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Adele Power
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Adèle is a graduate of Mayfield School of the Arts, University of Toronto, ENG/HST B.A Hons, and has attained her Sheridan College Musical Theatre Performance diploma where she was the recipient of the George V. Young Acting Award. Her favorite role yet motherhood, has her on her toes as she discovers all that 3 active kids have to offer!
Adele studied modern in the professional division at Toronto Dance Theatre. At her time at Sheridan, she was appointed dance captain in several shows , played the lead role ‘ELIZABETH’ in a contemporary
dance show , supporting role Nickie in the production of ‘Sweet Charity’ , the lead role Rachel in a workshop production of ‘Scoring A Hit’, and was a featured singer in several shows. Adele has performed in a live industrial for Bell Canada, the Thousand Islands Playhouse’s production of ‘My Fair lady’, and a season with the Toronto Argonaut Cheerleaders. Adele has a teaching career spanning 20 yrs and holds teaching certification with the R.A.D. Her choreography credits include: ‘Dark Lady’ and ‘Putnam’s 25th Annual Spelling Bee’ at York University’s Theatre Glendon, opening ceremony for 2nd annual, ‘Women Moving Forward’ conference. Adele has also had the pleasure of working with San Andreas’ professional Samba Dance Company as a guest ballet teacher, guest modern teacher at York University in their workshop series, and completed two terms with the Toronto Dance Project.
She is currently on Faculty at, Centre Stage School of the Arts and Watts School of Dance, and also enjoys her work as an outside choreographer. Adele has a thriving adjudicator schedule, and holds
many awards for her creative, and thought provoking choreography. Adele continues to enhance her skills while taking class from the industry’s finest.
ALYSSA PROVENZANO
Alyssa began dancing at the age of 4. She is a very versatile dancer, being
trained in many styles such as Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Musical Theatre, Acro, and Hip Hop. For 12 years, Alyssa competed across Canada and the US and won many awards for her dancing and choreography. She has trained with some of the best teachers and choreographers in the industry including Dave Scott, Cris Judd, Kim O'Neill, Nick Tull, Jacques Monfiston, Hollywood Jade, Leon Blackwood, and Esie Mensah. In 2011, Alyssa was given the opportunity to be the assistant for the Senior Canadian National Jazz Team choreographers, Kim O'Neill and Jacques Monfiston who won the Gold Medal in Poland.
Alyssa received her teacher certification with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing in 2009 and has been teaching at many studios across Ontario ever since. Alyssa has performed at many events, including UWO's "Block Party 2012" featuring the famous pop DJ, Calvin Harris, the Starlight Foundation Gala, WE Day Kitchener and the Pan American Games. She has danced in many original dance productions in Toronto such as“To TT With Luv”choreographed by Hollywood Jade and“Akoma” choreographed by Esie Mensah. She has also had
the opportunity to dance in many of Toronto's professional showcases and
competitions such as Bazaar, Fever After Dark, The Beat Down Hip Hop Dance Competition, and Toronto Choreographer's Ball. Alyssa is also a current back-up dancer for Canadian R&B artist, Jully Black.
Alyssa graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology from the
University of Western Ontario in 2014. Throughout her 4 years at Western,
Alyssa was a member and the Captain of UWO's HEAT Dance Team.
Alyssa is also a certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor with canfitpro. She takes great pride in training strong healthy dancers! Alyssa is always excited to share her passion and love for dance with her students and peers!
Savannah Neudorf
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Savannah’s enjoyment of dance began at the age of 3. She excelled as a competitive dancer in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Modern, winning many outstanding and overall awards including a gold medal in Germany with Team Canada Show dance. At the age of eleven, Savannah attended The National Ballet School summer intensive. She continued to enjoy other forms of dance but decided that classical Ballet was her passion. She later joined the Neglia Ballet Artists where she trained intensely and performed in productions such as Romeo and Juliet, Nutcracker and Baba Yaga. During this time Savannah attended summer intensives at The Kirov Ballet Washington DC, American Ballet Theatre and The Joffrey Ballet School. In secondary school she was actively involved in drama and vocal music and choreographed for the school musical. After graduating with honours, Savannah was accepted to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre professional program in NYC. She went on to become a Ballet trainee at The Joffrey Ballet School. She studied with distinguished classical, contemporary and modern instructors such as Mathew Prescott, Desmond Richardson and Misty Copeland to name a few. During her time in NYC she performed in classical renditions of Nutcracker and Cinderella and was cast by world renowned choreographers Josie Walsh and Earl Mosley in contemporary ballet pieces. Accepted to Nashville Ballet Company intensive for the summer, she danced classical roles from Swan Lake alongside the second company. Most recently she performed in the Pan Am Games opening ceremonies in Cirque du Soleil’s Hip Hop number choreographed by Luther Brown. Savannah is also a member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance. As well as being a Ballet instructor, she performs with Toronto Dance Project as a Company member. Savannah has successfully completed teachers training curriculum in Ballet education, anatomy, nutrition and injury care and prevention at both The Joffrey Ballet School and American Ballet Theatre. Her teaching approach concentrates on creating a balance of technique and health while embracing the joy of dance every step of the way.
