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Kelly Summers
Kelly Summers is an accomplished dancer, instructor and studio owner of The Dance Class in Milton, Ontario. She is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program, graduating with distinction and as class valedictorian. She holds her Associate Status with the Cecchetti Society of Canada and her R.T. S. with the Royal Academy of Dance. Her performance career includes Musical Theatre Productions, Industrial Work and Ballet/Contemporary Repertoire across Canada, the USA and Bermuda. She now focuses her passion for dance on teaching, which has taken her across Canada and the United States, teaching classes and workshops in ballet, jazz, lyrical and contemporary. For two years she was Ballet Director at In Motion School of Dance in Bermuda. Kelly currently holds her Advanced Two diploma with distinction from the Royal Academy of Dance, Advanced Two diploma with the Cecchetti Society of Canada and her Advanced One diploma with the I.S.T.D. National Branch. She is an advocate of Arts education for all ages through community outreach and high school programs. Her goal is to develop young dancers into passionate artists with technique, creativity, focus, and an undying love for their craft.
Jennifer Clare Thiessen
Jennifer Clare Thiessen was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. Jennifer is a trapeze artist, aerialist and performance troupe member for Toronto based Circus Company A2D2, lead choreographer for The Tropicana Queens and Dreams Entertainment, and is on the faculty of Toronto Talent Intensive. You can watch her turn into a tiger on this seasons’ Masters of Illusion (Season 2), which airs on the CW Network. She was recently nominated by Broadwayworld.com as "Best Ensemble Cast" for the Monty Python musical SPAMALOT (Lower Ossington Theatre). Jen just performed in WEST SIDE STORY (Rainbow Stage) and SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (Capitol Theatre). Prior to this travelled the world as a dance captain and aerialist on board some of the worlds largest cruise ships, working for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival Cruise Lines, working with choreographers whose credits include Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, One Direction, and Robbie Williams. On board, she also met her Canadian husband Brent and moved to Toronto, where she continues to pursuit her dreams! @jenniferclareorgan @JenOrg
Kianna Tucker
Since the age of 2, Kiana has excelled in the performing arts. Beginning her
competitive career at the age of 4, she has won countless awards in every
discipline. Her expertise in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary and
Lyrical makes her an essential part of any judging panel. Kiana continues to
take master classes and workshops to enhance her pedagogic pursuits, and
teaches as part of the faculty of Dimensions in Dance. She has had the
privilege of assisting with industry leaders such as: Kimberly Kay, Jay T.
Schramek, Kathryn Kuwabara, Andrew Prashad, Kerry Gage, Marinda Davis,
Danny Lawn, Kristy Bagetta, David Cox and Gerard McIsaac.
In addition to teaching and choreographing, she loves to perform and was a part of the ensemble in Footloose at Centre in the Square for KWMP. Kiana is currently earning her Bachelor of Education Degree at Wilfrid Laurier and Nippissing Universities. Her studies enhance her ability to communicate and positively evaluate children of all ages.
While teaching and attending university, Kiana continues to train towards her Advanced II RAD Ballet Certification. She is a dedicated, hard-working and passionate individual who truly loves to watch the dancers under her tutelage grow and improve.
Stephanie Sturino
Stephanie has been dancing for over 18 years and has technically trained in jazz, tap,ballet, acrobatics, contemporary, hip-hop, and pointe. She trained at the JoAnne Chapman School of Dance where she received her teaching Certificate in Stage with the B.A.T.D, and became a member of R.A.D. Stephanie has taught students at many levels for the past 8 years.
Her love for dance and teaching has continued past her competitive career as she recently graduated from Brock University where she received both her teaching degree in Dramatic Arts and English, as well as her Bachelor of Arts Honours. Stephanie plans to continue with dance and acting in hopes of hitting the big screen one day!
Stephanie has had the pleasure of being taught by choreographers such as Mandy Moore, Travis Wall, Nick Lazzarini, Brian Freidman, Mia Michaels, Blake McGrath and more. She has attended many workshops such as Nuvo, Jump Dance Convention, West Coast Dance Explosion, and The Pulse. Stephanie has been a recipient of numerous regional and national championships, special awards and scholarships.
Stephanie has also had the opportunity to be a part of the The Bella Dancerella Pop Star Video
Stephanie hopes to share her passion for dance with her students and is looking forward to every creative outlet that is thrown her way!
Melissa is a passionate, award-winning choreographer best known for
her innovative and creative concepts. She has been named and won Best Overall Choreographer both regionally and nationally countless times over the span of her career. She is a very sought after contemporary/lyrical teacher and choreographer who has also won many teacher recognition awards and the highest mark of many competitions. Melissa has spent more than a decade as a Competitive Director, a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, a very passionate dance judge and faculty member at Sheridan Collage. Most recently she resides with Ballet Etc as their contemporary and lyrical competitive teacher and choreographer. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and understanding from all sides of the business. Melissa has been training and studying all forms of dance since the age of 5 and also became a professionally working singer and actor. She spent 3 years living and working in New York City after she was the sole recipient of the National Scholarship Award to attend The American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Throughout Melissa’s career she has performed on stages in Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto, NYC, LA and overseas on a cruise ship. She has been fortunate to be a part of some amazing casts and companies. Some of Melissa’s favorite roles played are “Millie” from Thoroughly Modern Millie, “Queenie” from The Wild Party, “Shirley Temple” from A Day in Hollywood, “The Narrator” from A Christmas Carol, “Sue” from Rock Around the Clock, “Tzietel” from Fiddler on the Roof and principal dancer in “The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe” Melissa also spent a summer as a principal dancer and singer at Lake Compounce Theme Park in Connecticut where she shared the same stage as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald many years before her. You can also find her on The Oprah Winfrey Network starring in the TV show “Cold Blood” as the principal character Tamara Tadum. Melissa is very passionate about her dance education and has had the privilege of training with the best in the world. Mia Michaels, Tyce Diorio, Desmond Richardson, Tessandra Chevez, Wade Robson and Brian Freedman just to name a few. Melissa’s extensive acting education and career have also allowed her to guide students in learning how to tap into honest, artistic performances and how to bring any piece to life on stage. She takes her craft very seriously and is driven by a passion to help cultivate raw, honest, sincere work in order to create not just dancers but artists of the future.
Alejandra Valinete Sanchez
Professional performer, teacher, adjudicator and choreographer specialized in Ballet, Modern and performing Latin dance forms at in various countries like Canada, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica and Creebean Islands.
Awarded as the Teacher of the Year at St. Lawrence College in Canada (2007) and Best Choreographer Award from Dance Studio Tecamachalco Mexico. (1986).
With 35 years of extensive experience in performing and teaching, finished her career as Ballet Instructor at the National Ballet School in Mexico City (1987) and complement her studies at The Imperial Society of teachers of Dancing as an Associate.
In addition, she studied in Mexico at the Vaganova School, RAD and The Harlem Ballet. Currently student teacher of the Ceccetti Society of Canada.
She has worked for Professional Training Programs as the Academia de la Danza Mexicana, and Modulo Dancistica Company in Mexico. In Canada has performed, instructed and choreographed for the Ballet Creole Company, Yo-ha-he-o Company as performer.
Faculty member at Metro Movement, Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance and Burlington Dance Company as instructor and choreographer, and at St Lawrence College (2005-2014) as a choreographer (CATS, Cabaret and Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dream Coat) Ballet Instructor and Head of the Dance Department in 2008.
Her Experience in teaching allows her to Adjudicate Ballet in Mexico and Canada (Moose Jaw Festival Saskatchewan), Ultimate Dance Connection, Toronto and Ajax, Israeli Club dance competition, (Mexico).
Also has collaborated with Santee Smith, Alejandro Ronceria, Milton Meyerles, Gaby Camino, Patrick Parson, Debbie Wilson and Donna Greenberg among other Canadian choreographers.Her dance experience includes Classical and Neo-Classical Ballet, Folklore European, and musicals such as Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Walt Disney Tour “Dream is a Wish”.
Choreographing TV shows like Sesame Street, and TV Commercials, gave her the opportunity to be the Creative Director of Conexion en Movimiento (Mexico), a company with extensive experience in managing large scale events and shows for Companies like Reebok, Toyota, Bimbo, LG, Umbro, Trident and Sol and the most recent, as Choreographer Directorfor the Para Pan Games Guadalajara 2011, and the presentation of the mascot 2015 Pan-American games Toronto 2015.
