaching, and for her innovative and award winning choreography in many dance disciplines. She strives to inspire dancers to continue working hard to meet their goals and to continue to grow and develop as performers and artists.
Ariel McDonald
Ariel McDonald was born in Toronto, Ontario and has been dancing since age 3. She has an extensive background in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap and hip hop. Her passion for dance lead her to begin teaching and choreographing from age 15, and competing throughout Southern Ontario.
Currently living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ariel is a faculty member at House of Eights Dance Studio, a commercial style drop in studio for young adults and manages and choreographs for the Dalhousie Dance Society. Her performance credits include Atlantic Fashion Week and CTV’s “I Do Redo”. Ariel constantly seeks to work with and learn from leading choreographers including Jake Kodish, Neil Schwartz and Brinn Nicole Gooch. She is in the process of obtaining her Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (A.D.A.P.T) certification and is accredited through the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Ariel’s primary goal is to constantly improve her own skills and abilities in order to give back to the dancers she works with. She is extremely passionate about teaching dance, and above all aims to empower and inspire her students.
Cassidy MacDonald
Cassidy MacDonald grew up dancing competitively for most of her life. Having much success as a young dancer, she grew a passion for the performing arts. Cassidy trained 20+ hours a week in all styles of dance and was recognized by judges as a very diverse, entertaining, and technical performer. As a young teen, she travelled on scholarship throughout the Greater Toronto Area where she trained with leaders in the dance industry.
At 16 years old, Cassidy received her first choreography award which lead to a successful career as a choreographer. In 2017, Cassidy co-founded The Dynamic Room, Sudbury, Ontario’s premiere dance studio. They have been voted Sudbury’s Favorite Dance Studio ever since. In just two seasons travelling across Ontario they received three Top Studio awards, and a plethora of overalls and choreography awards. She has also had many students compete at a national level who were awarded titles and scholarships. Her dancers are consistently recognized for their style, performance, technique and uniqueness. Adjudicators throughout Ontario have consistently praised her choreography and ability to step outside of the box. The Dynamic Room has been awarded the Acrobatic Excellence award at multiple competitions applauding their acrobatic training, but most importantly creativity with tricks and stunts.
Cassidy specializes in Acrobatics, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary. She is a certified teacher through ADAPT Syllabus, a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and is also a certified Aerial Arts Instructor through PCIF. Her ultimate passion lies in encouraging young dancers to achieve their goals and push their boundaries. She aspires to provide creative ways in which dancers can use their facility and take their talent to the next level.
Laura Lepine
Laura started dancing at the age of 3 in Thunder Bay, and danced competitively for 16 years in all genres of dance. It was clear early on that Laura loved to tap. Although she enjoyed wearing pretty tutus in ballet, she never stopped tapping her feet. She completed dance exams in both CDTA & BATD, and has been fortunate to participate in many dance conventions and competitions. Laura had the pleasure to learn extensively with tappers Robert Reed, and Lana Caputi.
Laura began teaching dance in 2006, choreographing dances for both competitive and recreational classes. Since 2018, Laura has taught for International Dance Academy in Thunder Bay. She has a desire to help her studio grow and to give back to her local dance community.
Outside of dance, Laura completed her Bachelor’s of Science from Lakehead University as well as obtaining a diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology. She works full time for the Lake Superior Centre of Regenerative Medicine as the Musculoskeletal Tissue Processing Supervisor. Laura hopes to be able to continue to share her passion and love for dance.
Randall Mella
Randall Mella is a dancer, choreographer, performer, instructor and creative director. He began his training at a young age of 4 with traditional filipino dancing, hip hop, and breakdancing. With a growing love for hip hop and commercial choreography, Randall continued to broaden his training with trips to Los Angeles attending and assisting classes at prestigious studios such as Millennium Dance Complex, KreativMndz Dance Academy, Movement Lifestyle, IMMASpace, and many more. Since then he has explored multiple styles of dance from popping, animation, locking, krump, waacking, house, jazz funk and contemporary all to add to his own unique approach to movement. He has trained closely and mentored under prestigious choreographers such as Alexander Chung, Carlo Atienza, Tony Tzar, Free Boogie, Anze Skrube, and many more.
Randall is now signed with MSA Agency through his first ever audition in Los Angeles selected out of 800 dancers. His credits include performing for artists such as Tyga, Kid Ink, Rich Brian, Tsar B, and the America’s Best Dance Crew Tour. He has also worked with artists Lia Cole, Josh Sahunta, Khaled Rahime, and Asim Chin, from performing in music videos to touring all the way from Canada to Singapore. Randall was also casted to dance in the Netflix series “Julie and the Phantoms” produced and directed by Kenny Ortega.