Alyssa Nedich
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Alyssa Nedich from Hamilton Ontario, is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, teacher and artistic director. She has trained for 15 years in various genres of dance, and was a competitive dancer for 9 years. Alyssa is currently the co-artistic director for Ignition Dance, a new dance initiative based out of Hamilton to allow dancers and choreographers a network to meet people within the industry and share their work with the Hamilton community. Through this process, she is in charge of screening dance applications and selecting dance works and choreographers for different events and workshops.
Alyssa’s choreography can be seen in the California indie rock band Of Us Giants music video for SOIL. Alyssa also choreographed and performed in the Canadianpremier of “Sideshow” the musical. Alyssa’s passion for dance also has garnered her a variety of stage experience, performing in numerous productions as a singer, dancer and actress across Hamilton.
She has trained with Master Choreographers like Nico Archambault, Wynn Holmes, Todd Shanks, and Bill Hotaling. Most recently, Alyssa is a proud new member of the Professional Adjudicators Allience. She loves training students of all ages and has a hunger to continue learning in order to grow and continue passing on dance education to the younger dance generation.
Michelle O'Brien
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Michelle O'Brien was born and raised in St.Catharines, Ontario Canada and since the age of 4, dance has been a major part of her life. Growing up she danced competitively for 12 years in styles such as; Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. During her dance career she has had the honor of travelling to such places as; Myrtle Beach, New York City, and plenty of other locations in Canada and the United States. At the age of 20, in Michelle's 2nd year at Brock University where she was studying Community Health Science, Michelle began to teach and choreograph both recreationally and competitively. Throughout the years she has continued to expand her knowledge in all previous styles of dance, as well as adding Acro to her repertoire. She enjoys all styles of dance, with Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz, Acro and Hip Hop being her favorites. Michelle loves to attend workshops and conventions and has had the opportunities to take classes from instructors; Stacey Tookey, Tara Jean Popowich, Sho-Tyme and Nico Archambault. She has also attended classes at “Steps” in NYC and “Harbour Dance Centre” in Vancouver, BC.
Michelle's students have been awarded numerous overall high score awards, and she herself has won various choreography and concept awards over the past 7 years. Some of Michelle's students have gone to Nationals with one of her talented 11 year old students being awarded Junior Miss Dance of Canada in 2013 with an Acro solo Michelle choreographed for her.Michelle's passion for dance is expressed in the classes she teaches, in the routines she creates, as well as in the competitions she has adjudicated for in the past. She has had the pleasure of adjudicating for Dance Odyssey 2 years in a row and would love to continue sharing her passion and knowledge and special awards at various Dance Competitions in the years to come
Andrea Palmer
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Director, choreographer, dancer, writer and teacher, Andrea Palmer has spent over 26 years studying and performing dance. Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, her pursuit of excellence has lead her
to some of the finest institutions in the world including: The National Ballet School of Canada, The Alvin Ailey School of American Dance, and the Jose Limon Institute in New York City. Her credits include performances for both television and film, choreography for the Grand Opening of Montreal's "Theatre National', Artistic Direction and choreography for Flexx 2001- an annual summer dance festival in Montreal which attracted some 3500 spectators, a tour of United Nations Army bases in Bosnia / Herzagovina, as well as performances with Michail Baryshnikov and the White Oak Dance Project during the Festival International de Nouvelle Danse. Her unique and dynamic approach to the teaching of dance has made her a sought after guest teacher at summer dance programs across Canada. Several of her former students are now enjoying professional
carreers in dance. Andrea has served as adjudicator for The American Dance Awards Canadian Tour, D-Force, Shine and Terpsichore Dance Festivals., to name a few. She has performed and shared her passion for dance across Canada, The United States and Europe.
In 2006 Andrea was honoured to give master classes in Saint. Petersburg, Russia and in England thanks to a grant from The Canada Council of the Arts. From 2007-2010 she continued to share her
passion for dance in NORWAY as director of the jazz dance program for the Orsta Volda Balletskule. She has since returned to Montreal where she continues to inspire a new generation of dancers.She is a
member of the International Council of Dance based in Paris, France.
Andrea is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Dance Education at the Université du Québec a Montréal(UQAM).
Stephanie Papaioannou
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Stephanie is a performer, teacher and choreographer who has been involved in the dance industry for over ten years. She trained extensively during her teenage years in Calgary, Alberta where she received many awards and scholarships for her performances on the competitive circuit. Upon completing high school, Stephanie relocated to Toronto where she attended the prestigious Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program, training under such notables as Mavis Staines, Anushcka Rose and the late, Glenn Gilmour. Stephanie is also a graduate of York University’s BFA Dance program. As a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, Stephanie is currently working as Mentor in the C.B.T.S. program.
A versatile performer, teacher and choreographer, Stephanie has trained in Canada, the United States, New Zealand and Australia, and has extensive experience in ballet, contemporary, modern, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop and Nuvo-Burlesque. Her students have won many awards and scholarships at competitions throughout North America, and have pursued dance endeavors such as training in university dance programs across Canada and performing for Mirvish.
