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Madison Rath
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Madison has been dancing since the age of two. She grew up in Ancaster Ontario where she danced competitively for 16 years. Madison has trained in several dance styles such as Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Musical theatre and Modern dance. During her years competing she has won numerous awards and titles throughout both regional and national competitions across Canada. Madison worked with the Hamilton Ballet Youth Ensemble in her teenage years and performed in the Cuban Ballet Company’s “The Nutcracker”. Madison teaches competitively where her routines and choreography have won and been recognized for numerous special awards and overalls such as a top young choreographer at Shine dance regionals and many more.
Madison has completed her BFA Honours in Dance (Specialty in contemporary dance and choreography) at York University. She has choreographed for several contemporary dance shows at York University over the years including 2013’s York Dances, and 2015 Dance Innovations receiving honours in the choreography specialty.
Teaching and inspiring young dancers has always been Madison’s greatest passion. Madison Understands how important those moments are to a child on stage and is excited to use her knowledge and love for dance to the judging panel
Jessica Rocchetti
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Starting dance at the tender age of three, Jessica has extensive training in all genres. She believes that in order to further advance yourself, you need to be exposed to all aspects of dance. Being a competitive dancer was not enough for Jessica as she challenged her skills and knowledge to become an assistant at the age of 10. By the age of 18, she was a certified dance teacher. She has participated in dance conventions and has the opportunity to work one on one with well known choregraphers from Canada and the United States, such as Shannon Mathers, Blake McGrath and Linda Garneau.
Jessica has been awarded numerous titles and awards, whom now her students have followed in the same foot steps. Winning both regional and national titles, Jessica is continuously being inspired by the nature of her students. She has been awarded several Choreogrpahy Awards, Special Awards and Overalls for her routines. Jessica was also chosen across Canada to promote tap shoes for the one and only “So Danca”.
Jessica is a member of Dance Masters of America and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. She has also completed ballet exams under the Royal Academy of Dance. She is currently a guest teacher and choregraphs for various organizations, schools and dance studios. Jessica’s only hope is that she can teach young dancers to grow, love and appreciate dance as much as she does.
Connie Rotella
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As the owner and artistic director of Danse 1…2…3, Montreal’s premiere triple threat performing arts studio since 2006, Connie Rotella has had the privilege of helping many young artists develop their talents.
Connie has been dancing, teaching, choreographing and directing professionally for the past twenty years, working in different styles of dance and performance, on film, television and stage. She trained primarily in Montreal and Toronto and participated in numerous dance workshops in New York and Los Angeles. Closest to her heart has been representing and helping young up-and-coming Canadian performers get established in their careers. This year alone, some of her students will get a chance to dance in the Disney Parade in Orlando!
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As a dancer/choreographer/actress, Connie has worked closely with many casting agents for commercials and music videos. She participated as a guest judge on Le Match Des Étoiles on Radio-Canada, and was the first Canadian asked to give a theatrical workshop to the contestants of Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance, Poland. She recently choreographed and staged a scene for the Hollywood movie, White House Down. This gave her the opportunity to work with some of the leading producers in the film industry.
Connie has directed and produced hit shows such as Forever Broadway, Musical Show Off, Panto, and many more with her production company BronCon since 2010.
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Connie has also worked in many touring productions such as The Musical Revue “Danse-Sing” and Il était une fois un Cabaret, where she contributed to the production as the assistant director, as a choreographer and also as one of the dancers/singers on stage. This production toured theatres across Canada, the U.S. (Cesar’s Palace-Atlantic City), and Europe (Les Folies Bergères-Paris). She also toured for the Canadian Forces which brought her to the Middle-East, Germany, Bosnia, the Arctic, Newfoundland and Masset, B.C.
A major success in Connie’s professional career is the Heart of Life Production, a story expressed in voice and movement, inspired by the miracle that saved her son’s life. He was born with a heart malformation and underwent a life-saving open heart surgery. Today he is a happy and healthy little boy who enjoys dancing in his mom’s studio. She also created, produced and directed the Heart of Life song as part of a production that will soon be touring in the near future.
She is currently working on a live talk show focused on performing artists. Affiliating herself with casting agencies is her next step to promote the young upcoming performers in the business. Not one to rest on her laurels, Connie’s goal is to establish herself as a writer, director and producer.
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Connie’s accomplishments have made her a strong, creative, dynamic, and multi-talented individual. She aspires to heighten her success in the field about which she is so passionate. Focused and determined, Connie is tireless in working to achieve her goals.