Cristina Sergi
Cristina Sergi is an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer who strivesto encourage, inspire and cultivate dancers who are technically sound, passionate enthusiasts of the art of dance. Cristina is classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, lyrical, contemporary/ modern, musical theatre and hip-hop. She holds a professional teaching certification with the B.A.T.D. (British Association of Teachers of Dancing). She has been teaching professionally for the last twelve years at various studios across the G.T.A. In addition, she is a member with the P.A.A. (Professional Adjudicators Alliance). Cristina’s students have gone on to win countless awards and scholarships to the most prestigious companies across Canada. She has trained and prepared dancers who have gone on to dance with the National Ballet of Canada.
Cristina is also a certified schoolteacher with the York Catholic District School
Board. Upon completion of teachers college Cristina was hired to work as a Dance Artist with the YCDSB. She has created tailored dance programs for the school board combining both the important technical aspects along with the ever-changing styles of dance.
Cristina’s passion for dance began at an early age and has seen her go on to win numerous awards and scholarships as well as train along side some the industries most sought after choreographers and teachers. She continues to further her passion for dance by taking master classes, workshops and attending conferences across North America. Cristina’s Passion for the arts extends to every part of her life and she is thankful for all the wonderful experiences and opportunities she has been afforded through dance.
Cristina is excited to be a part of the adjudicating panel in order to share her
knowledge, passion and love of dance.
Lianne Tammi
Lianne Tammi has been involved in the dance industry since the young age of 5. She has trained extensively in many disciples which include, but are not limited to, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Pointe and Musical Theatre. For over 11 years, she competed with her local dance studio regionally, nationally, and internationally, earning many prestigious titles, awards as well as scholarships for her versatility and performance quality.
Lianne is currently enrolled in the Performance Dance program at Ryerson University. Upon completion, she will receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts. This program has allowed her to work with many well known teachers such as Nadia Potts, Stelio Calagias, Karen Duplisea, Vicki St-Denys, Tanya Evidente and Ryan Lee. Previously, she also studied with Linette Kelly, Mandy Moore, Bonnie Story, Chris Judd, Longinus Fernandez and Trey Barber.
In the last 7 years, she has also been employed as a teacher and choreographer. To obtain further experience and knowledge of the various aspects of the dance industry, Lianne has recently become a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Hardworking, creative and enthusiastic, she is always striving to learn something new and pass it on to her many students across the province. Credits include Orange Bowl, New Voices Festival, David Foster Miracle Gala
Nicky Sperounes
Nicky Sperounes was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She began dancing at the age of 6, and was set on making dance her career path by the age of 11. She entered the professional program at the Edmonton School of Ballet and studied extensively, styles including ballet, jazz, modern, flamenco and contemporary. She also spent summers attending intense trainings at The Banff Center of Fine Arts, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and Alberta Ballet school. Canada Council rewarded her with several grants to continue her pursuit in her art form.
She completed all her R.A.D. and Cecchetti level examinations.
She also had the unique experience of performing regularly with an amateur
dance troupe, Edmonton Festival Ballet. They toured different regions within the province, adding important stage exposure. This company was led by former National Ballet of Canada dancer, Clinton Rothwell.
At 18, she moved to Montreal to further her studies at L’Ecole Superièure de
Danse du Quebec.She completed the graduation program, under tutelage of world class teachers. She then went on to dance professionally, including several productions with The Montreal Opera and Nutcracker with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. She also danced for choreographers Lynda Gaudreau, Howard Richard, Compagnie Sursaut and Le Jeune Ballet du Quebec.
Nicky was elated to become a dancer with Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal in 1998,
a setting that complimented her passion, skill for versatility in movement, ability to learn highly stylized choreographies quickly. She toured and performed in many countries,including Brazil, Malaysia, Thailand, USA, Mexico, Europe and Canada.
A serious injury to her knee ended her active performing career much to short, but she knew that she wanted to continue on a path with movement and dance in a different light. She completed a 2 year AEC fitness program at Champlain College and began to teach amateurs and professionals alike. Over the past 11 years Nicky has etched out her unique style of teaching, bringing enthusiasm, energy and flare to her classes and is renowned for motivating and inspiring her disciples.
Judged for Dance Nation competition in Weyburn, Saskatchewan in 2012, 2013.
Nicky is certified as a personal trainer, group fitness instructor, aqua fitness.
She currently shares her passion for teaching at ICAO (the United Nations),
cegeps and various sporting clubs, as well as private courses.
Her classes include ballet, contemporary, jazz, ballet toning, muscle toning,
cardio dance, stretch and strength conditioning. She teaches a variety of participants, and is known to stimulate and motivate with her wealth of movement and maturity.
She is a member of Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance since December, 2013
Shelby Thoms
Shelby Thoms holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Ryerson University and is member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance. Ms. Thoms trained as a competitive dancer for many years, earning numerous awards in many styles. She is proud to have worked with and performed under a number of notable choreographers and teachers, including Allen Kaeja, William Yong, Nadia Potts, Karen Duplisea, and Vicki St. Denys. Ms. Thoms has continued her training and development attending summer programs at Toronto Dance Theatre and École de Danse Contemporaine de Montréal. She is extremely proud of her well-rounded training as a dancer in many genres as well as training in both acting and singing. Ms. Thoms recently became a company member of Simcoe Contemporary Dancers and works organizing collaborative shows of music, art and dance in her hometown of Bradford.
Ms.Thoms has extensive experience teaching and choreographing competitively, recreationally, and privately. She has spent the past eight years working to help grow a studio in her community. Her choreography and students have won numerous awards throughout Canada she is often sought out to choreograph and teach workshops. Her passion to better herself and her students as an artist and dancer is unparalleled.
Kylie Thompson
Born and raised in Barrie, Ontario, Kylie has now been training in various styles of dance for over twenty years. Her passion for music and movement is undeniable. Her multi-faceted background includes extensive training in ballet through the Royal Academy of Dance, jazz, tap, modern, musical theatre, and in the past five years she has become greatly invested in exploring various street styles.
She has travelled to the United States and has received training with many Industry leaders including Luther Brown, Chonique Sneed, Gigi Torres,
Kevin Maher, Cat Cogliandro, within Canada she has been fortunate to train extensively with the likes of Linda Garneau, Apolonia & Ofilio, Leon Blackwood, Leah Totten, Alvin Collantes and many more. She furthered her education in movement with an honours degree in kinesiology from McMaster University, with a focus on movement mechanics and physiology.
She now enjoys teaching and sharing her knowledge with students at various
studios across Ontario, teaching guest workshops as well as regular classes at studios in the Toronto area.
She has been a guest choreographer for McMaster's Verve Dance team, with whom her choreography has won numerous awards. She has also staged her work at ABA Entertainment's The Bazaar, and the Two Worlds Apart charity showcase in Toronto.
She has trained and performed with Toronto's all-female hip hop crew BOSS Dance Company, who recently finished in the top 3 at The Beatdown National Hip hop competition. She was also selected by LA choreographer Gigi Torres to perform at Toronto's World of Dance Showcase in September 2012. She has performed at numerous showcases in and out of Toronto, including Toronto Original Choreographer’s Ball, Talent Defined, ScotiaBank Nuit Blanche, Toronto PRIDE, and recently with DARK Dance Company at Monsters of Hip hop in
Washington, DC.
She was a principal dancer in Canadian Rapper Classified’s latest music video. Now in her second season of adjudicating, she is a member of the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance and offers a fresh yet highly educated and diverse perspective while judging Canada’s next generation of talent. Kylie is quickly becoming known as an innovative, driven and passionate dance professional. She believes as artists we are always students, and she continues to train as she explores what the dance industry has to offer
Samantha Schleese
Samantha Schleese’s presence is full of sophistication and vibrant frequencies. Her versatility in dance shines through her craft as a performer and instructor. A Toronto based professional dance artist, Samantha is trained in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Salsa, even American Ballroom Styles. With over 17 years of dance experience, Samantha is not only an avid dancer in the community but also teaches and choreographs works across Canada and throughout the GTA.