Stephanie has recently returned to her hometown of Calgary where she is currently teaching in both recreational and competitive dance programs in the Calgary area. Stephanie is also the teacher, choreographer and administrator for the Army of Sass Calgary (under creator Carla Catherwood)- a nationwide Nuvo-Burlesque dance company with locations in Toronto, Vancouver, throughout B.C., and now Calgary…think Pussycat Dolls! Some of Stephanie’s other performance credits include: The Artist DVD launch (Alliance Atlantis Films), New.Music.Live. commercial (Much Music), Set it Free music video (Sarah Slean) and LR Productions (Lindsay Ritter).
As an adjudicator and instructor, Stephanie brings forward her experience and knowledge in many genres of dance and continually strives to inspire and educate healthy, passionate dancers.
Sabrina Phillip
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SABRINA PHILLIP is an innovative choreographer, passionate dancer and engaging teacher. Sabrina is originally from Calgary, Canada. She trained intensively in Ballet, Jazz and Modern dance in her early studies and went on to work at the international level in London, England. She taught Master classes at The Pineapple, Danceworks and The Urdang Academy.Sabrina has worked as a teacher and choreographer at countless dance studios around the US and Canada. Her degree in Exercise and Health Physiology provides her with a special understanding of the human body and the mechanics of movement. As a teacher, her intention is to challenge dancers; focusing on placement, correct technique, strength and agility.Sabrina has performed with dance companies including Sera Danza, S.H.E. EnCorps and Unity Dance Ensemble. She appears in commercials for Dex, choreographed by Michael Rooney, Hip Hop Abs, Corvel and appeared as a dance expert in Hollywood’s 10 Best Dance Movies. Her choreography has been featured on So You Think You Can Dance as well as a commercial for MoBeam, My Fair Wedding with David Turtero, LA Dance Magic’s Final Cut and most recently in theSilverlake Contemporary Ballet’s modern rendition of Swan Lake. Her music video credits include choreography forSunshine Day by Mac of Partridge Family fame and the stunning video for Jenna Bryson’s Clear. With award winning choreography and infectious artistry, Sabrina is sure to inspire and motivate!
Cassiah Pegg
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Cassiah is a very talented teacher and choreographer, with over 20 years experience in the dance and beauty pageant industry. She has been a successful performer/dancer since the age of 2, competing internationally in Beauty Pageants and Talent Shows across Canada and the US. Cassiah has extensive training in Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, Musical Theatre and Acro. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama & Communications, Media and Film, as well as a Bachelor of Education, Cassiah was able to take her knowledge of dance and integrate/ express it through her schooling.
Cassiah's students are inspired in her classes, and challenged through her innovative choreography. She has won numerous choreography awards, overalls, and has received recognition for her creative and unique work. Cassiah's work has been featured in "Cabaret" which played in Detroit, "Sun Dance" film by Erica Everingham. "The Audition" film by Daniella Bumbacco, national and provincial gymnast floor routines, as well as many freelance dance routines, and productions.
Cassiah is constantly taking classes, and eager to find ways to improve her dancing and teaching. She is known for her unique choreography, and knowledge of dance. Her passion for dance and the performing arts can be seen through her techniques, creative ideas, and her positive attitude.
Ana Pacanins
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Ana Pacanins is originally from Montreal, Quebec, and grew up in the competitive world of dance as part of Ethel Bruneau Hoofers and Hip-hop troupe. Ana is a tap teacher in several studios and is an award winning choreographer. In 2010 she assisted tap master Jason Janas at the “Triple Threat” dance convention in Calgary. In 2011, she performed in the “Feats Festival” in Edmonton with Lisa La Touche & at Lane Alexander’s “Chicago Human Rhythm Project” in Chicago. She also assisted Tap Master and Legend Dianne “Lady-Di” Walker in Tasha Lawson’s 2011 Tri-Tone Productions “Rhythm Body and Soul” workshop. Ana has also performed in the Musicals “Anything Goes” directed by Randy Davis and in the “Modern Version of the Nutcracker” from PM Productions. She was part of Travis Knights’ tap company “Dynamix Soles” in Montreal and a part of Danny Nielsen’s tap company “Danny Nielsen and the Tap Messengers” in Calgary. She has also appeared on tv shows like “Edible Incredible” and “On the Road Again”. Ana joined the “Terpsichore’s Dance Starz Challenge” judging panel for its April tour in Calgary, Alberta. Most recently Ana performed at the “Soul 2 Sole” festival in Austin, Texas, at the “Feats Festival” in Edmonton, Alberta with Danny Nielsen and at the 10th annual LA Tap Festival “All Star Show” in Los Angeles, California in a piece choreographed by Tap Master Jason Janas. New to Toronto, Ana is now a new member of Everett Smith’s professional tap company “Bringing Tap Back”.
Nicole Norsworthy
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Nicole is originally from Brantford, Ontario and currently resides in Toronto. In her 20 years of dance experience, she has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Nicole is a graduate of The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts where she added singing and acting to her repertoire. She was the recipient of the “Triple Threat” award for her graduating year. Nicole has been teaching dance at both a recreational and competitive level for the last 8 years, and has been recognized for her choreography as well as high scoring pieces at various competitions across Ontario.
