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FACULTY Alphabetically
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Guillermo Baez - Salsa
Being a Latin Dance Champion and a Nationally known Instructor has been a lifelong passion of Guillermo Baez. Hailing originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Guillermo began dancing, teaching Salsa as well as other native Venezuelan dances, at the X Alegro Resort in the Margarita Islands. In 1992, Guillermo relocate to Toronto, Canada. He became one of the most sought after male, latin, dancer/teacher, having won every salsa competition he ever entered with his former dance partner Blaise. Guillermo's extensive training in martial arts and his love of latin dance combined is an unstoppable combination. South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Italy, America and Dubai are some the countries Guillermo has taught workshops and performed. Another member and co-founder of "Hot Blood" (Sangre Caliente) is one of Guillermo's dance partners of over 15+ years, International Entertainer, Teria of Azucar Picante Entertainment. Guillermo and Teria have also graced Hollywood Stages and Night Clubs with their energetic style in Los Angeles and at various Theatre Shows in Toronto like the TropiCuba show at the Limelight, The Tropicana Cuban Cabaret CANADA, Latin Extravaganza at The Pinnacle Theatre and the list goes on. Guillermo has been a stunt actor and a featured dancer on a variety of tv shows and films including "That Old Feeling starring Bette Midler, "The Tuxedo" starring Jackie Chan and "Woo" starring Jada Pinkett--Smith and Tommy Davidson
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Allison Bradley - Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Poppn & Locking
Allison has had a passion for dance since the age of three. She trained at Dansation in her hometown of St. Albert, Alberta. Allison’s desire to enter into the professional dance scene led her to Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto for intensive training. In 2009, she completed the International Student Visa Program at Broadway Dance Centre in New York City where she received the Outstanding Student Award. Allison has created opportunities for herself and others by creating her own dance company, A L I Entertainment. Her dance crew worked with N5 Pictures and performed for the music video Man-0 Kabootar by Sasha. Allison performed in the production i think i can as an actor and dancer under the direction of Conrad Alexandrowicz at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People. Also danced in the Zapix Awards on YTV, Shawn Byfield’s Live in Rhythm, and Luther Brown’s Red City. Allison continues to grow as a choreographer and performer as she embraces her love for teaching and sharing her passion for dance. |
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Shameka Blake - Hip Hop, Jazz, Reggae, Lyrical, Broadway, Burlesque
"From an early age, I knew dance would play a significant role in my life." Shameka Blake started dancing at the early age of three. Shortly thereafter, her family migrated from Jamaica to Canada where over the years she further developed her dancing. Shameka has performed in numerous concerts, tours, productions and live shows. She has shared the stage with artists such as Ne-yo and Mob Deep and has opened tours for Kayne West, Lil Jon, and Ciara. Shameka has been featured in videos for recording artists Damian Marley, Kreesha Turner, and Sean Paul. Also, she has worked with SYTYCDC hip hop judge and choreographer Luther Brown as a principal dancer in his productions "On My Way Home" and "The Red City." She can be seen on MTV's MADE and the latest Xbox Dance Central commercial. In 2008, after graduating from the George Brown College’s Commercial Dance Program, she started her dance company Artists In Motion (AIM), a multidisciplinary dance group that brings together different styles of dance under the same roof. In 3 short years AIM has attained a great deal of success, such as: winning the NML Best Dance Crew; starring in commercials for Xbox and Much Music; and dancing for artists such as Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog, Divine Brown, and Flo Rida. With her unique style of dance and choreography, Shameka has taken the Toronto dance scene by storm... and she’s only getting started!
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Ole Burlay - Ballroom - International & American
Ole loves to dance and he loves teaching others to dance. Ole's talent in dancing led him to pursue training from the best teachers in England & Canada. Those teachers urged him to display the talents in competition; Olé has been competing in professional dance for over ten years.