Samantha has danced and toured throughout the UK with MAP Dance Company. There, she has worked under such choreographers as Saju Hari, Kiera Martin, Yael Flexor, Lila Dance, Matteo Fargion and the late great Nigel Charnock (DV8). During her tour, Samantha completed her Masters in Performance Dance specializing in Contemporary dance. Samantha has also completed BFA in Dance from York University alongside dancing with the YorkU Hip Hop Team Stylewize.
Most recently, her dance company, SaMel Tanz, was part of the 2019 DanceWorks CoWorks Series and debuted their fifth production, Mind-ful(l), which raised awareness about mental illness within the dance community. Previous productions include: that “F” word at the Next Stage Toronto Fringe Festival in January of 2018, receiving NNNN from NOW Magazine and 3 out 4 stars from the Globe and Mail; The “F” Word (2017) (nominated for Outstanding Contemporary Production by My Entertainment World). Other works include “Bossed Up” performed at Breakin’ Convention 2018 at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and CBC’s “Interpretive Facts” online segment.
Samantha has performed for major corporations such as PFAFF Audi, Bud Light Sensations and the Royal Ontario Museum. Samantha is also a part of Hip Hop crew, DEUCEnDIP. With the crew, they have performed for World Pride, Canada’s Walk of Fame Festival and WE DAY. Samantha has also worked and performed with such companies as Pratibha Arts, ABS Crew, Gadfly, and Evolution Dance Theatre. Follow her company @sameltanz and www.sameltanz.com.
Kaitlin Taylor-Rivet
Kaitlin is technically trained in RAD and Cechetti Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Tumbling, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre & Hip Hop. She competed for sixteen years all over North America winning such titles as Mini Miss, Junior Miss, Senior Miss, Top Overall Score of the Competition and numerous scholarships. She has been working in the industry since the age of three as a triple threat. Credits include “Two” (TIFF), “The Perfect Man” (Hilary Duff Movie), “Oliver” (Princess of Wales), “Anne of Green Gables” (Serendipity Prod), “”Annie”& “Snoopy” (A.C.T.), “Sesame Street Live”, “Sears Fashion show” “ Upstaging Cancer”, “Puttin’ on the Ritz- Gala for Cystic Fibrosis” and “Women In Dance”. Kaitlin also auditioned for Triple Sensation making it into the Top 30 Triple Threat performers across Canada. Kaitlin is now the Co-Director and Competitive Team Coordinator of Taylor Dance Centre in Toronto where she has been teaching and choreographing for 9 years. She has choreographed not only in North America but has made return visits to do Tap choreography in Ireland.
Tracy Smith
Tracy grew up dancing at “Let’s Dance Studio of Dance” in Orillia, Ontario. In her youth Tracy danced competitive throughout North America receiving many over-all and special awards. Dancing was always a passion to Tracy. She began assisting with younger students when she was 12 years old and teaching her own classes at age 15. This passion also inspired her to open her own studio in 2004. Over the years, Tracy’s students and chorography have received many awards at competitions.
Tracy believes that the dance world is always changing and continues training on a regular bases studying with Shawn Byfield, Everett Smith, Kim Chalovich & Luther Brown to name a few. Tracy is a member of the Advanced Performance Company at TDC (Tap Dance Company,) P.A.E.C (Performing Arts Educators of Canada,) and PAA (Professional Adjudicators Alliance.)
Kelly Smith
Kelly began her dance training in her hometown of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and has been dancing for 22 years. She is trained in Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, Modern and Tap. Kelly’s education includes a B.F.A in dance with a Jazz concentration from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as a graduate of the Dance Masters of America Teacher’s Training School in Buffalo, New York. She is currently an active member of CDMA. For the past 12 years she has been choreographing and teaching students throughout North America and her students have been recognized with numerous regional and national awards. As a dedicated teacher and adjudicator Kelly can always be found not only encouraging students in dance, but in life lessons as well.
Kareen Senechal
Kareen has been studying dance for 25 years and is a graduate of the Dance Arts Program at Cambrian College, as well as, a graduate of the Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School, University at Buffalo. For 15 years, she has been a member of the Canadian Dance Masters of America, Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America. Kareen is a certified examiner for CDMA and served as the Director of Examinations for 10 years administering the annual teacher exams. She is a proud member of Professional Adjudicators Alliance and looks forward to sharing her dance knowledge and expertise.
Kareen is the owner and Director of Dance Vision Performing Arts Studio in Barrie, Ontario. She is an inspiring teacher with extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Pointe and Modern. Over the course of her 16 year teaching career, she has been recognized for the excellent technical training of her students and her award winning choreography. Kareen’s students have been the recipients of many awards, winning numerous overall scores, scholarships, as well as special recognition awards for good sportsmanship. Her students have been accepted into programs at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, The National Ballet School of Canada and have gone on to careers in the teaching profession. Having been a successful dance studio owner for the past 13 years, her passion, talent and drive earned her an Ontario Premier’s Award for “Outstanding Career Achievements” and her studio has been voted the “Favourite” dance studio for many years by the Barrie Readers’ Choice Awards. As a guest instructor at local schools in Simcoe County, she feels privileged to inspire children to develop their creative expression through the art of dance. Kareen continues her involvement with teacher educational programs and master classes at national level workshops to ensure that she and her students are kept up to date with the latest styles and techniques.
Stephanie Sy
Born and raised in Richmond, BC, Stephanie Sy began honing her dance skills in ballet, jazz, hip hop, street jazz, contemporary, modern, and salsa at age six. Her passion, talent, and drive earned her scholarships at world-renowned dance schools. Stephanie garnered dance techniques from masters at the prestigious and largest ballet troupe in Canada, The National Ballet of Canada; Royal Winnipeg Ballet; and her most significant scholarship to date from Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. Stephanie also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia.
Stephanie has over ten years international experience in the dance and performance arts industry and is currently working as an award-winning choreographer, instructor, performer, and competitive judge. Her extensive body of work includes television, film, and live performance having worked on a Campbell’s Soup Commercial, Slice Network’s Instant Beauty Pageant, CW Network’s Smallville, 20th Century Fox’s John Tucker Must Die (2006), Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010), Warner Bros. Picture’s Sucker Punch (2011), and currently a re-occurring role on the CW Network’s hit TV series, Hellcats.
In 2009, she founded a unique dance program aimed at empowering women she branded SexyStilettos Dance® and her own series of instructional fitness DVDs. Stephanie’s creativity and budding entertainment empire has attracted media attention from local newspapers, Internet lifestyle magazines and a feature interview on Channel M news. As recently as 2009, she was approached to create and propose an all-encompassing dance program exclusively for The Richmond Olympic Oval, home of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
In between performing, auditioning, filming, and adjudicating at dance competitions, Stephanie is teaching hip hop, jazz, and Sexy Stilettos Dance® at the Harbour Dance Centre in Vancouver, BC. Stephanie strives to share her passion for dance and creative expression through instruction and performance with the world.
Nick Tull
Nick Tull the founder and director, and choreographer of the up and coming dance company Airtight Entertainment since 2004; and has been dancing since age 7 and has trained in ballet, jazz, modern and contemporary until finding his love for hip hop.
He has also performed all across Canada, throughout the United States, and North Western Europe dancing on Screen, television, and on stage in productions by Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, Nickelodean Germany, Universal Studios, Paramount Canada’s Wonderland, Slice TV, Bacardi, Mercedes Benz, Degrassi, Z103.5 Summer Rush Rogers, Hot 97 Summer Jam, HBC, and The Gap.
He has also been privileged to dance for various recording artists such as Shawn Desman, T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Lloyd Banks, European Super Groups and artists like US5, Lexington Bridge, Jimi Blue and Tokyo Hotel.
Nick loves to teach and create, and has done so for several award winning dancers, and for his dance company Airtight Entertainment. He has also choreographed former Canadian Idol top 10 contestant Mikey Bustos, Slice TV, YTV's The Next Star, and Degrassi. Airtight Entertainment dancers have been featured in productions for Disney's Camp Rock 1 and 2, MTV, Hellcats, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Monster High,YTV's The Next Star, Score:Hockey the Musical, and Much Music's Much on Demand.