Nakita Rees
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Born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario, Nakita has advanced training in tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and hip-hop, and continues to advance her skills by taking classes and workshops wherever and whenever she can. She is currently in the process of completing an Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology-minor Psychology Degree at the University of Waterloo, while continuing to work as a professional dancer, choreographer, dance teacher, adjudicator, and personal trainer. In 2007, Nakita headed off to Riesa, Germany, where she represented Canada at the World Dance Championships. Nakita took on the role of Captain of the Universities varsity competitive dance team for the past 4 years of her university degree, where she brought the team to a standing of Fifth Overall Top School in Canada. Nakita also spent a contract on a professional company called “ONE Movement”, who’s goal was to educate, empower, and inspire elementary children about bullying through movement and dance. Back then; she loved sharing the stage with talented dancers across Canada. Now, Nakita enjoys being back in the studio and watching the new generation of dancers grow! Dance has always been one of Nakita’s biggest inspirations in her life, and she loves being able to share her passion with others!
“I dance because, there’s no greater feeling in the world than moving to a piece of music and letting the rest of the world disappear”
Rebecca Reinhart
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Rebecca Reinhart originally from Calgary Alberta, now living in Toronto Ontario, works professionally in the industry as an actor, dancer, director and choreographer. Her choreography can be seen in music videos for artists such as Lights, Classified and MUGZ, and in an award winning musical and dance production NUMBERS. Rebecca has also created and directed two short films based around movement and dance called AGAPE and Would You Babe. Her strong and diversified technical dance background, trained in ADAPT, and dancing in a professional company with Brian Foley for over 12 years, allows Rebecca to work within many fields. Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Lyrical are only a few of her dance fortes. Rebecca has coached children in performance and acting for the Stampede Talent Competition in Calgary, has been teaching all styles of dance for over 10 years. Miss Reinhart has now moved on to adjudicating dance competitions, including Kiwanis Dance Festival, judging dance battles such as Hip Hop Krismas and has recently joined the PAA(Professional Adjudicators Alliance). Through her involvement as Assistant Director and Assistant Producer for KOKUS Productions, Rebecca has choreographed for, performed in, and emceed for shows such as “Fringe Festival”, ‘The Bazaar’, ‘Talent Defined’, and more.
Lindsay Ritter
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Lindsay attended The Randolph Performance Academy in Toronto where she trained in dance, drama and vocal. Lindsay has performed as a singer/dancer on film, tv and stage across the globe. Some of Lindsay’s performance credits include: Fame-The Musical, Legends Tribute Show, MuchMusic, City TV, The Comedy Network, Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Lindsay has judged a variety of dance competitions in Canada & the USA. She is well versed in many dance styles such as jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, ballet, musical theatre, and tap!
Lindsay is the Artistic Director of LR Dance, Toronto's first Commercial Dance Company. Offering a variety of unique dance services, LR Dance is known for it's high-energy performances, superior events, master workshops with celebrity choreographers, dance training programs and more!
Currently, Lindsay is running the Scholarship Dance Program in Toronto. Scholarship creates an artistic and enlightening atmosphere where emerging dance artists are provided with an opportunity to train and work with leading dance industry educators, choreographers, and companies. This two-year dance training and education program teaches dancers how to become professionally assertive, artistically confident and, most importantly, gives them the direction they need to enter the field of dance successfully after graduation.
For more info visit: www.scholarshipdance.com
Lindsay is also in charge of all bookings for the entertainment group, LR Productions, which provides professional dancers and uniquely packaged dance productions for corporate events, shows and entertainment. Our dancers have performed for many events in the Toronto area including Rogers, City TV, Much Music, West Jet, Ontario Real Estate Association, CIBC, R4 Fashion show, The United Way, The Bazaar, Women in Dance, Choreographers Ball, and MORE!
Lindsay’s rapport with her team is reflected in her confidence and professional relationships she has built over the years. With the combination of training and work experience, Lindsay has been able to transform her love for dance into a successful and rewarding career.
Visit www.lindsayritter.com to get up-to-date information on workshops, training programs, auditions and shows!
Stephanie Rutherford
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Stephanie Rutherford currently resides in Toronto, Canada where she is an in demand teacher and innovative choreographer locally and throughout Western Canada. Originally hailing from Winnipeg, she has trained extensively in jazz,
ballet, contemporary, tap and hip hop under the direction of Barbara Daurie
and during her younger years at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Rutherford is known to
evolve her students and other dancers with no limitations and has won
numerous choreography awards, overalls and professional recognition for her
cutting edge work.