Highlights of his career: Six times undefeated: Amateur Championships in Ukraine in Ballroom dance. Six times undefeated: Amateur Championships in Ukraine in Latin dance. Finalists of Open European Professional Ballroom Championships. Finalists of Open European Professional Latin Championships. Finalists of Open Canadian Latin Championships. Olé is a current members of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA). For three years, Ole has recieved the award of top teacher at the Crystal Leaf International Dancesport Championship. Ole is often one of the top teachers at every champiohship he goes to with his students. Ole is thrilled to be part of the Ballroom Dance teachers College. |
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Linda Walsh Casas - Argentine Tango
Linda is a writer, artist, and dancer with a background in ballet and modern dance. In 2002, after 10 years of listening to tango music and the first of several trips to Argentina, she began to dance tango. She says, “To dance, you must become part of the music.” Linda hosts the weekly Palermo Tango Club Milonga, contributes articles to dance magazines, and is a DJ for tango events. |
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Melissa Clark - reception
Melissa has a passion for dance. She likes the type of people it brings together. |
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Jessica DaCruz Semedo - Brazilian Samba
Born to a mother from Sao Vicente, Cabo Verde and a Professional Soccer Player father from Guine-Bissau, "Samba Jess" specializes in Brazilian Carnaval Style Samba, as well as some of the native dances from Cabo Verde and the Portuguese Diaspora. Jess’ Samba training began in 2002 in Toronto, and has extended to Samba Schools in Brazil, and workshops in New York City with some of the most talented dancers and teachers the Samba world has to offer. Performing across Ontario, Montreal and recently in Brazil during Carnival 2010 in Rio, Jess’ teaching has spanned from Toronto to Costa Rica and back.. Currently, Jess is teaching in the Greater Toronto Area as she directs, choreographs and performs for her Dance Company - Afrolusophone. |
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Afrouz Demehri- Zumba
Afrouz is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor with a passion for health and wellbeing. To balance her busy private practice, she has always enjoyed dancing and teaching fitness classes. Zumba is a fun way of combining dance, amazing music from around the world and fitness all in one class. “Zumba is for everyone; it has helped so many of my patients with their overall mental, emotional and physical health.” This energy filled workout is guaranteed to make you sweat and leave a smile on your face! |
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Elza Duarte - Reception
Elza loves to dance ballroom. |
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Lisa Fender- Assistant dean, Ballroom - International
Lisa is a proud graduate of the Joy of Dance Teacher Training Program with over 5 years of experience teaching International Style Standard and Latin dancing. Besides her teaching, Lisa is a successful Pro/Am competitor with her students and has performed at celebrations and corporate functions all over Ontario. Lisa’s positive disposition comes across immediately. She believes dancing is a life-long passion and should always be an enjoyable experience. She is most grateful for the positive impact dance has had on her life: joy, and self-confidence. She enjoys meeting and dancing with the many wonderful people who share her passion for dance. Lisa is a certified member of the Canadian DanceSport Federation (CDF).