Nick loves to be able to work with as many dancers as possible and has traveled and workshops and classes in Canada, the United States, Germany,France, Amsterdam, Austria, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico.
Nick is currently working with his several dance students and their studios as well as teaching and guest choreographing for many others. He also continues to perform with Airtight Entertainment dance company and is now a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Jay T Schramek
Jay is a Dora Mavor Moore Award nominated performer, educator and adjudicator. Jay’s twenty year teaching career spans Canada’s most prestigious post-secondary arts institutions and dozens of dance studios. A graduate of Ryerson University’s dance program and a former Mr. Dance of Canada, he has been a faculty member at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, George Brown College and Saint Lawrence College. He has been a guest teacher at: Sheridan College, Etobicoke School of the Arts, Pearson School for the Arts, the Eastern Arkansas Ballet, Duboforce Mexico and the Charlottetown Festival Young Company. For nearly a decade, Jay has been the Competitive Tap Director at Dimensions in Dance in Kitchener.
He has judged and hosted over 100 talent competitions for: Dance Canada, Terpsichore, Dance Masters of America, American Dance Awards, DancePower, Shine, Champions, Central Alberta Dance Festival, Starbeat, Kiwanis, Let’s Get Loud, Dancefest and countless others.
As a performer, he continues to work in theatres across the continent. He has performed for The Stratford Festival, Mirvish Productions, Charlottetown Festival, Stage West, Drayton Entertainment, Clearchannel Entertainment and dozens more. Some of his favourite roles include: Cosmo in Singin in the Rain, Skimbleshanks in Cats, Nana in Peter Pan, Pepper in Mamma Mia, Jimmy in White Christmas, Ethan in The Full Monty, Jinx in Forever Plaid, Cecil in Anne of Green Gables, Batboy in Batboy the Musical, Action in West Side Story, Barnaby in Hello Dolly.
An accomplished voice-over actor, he is the voice of many Saturday morning cartoons such as Felix the Firetruck in Trucktown (Treehouse), Bob in Space Ranger Roger (Disney), Blinky in Willa’s Wild Life (YTV/Discovery), Satoru Kakuta in Slam Dunk and double agent Tad in the animated feature Totally Spies-the Movie. He has voiced commercials for Microsoft, Pfizer, Subaru, CBC, Aleve, Cepacol, Air Transat, and Motorola.
On television you may have seen him on Mayday (Discovery Channel), Lost Girl (Showcase), Getting Along Famously (CBC), Queer As Folk (Showtime) and the Gemini nominated film From Time to Time. Jay also provided the motion capture for the lead character Hadyn in the PS3 video game Dark Sector.
Jay is a member of and a contributor to the Professional Adjudicator Alliance manual. He has written articles for The Agent’s Book and a regular column in Dance Canada Quarterly. He is a proud member of ACTRA, CAEA & AEA. Jay is a recipient of a Tyrone Guthrie Award and a Maud Whitmore Scholarship
Brian Shaw
As an accomplished and award winning performer and choreographer in many forms of dance and martial arts, Brian continues his passion for promoting the performing arts through his membership in the Professional Adjudicator’s Alliance and ACTRA. As a graduate of McMaster University in Business Management and Co-Director of Dream2Dance Competition, he appreciates the hard work that goes into a successful competition. Brian is a former National Champion at Showstoppers International Competition. He is also a former Mister Dance of Canada (Dance Masters of America) who received the Director’s High Class Score Award for Leadership and Humanitarianism in addition to the Scholarship for Teachers Training School in New York. Brian’s professional performance credits include: The Canadian Music Awards – CBC’s JUNO awards; back-up dancer for Canadian recording artist Lorraine Lawson; and several fashion, convention and industrial shows. Film and Television credits include: Massacre Up North, Relic Hunter, Alanis Morrissette Music Video, CH Mother’s Day Telethon, and commercials including Kellogg’s Apple Jacks and The Building Box. Choreography credits include: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and fundraisers for McMaster’s Children Hospital, Sick Kid’s Hospital, Heart & Stroke Foundation, and Canadian Cancer Society. Brian wishes all the best to the young dancers and offers some advice – Be thankful for the gifts you have, use them to there fullest, and you will reach your goals!
Jake Simons
Jake has over 25 theatre credits to his name including Riff in West Side Story (Stratford Festival), Joe in Song and Dance (Theatre Calgary), Grease (The Elgin), Pantomimes Aladdin and Cinderella (The Elgin), Hoopz (Off-Broadway) and most recently Johnny Castle in the Mirvish production of Dirty Dancing . Film and television credits include The Gathering, Missing, Metropia, Savage Planet, Queer as Folk, Soul Food, La Femme Nikita, Earth Final Conflict, Mutant X, Godsend, Witchblade, Terminal Invasion, Mythquest, Crossed Over and Elvis Meets Nixon.
Other gigs include; Canadian tour as lead dancer/choreographer for Carole Medina- a Juno nominated Canadian artist, dancer/choreographer for Mandell Entertainment- Canada’s biggest interactive DJ service, original Toronto Raptors Dance Pak member, featured dancer on the NHL awards, Ontario summer games, Canada’s Wonderland, Ontario Place and Spring Fling at the Rogers Center. As well as teaching in cities including Toronto, Hamilton and Oshawa, he has worked on numerous industrials including GM, Guess Jeans, Harlequin novels and Sears. He has shot 25 TV commercials and was crowned Mr. Dance Canada 1991.
Jake is also an accomplished singer-songwriter, guitarist and saxophonist. Having led several bands, his original music has broken request records on Japanese radio.
Born in Mississauga and raised in Kitchener, Jake attended The University of Western Ontario and graduated from Randolph school of Performing Arts in Toronto.
Christine Tavares
Christine Tavares is an award winning dancer, teacher and choreographer. She has had the opportunity to perform across Canada, United States, Europe and the Caribbean. Performances include roles on television, music videos, cruise ships, theme parks, dinner theatres, casinos and numerous
corporate events. Some of Christine’s favourite appearances include CFL Grey Cup ft. Lenny Kravitz (TSN), Fashion Cares: MAC Cosmetics ft. Amanda Marshall, David Usher, Angie Stone (A&E/Bravo), World Winter Games Opening Ceremonies ft. Susan Aglukark (TSN), Paramount Parks (Breakfast Television, CITY-TV), featured acrobat in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Music of the Night’ (Norwegian Cruise Lines), Epcot Walt Disney World, Viva Las Vegas, Sangre Caliente, and three seasons as dance captain with Paramount Canada’s Wonderland in the main stage production.
Christine is a fully qualified teacher under Dance Masters of America (D.M.A.) and British Association of Teachers of Dancing (M.B.A.T.D.) in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Stage and Modern, and is currently studying the A.D.A.P.T. syllabus. As an educator, Christine is notably recognized for developing strong dance curriculums at the secondary level within the Durham Separate District School Board, alongside the studio milieu. With over 10 years of teaching experience, Christine’s students have been the recipients of many honourable awards in Canada. Winning numerous top marks in solo, duet and group categories, her students have also gone on dancing professionally in music videos, commercials, movies, theme parks, and the Canadian Salsa Team.
Christine annually travels to New York City and Los Angeles where she studies with world- renowned choreographers at Steps, Broadway Dance Center and the EDGE Performing Arts Center, while attending many master classes across the country. She has also had the privilege to train under the greats such as Ann Reinking, Ben Vereen, Patricia Birch, Paula Morgan, Sergio Trujillo and the late Gregory Hines. Christine’s continuous involvement in teacher educational programs, including University of South Florida and University at Buffalo (S.U.N.Y.), ensures that all her students are taught the latest style and techniques in dance.
Christine is also a guest teacher and choreographer to many studios and conventions across the province. As recipient of numerous choreography, adjudicator and teacher choice awards, her acclaimed choreography credits have been featured in numerous fashion shows and corporate events including: Mayor’s Gala, Canadian Cancer Society, Congress of Black Women, Alzheimer’s Society, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, Grease (Bluma Appel Theatre at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts in Toronto), and is presently the resident choreographer for the Toronto Rock Dance Team (Air Canada Center). In addition, Christine is associated with the Professional Adjudicators Alliance
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LAETICIA STRYDOM (RTS RAD, ADAPT)
Miss Laeticia resides in Toronto, Ontario and currently teaches at three studios in the GTA. She is an award winning choreographer with over 20 years’ experience in the dance industry. She has her registered teaching diplomas from both the Royal Academy of Dance (Ballet) and ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts For Professional Teachers) for Jazz and Tap. She continues her training by taking classes at both Metro Movement and OIP Dance Centre in Toronto, Ontario, to excel in her career as a dancer, teacher and choreographer.