As well as an educator of dance Nicole remains an active performer in the industry. She is a recent company member of Helix Dance Project (unEarth) and some of her favourite Film/TV credits include: Bomb Girls (Global), Frenemies (Disney), Suits (USA Network), Nikita (The CW)
Nicole is an actively certified dance instructor under the affiliation of P.A.E.C. She is a member of ACTRA, and she is also a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. She works as a teacher/choreographer and loves spreading her knowledge and passion for dance as an adjudicator.
Kimberly Paddle
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Dance is truly a way of life for Kimberly as a professional dancer, instructor and choreographer. Miss Paddle began her training at the JoAnne Chapman School of Dance, attended Canada's National Ballet School, majored in dance at Mayfield Secondary School for the Arts, and also studied with Roberto Campanella, one of Canada's premier choreographers and artistic director of ProArte Danza.Kimberly has enjoyed dancing on the high seas with Carnival Cruise Lines for the past eleven years! During her professional career Kimberly has been a dance captain, a featured lead dancer, and adagio couple. She has performed in over fifty productions including magic and illusion shows. Miss Paddle has had the opportunity to teach locally and abroad, keeping her in demand as an experienced dance instructor with expertise in a wide variety of genres, not to mention her extensive performance background. She is also a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA).Kimberly's enthusiasm for the arts and her love of dance is a driving force in her life and she hopes to get back to her roots as a teacher to inspire young dancers to seek and realize their artistic vision.
Andrew Prashad
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Andrew Prashad grew up in all aspects of art from a very young age. He is not only a solidly trained and versatile dancer, but a musician and an actor as well. Andrew has trained in some of the best studios and under some of the finest choreographers in Canada. Since then, he’s moved on to study under and take class from the world’s best tap dancers such as Savion Glover, Jason Samuel-Smith, Derick Grant, Aaron Tolson, Diane Walker, Chloe Arnold, Heather Cornell and Lane Alexander. Andrew has become a sought after adjudicator, choreographer and instructor, teaching master classes across North America and choreographing throughout the GTA. His choreography has been seen and recognized in national commercials, festivals, theatre productions and competitions where he has won top honours in this field and recently. His Hip Hop choreography was showcased on MuchMusic’s Top 10 Videos with Fancy Footwork. Credits include principle roles in television shows, award winning short films, television commercials, TV movies, music videos and feature films. On stage he’s been in touring productions such as The History of Hip Hop, A Chorus Line, Guys and Dolls and many more. He recently performed at National Tap Dance Day in Toronto and at the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference, where he also taught some master classes. He has also performed in the Montreal Chaos Festival, Toronto Fringe Festival and the Hamilton Fringe Festival. Andrew is now on the ground floor of the Toronto Rhythm Initiative, as a choreographer and performer, putting tap dancing back in the public eye of the Toronto theatre scene. Andrew has graduated from the University of Toronto at Mississauga with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in ‘Theatre and Performance’ as well as ‘French Literature’ and has been teaching dance, music and drama for 13 years with the goal of sharing his love for the arts with others.
Nancy Pezzo
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In her dancing years, Nancy grew up and trained in Toronto, Ontario where she has mastered all dance forms. She also trained in acting and has appeared in commercials as well as film with the Children’s Television Studios. After graduating from Ryerson University in Performance Dance, she began working as a professional choreographer and performer where her work has taken her all over the country. She has worked on projects for Hudson Bay Company, Lancôme of Paris, Toyota, Reitmans, Zellers, TD Bank Financial Group and many more. Her talent was recognized by Bronte and Fonte Talent Agency as “Best Performer” and included a scholarship for the International Model and Talent Network (IMTN) held in New York City. She is an established and reputable dance adjudicator for several respectable dance organizations across North America, which includes Hall of Fame, Flashdance, Strive and so many more. Recently, she judged at Dance Worlds and the event was televised for ESPN at Walt Disney World. She is a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA) and is a certified member with the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators (IADA). As an instructor, Nancy teaches at varied dance schools throughout the Greater Toronto Area and has been the recipient of many choreography awards. Nancy is a registered teacher and mentor with the Royal Academy of Dance and continues to educate and motivate dancers of all ages by demonstrating discipline, respect and a passion for the arts.
Natalie Pitton
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N.B.S.T.T.P.(dip), ACSC-CICB, A.I.S.T.D., A.R.A.D. (R.T.S.), D.M.A., I.A.D.A., P.A.A.
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Natalie is a Director, Performer, Choreographer, Teacher and Adjudicator who celebrates her love and knowledge of dance with an inspiring class and her booming energy!