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Sean Fredrick - Jazz
Sean has a wonderful ablity to make technique fun. His jazz classes help you become a better dancer. |
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Nicole Heinecke - Ballroom & Latin
Nicole began dancing Smooth and Latin Ballroom at the age of 15. Since then she has taught throughout Ontario, instructing both adults and children. With a background in psychology and the arts, Nicole enjoys the fact that Ballroom dancing fuses self-expression with interpersonal communication, and that it is a unique and meaningful way of connecting with oneself as well as with others. Appreciating that every individual enters dance for their own personal reasons, she is here to help you reach your own dance goals and perhaps even more than you had anticipated. Whether you have two left feet and are brand new to dance or have been cutting a rug for years, Nicole specializes in putting you at ease and leading you towards finding your own joy in dancing |
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Jennifer Hicks- Nia
Are you someone who enjoys adventure, fun and playfulness? Do you like variety and challenge, not only in your life, but also in your workout? Then Nia might just be right for you! Nia is an energizing cardiovascular fitness practice which creatively blends elements of dance, martial arts and healing arts (yoga). Jennifer gracefully delivers friendly Nia classes that are innovative, fun, and often sweaty! Her students describe her as a passionate and enthusiastic mover whose contagious energy encourages them to reach their own personal movement potential. Jennifer shares Nia through community events, conferences, international retreats and spas. She is an artist with the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Living Through the Arts Program, bringing Nia to community groups. Jennifer has been commissioned to choreograph theatrical pieces, and offers customized party classes and private lessons. She enjoys writing about her passion for Nia both on her website (www.jennhicks.ca) and for various print media. Jennifer is currently leading Nia sessions for seniors as part of a research study being led the Royal Conservatory of Music, Baycrest Health Centre and Toronto Rehab Institute called “Exploring the Impact of Artful Engagement With Older Adults”. |
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Ken Homer- Zumba & Ginga Fitness
Bio to follow |
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Hollywood - Hip Hop, Burlesque, House
Hollywood Jade is one of Toronto's fastest rising entertainers, showcasing his talents as a dancer, choreographer and innovator in his artform. Hollywod has found creative and dynamic ways to bring his own brand and style of dancing and Choeography to videos, stages and the big screen. Fusing different styles of dance with different gener's of music is how he has set himself apart from other Choreographer's in North America.
As a Choreographer he has created exciting and groundbreaking routines for various entertainment arenas including Much Music, BET and MTV, short films, corporate events, tours and videos. His greatest acheivements include working with Choreographer's such as Fatima Robinson, Michael Rooney, Adam Shankman, Rich & Tone, Jamal Sims, Eboni Nickles & AJ. His appearances in the block buster musical "Hairspray" where he plays the character of "Stooie" sites on the top of his list. His work as a Choreographer has been featured with the likes of The Dream, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and a number of Canadian and international artist like Divine Brown, Kelis and Lauren Pritchard. Hollywood was also featured on So You Think You Can Dance Canada as not only a dancer but a Choreographer's assistant all in the same year, he is the only Contestant in the history of the show to achieve this in the same year.
Hollywood Jade as a contributing member of Artist In Motion ( Much Music Best Dance Crew Winner's) continues to find new and interesting ways to bring his own flavour and personality to the artform of dance - thereby inspiring others in this field to do the same. He is truly a shining star, one whose power and capability are waiting to be seen. As Hollywood always says "Success lies on the other side of fear" |
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Steven James - Ballroom - American
Steven believes that dancing is a fun, liberating and energizing experience that heightens awareness of the body and creates a unique connection between people. Practicing ballroom has made his life both more challenging and more rewarding and he wants to pass this experience on to his students. Steven's love of movement began on the stage as part of Theatre Beyond Words, a physical theatre company that took him on tour across North America, Europe and Asia. |
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Reshu Khanna- Bollywood
