Dance
Karin Kelley
Karin was born and raised in Aylmer and has been dancing here for over 22 years. She specializes in ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical. When Karin was 9 she was accepted at the National Ballet School in Toronto for the summer program where she trained with Canada’s top ballet professionals. Karin was also accepted to attend the full year at the National but chose to stay home in Aylmer to dance and compete with her friends. The following year Karin was again accepted at the National Ballet School but chose to try a new dance experience at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School where she had also been accepted that same year.
With her dancing Karin has had the opportunity to compete across North America, perform on television shows for the CJOH and Rogers network, and dance for the Capital Region for many Canada Day performances on Parliament Hill. Karin is trained in R.A.D. and C.D.T.A. and has just completed her first year of the teacher training school for the A.D.A.P.T. syllabus.
Karin’s passion for dance is competing and performing. She thrives on creating that passion for the stage in her students. In 2003 Karin’s choreographies won 3 overall high scores in the ADA competition and her routine Cat in the Hat won overall 12 and under routine of the Montreal ADA competition. In 2004 she won the young choreographer award at the Dance America competition in New Jersey and overall high score award and the Diamond Choreographer award at ADA in Montreal that same season. Last year Karin and her sister Tanya became the artistic directors of the school and competitive team for the 2005-2006 season and the troupe won over 22 overall awards and over 1,000$ in prizes. Karin lives for competition and performing and she trains her students to shine through the art of dance when they perform on stage.
Danielle Lesage Kelley
Founding Director, Studio de danse Danielle since 1979, founding Artistic Director, Aylmer Avenue Danse Company 1985.
Mrs Kelley is a Registered Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dancing in classical ballet and Full Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers' Association. Mrs Kelley has succesfully entered students for examinations in ballet, jazz, and tap over the past 23 years and continues to coach serious dance students in preparation for these examinations. She is an award-wining choreographer wha has received many international awards not only for choreography but for costume design and many other prestigious awards mostly through competition with her dance company. Mrs. Kelley has also choreographed for television for such shows as Home grown Cafe and with Radio-Canada/CBC Canada Day production on Parliament Hill and several television specials.
Many of Mrs. Kelley's former students were accepted at the National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's summer programme. Many have gone on to become dance teachers and dance professionals in Canada and the United States.
Her many years as a dancer, teacher and choreographer are reflected in her strong technique classes and her innovative choreographies. Her dance experience spans over the past two decades and she now is focusing her career on teaching young children and coaching of advanced students and young teachers.
Maria Kaur Verdone
Maria Kaur Verdone has been teaching belly dancing for over 15 years. Traditional cabaret using veil, zills, sword and shamadan. Her background in dance includes various styles of oriental and Indian dances, classical ballet, lyrical and flamenco. She has performed for various events throughout the United States and Canada. Maria is also a strong believer and teacher of meditation, through a multitude of avenues with the goal of acquiring and maintaining lasting peace of mind, she is the author of a book about spirituality, well-being and timeless power of the feminine aspect.
Caroline Parent
Caroline Parent began her dance training at the age of three, and has been competing since the age of 10. She has proficient knowledge in many dance styles such as jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, modern, lyrical, pointe, cheerleading, even baton twirling and completed many dance exams with the C.D.T.A, B.A.T.D., R.A.D. & BEAT syllabus.
After training at the Université du Québec à Montréal in the modern dance program, she returned home to pursue her studies at Ottawa University. Recipient of many dance award, she has been a part of numerous dance teams such as the Ottawa Renegades, Ottawa University, Ottawa 67’s, Aylmer Avenue Dance Company and a senior hip hop team during the ADA nationals in New York. Caroline is the founder of numerous cheerleading squads and adjudicator for local cheerleading competitions. She is currently a coach and a member of the all-star open cheerleading team with Cheer Ultime Outaouais. Also pursuing her studies in dance, she is currently enrolled in the Professional Contemporary training program at the School of Dance.
Caroline is a dynamic dance instructor, an innovative choreographer, certified cheerleading coach and accredited tap teacher with the Beat Dance Alliance of Teachers. Her high energy and positive attitude make the classroom a fun and challenging atmosphere for students of all ages and levels. Her objective is to educate young dancers to achieve there highest potential and share her passion for dance in the process.