Recently, she had her choreography showcased and profiled on MTV Canada, danceplug.com (Los Angeles), The Dish Segment (Los Angeles), Toronto Choreographers Ball (2010, 2011), Toronto Pride TD Main Stage, Women In Dance (2010, 2011) Lynzie Kent's music video "Whoop De Doo", Canadian Dance Masters of America Convention (Chapter 22, faculty) and has work shopped projects with professional companies and studios around Canada. She's also professionally danced with Faye Rauw's Company show, Shawn Desman, Virgin Mobile AD,
Buck Productions (Breast Cancer awareness commercial) slice TV, Much Music,
MTV and many industrials/ corporate events throughout the city.
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Having her theater and film major from the U of W has helped her merge
into the world of acting and directing, which ultimately has inspired her
to teach with a new creative direction in dance. She's currently on faculty at Metro Movement (One of Canada's Leading Schools of Professional dance) teaching advanced contemporary drop in's, Guest
teacher at OIP dance center, Guest choreographer at Sean Boutilier Academy
of Dance, Guest Teacher at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and recently a new member to the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Anali Reizvikh
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A contemporary ballet dancer originally from Alberta, Anali has trained at the Alberta Ballet School of Dance and throughout Canada with some of the most respected names in dance; including Evelyn Hart, Veronica Tennant and Nancy and Murray Kilgour. Her passion for dance inspired Anali to become not only a professional dancer, but also a teacher; giving back to the dance community that was so generous to her. She is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Dance's Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies with over six years of teaching and choreography experience; she is currently directing the RAD program at two studios in Toronto. Anali was the assistant choreographer for the National Ballet School’s International Dance Day in 2011. She is also registered as a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Currently based in Toronto as a freelance dance artist, she continues to travel and work as a guest choreographer and teacher.
Daniella Rousal
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Daniella has been a professional dancer, choreographer, producer and educator for over 20 years. Her dance styles include: Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballroom and Latin.
She is an accredited teacher by major dance associations both in Canada and the United States. She was the Artistic Director of a successful dance academy with many of her students having gone on to work in New York City, on Broadway in principal roles, with the Radio City Rockettes, on various cruise lines, in independent professional production companies, professional performances throughout Canada, the United States and Europe as well as acceptance to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Daniella has achieved international acclaim for her entertaining and stylized choreography. She has also produced, directed, staged and choreographed large productions.
Having performed in many professional stage and theatrical venues, Daniella also held International style Ballroom (Standard and Latin) 10-dance championship titles in Canada plus a top ranking in the World Championships held in Blackpool, England.
With a background of tremendous achievement and experience, Daniella is an inspiring performer, instructor, choreographer and adjudicator.
Terena Rae
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Terena began dancing at four years old. Twenty years later, her love for dance and passion for competition have led her through professional contests and into a teaching role. Terena is currently instructing recreational, competitive, and B.A.T.D-exam classes in a variety of styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, musical theatre, and acro. Both Miss Rea and her students have been recognized with many overall and choreography awards throughout the years, and look forward to continuing success in the future.
STAGE/TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Instructor at Theatre Dance Academy
Guest teacher for dance workshops
Choreographed many cheerleading routines
"Special Awards" Judge for Jump Shout Boogie Competition
Performed in Juju's Music Video "Sugar Daddy", American Bowl, Ontario Summer Games, 50's/60's show at Casino Niagara, Dancer for Impersonators and Bobby Curtola, Line Dancing, Salsa, BBQ Conventions, Weddings, Parties, Dinner Theatres, Galas and many Industrial Shows and Corporate Events throughout Ontario
CERTIFICATIONS:
B.A.T.D. - Ballet, Jazz, Tap
Member of P.A.A.
French Immersion Certificate
Rhonda Roberts
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Rhonda Roberts is an accomplished performer, instructor and adjudicator of dance who has appeared in productions across North America and Europe. She was awarded a full scholarship and later the triple threat award from the acclaimed Randolph Academy in Toronto. Rhonda has performed in several stage productions. Most notably she danced in the Broadway show Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, toured with the U.S. National company of the Tony® Award-winning musical Ragtime, played the role as Shenzi in the Tony Award-winning show Disney’s The Lion King at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre and performed in Guys and Dolls and Anything Goes at the prestigious Stratford Festival. On screen Ms. Roberts has appeared in the Academy Award®-winning film Chicago and will appear in the upcoming New Line Cinema release Hairspray The Movie. She has been teaching and adjudicating dance for over 15 years. Her résumé includes instructing at McMaster University, University of Toronto, Steps Performing Arts Centre in Hamilton, National Dance Theatre and Randolph Academy in Toronto. She has been an adjudicator for Terpsichore Dance Celebration, American Dance Awards, and The World Dance Championships in Orlando, Florida. Rhonda recently received acclaim for directing and choreographing a production of The Wiz for the Toronto Montessori Schools. Ms. Roberts also holds a degree in Sociology from McMaster University.