Following in her elder sisters footprints Reshu has been dancing since the young age of eight years old. She attended and trained at Payyal Dance School in Richmond Hill, Ontario where she grew up. Bollywood dancing became a part of Reshu’s life very quickly as it exposed her to her parents culture and allowed her to showcase her creative abilities at a young age. After her training she went on to work independently teaching and choreographing dances for weddings and special events. The passion for Bollywood dancing soon became an opportunity when Reshu taught for the Toronto District School Board for two years. Reshu has and continues to teach children from the age of 6 years old to adults. The story that Bollywood dance depicts is one that Reshu loves to translate and teach to her students and she enjoys seeing the results of what her students gain out of her classes. |
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Danny Leong -Ballroom & Latin
Danny's passion for dancing began at the University of Manitoba, where he was the vice president of the Swing Dance Club. He also studied Ballroom dancing during his student years. He started as a social dancer and after winning some local competitions, dedicated himself to studying more dances and how to teach. Danny won 1st place at the Winnipeg Salsa Competition in 2003. He also performed at the Salsa Congress Toronto and the Winnipeg Jazz Festival. He has studied at numerous International workshops from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and all other parts of the world. His passion for dance has brought him to the next level as a professional dancer. Presently, he is working on his final preparation for the DVIDA certifications. He is also a member of the Canadian Dancesport Federation. |
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Rebecca Lewis -Ballroom & Latin
Rebecca values the important things in life…family, friends, and that for which she has PASSION! Rebecca’s passion for dance is a family affair, passed down from her Grandmother through her mother (both dance teachers.) Rebecca trained throughout her youth at her mother’s dance studio in Kamloops B.C. and is professionally trained as a performer and teacher in ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop through the NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dance) based in London, England. Rebecca is a veteran to the stage and her infectious enthusiasm for dance is apparent in the energy of her classes. Currently, you can find Rebecca in Toronto tapping up a storm with her fellow members of Funk Factory, when she is not busy training and teaching ballroom, latin and tap at the Joy of Dance. |
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Lauren Lyn -Reception, Hip Hop, Jazz
(bio to follow) |
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Anna Marchenko- Zumba
Anna started dancing ballroom and Latin at the age of 8. She also performed in various countries and participated in many competitions.
Living in the Middle East she developed love for Bellydancing. In addition to that, Latin beats of salsa, merengue and bachata grabbed her attention and since then she says it's an addiction. She performed with the salsa group "the Legends" all over the Middle East, England and Switzerland.
Anna became licensed Zumba instructors in November 2007. She is also certified CanFitPro Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.
In 2010, she was lucky enough to be selected by the Zumba® Corporation as a Zumba® Jammer (1 out of 6 in Canada) which allows her to create and share the Zumba Choreography with other Zumba instructors to help maintain the integrity of Zumba Fitness program.
Anna says that teaching Zumba Fitness is the most fun she has had in years!
"No matter what kind of day you are having, Zumba Fitness will put a smile on your face and a spring in your step!" |
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Linda Marsella - Ballroom & Latin
Linda has demonstrated her talent as a seasoned teacher, competitor, and performer during a dance career that has now spanned over a decade. As a trained professional specializing in Ballroom and Latin American Dancing,Linda brings to you extensive education, experience and expertise in the areas of Dance, Competition, Teaching, Performing, and Business. She has had the honor of learning from some of the best dancers and teachers that the world has to offer. Throughout her years of teaching, Linda has had the pleasure of working with hundreds of people who have come to her with different dance goals.
Her experience working with Newcomers, Competitive Couples, Elite Figure Skaters, PRO/Am Students, and Wedding couples has been very rewarding. Her competitive students have achieved many first place and top student awards. In the Ice Dance circuit, Linda is proud to be working with the 2011 Canadian Junior Silver Medalists, the 2010 World Junior Silver Medalists, as well as many other talented, competitive ice dance couples. Linda has had the privilege of representing Canada in the Professional Latin Division at many elite competitions both nationally and internationally. She has also performed for numerous audiences at national shows, congresses, fundraisers, and other events held in Toronto and abroad. You may have even seen her teaching on a few T.V. shows such as "Stuck" on the Woman's Network, the "KY. Experiment", and Breakfast Television. Linda is constantly training and learning so that she is always on the cutting edge of ballroom dance technique, style, and movement. Linda's goal is to meet the needs of each dancer that comes to her. With each new student, her teaching ability becomes more refined and her fortunate experience continues to grow. So take a lesson with her. You'll get a slightly aggressive, little bit funny, pretty darn knowlegable, compassionate and passionate teacher who will you feeling alive, inspired, motivated, and most of all- happy! |