Meaghan Brunetti de Pimentel
Meaghan has been dancing in one form or another all her life. Starting out dancing Ballet and Jazz at the age of 5, moving on to Hip-hop and later Salsa, Merengue and Bachata.
She has received training at various schools and workshops including Studio de Danse Danielle! She brings together styles of Latin dance from many different parts of the world; she uses a unique teaching method that provides one-on-one style instruction even in large classes. The styling and sequences taught in her classes are infused with passion and diversity.
Lorraine Barbeau
Lorraine owned and operated a dance studio in Ottawa and brings over 30 years of experience to the industry. She has distinguished herself as a teacher, choreographer and adjudicator.
Lorraine has expanded her teaching abilities by attending several dance conventions throughout Canada and the U.S. Also, she has traveled to Broadway Dance Centre in New York City for classes. Many of her students have won Overall High Score Awards including National Dance-Off competitions. Some students have gone on to seek their own professional careers, such as touring companies, theatre companies and owning/operating their own studios. One student performed for the Broadway production "Encore" in Tokyo Disney, Japan and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.
As a member of ADAPT, several of her students have achieved the highest grade of the syllabus, with several receiving scholarships. Lorraine's positive and upbeat teaching style has made her an excellent motivator and admired by all her students.
Lisa-Marie Burka
Lisa-Marie Burka joins the Studio de Danse Danielle staff this year, bringing with her over 10 years of experience teaching in dance. Lisa-Marie has trained in the disciplines of ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap and acrobatics, receiving her elementary level certification in ballet from the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).
During her 20 plus years of dance training, she has recieved many awards for both performance and choreography, even having her choreography showcased at the Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Florida. She has adjudicated at several competitions and was a member of the choreography team for the 2004 Grey Cup held in Ottawa.
Lisa-Marie is the Director and founder of Graffiti Dance Company, a group that has performed at numerous functions around the Ottawa area.
Darin Kyle
Darin Kyle is quite possibly the best kept secret in the Tap dance world. He has been involved in the dance industry for over 17 yrs, accumulating training in Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Hip Hop. For the past four years Darin has been honing his abilities and creative skills. Now anxious to demonstrate the unique style that won him the title of World Tap Dance Champion, Darin eagerly seeks to inspire others to explore this style.
Darin has twice had the honor of representing Canada at the World Tap Dance Championships held annually in Germany; first, in the year 2000, placing 2nd and 4th in the Team formation and solo categories respectively. And again in 2001, this time placing 1st both as a member of the Team Formation, and as the ONLY man in Canada ever to don the mantle of World Solo Tap Dance Champion.
Since becoming the World Champion Darin has been busy teaching, performing, and adjudicating young dancers. His choreography has won high score and overall awards regionally, nationally and on the world stage. He has also founded the “Beat Dance Alliance of Teachers,” and authored “The Beat Tap Syllabus,”. The BDA and it’s syllabus are in their third year of existence and are committed to offering dance training with a focus on Tap. As well Darin has appeared as a feature performer at the National Arts Centre and performing along side such Canadian singing talent as Sarah Slean, Amy Sky, Lynn Miles, Prairie Oyster’s Keith Glass, and comedian Sean Cullen.
Cherly Goodwin
Cheryl Goodwin B.A. (Hon), E.T.C.; C.D.T.A Accredited ADAPT Teacher(Ballet, Jazz, Tap)- Cheryl’s experience consists of being the Director of the Children’s Ballet Studio for 8 years, and teaching in the Ottawa area for 34 years. In addition, she is a Registered Teacher and Full Member of the Royal Academy of Dancing, the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers and holds the Elementary Certificate in ISTD National Branch. Cheryl Goodwin is fully bilingual and has attended courses in Toronto, Red Deer, Alberta and London, England. Under her tenure, students have been very successful in examinations and competitions. Cheryl has successfully assisted students in the Ottawa Valley attain their Teacher’s Diploma in the A.D.A.P.T. Jazz and Tap programme.