Randall is also popularly known for his direction of two professional dance companies: Cool Giraffes and NXG Company. He founded his own dance company Cool Giraffes which have now made their mark on the global hip hop competition scene. Cool Giraffes’ most notable performances are a 1st place finish at Canadian Hip Hop Championships and top 10 finish at Hip Hop International, representing Canada in the most globally recognized hip hop competition. With NXG Company, he was in charge for two consecutive 1st place titles at Artists Emerge All-Stars and choreographed for the “ENERGY” show in Los Angeles produced by Alexander Chung and Gina Pero.
Randall’s mission is to utilize his love for dance to inspire anyone with a passion to pursue their wildest dreams. Through positivity and authenticity balanced with hard work and dedication, he strives to help young dancers to work to their highest potential and accomplish their own incredible feats in order to help live out and further his mission.
Riley Martel
Riley has been dancing since he was four-years-old. Growing up in a small town which didn’t provide many opportunities, he had to travel to get the training he needed. Riley has trained in all styles of dance believing that it is very important to be a well-rounded dancer. Riley completed RAD exams all the way to Intermediate Foundation. At the age of 14, Riley started theatre with a pre-professional youth company at Stirling Festival Theatre. There he was given roles in Footloose and Legally Blonde, which led him to a lead role in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Port Hope Capital Theatre. In his senior year of high school, Riley landed the lead role in “Grease”, while continuing his competitive dance training. At the age of 17 he moved to the GTA to continue his training and became a Graduate of Centennial College Dance Performance Diploma Program. In 2018 Riley opened a studio in Bowmanville Ontario. While being in the GTA Riley had many performance opportunities which included work with Amy Wright on “The Next Step”, Blake McGrath “Tribute” tour, Pavlo live in concert tour, and TDC Entertainment. In 2018 Riley started working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a dancer on their cruise ships. Riley also has completed many different Certificate programs with Acrobatique Arts, A.D.A.P.T, and is currently working towards his exams with B.A.T.D. He is also a faculty member of QUICK BALL CHANGE. Riley recently has taken on a professional partnership with Ballroom and Latin dancing while teaching at ARTHUR MURRAY in RICHMOND HILL. Riley recently completed his course and is now a member of Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Riley continues to teach all over Ontario at various studios as a guest choreographer where he gets to share his passion with people whom he hopes to inspire the same way he has been inspired.
Shannon Maguire
Shannon Maguire is a Toronto based dance instructor, choreographer, and performer. An alumnus of the prestigious Young Americans College of Performing Arts, Shannon has had the unique opportunity to perform and teach all over the world. For the past ten years, Shannon has honed her craft as a dance instructor at several Ontario based Dance Studios, and has served as a guest educator and choreographer in elementary schools across the GTA. Many of her students have gone on to win scholarships and overalls under her leadership and guidance. Shannon has also provided her choreographic talents to the world of musical theatre, having recently provided original choreography for the London Premier of new 90s pop musical, Lovelash. Currently, Shannon is the new dance coordinator for the new performing arts school, Entr’acte Studios, responsible for developing and implementing the school’s entire dance curriculum.
As a performer, Shannon has had the luxury of being a dance captain and feature dancer for the 2015 Pan Am Games in Toronto, Ontario. In addition, she was also a feature performer at the 2017 Invictus Games, hosted in Toronto, Ontario. Most recently, Shannon has also hosted an interactive children’s show across North America with Fusion Entertainment.
Alayna Molotkow
Alayna is a professional dancer, producer, choreographer, adjudicator and model, having graduated from Ryerson University with a BFA in the Performance: Dance program. As a technically trained dancer, Alayna is proficient in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, tap and burlesque.
During her years of education, she trained under artists like Nadia Potts, Rex Harrington, Roberto Campanella, Kenny Pearl, Allen Kaeja and many more. Alayna trained in BATD, RAD and ADAPT as well as continuing her own education with programs like C.I. Training, Progressing Ballet Technique and IDTS.
Recently, Alayna has been working on producing films under Von Hunt Productions, such as ‘In Transit’, which was featured this year at the Digital Toronto Fringe Festival 2021, along with a new film projected to start production in 2022. In addition to recent works, Alayna has performed in and choreographed ‘Tales of a Cocktail’ and ‘Anatomy of a Dancer’, which have been nominated for several Broadway World Awards.