Natalie has been dancing for over twenty five years and has competed for over 10 years across Canada and the United States winning numerous awards for her outstanding performances. Growing up in Toronto, Ontario, Natalie trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Modern, Lyrical and Hip Hop. Upon receiving her O.S.S.D., Natalie attended the prestigious National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program, working and training under the instruction of dance experts such as Karen Kain, Mavis Staines, and the late, Glenn Gilmour. Natalie has recently returned to her studies at York University completing her B.F.A. (Spec.) Hons. in Dance
Natalie is an Associate Member of the Cecchetti Society of Canada, The International Society of Teachers of Dancing, as well as the Royal Academy of Dance. Natalie holds her Advanced Cecchetti Diploma, National Advanced II and RAD Advanced II, with Honours. Natalie is also an active member of the Dance Masters of America (DMA). In addition to her teaching qualifications, Natalie is a qualified Personal Training Specialist. Natalie is proud to be a member of the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators (IADA) and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA).
Natalie’s talents as a dancer have earned her many Regional, National and International awards at various competitions. She has performed at the Myelin Project as a Guest Performer and the Mayor’s Gala for the opening of the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga. Natalie has performed for thousands of fans at The Rogers Centre in the Half Time Show for the American Bowl. Her most recent performances include Performer and Choreographer for the UFE National’s Competition, Spring Bash, and Halloween Mayhem, and for two consecutive seasons, a Guest Performer for Excel Dance Production’s, The Nutcracker, as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Miss. Pitton has been teaching and choreographing for competitive and recreational students for over 10 years. Many of her students have received “Platinum” status and have received various scholarships for their accomplishments. Many students have also continued forward in their studies to dance professionally in Companies and Professional Training Programs, such as The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Juilliard, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Quinte Ballet School and The National Ballet School. Natalie has traveled over Canada holding many workshops in all dance forms. She has also choreographed for many small projects across Canada. Those including pieces in Excel Dance Production’s, The Nutcracker, and creating a strong repertoire for Rhythm and Grace Productions INC.
Natalie’s most recent and largest accomplishment is, Rhythm and Grace Productions INC., a Contemporary Ballet and Jazz Dance Company that thrives on their cutting-edge and original style. They are currently moving into their permanent home in the GTA and are looking forward to their upcoming expansion.
Natalie’s love for dance exceeds limits and continues to share her passion with Students, Teachers and Directors across the scene!
Trishya Perera
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Trishya Perera is an aspiring dancer, choreographer and teacher who found her passion at a very young age. She has been training since the age of four in a range of different forms from classical to urban styles. Specifically in Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Modern, Pointe and Hip Hop. She danced competitively, under the direction of Tammy Roberts, in each of those forms for over four years and has won many awards for her performances on stages across Canada and the United States. Trishya graduated from York University from the BFA honours dance program, which allowed her to continue her exploration of the arts. She was lucky enough to be trained by some of the most prestigious teachers such as Helen Jones, John Ottman, Candice Helm, Julia Sasso and many more. She continued to compete in Hip Hop with a crew, “StyleWize”, choreographed and directed by Lineen Doung, who led them to win First Place at a competition in Rhode Island. She most recently had the chance to tour internationally to
Doha, Qatar with Creativiva, performing a childrens musical “The Little Prince” and to Fujairah, UAE performing Aladdin.
Trishya has choreographed for numerous plays, showcases and debuts including high school productions of Grease, Spamalot and Godspell. Both her work and her self, has been represented in many industry showcases such as but not limited to, “Bazaar Dance Showcase”, “Fever After Dark” and “Toronto’s Original Choreographer’s Ball”.
Trishya has also been teaching for over six years in studios and schools in and around the GTA. She loves instilling her passion and knowledge into young dancers. Her choreography and students have won many awards such as, choreography award, highest in session, arts student of the year etc. She is very grateful to have had the opportunity to produce and choreograph her own production, "All ApartTogether" in March of 2014, which ended very successfully.
Trishya is currently a part of different companies that allow her to continue to grow as a dancer, performer and teacher. She could not be happier pursuing the thing she loves the most and will always encourage her students to go for their dreams
Kayla Osborne
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Miss Kayla is a very talented young woman who currently has her level 1, 2 and 3 teaching certificates for Dance Masters of America. Her love for dance started when she was just 5 years old, taking her first dance classes at Renee's Dance Design in Stroud. During her years as a dancer, she trained at studios such as Keeping Time School of Dance and Extreme Dance Connection. She has trained in all styles of dance and has had the privilege of taking master classes with and meeting dancers and choreographers from the hit television shows So You Think You Can Dance and So You Think You Can Dance Canada, such as: Travis Wall, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Blake McGrath, Jordan Clark, Amanda Cleghorn, Mr. Vincent Hantam from the Scottish Ballet, and many more. Miss Kayla has also had the chance to perform in weddings, the Barrie fair and Innisfil Summerfest, perform and choreograph for perfume launches, audition for Canada's national dance team, perform in the charity showcase "Women In Dance", perform in the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference, work at The Ultimate Dance Connection dance competition, attend the My Moves choreographic intensive, perform in and choreograph for the hit musical "Music Music Music", and teach for U Got Dance, a program that sends dance teachers to schools and daycares to give the children a first hand experience with dance. Miss Kayla has also gone on to teach dance at Killarney Beach Public School as part of the Simcoe County District School Board curriculum. She has won countless awards, scholarships, and overalls for her choreography and dancing, and has her Ballet, Tap, and Jazz exams. Miss Kayla is very excited to be joini
Nicole Nouvion
Dance has always been a passion for Nicole and a major component of her life. Originally from Windsor, Ontario Nicole began dancing at the age of 3 and has professionally trained in a variety of dance disciplines including hip hop, jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, pointe, contemporary and heels. Currently she resides in Toronto, Ontario, dancing for the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak as well as performing as a freelance dance artist. Nicole’s performance credits include the 2016 NBA All Star Game, NBA 3X Argentina, Showmatch, Illuminite Toronto, The Evolution of Burlesque, Caesars Casino Windsor, GLGA Gala, Toronto Marlies Dance Crew, Niagara Fallsview Casino, Miss Universe Canada Western Ontario Pageant and many other public, corporate and private events.