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Esie Mensah - Hip Hop, African, Afro Jazz and House, World Pop, Jazz, Dancehall and Stepping
Esie Mensah is a professional dancer and choreographer to the Canadian industry. After 3 years she has built an extensive resume that includes an appearance in the Walt Disney film “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”. Esie has danced for industry icons such as Divine Brown who opened for the Backstreet Boys, Deborah Cox, Anjulie, Flo Rida at the MuchMusic Video Awards, and many more. Appeared in videos by Cascada, Lauren Pritchard, Divine Brown, Carl Henry, Addictiv, Dru, and Grammy Award winner Nelly Furtado. Competed and placed within the top 100 dancers on SYTYCD Canada Season one and two and performed on stage with the hit South African musical Umoja! Currently the choreographer for World Vision Canada’s “The Other Side of the River” a new youth musical emerging across Canada. Esie is the co-choreographer of Artists in Motion, winners of MuchMusic’s Best Dance Crew sponsored by Xbox Kinect. Other choreography credits include Collection of Black Heritage Arts (COBHA) at Bishop Marracco/Thomas Merton, corporate shows, and stage shows. Esie is a graduate of Commercial Dance Studies at George Brown College where she received her training in acting, voice, ballet, jazz and musical theatre. |
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Kimberly Pilc - Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap
Kim's passion for dance started at a early age when she began to learn tap, jazz and ballet. At aged 13, she went to Randolph Dance Theatre. By 14, she was the assistant choreographer and performer for Lisa Lougheed's national tour. Kim's dance experience is both on and off the stage. She has worked with Kevin Pugh with the Dance Teq, Randolph Dance Academy, and is a graduate of the Earl Haig Performing Arts program where she continues to share her choreography with future performers. Most recently, she was managing a fitness club in downtown Toronto. Kim is thrilled to be back in the dance world and spread the joy of dance with others. |
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Mark Read - Associate Dean, Ballroom - American & International
Mark's passion is to enjoy and have fun teaching dancing. His has eleven years of dance experience with a clear focus on syllabu. Mark is CDF certified in both American and International style. He is very much at home teaching private land group lessons. His warm personality is a real delight to be around and his passion for dance is infectious. |
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Sajmun Sachdev - Bollywood
Sajmun is a classically trained Bharatanatyam and Kathak dancer with a lifelong passion for Bollywood, Bhangra, Hip Hop and Jazz. She has been a principal dancer in Bollywood films and in 2006 was awarded a student grant from the provincial government to open Bombay Bounce, an Indian dance school. Bombay Bounce was an instant success and Sajmun was featured in The Toronto Star, on CBC news, OMNI South Asian news and CityTV’s Breakfast Television. In 2007 Sajmun moved to Hollywood where she worked in production at DreamWorks Animation SKG on films such as Monsters vs. Aliens and Shrek Forever After. Having recently moved back to Toronto Saj is excited to pick up where she left off…dancing! |
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Sarah Skinner- Bellydance
Sarah Skinner is known for her mastery of belly dance, superb technique and lovely veil work. Sarah Skinner is a multi-talented artist: An innovative, mesmerizing performer and highly-acclaimed dance instructor, she is also well-known for her artistry as a dance photographer and unique costume designer. Sarah Skinner has been exploring bellydance through a diverse range of styles, always maintaining her signature qualities – lyrical, highly-emotive flow of the dance, fluid and expressive body line, precise and rich technique. From NYC now based in Toronto, Sarah teaches and performs around the world. Her twelve instructional and performance DVDs are internationally acclaimed and have been published in a number of languages. Sarah performs in professional theater shows, at private events, and high-end clubs with the top bands.
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Sam Snyders - Jazz
Sam's list of accomplishments is lengthy and diverse. He has been a lead performer in three network television series and has performed on any number of other series. He has played leading roles in T.V. and theatrical movies and stage productions. Some of his leading roles include The Pit, Tomorrow Never Comes, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, The Baxters, An American Christmas Carol, Jacob Two Two Meets the Hooded Fang, Treasure Island, Anne of Green Gables, A Chorus Line, The Player Principle and Oliver Twist.
Sam has also produced and directed numerous television specials for CBC Sportsweekend and TSN.