At the end of the three year ADAPT teacher program, Laeticia received a special recognition award for “ Best Personality, Most Improved and Overall Deserving Dance Student Teacher” throughout the program. As a competitive dancer, one award stood out from many, at age 16 she won the overall top award in Banff, which consisted of the top mark of the entire competition and was appointed the title “THE ROSE”.
While she was living in Saskatoon, she was the "Ballet Director" at "Pure Energy Dance Co." she was also the Co-Director/Co-Founder of “The Travelling Troupe”. Not only did her reputable teaching and interdisciplinary choreography land her the position as Ballet Director , but also extended her to teach and choreograph countless pieces in Jazz, Tap, Lyrical and Contemporary. She is also a member of the Professional Adjudicator's Alliance.
Her credits include “The Nutcracker”, as a guest student dancer, “Yevshan Folk Ballet Dance Ensemble” as a semi-professional dancer, and “Dance for the Camera”, cast to work in collaboration with film makers in BC to make two promotional DVD’s, ( both have been played at many different film festivals and have won several awards). Along with her experience in the studio setting , Miss Laeticia also guest choreographed for local high schools, elementary schools and at various Summer Intensives. She has set many pieces of choreography for students at various competitive studios . Her students have gone on to train at the “Source Dance Company”, on various cruise ships, “GOH BALLET” Summer School Program, “RWB Ballet School” and the” National Summer Intensives.”
Miss Laeticia believes in training students to love and appreciate the art of dancing whether they are recreational dancers or aspire to be professional ones. She believes in discipline, respect and encourages all of her students to share her love of dance. She thoroughly enjoys helping her students reach their maximum potential.
Nina Strazzulla
Nina is a professional performer and dance instructor. Under the tutelage of Trish Thompson-Creamer, Nina has become well-versed in many dance disciplines. She completed high-level exams in both Vaganova and RAD Ballet and also received national scholarships in acrobatics.
As a former Miss Dance of Canada, Nina’s accomplishments include working with Hilary Swank in the Oscar-nominated movie Amelia, being in Top 40 for Seasons 2 and 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, and performing in events organized by Tré Armstrong. Most recently, Nina traveled with Royal Caribbean Productions as a dance captain, aerialist, and tumbler. She was in the ensemble of Robert Stigwood's Saturday Night Fever: The Musical and featured in Moment Factory’s Starwater. Nina has also performed with Spirit Productions and A2D2 Aerial Dance Cirque Company.
Nina is enthusiastic about dance education and teaches at “Rythum Plus Dance Company”. Her teaching credits include being awarded ADA’s Regional Young Choreographer of the Year, assisting Annie Wood at DanceFuzion, and directing Dance Masters of America Chapter #38’s Junior Membership Program.
Nina has a Bachelor of Arts & Science and Classics (Honours) from McMaster University and seizes every opportunity to further her dance expertise.
Alix Smith
Alix grew up in Pickering, Ontario, where she trained as a competitive dancer for 15 years. She gained experience in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Character Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro, Contemporary, Open and Lyrical, and completed her B.A.T.D Associate exams in Ballet/Pointe and Stage. Alix has attended many conventions, workshops, and additional classes in the GTA to help expand her knowledge of movement in the industry and develop her own personal style of dancing and teaching.
As a dancer, dance teacher and choreographer, Alix now has over 23 years combined experience. As a previous competitive tap dancer, Alix completed her examinations and finished within the top ten tappers in Canada, through the B.A.T.D. syllabus. From there, Alix attended the International University Global Theatre Experience (I.U.G.T.E) Conference in Carrara, Italy, where she was the youngest participant, at age 17, and the only Canadian. Alix was able to network with various international Artists and creators, while learning about differences and innovations in the European arts industry. Recently, Alix’ choreography was featured in LOCKLYN’s music video “90’s Love”, an upcoming artist from Toronto - she hopes to continue sharing her passion and inspire others to get up and create.
Valerie Stanois
From her first dance lesson at the age of six to starring as “Oz”, the rocker rebel in the award winning Mirvish production of “We Will Rock You”, to mentoring and inspiring her students through the arts, Valerie brings an undeniable passion, poise and an unforgettable attitude that truly has made her an accomplished and award winning singer, dancer, actor, choreographer, director, adjudicator and teacher who redefines the term “Triple Threat”.
With over 20 years of performing and teaching experience, she studied Musical Theatre at Sheridan College and has trained in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles studying a wide variety of dance styles extending from jazz, tap, ballet, musical theatre, contemporary, hip-hop, latin and ballroom.
She has performed in such musicals as: Dance Captain/Swing in Rock of Ages (Broadway and Toronto companies), Dance Captain/Swing in Dee Snider’s Rock and Roll Christmas Tale , Hello Dolly and Into the Woods at the prestigious Stratford Festival, Brook Wyndham in Legally Blonde (Drayton Entertainment), Sillibub in Cats (Theatre Aquarius), Rizzo in Grease and many more. She has worked as a featured singer and dancer, travelling the world on Celebrity and Holland America cruise lines and has performed along side Queen, Carly Rae Jepsen, Dee Snider of ‘Twisted Sister’, Taylor Dayne, Danny Fernandes, and Suzie McNeil.
Valerie creates work that inspires and entertains. She has the ability to motivate her performers and students to express themselves in a positive and powerful way. In 2014 she co-founded, her triple-threat vocal group, SONIC EVE who perform world-wide and headline onboard many cruise lines. Her choreography credits include 2011 Canadian National Show Choir Champions Wexford Gleeks , Jays Care Curve Ball Gala 2016, Canadian Screen Awards, Canadian International Auto Show, General Motors, Warner Brothers, RBC, Universal Recording artist Suzie McNeil’s live shows, The Marilyn Denis Show, , Summerland (Toronto Fringe Festival 2015), Bosco and Jones and Nursery School Musical (Fence Post Productions/2009), West Side Story, Grease (York Minstrels), Director/Choreographer Hot Stuff (Bluewater Summer Playhouse), The Performing Arts Collective, Les Miserable, Hairspray, Urinetown, Kiss Me Kate, Godspell, Footloose (Wexford School for the Performing Arts), Director/Choreographer (Bluewater Gleeks.).
Valerie continues to strive as an artist and mentor, reaching out as an active member of the community.
Natalie Saunders
Natalie Saunders is a passionate dancer, teacher, and choreographer. Formally trained in R.A.D. Ballet, I.S.T.D. Tap and Modern, C.D.T.A Jazz, and A.D.A.P.T. Jazz, Natalie is a great asset to the Montreal-based studio, Dans’Atout, where she prepares her students for their annual dance exams. Also trained in Hip Hop and Lyrical, her versatility makes her career as a competition team coach and choreographer flourish. A strong advocate of supporting local arts, Natalie gives back to her community by teaching dance to inner city children, and by performing for local artists in their various projects, such as music videos and festivals. Natalie believes that education is key to the expansion of the mind when it comes to creativity. Holding two prestigious degrees from McGill University (a Bachelor of Neuroscience and a Master of Occupational Therapy), it is no surprise that Natalie found the time to dance and choreograph for McGill’s dance company, Mosaica, while pursuing her studies there. Continually updating her knowledge of the industry, Natalie regularly attends dance conventions, workshops, and seminars to support her dance training. “You can never know enough,” says Natalie.