Amey Rahey
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Amey began her dance training in Cape Breton, NS, and currently resides in Toronto, ON. She has trained extensively in numerous styles and has always sought out additional dance education. As a young dancer, she has had the opportunity to work closely with highly respected choreographers such as Blake McGrath, Teddy Forance, Nick Lazzarini, and Bobby Newberry. Amey began choreographing at a very young age, and has received numerous awards and scholarships at events across North America throughout her dance career. She is best known for her unique style of movement, as well as her commitment to the development of young artists. Having graduated in 2015 with a B.Comm. degree and a major in accounting, Amey is now a freelance choreographer, instructor, and the Creative Director of both Elite Dance Productions (a touring competition and convention company) and DFRNT Dance (an intimate artist development program). Amey has been chosen to take part in many renowned training programs, such as The Gypsy Project LA, the Dana Foglia Dance Training Program, the SoulEscape Company Intensive, and the RUBBERBANDance Winter Workshop. These programs allowed her to work alongside a select group of dancers to study under artists such as Erica Sobol, Dana Foglia, Justin Giles, Victor Quijada, Jiri Pokorny, Tilman O’Donnell, Medhi Walerski, Lisa Ebeyer, David Harvey, Dana Wilson, Will Johnston, Jen Osorio Pendleton, and Alan Salazar, to name a few. She recently participated in The Galen Hooks Method Artist Development session, under the direction of Galen Hooks. Additionally, she has performed in multiple shows as a company member of Justin Giles’ SoulEscape in Dallas and Los Angeles, and has taught at DancePlex, Arizona’s top professional drop-in studio. She is also a proud member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance. Amey continues to seek out opportunities in order to fulfill her desire to perform and continuously grow as an artist.
Sarah Rorabeck
CAEA, ABATD, Adv.Dip MT-Perf., PAA
Sarah Rorabeck has 13 years of experience educating children ages 3-18 in dance. As a teacher who still works with recreational, part-time and full-time competitive students, she is well versed in all genres, and specializes in Tap, Musical Theatre and Jazz. Currently, Sarah works full-time choreographing award-winning competitive pieces and putting students through their BATD examinations in Tap, Jazz, Modern and Acro.
Sarah Rorabeck is a graduate, with honours, of Sheridan’s prestigious Music Theatre Performance program, where she extensively studied dance, vocal and acting. She holds her Associate level teacher’s membership in the BATD in both tap and jazz, and is an accredited adjudicator through Judge Alliance’s PAA program. She is a member of the CAEA and has performed professionally in several musicals at Neptune Theatre (NS), the Charlottetown Festival (PEI) and TIFT (Ont) with some film and television work thrown in the mix.
Sarah is very passionate about dance education, specifically teaching clean and safe technique and exploring performance styles within different genres. She has won several ‘Best Choreography’ awards, specifically for her Tap and Musical Theatre work. Currently she teaches 6 days a week at Chrome Dance Centre in Oshawa, Ont. She strongly believes dance teaches such incredible life lessons, and she is thrilled to be able to pass on her knowledge to today’s brave and passionate dancers.
Alberto Ramirez
Alberto Ramirez began his training at the age of fourteen years old in Chihuahua, Mexico at the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education. His primary focus was ballet, jazz and musical theatre. He then continued at ITESM for post secondary education where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Communications while continuing to train in Monterrey, Mexico. After graduating, Mr. Ramirez was accepted on a full scholarship to the EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles, California under the direction of Bill Prudich. During his time at the EDGE, he was given the opportunity to work with many acclaimed professionals including: Adam Parson, Terri Best, Ryan Heffington, Tovaris Wilson and Josie Walsh. During this time, Mr. Ramirez was invited to perform with MYO Dance Company under the direction of Miss Josie Walsh where he performed as both a dancer and aerialist. Mr. Ramirez was also given the opportunity to perform as a principal dancer in a creation by Cindera Che at the Choreographer’s Ball in Los Angeles, California. He has performed as a dancer with My Chemical Romance on their tour in Long Beach, California under the direction of JT Hornstein, as well as benefit performances for Telemundo at Universal Studios. After leaving Los Angeles, he was hired to perform in Tokyo Disney Sea in Mystic Rhythms and the inaugural cast of Precious Treasures of Agrabah. He has completed fourteen contracts with Carnival Cruise Lines, Azamara Club Cruises and Royal Caribbean International as both dance and aerial captain. His most recent accomplishment is with Royal Caribbean International performing as a featured dancer and aerialist in Starwater, created and choreographed by Moment Factory and On the Fly. Mr. Ramirez has worked with students of all ages both recreationally and professionally. He is passionate about sharing his love of performance and experience with over 25 years in the dance industry. He is always looking for ways to grow as a dancer, teacher, adjudicator and mentor.