In recent times he has added his choreographic and dance skills to his bank of experience as well as teaching dance in various educational institutions and dance schools. Currently, Sam is touring the dance competition circuit and acts as one of the judges for StarCatchers. His professional performance background has landed him this distinction of judging dancers, congratulating winners and future professionals. It is a role Sam takes pride in as it gives him a chance to offer his professional expertise. "I am dedicated to doing my best in every endeavor, be it performing for a live theatre audience or the unrelenting eye of the camera, or creating new and exciting choreography."
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Emily Tench - Modern dance
For Emily, dancing and teaching bring her life inspiration, motivation and great happiness. Emily grew up in BC, training in ballet and modern dance and performing in festivals around the province. She is a graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and the Rotterdam Dance Academy. Between the two schools she performed in 20 new and remounted works by choreographers from around the world. After her graduation in Europe she performed for dance-theatre company Theatergroep DOX, which toured the Netherlands and Belgium extensively. She also performed a solo work at the 2006 Prague Dance Festival with Lithuanian choreographer Agnija Šeiko. In Canada Emily has spent the last 4 years dancing for Tilt Sound & Motion, a contemporary dance company that tours across Ontario. In 2007 she worked in Vancouver for MOVE: The Company, choreographer Josh Beamish. She was featured in the premiere of the full length work “Zero” at the Vancouver International Dance Festival. In Toronto Emily has danced with and performed for choreographers Susie Burpie, Michael Caldwell, Diana Groenendijk, Sasha Ivanochko, Meagan O’Shea and Michael Trent. Emily sees modern dance as a creative, ever changing dance form that extends the dancer in limitless ways through space. Through her enthusiasm and sense of humor, Emily teaches strength, an understanding of technique and most of all expressive movement in her classes. |
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Yulia Vokhmina- Ballroom - International & American
Yulia (Julia) has been teaching ballroom for years. |
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Rachel Zinck - Ballet
Rachel began her dancing career at Meyerhofer Academy of Dancing in her hometown of Cambridge when she was barely six years old. Starting out with just her once a week, Saturday morning classes, she knew this is what she wanted to for the rest of her life. Just two years after her first dance class she was asked to join the studio’s competition team. By the time she was ten years old, Rachel was competing in ballet, jazz, and tap categories as a soloist and ensemble dancer in several groups. It was at this time that she began her teaching career as an assistant in one the baby classes at her studio. Over the years she kept on progressing with her dancing by working on her R.A.D. Majors examinations completing all up to and including her Advance, as well as doing several competitions a season and was able to travel all over the US and Canada winning top awards and scholarships. She was also a part of Disney’s Magic Music Day and was thrilled to be able to dance on a Disney stage. Right after graduation, Rachel moved to Toronto, attending George Brown. Two weeks after she finished at George Brown she was off to New Orleans to board one of Carnival Cruise line’s ship for the first time. Since being back in Toronto, Rachel has performed with local ballet company, Ballet Espressivo, and increased her level of film/television acting under the training of Chris Healy and doing small parts when given. And at this time, Rachel is more then excited to get back into teaching! |
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Julie Epplett - West Coast Swing
Julie has been sharing her passion for West Coast Swing with the Toronto dance community since 2001. Although trained in a variety of dance disciplines (ballet, jazz, Flamenco and others) it's the freedom of expression and connection between partners in West Coast Swing that keeps her focused on this playful social dance. In addition to offering regular weekly classes locally, Julie has taught West Coast Swing workshops in Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Waterloo, and London, Ontario. She's a member of the teaching staff for the Swing Niagara Dance Championships in Buffalo, New York each year and is an invited instructor for the 2008 Toronto Open Swing Dance Championships. Between teaching commitments Julie attends international events where she competes and continues to train in order to bring the latest trends in West Coast Swing back to her students. She's delighted to be a new member of the talented faculty at Joy of Dance. |
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