Meaghan Silva
Meaghan committed herself early in life to extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop. By the age of 17, she had completed all levels of the ADAPT syllabus in jazz and tap, in addition to passing her R.A.D Advanced I ballet exam with Distinction. In 2015 she continued intensifying her dance training in Toronto at Ryerson University, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Diploma in Performance Dance. In her last year at Ryerson, Meaghan was honored to receive the Nadia Potts Award dedicated to the well-known National Ballet principal dancer, which highlighted her exquisite technique and performance abilities. Combining her technical training and versatility, Meaghan has gone on to dance professionally across North America. Some of her credits include the following: MMVA’s, OMI, Brett Kissel, LG, Breakfast Television, Karl Wolf, Lowell, Dance Ontario, David Foster Gala, Ryerson Dances, Women and War, Choreographic Works and Drayton’s Peter Pan. On camera, Meaghan has danced alongside Lowell in her music video “The Bells” featured on Much Music. Meaghan has also been televised for live events on TSN, The Weather Network, Breakfast Television, Marilyn Dennis Show and Sportsnet. She has danced in many Grey Cup Performances with the Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders featuring Imagine Dragons, Dallas Smith and Fall Out Boy. Dancing has taken Meaghan across Europe touring with theatre company, Women and War where she labeled herself as a triple threat singing, dancing and acting.
As Meaghan continues to establish herself as a professional dancer, she also focuses a great deal of her energy on her passion for creation and choreography. She has choreographed for several dance shows and corporate events including five pieces for Ryerson Universities Choreographic works and two for Enchoreo. Meaghan has also recently choreographed a pointe piece entitled “Dolls” at the Trump Hotel in Toronto; other works include Sick Kids, LG Canada, The Toronto Argonauts, The Toronto Rock and The Toronto Raptors. Meaghan guest teaches and choreographs at various studios across the GTA, with the intention to aid dancers on their creative journey and grow. Meaghan is grateful for all the opportunities and experiences she has had thus far, as well as for all the incredible artists she has worked with along the way. Eager and excited to continue growing as a professional dancer and creator, Meaghan hopes to leave her mark in the dance world by giving back as much as she can along the way!
Rebecca Silia
Rebecca Silia danced competitively for 14 years and studied in Acro, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Lyrical/Contemporary, Musical Theatre and Ballet. Rebecca grew up in Newmarket Ontario and has been teaching dance now for 8 years in Newmarket. Rebecca loves teaching all levels as she teaches both the recreational program and the competitive program. Her routines have been recognized through many special awards, overalls and dance off recognition. In 2016 Rebecca’s junior jazz group was the Division 2 dance off winner at On the Floor Dance Competition. Rebecca has completed her British Association of Teachers of Dancing associate level and received a highly commended mark. Rebecca has performed all over Ontario earning many 1st place and overall awards throughout her years of dancing including two full bursaries in the intermediate and senior category with the York Region Celebration of the Arts. Rebecca recently completed her Bachelor Of Arts Honours at York University in Children Studies and Dance. Dance has always been a passion for Rebecca and she is very happy to be able to pass on her love of dance to others and use her knowledge and love for dance on the judging panel.
Allysha Tulk
Allysha started dancing in her hometown of Barrie, Ontario at the age of four and has loved dance ever since. Training in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Acro and Musical Theatre, Allysha has always strived to be a well-rounded dance student and teacher. Allysha is a multi-award winning choreographer and dedicated dance teacher. She has trained with York University in their BA Dance Studies program, Melissa Klassen’s Acrobatique syllabus, and is currently working on her full certification through the Dance Masters of America Teacher Training School in Buffalo, New York. Allysha currently teaches at All That’s Dance & More under the guidance of the renowned Natalie Lacasse. As a dance educator and adjudicator Allysha encourages perseverance, attention to detail, and most importantly: fun while dancing!
Jamie Trowbridge
Mr. Trowbridge is a Toronto based teacher, choreographer, and dancer who began his training in Acton, Ontario under the artistic direction of Ms. Lynda Yurkin. Jamie was greatly involved with his competitive team until the age of 19 where he was given the opportunity to compete throughout Canada and the United States.
Mr. Trowbridge was then accepted to the Ryerson University Performance Dance Program under the direction of Vicky St. Denys. During this time, he worked closely under mentors including Karen Duplisea (TDT, Martha Graham Company), Kenny Pearl (Alvin Ailey Dance Theater), Tanya Evidente (Ballet Nacional de Cuba), Robert Glumbeck (ProArte Danza), Arsenio Andrade, and John Ottmann (National Ballet of Canada). He was also fortunate enough to work with highly acclaimed choreographers including Vicky St. Denys and Marie-Josee Chartier (Chartier Danse). A couple of his many highlights were to travel to Dubai in a production of PINOCCHIO as a featured dancer and acrobat, and was awarded the KENNY PEARL AWARD. This award is granted to a student who showed significant improvement throughout the four years enrolled in the Ryerson University Performance Dance Program.
After graduating from Ryerson, Jamie was hired by Royal Caribbean International Cruise Lines where he performed as a dancer, aerialist and acrobat.
He is currently certified as a C5 aerialist, as well as a proud member of the P.A.A. under the direction of Mr. Robert Jensen and Mr. Scott Kufske.
Throughout his entire competitive and professional career Jamie has always had a passion for teaching and working with students of all ages. He has had the opportunity to teach and choreograph students of all levels ranging from recreational to professional, has taught and choreographed at various studios throughout the Greater Toronto area.
Mr. Trowbridge is very excited to share his passion and dedication to the world of dance, to continue his education and also continue to grow as a professional choreographer, teacher, mentor and adjudicator!
VANESSA STEAD
Vanessa Stead is a well-rounded dancer, performer, teacher and choreographer. An exciting part of her professional career has been performing as a dancer for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines’ on Freedom of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas, including the ballroom show, Invitation to Dance choreographed by Louis van Amstel.
Some credits include a supporting role as a dancer in the YTV movie, “King of the Camp” and performance as a tap dancer in the television show “Warehouse 13”. She was also featured in the music video “Models” by Jillian Blair.
Vanessa has performed as a featured dancer for Opus Dance Collective at the Capezio Ace Awards in both NYC and Long Beach, CA, and Hit the Floor in Quebec in addition to many shows in Toronto including Harbourfront 60x60, The Choreographer’s Ball, and Fever After Dark.
Other related credits include national talent winner and finalist at the Miss Teen Canada pageant. She also enjoys guest teaching for the Durham District School Board at Sinclair Secondary School.
Vanessa is trained in RAD ballet, a graduate of the Adapt Teacher Training program in tap and jazz and Acrobatic Arts teacher training. She has taught across Durham and the GTA providing guest/substitute and permanent teaching along with choreography for year-end shows and competitions. Many of Vanessa’s students have won top marks, overalls and scholarships at competition, including winning an opportunity to compete at the Dance Awards in Las Vegas.
She looks forward to continuing her career in dance, both performing and teaching!
Jessica Tomasone
Receiving her BFA in Performance Arts Dance from Ryerson University, Jessica has been training and performing in many styles of dance since the age of 4. She has worked and trained with well-known professionals in the industry such as Nadia Potts, Karen Duplisea, Vikky St. Denis (RU), Kenny Pearl (TDT), Robert Glumbeck, D.A Hoskins, Linda Garneau, and Vlad Novitski to name a few. Shortly after getting her degree, Jessica trained and performed in T.O & Niagara Falls with Afro and samba based dance company, The Dance Migration, Adrianna Yanuziello. Getting back to her jazz and contemporary roots, Jessica had the opportunity to be featured in the dynamic dance piece “Pulse” (Montreal & Toronto Fringe 2013) with company Jasmyn Fyffe Dance and travelled again with the cast to Brooklyn New York. An extended version of "Pulse" was performed at T.O Next Stage Theatre Festival (2015).
As the jazz instructor & choreographer for Stepanova Ballet Academy Inc. (Thornhill), Miss Tomasone was truly enthused to be part of the 2014 & 2015 dance seasons along with the company’s annual showcase. Teaching competitive and recreational jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap, musical theatre, and hip hop at The Dance Institute (Markham) makes Jessica an extremely versatile dancer and teacher, inspiring children of all ages.
Jessica is proud to be a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance –founded by Mr. Rob Jensen and Mr. Scott Kufske. Judging annually on the panel for Dancefest Canada, director Kerry Lee Hawkins, allows Jessica to share her knowledge and expertise in the dance community.
As an actress, Ms. Tomasone is very excited to be a lead cast member in the upcoming episodic webseries “ReVamped”, Starcat Productions - director Lynn Brubacher, which will be released early 2018. She is also taking up the violin and training her voice aspiring to be a triple threat performer.