Alayna has worked as the resident choreographer for companies like Big Soul Productions, SilverHouse and The Artillery Collective and has choreographed for short and feature films, which include ‘Something for the Buoys’ (Sapling Productions), ‘Bonded’ (Incolour Films), ‘West Side Story’ (Bayside Arts & Pinnacle Playhouse), Gypsy (Stirling Festival Theatre), ‘Hello Again’ (The Artillery Collective) and many more. Alayna’s work has been on stages in productions of HIM International, Starboyz Productions, Fever After Dark and The Darling Mansion and has also worked with the companies FujiFilm, Henry’s, Apple and Bank of Montreal. Alayna has also been a part of productions for international artists such as Feist, Joey Stylez and Juice Bar. Additionally, Alayna has established a residency at a local speakeasy where she regularly performs and choreographs burlesque acts in downtown Toronto, and has performed in notable venues such as The Royal Conservatory of Music, The Gardiner Museum, Roy Thompson Hall and many more.
With Alayna’s experience, she is a highly sought-after adjudicator that is registered with the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and is always excited to share those experiences and
passions with competitors. In Alayna’s 10+ years of teaching experiences, she has travelled all over Canada and the East Coast to teach, choreograph and adjudicate, as well as creating
custom pointe and pointe preparation programs, over-the-top production numbers, conditioning
Mason Micevski
Mason Micevski is the Creative Director of Emerson Arts, creator of the international best-selling book ‘The Stage Light Flickers’, and Hamilton based choreographer and teacher! He leads with love and has an outstanding attention to detail. An observer and creator, Mason is always writing, or choreographing something new. A graduation of the Randolph Academy of Performing Arts, and MA from Laurie University in Community Minded Music, Mason has danced with the National Ballet of Canada, he has worked with Warner Bro’s Studios, and has produced 4 years of professional theatre! Mason is an arts advocate and believes all artists should get paid for their work! He has choreographed from Niagara to Toronto, primarily working on musical theatre productions, he has an extensive list of shows completed including; Newsies, The Wedding Singer: The Musical, Urine Town, and many more, with a few cabarets and some wedding ‘first dances’ sprinkled throughout! He teaches musical theatre, ballet, and jazz at Freedom Studios, in Hamilton Ontario as well as a dance and conditioning class for the Hamilton Synchronized Skaters. Mason has begun his adjudication career with the ‘ShowBurst’ Dance competition in Hamilton Ontario. He loves dance and how it can make people feel. Mason believes that Dance is the purest form of emotion, a teacher once said ‘First you say it, then you sing it, then when words aren’t enough, you dance your emotions.
Lucy MacIsaac
Lucy MacIsaac has been teaching and choreographing all ages and levels since 1999. She is a highly accredited instructor and holds an CDTA acrobatics associate certification and CDTA Licentiate Ballet certification (Canadian Dance Teachers Association), as well as professional certifications in Alixa Flexibility, Acrobatic Arts, and is a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA).
Lucy has continued her own training by travelling around Canada and the USA taking part in the highest level industry events, training with the likes of Mia Michaels, Wade Robison, Laurieann Gibson, Brian Friedman, Stacey Tookey, Dave Scott, and completing two teacher training intensives with the Pulse International/Broadway Dance Center.
Lucy was the owner of a competitive studio the “Lucy Wintermans School of Dance” for 18 years and now owns “Area” a collaborative studio space which is home to her dance programs “Dance Artistry” and “Dance Artistry Competitive”. She has over 20 years experience teaching various styles of dance to dancers age 18m to adult.
Throughout her career she has been a sought after choreographer for theatre productions, musicals, pageants, and fashion shows, and continues to travel all over teaching workshops, doing guest choreography, and judging competitions.
Stella Medley
Beginning her dance journey at the age of 7, Stella Medley trained extensively in acrobatics, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, ballroom and modern. She also holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts in performance dance from TMU (Ryerson). Blending foundational elements of contemporary and hiphop, Stella has developed a unique style, inspiring audiences worldwide.
Driven by a quest for new opportunities, Stella has worked with the Toronto Raptors dance pak, esteemed champions of the NBA, as well as prominent cruise lines like The Royal Caribbean and Holland America. Her training has led her to work with notable institutions such as Aybrid, Footnotes Academy, and The Vibe Exclusive, refining her skills in street-style fundamentals. Stella has expanded her repertoire in Los Angeles New York and Japan.
She is actively engaged in the film and television industry, taking on diverse dance, modeling, and acting roles, including projects like "Bring it on," "Madam CJ Walker," "Work it," and “Grand Army”. Known for her unforgettable, dynamic, and impactful style, Stella seamlessly transitions across various dance genres, relentlessly pursuing any challenge that comes her way.