Nicole performed on a competitive dance team for 7 years where she travelled throughout Canada and the United States, competing and taking classes from various well-known choreographers such as Melissa Williams, Brian Freeman, Tabitha and Napoleon D’umo and Wade Robson. For over 10 years Nicole has had the opportunity to share her love of dance by teaching dance to students of all ages at studios, schools and recreational facilities in Windsor, Chatham, Markham and Toronto. She has experience teaching and choreographing for both competitive and recreational students and has also taught Gymnastics, Acro and Barre fitness classes.
Nicole has graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Bachelor of Education degree. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Communications. Her enthusiasm for education and the arts, combined with her zest for life inspires her to continue to share her love of dance with others.
Stephanie Photopoulos
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Stephanie is an energetic and spirited teacher, and her passion for performing arts education has inspired students in various platforms. Having trained for over 20 years in the jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre and lyrical dance styles, Stephanie has competed internationally as both a dancer and choreographer. She has had the honour of representing Canada at the IDO World Dance Championships (tap) and has proudly watched her own students do the same. Stephanie has received numerous awards for outstanding choreography across both Canada and the United States, and her students have won countless first overall titles, scholarships and judges awards for comedy and characterization. Stephanie has trained under various dance educators including Juliana Kelly, Everett Smith, Matthew Clarke, Brian and Faye Foley, Janet Venn- Jackson and Robert McCollum at Canada’s National Ballet School, as well as taken classes with Blake McGrath, Benji Schwimmer and Mia Michaels. While completing a Bachelor of Fine Art from Ryerson Theatre School, Stephanie directed/choreographed various children’s theatre, youth productions and has been involved with multiple large-scale shows through Ryerson University. Stephanie is a certified cheerleading coach through the USASF and assumed the role of choreographer for the Ryerson cheerleading team in 2014. Stephanie quickly realized her passion for dance education and is set to graduate from the reputable ADAPT Teachers Training School in 2017. Additionally, Stephanie now holds a Masters of Teaching degree from the prestigious Ontario Institute for Studies of Education at University of Toronto, is a member in good standing of the Ontario College of Teachers and has qualifications in Special Education. She is currently obtaining her certification in Acrobatique Acrodance and is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Stephanie is an expert in creativity and is highly commended by mentors, parents and coworkers for her enthusiasm in dance education.
COURTNEY OGLE
Courtney is a graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts post secondary triple threat school in Toronto, ON (2006), studying extensively in dance, drama, and vocal. Courtney is also a fully certified jazz and tap instructor in the A.D.A.P.T. syllabus (2013), as well as a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (2016).
As a dancer, Courtney trained under the C.D.T.A. and R.A.D. syllabi. Courtney had an extremely successful competitive career receiving top awards including numerous solo titles and Dancer of the Year at competitions throughout Canada and the United States. She has had the pleasure to train under many notable instructors and choreographers such as George Randolph, Linda Garneau, Faye Rauw, Carolyn Whiteing, Robert Jensen, and Brian and Faye Foley. Courtney has had the incredible opportunity to perform in many larger-scale productions such as Thoroughly Modern Millie: Toronto, ON; Miss Canada Globe Pageant: Toronto, ON; Steve Nash Charity Basketball Game: Toronto, ON; and Grease Ball 50's Concert: Niagara Falls, ON; to name a few.
Courtney has been part of the dance industry for over 25 years. As a dance instructor and choreographer, Courtney specializes in lyrical, contemporary, jazz, tap, and musical theatre, continuing to train and enter her students in exams under the A.D.A.P.T syllabus. She currently works with children of all ages ranging from 6-22 in both the recreational and advanced competitive levels. Courtney's unique choreography has received top accolades including such awards as Best Choreography: Kick it Up Dance Competition; Top Choreography: Shine Dance Competition; Diamond Choreography: American Dance Awards; Top 13+ Choreography: Candance; as well as many overalls and top scores at both the regional and national level. Courtney is a highly sought after choreographer creating pieces all over Ontario for drama productions, school dance teams, and competition.
Courtney prides herself on continuing to develop her craft through workshops, seminars, and classes to push both her dancers and herself as an artist.