Miss. Tomasone offers private one-on dance lessons, ballet/dance and Princess Disney parties (Princess Parties Plus), competitive training, guest teaching and choreography in the GTA and abroad.
Samantha Schleese
Samantha Schleese’s presence is full of sophistication and vibrant frequencies. Her versatility in dance shines through her craft as a performer and instructor. A Toronto based professional dance artist, Samantha is trained in Hip Hop, Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acrobatics, Salsa, even American Ballroom Styles. With over 17 years of dance experience, Samantha is not only an avid dancer in the community but also teaches and choreographs works across Canada.
Samantha has danced and toured throughout the UK with MAP Dance Company. There, she has worked under such artistsas Saju Hari, Kiera Martin, Detta Howe, Yael Flexor, Lila Dance, Matteo Fargion and the late great Nigel Charnock (DV8). During her tour, Samantha completed her Masters in Performance Dance specializing in Contemporary dance. Samantha has also completed BFA in Dance from York University alongside dancing with the YorkU Hip Hop Team Stylewize,(Lineen Doung). With the team, she competed in O.U.C.H and B.A.M for three years and was exposed to the world of Hip Hop discovering styles such as House, Waacking, Locking, Dance Hall and of course Hip Hop. Over the years Samantha has trained under Lenny Len and the "FlavorShop" Crew where she was given the opportunity to perform at the "Mirror Awards", Share Dance Day (National Ballet), and most recently CBC Arts "interpretive facts.”
Samantha is part of an all female Hip Hop crew DEUCEnDIP that is most notable for Much Music’s NML Dance Battlez. With the crew, Samantha has performed at Pride, Unity, Canada’s Walk of Fame Festivals, WEDAY, TeenzFav Music Awards and more. Other credits include, Samsung, Rusk Hair Show, Bud light Sensation Concert, IOGO, and CP24 Breakfast Television. She also made appearances in music videos by WEDAY “We Turn it Up,” and Airplane Boys “Some Say.” Samantha has also worked and performed with such companies as ABS (Abstract Breaking Systems) Crew, Gadfly (Apolonia Velasquez & Ofilio Sinbadinho), Pratibha Arts (Bageshree Vase), and Evolution Dance Theatre.
Samantha has also recently established her own dance company, fusing her versatile background in Contemporary and Hip Hop dance in collaboration with Melissa Hart. Their most recent production, “That ‘F’ Word” was performed at the Next Stage Festival in January 2018. This production received “NNNN” from NOW Magazine and a 3/4 star rating from the Globe & Mail. They also just performed at Toronto’s Breakin’ Convention at the Sony Centre. Follow her company @sameltanz /www.sameltanz.com
SAMANTHA SELIHAR
Samantha is an accomplished competitive dancer who realized her passion for dance at a young age. After graduating from the competitive dance team, she studied human anatomy and physiology at Sheridan College in the General Arts and Science program and soon after completed the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies to become a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance. She is also certified with Acrobatic Arts (AAC2), Progressing Ballet Technique, ADAPT, and is a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Most recently, Samantha has continued to fuel her thirst for knowledge by attaining a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, during which she received the Iris Truscott Scholarship.
Samantha’s career as a dance educator began teaching the town’s Parks and Recreation dance program at the studio. She has since spent many Saturday mornings teaching the youngest dancers as well as many late nights coaching the most advanced level dancers. She is extremely proud of her students, some of whom have gone on to pursue professional dance careers.
Samantha’steaching style and enthusiasm for sharing her knowledge with aspiring dancers ensures that all students receive technical training that meets the highest international standards, while enthusiastically helping students to achieve their own personal goals. Samantha promotes professional etiquette, healthy attitudes, and mutual respect for everyone, setting the stage for a positive learning environment where students receive a broad dance education.
Mary-Anne Stephens
Mary-Anne has been living, loving and breathing dance for over 25 years! She has studied the art of Jazz, Adagio, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern, Acro, Hiphop, Ballet, Stage, Show, and Tap.
She competed internationally as a student and has many awards and scholarships as a dancer. Some of her professional credits have included, Carnival Cruise dancer, Olympic Ceremony dancer alongside Michael Buble, Dancer in music videos debuting on Much Music, Miss Canada Teen Global Dancer, Juno awards Dancer/model, CFL's BC Lions dance team, BC Summer games and so on. Her dance career has taken her throughout Canada, Vegas, L.A. and Mexico where she was able to study, work and perform with the best!
She is currently a competitive dance director which she has had the pleasure and experience of doing for 13+ years. She has taught every age and level imaginable, choreographing over 800 routines for stage. Her choreography has won countless awards and has given her the pleasure of working with such Pop Stars such as, “Victoria Duffield”. Many of her students have gone onto professional careers, in both stage and television, most notably “The Next Step”. Her training has made it onto Regional, Provincial and World stages and many of her students are now in demand teachers and choreographers themselves.
She is a member of The Professional Adjudicators Alliance and prides herself in upholding their reputable standard. Her passion and genuine love for dance and people is what makes her such an in demand, and beloved teacher, choreographer and adjudicator.
Kylee Surtel
KYLEE SURTEL is a versatile dancer, choreographer, educator and studio manager based out of the GTA. Born and raised in Niagara, Ontario, she has acquired over 20+ years of training in various dance styles such as jazz, tap, ballet, modern, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop. She has completed all levels in the Jazz and Tap PAEC syllabus and was technically trained and examined in Cecchetti ballet. Kylee graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a disciplinary certificate in Dance Science. During her University studies she was heavily involved as a dancer, choreographer and captain for the competitive team York Lions Dance Energy and choreographed for several York University events.
Kylee’s professional credits include OMI, Karl Wolf, One Republic, Dean Brody, Tim Hicks, and Mickey Singh to name a few. Her credits in film and television include MMVA’s, TSN, Coors Light and Breakfast Television. She has also been seen performing live across Canada as a CFL Toronto Argonauts Dancer, NLL Toronto Rock Lacrosse Dancer as well as in several Toronto shows such as Fever After Dark and Toronto’s Choreographers Ball.
Currently, Kylee is the Studio Manager for the largest and most recognized drop-in dance studio in Toronto, The Underground Dance Centre. Although she manages a studio in the day, her passion lies within teaching dance to young aspiring dancers. She is currently a faculty member at JCB Danceworks and Peacock School of Dance and can occasionally be seen teaching adult drop-in classes at The Underground Dance Centre (current) and O.I.P (past). Kylee was quickly recognized as an up and coming choreographer within the competitive dance world in 2015. She has received several choreography awards throughout her years and is proud to see her students excel by placing in the overalls at every competition. She is now a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and cannot wait to further her career while inspiring dancers through her teaching and adjudicating
Kate Terrio
ACRO & TUMBLING INSTRUCTOR
DANCE INSTRUCTOR
BA HON. COM. WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY
AAC1, AAC2
Kate has focused her life on her passion for the performing arts. Her love for dance and acrobatics have led her to various performance opportunities across the world including The Netherlands, The United States and Canada. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor degree Communication Studies and was an esteemed member of the Wilfrid Laurier Competitive Dance Team.
Kate is a professional dance instructor specializing in Jazz, Lyrical, Acro and Tumbling with extensive experience in Ballet, Modern, Tap and Irish dancing. She has over 20 years of competitive dance training through RAD and Performing Arts Educators of Canada as well as 10 years of professional dance instruction. Kate is currently the proud Acro & Tumbling Coordinator at Studio PAVAS. Many of Kate’s graduate students have gone on to pursue university level dance programs and become members of university level competitive dance teams. Kate is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor in both Module 1 (AAC1) and Module 2 (AAC2) and she is thrilled to bring her advanced knowledge, insight and training to young dancers worldwide.
Kate is recognized annually with multiple awards for her unique, stylish choreography and costume design within Canada. Kate's passion for both acrobatics and dance find her actively attending workshops across North America to continuously grow as an artist and to bring fresh, new ideas and energy to her classroom and to the stage. She is delighted to adjudicate and witness the benefit of the art of dance in a student’s life.