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Diana Radcliffe
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Most recently Diana Radcliffe is the co-owner of Mahogany Dance Arts in Calgary, Alberta alongside her business partner. Diana continues to bring her expertise in dance training & choreography to dancers of all ages. Her knowledge has contributed to developing many talented & aspiring young dancers, successful studio competitive programs, summer dance programs & creating new outlets for young dancers to learn & grow.
Prior to owing a studio Diana was contracted throughout the city teaching & choreographing for local studios for 10 years strong after working globally as a Professional dancer.
Dancing professionally gave Diana the opportunity to be featured as a dancer in 42nd Street Rainbow Stage Winnipeg, Toronto Raptors Dance team, various corporate Industrials, Celebrity Cruises feature dancer/dance captain and “Ariel” from the Little Mermaid in the opening cast of Tokyo Disney Sea in Japan.
Diana has also received numerous personal accolades, awards & grants for outstanding choreography & contributions to the arts.
Diana is thrilled to be able to continue to share her love of dance with many more children throughout the dance community & looks forward to watching you all dance!
Heather Rodd
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Heather Rodd, born and raised in the UK has been a dance educator and
choreographer for over 10 years. She is passionate about shaping future
performers and dance artists. She completed her honours degree at the
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in London, England, receiving a BA
(Hons) in Ballet Education. She studied extensively in classical ballet,
neoclassical, modern dance, contemporary, dance education and
choreography. Heather continued her teacher training and completed 4
teaching diplomas under the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
(ISTD). Her highest teaching award being a Diploma in Dance Education
(DDE) in both Tap and Modern Theatre. Since arriving in Canada, she is
now also qualified in the Acrobatic Arts and Progressive Ballet Technique
(PBT). Heather was brought up with music her whole life and is a
classically trained singer and continued her studies of music into the
musical theatre genre.
Heather has a passion for choreography and set up her own youth dance
company in England for students wanting to get into the industry. Her
students successfully auditioned for top ballet and musical theatre
professional schools in the world including The Royal Ballet School,
Elmhurst Ballet School and Urdang Academy. Many of her students have
gone on to perform in the dance industry, in musicals, ballet companies,
cruises, bollywood and commercially. Heather choreographed an individual
piece for the Internationally renowned Genee Ballet Competition and since
arriving in Canada, has won many choreography awards for solos, duos
and groups in Classical Ballet, Demi Character, Contemporary, Jazz,
Variety, Musical theatre and Hip hop.
She looks forward to working with and encouraging the emerging artists in Canada.
Gillian Rodrigues
Gillian Rodrigues is a passionate and innovative dance artist, choreographer, and educator. She grew up dancing in and around the GTA and has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, freestyle, modern, hip hop, acrobatics, musical theatre and more. Her broad training led her to study under world-renowned artists like Blake McGrath, Luther Brown, Tokyo, and Mandy Moore. Gillian won numerous awards as a dancer, including Face of Fever, Top Soloist,
Dance-off Champion, and various convention Breakout Dancer Awards/Scholarships. Gillian pursued post-secondary education, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Degrees in the hope of furthering her passion for teaching and inspiring developing youth, as a
certified OCT teacher. While attending university, Gillian began her professional choreographic journey dancing and choreographing for her nationally ranked university dance team. During this time, Gillian began teaching dance and choreographing competitive pieces for dancers at a range of levels. Gillian later became a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and has
judged and critiqued competitive dances at a number of events and competitions. With eight years of instructional experience, she continues to travel to create award-winning pieces for numerous dance studios and is sought after for her thoughtful technique training that aims to support dancers in developing foundational skills to further their dance careers. With her commitment to youth development and love for dance, Gillian is devoted to working with young
artists to help them reach their highest potential.