Tara Pillon
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Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Tara Pillon is a professional dancer, choreographer, and dance educator. She graduated with honours from Ryerson University, where she received a BFA in Performance Dance. Tara received her Certificate for Russian Ballet Pedagogy in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is an in-demand teacher, choreographer, and adjudicator throughout the GTA. Tara has worked with highly-regarded dance artists such as Hanna Kiel, Nadia Potts, Kimberly Glasco, Kenny Pearl, David Earle, Robert Glumbek, Roberto Campanella, Vicki St. Denys, and Linda Garneau. She has performed professionally with Ballet Creole, Gadfly’s Urban Dance Repertory Company, emiMOTION Dance Company, Avinoam Silverman Dance, and Creativiva. Tara has been a part of Dance Ontario Weekend, Fresh Blood Festival, The Contessa Awards, the Pan Am Celebrations, and she performed in Toronto Women’s Fashion Week representing JOGA and Reebok. She can also be seen dancing in the Hallmark film A Nutcracker Christmas. Tara has choreographed with Creativiva for events such as the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, Ricarda's Grand Opening and the Allstate Honor Ring Banquet. Most recently, Tara choreographed for The Tenors music video with Clarence Ford. Tara is the Co-Artistic Director of ACE Dance Theatre, a professional contemporary dance company based out of Toronto, Ontario, as well as The Ballet Lab, a comprehensive training program dedicated to developing and fortifying a dancer’s foundational technique.
Courtney Odelein
Courtney began dancing at the age of three in her hometown of Quill Lake, Saskatchewan. Studying under RAD, ADAPT, CDTA, and NHDA. Miss Odelein is now a certified instructor with ADAPT, Acrodance Teacher Association, an ADTA Mentor teacher, Acrobatic Arts, Army of Sass and developer of Heels 101. She is also a proud member of the Professional Adjudicator's Alliance (P.A.A.). With well over 10 years experience teaching and over 15 year as a professional dancer, her range of knowledge is very broad from ballet and contemporary, to jazz and tap, to acrobatics and hip hop and everything in between!
She has had the honour of being apart of Annie Wood’s jazz/contemporary company Dare to Dance: Instincts, as well as, living in both Vancouver and Toronto dancing and training with many companies and programs. Her guest teaching spots include Dark Dance Company, Broadway Bound International and Fayez1 Productions. She is also a full time faculty member of The Underground Dance Centre. Through teaching and performing, Courtney has been able to travel all across North America.
You can see her in videos for artists such as; V Sevani, Wanting Q, Diana Viselli, Ain’t No Love, and rIVerse, just to name a few. She has appeared in numerous shows, events and productions such as; Vancity Project, Urban Alchemy, Tapistry, The GREAT Campaign, Julia Tynes, Toronto Pride, Duality, Wayne Gretzky and many more live performances throughout Canada and the US. Her T.V. credits include; Canada Summer Games ceremonies, Extra, TSN, Coors Light, the Marilyn Denis Show, CP24 and CTV. Courtney has also directed, choreographed and produced over 30 sold out shows in Toronto.
Ms Odelein is extremely grateful for the many opportunities to perform, teach, and choreograph all over North America and loves sharing her knowledge and experiences any chance she can!
Bryanna Persaud
Bryanna J. Persaud is a competitive choreographer and artistic creator in the Grand Toronto Area. Bryanna has studied in various disciplines of competitive dance for over 20 years and specializes in hip hop and lyrical. She is a certified B.A.T.D instructor and a proud and active member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA). Bryanna has partaken in many performances ranging from the Harlem Globetrotters, Argonautos, Atlantis Galas, Treehouse Roll Play, back up dancer for Fefe Dobson, and many more yearly endeavors. Bryanna has been teaching for the past 5 years at Theatre Dance Academy (Durham: Oshawa and Bowmanville) and has taken on an additional competitive choreographer position at York Dance Academy in both Stouffville and Aurora. In this past 2018-2019 dance year, Bryanna choreographed for the Bowmanville Hospital Charity Gala of Durham Region, Toronto EMERGE conference for International Women's day event Through Media to Justice, and has successfully received special awards, choreography awards, and many overalls during the competitive season recognizing her passion and dedication to this art-form.
"At the end of the day, my goal is to make a positive impact. The sky would be awfully dark with just one star - I believe that there's room for everyone to shine".
Marisa Navarole
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Marisa was born in Montreal, Quebec and began dancing at the age of three at Cameron School of Dance (CSD), the oldest privately run dance school in Canada being in existence since 1930. She trained recreationally and competitively in a variety of styles including classical ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical/ contemporary, highland, hip hop, acro dance and musical theatre. Over her competitive years, Marisa had received numerous top solo, duet and group routine awards, in addition to special awards. It was also at CSD where Marisa began assisting and teaching dancers of all ages.
Moreover, Marisa has performed with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal for their production of the Nutcracker at Place des Arts. In 2016, her passion for ballet lead her to enrolling in Ballet Divertimento’s professional college level program under the direction of Susan Alexander and artistic direction of Christine Cyr. A year later she was accepted into second year of the BA Modern Ballet program at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Prior to her graduation, Marisa had the pleasure of performing two classical routines for HRH Prince Charles for “The Prince’s Foundation” in Buckingham Palace in June 2019. Marisa successfully completed and received her Bachelor of Arts degree on July 4th, 2019. She also performed with Scottish Ballet for their tour of the “Wee Hansel & Gretel” production in July 2019. Presently, Marisa is teaching once again and keeping up with her ballet training.