Leah Thomas
Leah Thomas, a Toronto based artist who is a professional dancer, educator, choreographer and photographer. This versatile dancer trained for 20+ years in the various forms of dance, including ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, acrobatics, hip hop, musical theatre, modern and tap. She completed and earned Distinction in Grades 1-8 of the Royal Academy of Dance Ballet syllabus examinations and competed internationally winning prestigious awards, titles and scholarships. Leah graduated from York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honors Degree in Dance and Con-Current Education Degree in the Primary/Junior Division. During her university years Leah embraced her role as Co-Captain/Choreographer of the York Lions Dance Energy Competitive Team. This lead to victorious outcomes and earning the title of 1st Overall University Dance Team.
In recent years Leah has been fortunate enough to learn from artists such as; Tokyo, John Ottmann, David Norsworthy & Julia Sasso, while performing in Contemporary & Hip Hop Shows choreographed by Christina Digiuseppe, Shavar Blackwood and Echo Dance Company. As a Raptors 905 Saugacity Dancer/Captain she performed in the style of Jazz Funk and Hip Hop at over 30 NBA G League games. Currently, Leah is performing in the After Midnight Production aboard Norwegian Cruise Line.
Leah is known as a professional, hard-working and passionate artist who teaches and choreographs at competitive dance schools within the Greater Toronto Area. Throughout the years Leah has been able to guide her students towards their goals of overall titles, in addition to receiving choreography awards. Leah continues to expand her vocabulary of movement by training with esteemed educators at Millennium Dance Complex Toronto and attends numerous conventions. Leah Thomas is a proud member of the Professional Adjudicator Alliance and looks forward to many more opportunities to mentor young artists.
Flow XS – Michael Scheitzbach and Kevin Scheitzbach
Michael (Hydroflow) and Kevin (Kid XS) are the duo “Flow XS”. These brothers are professional dancers and choreographers from Brampton, Ontario. Both boys graduated with high honours from the St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Arts Dance Program. They have been on competitive studio and industry performance teams as well as battled/freestyled at community events and performed at numerous cultural, private and corporate events. While they have trained in various genres of dance, they focus mainly on urban dance styles. They are dance captains for The Vibe Xclusive (George Jones Jr.), members of E3 Montreal (Giulia Tripoli), R2D faculty, ImmaBeast, the 8th Union Crew, alumni for Dark Dance Industry Team, Toronto Industry Elite and Monsters of Hip Hop Show Cast (Driven, 2016). They are both members of CADA, Dance Ontario and ACTRA and can be seen on Disney’s Zombies, The Next Step, Make it Pop, Backstage, Rookie Blue, RocKids TV, music videos and commercials and have performed live at the MMVAs with Avril Lavigne, Austin Mahone and Julius Wilson. They travel throughout Canada and the United States and assist choreographers at Monsters of Hip Hop Conventions, Jump Dance Conventions and Dancerpalooza (Nika Kljun), as well as being Nex-us (TDX) proteges (2019). Individually and together, they have won several awards and scholarships including Manifesto Toronto’s “Up Next Dancer Under 18” award (2013 and 2012) and were the featured cover story of Canada’s National Just Dance magazine, Summer 2017 edition. They are also representing Team Canada at the IDO Hip Hop Championships in Germany (2019). They have performed and choreographed at Toronto Choreographer’s Ball, Fever after Dark and Carnival New York and Los Angeles. Michael is also a Registered Massage Therapist specializing in dance and athletic injury rehabilitation and Kevin has his Dance Teacher Certification through the International Dance Teaching Standards. Currently, they teach workshops and guest choreograph at various conventions, teams and schools, create competitive hip hop routines for studios and instruct beginner hip hop, intermediate/advanced jazz funk and advanced urban choreography classes at the Underground Dance Centre and Millennium Dance Complex in Toronto. They are forever students who embrace the motto “No challenge, no change”. Follow their journey @officialflowxs, @mikehydroflow, @kevin_kid_xs and www.flowxs.com
Marcel Tremel
Marcel Tremel is an adjudicator, choreographer, and dance educator based in Vancouver. He is a certified ADA Adjudicator and a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. He holds Dance Teaching certification with ADAPT Syllabus, Acrobatic Arts, Progressing Ballet Technique, Alixa Flexibility, and working towards completing his certification with the Acro Dance Teachers Association. Marcel is also a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts with a Diploma in Applied Performing Arts.
Over the years, Marcel has had several exciting opportunities to perform and showcase his choreography. Some of the highlights include: performing across Western Canada and parts of the United States with Saskatchewan Express, starring in CCPA's production of 'Lend Me A Tenor', co-choreographing CCPA's production of 'Young Frankenstein', Choreographing 'Hello, Dolly!' with Fraser Valley Stage, and touring to England to dance in the Gilbert and Sullivan International Festival in a production of 'The Gondoliers’.
Marcel is currently teaching dance around the Vancouver area and continues to train and perform as a working professional artist around the West Coast.
Alicia Smith
Alicia’s extensive dance experience spans over 20 years. She has studied under the CDTA, RAD, Cecchietti, and ADAPT associations, and has successfully completed exams in tap, jazz, ballet and modern. Alicia auditioned for Team Canada, and was selected to represent her country en pointe at the IDO World Champions in Poland, ultimately receiving Gold and the World Cup. She studied dance at Holland College in partnership with Confederation Centre of the Arts, receiving her diploma in Dance Performance and achieving many high marks including 100% in composition. During her post-secondary studies, she had the opportunity to work with Le Fils D’Adrien Danse contemporary company, dance in award shows and perform on both the Mackenzie Theatre and Confederation Stage. Alicia is an ADAPT certified teacher who is qualified to teach and train dancers to be examined in ballet, tap and jazz. Alicia’s students have successfully completed exams, with several receiving distinction after completing their first ever exams. She is also a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance(PAA). Alicia continuously attends workshops and seminars to continue her professional development, including ADTA courses (formally Acrobatique). She has extensive experience working with both recreational and competitive dancers. Her competitive routines have received numerous overall awards and special awards including best in style, best costuming, most entertaining and best choreography. Her students have received top scores as well as international scholarships and some have gone on to pursue dance post-secondary. Alicia runs dance programs for public schools across the Muskoka region as well as provides workshops and choreography for community theatre programs. Alicia has been sought after to conduct workshops and choreograph across the country.
Lexie Stavro
Lexie Stavro is a Performing Artist and Dance Teacher based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She began dancing when she was two years old and at the age of four, became a competitive dancer at The Debra Lynne School of Dance. Her dance training includes Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Acrobatics and Tumbling, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary and Pointe. After high school, she attended Randolph College for the Performing Arts to study Musical Theatre; graduating in August 2018. Credits include Newsies, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins and Dance Captain in Anne of Green Gables at the Lower Ossington Theatre.
Lexie is a Member of the British Association Teachers of Dancing and taught at her mother’s studio The Debra Lynne School of Dance from 2015-2018. On top of performing, she teaches and choreographs at Lindsay Roden Dance Academy. Lexie has a passion for dancing, acting and singing and continues to further her craft in various workshops and classes.
Sarah Skipwith
Sarah Skipwith is an enthusiastic dance instructor, creative choreographer, and certified adjudicator. Dance has been a part of her life for over 20 years. Sarah has trained extensively as a competitive dancer in many disciplines, including, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Sarah is an Acro Dance Adjudicator: Certified Member, a Certified Acrobatics Arts Instructor, and a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. She has completed ballet exams under the Royal Academy of Dance as well as Jazz, Tap and Acro exams with BATD.
Sarah holds her Honours specialization in Kinesiology, with minors in Dance and Psychology from Western University. She also attained her Master of Arts degree in Child Psychology and Education from the University of Toronto and is a certified member with the Ontario College of Teachers. She is currently employed by the London District Catholic School board as an elementary classroom teacher where she teaches Grade 4. Sarah gets to merge her passions of teaching and dance when she works as a dance instructor and choreographer. She loves to inspire and motivate students of all ages to explore movement and dance.
She currently works as a competitive instructor and choreographer in all disciplines. She choreographs for various studios throughout London and the GTA. Sarah’s choreography has been recognised and awarded at many competitions throughout Ontario. With her knowledge, expertise and passion for dance, Sarah’s goal is to continue to inspire and ignite the passion of dance within her students.