Alyssa Petrolo
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Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Alyssa Petrolo is a multi-disciplinary performer, award-winning choreographer, educator and adjudicator. She attended Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts where she studied composition, ballet, Limón and Graham-based modern. Upon graduating, Alyssa received a scholarship to Shenandoah Conservatory for the Arts in Winchester, Virginia, where she continued her training in dance education and choreography. Alyssa also recieved a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at York University in 2016 while pursing a professional dance career in Toronto. She has performed with several Toronto-based companies including; Rutherford Movement Exchange, Jasmyn Fyffe Dance, P.O.V Dance Project, and Gadfly Dance Company. In the summer of 2019, Alyssa presented her work “Smile” at Young Creators Challenge and was invited to join the JumpStart Dance Intensive faculty. She also filmed a Netflix movie “Work It”. Over the past year she has been touring nationally with Gadfly Dance Company directed by Apolonia Velasquez, in their production of “Klorofyl”. In January 2020, Alyssa created “Improv for The Cause”, a fundraising event for young dancers to raise money for the Australian bushfire crisis and raised over $2000 for Australian Red Cross. Alyssa has extensive teaching and choreographic experience with students of all ages and levels and has been recognized for her innovative choreography, receiving countless awards for her vision and creativity. Many of her students have gone on to pursue professional dance careers, with students training at SUNY Purchase Dance, Arts Umbrella, and Ryerson University’s Dance program. She is an established freelance guest teacher and choreographer and is in constant demand at studios, intensives and workshops across Canada. She is currently on faculty with Dance Attack and Toronto Dance Teacher Expo. Alyssa aims to inspire and motivate all those who she works with, and is dedicated to a life of education in dance and art.
Stephanie Paquet
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Stephanie is a dancer, aerialist and singer originally from Ottawa, Canada. She began competitive dance at the age of 9 years old and has trained in a wide variety of styles, including Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballroom and Latin Ballroom. She studied Ballet under the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus, and studied Hip Hop extensively, gaining experience in House, Popping, and Locking. She has trained at renown studios worldwide including Urban Dance Camp (Germany), Millennium Dance Complex (LA), Broadway Dance Center (NYC), Amsterdam Dance Center (Netherlands) and Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
Upon obtaining a B.Sc in Psychology, she began her professional career with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line on the Vision of the Seas. Her career then took her to RWS Entertainment Group for Holland America Line, and Cirque du Soleil. In 2019, Stephanie joined one of Norwegian Cruise Line's largest ships, the Norwegian Bliss, dancing in the broadway-style production HAVANA! choreographed by the Tony Award-winning choreographer Warren Carlyle, and singing in Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical. She was then seen on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas in the featured show Spectra's Cabaret, a production that combines hip hop, jazz and aerial.
Stephanie cumulates over 10 years of teaching and choreography experience, and is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA). She worked as cochoreographer for the National WE Day 2015 and is certified to teach the early grades of the RAD syllabus. Her choreography has won multiple awards. She enjoys helping young dancers improve their skills and artistry by sharing her knowledge of the art and body.
Presli O’Donnell
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Presli O’Donnell is an innovative, award winning choreographer and a creative, confident dance teacher. She is the artistic director, owner and performer for LEVEL UP Dance Company in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Presli is a graduate of the Elite Professional Semester at Broadway Dance Centre in New York, where she double specialized in tap and hip hop, and was honored to choreograph the tap piece for the finale at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. She is a graduate of the Blue Moose Media digital marketing program, she completed her CDTA advanced tap at age of 14 and is Alixa Flexibility instructor certified.
Presli began dancing at age three and trained extensively in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and acro. As a versatile performer, she trained and competed throughout Canada and the United States, winning numerous top overall performer awards. Presli danced with country singer Brett Kissel at the opening ceremonies for the Canada Games in 2019. She did pop up wedding proposals and events with Ali Koinoglou in New York City. She was a member of 306 Elite Dance Company in Saskatchewan. She frequently attended the Syncopated Ladies summer camps in Los Angeles, as well as Bobby’s Beat Camp (hip hop) and Travis Wall’s Contemporary camps at Dancerpalooza in southern California. Presli believes as artists we are always students and continues to train. She recently attended RIFF Dance convention in Dallas where she was chosen to be part of the film residency as well as Anthony Morigerato’s residency program. Presli continues to train with Lisa La Touche, Michelle Dorrance, and Charles Renato live and online and has upcoming plans to do more training in New York city.
Presli has been choreographing since a very young age and has many years of experience in multiple forms of dance. She is currently teaching and choreographing at the prestigious Dance Connection in North Battleford where she trains competitive dancers of the highest level in genres of tap, hip hop, contemporary and lyrical. This is her fourth year as a
choreographer/teacher with the Dance Connection plus she travels to other studios to set performance pieces.
She is excited to be part of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and share her knowledge, experience and incredible love of dance with the world. Presli recalls the adjudicators who made her feel super special and the stage moments and words that will resonate with her
forever and can’t wait to make that same impact on upcoming young dancers.