She is currently specializing in Graded and Vocational R.A.D. Ballet. Cheryl has also successfully coached a student in attaining her Solo Seal Award – the highest performing award of the Royal Academy of Dance
Candice Trivett
Candice Trivett started her dance career with us at the age of 3. She has since been trained in many different styles of dance such as Acrobatics, Modern, Lyrical, Pointe, Ballet, Jazz and Tap. As most students from Studio de Danse Danielle, Candice has completed her examinations in (R.A.D) Ballet as well as her (C.D.T.A.) Tap and Jazz exams. Candice is currently in the process of completing her training to obtain her A.D.A.P.T. Teaching Certificate.
Candice joined the Aylmer Avenue Dance Company at the age of 7 and through this experience has had the opportunity of competing throughout North America. She has also performed on numerous occasions on Parliament Hill as well as on C.J.O.H Homegrown Café show. Her love for dance has now brought her back to her dancing roots as a staff member for the Studio. Candice teaches Acro, Tap, Jazz and creative movement as well as choreographing for the Aylmer Avenue Dance Company. In her first year as a choreographer for the troop, all of Candice’s numbers brought back gold medals from the Dance America final’s held in New-York City.
Candice’s main goal is to nurture the love of dance in all her students.
Laura Bigelow
Laura Bigelow started to dance at the age of 5. Through the years she has learned different styles of dancing while following the Canadian Dance Teacher Association syllabus for tap and jazz. She followed the Royal Academy of Dance training programme in classical ballet. Laura Bigelow has taught at Studio de Danse Danielle since 1996 and is also a choreographer for the Aylmer Avenue Danse Company. In 2004, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in education which has helped her to diversify her teaching methods and which encourages children to develop their potential. Miss Bigelow is known for her contemporary ballet pieces and for her work with young children. Many of her students have continued on with their studies in some of the best dance schools in Canada and are also prominent in the national and international dance scene. The success of her students, past and present, is proof of her contagious passion for dance.
Katiana Paré
Katiana completed the ADAPT syllabus as an advanced Jazz and Tap dancer while training at the Canadian School of Dance. Her strong work ethic and motivated attitude has led to winning regional Dancer of the Year awards at both CanDance and American Dance Awards. In 2010, she was the senior Jazz class winner and placed 3rd overall in the National Dancer of the Year Titles competition at American Dance Awards. Her performance and technical skills have enabled her to win multiple scholarships to dance conventions and Millennium Dance Complex in LA. Katiana's love and passion for the art continues to grow as she matures from a dancer into a teacher and choreographer.
Catherine Friesen
Born in Ottawa, Catherine was trained in Russian and Cecchetti ballet at Dance Educators. At the age of 12, she went to the National Ballet School in Toronto, and then 2 years later, she studied at the School of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. She has performed with Ottawa Ballet, Les Jeunes Ballet du Quebec's tour of France and Switzerland, and with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in their Western Canada and Quebec tour.
After doing an apprenticeship with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, she started to take an interest in Musical Theatre. She performed in 'Hey Mr. Producer' and Tribute to Bob Fosse as a dancer/singer on a Cruise Line. She decided to start travelling the world through her dance career! She worked on Crystal Cruise Lines as the Lead Adage couple performing in the Pas de Deux from Carousel Ballet and Romeo & Juliet. Catherine also continued to perform as a dancer/singer in 12 different review shows. She became the Dance Captain for the last 3 years of Cruising while still performing full time.
Once Catherine decided that she wanted to remain on land, she performed in the Hit Musical ‘Cabaret’ in Montreal, and then in a touring show called ‘Best of Broadway’. At the moment Catherine still performs with a company in Mtl. While she is not dancing, she is teaching Pilates, Zumba and is also a certified Personal Trainer.
Meghan Fanning
Meghan began her training at the age of 8 and her expansive experience includes numerous years studying jazz, lyrical, ballet, tap and musical theatre, with successful completion of the RAD level of Seal.
Meghan also has competed at national and international levels. She then departed for a career with Royal Caribbean Productions and joined her first cast aboard a world class cruise ship, traveling around the world from Rio to Venice and from Singapore to Sydney and has worked with many internationally renowned members of the dance industry.
Sylvie Chagnon
Professeure à l’École de danse Anick McConnell depuis 12 ans et enseignante à la concentration danse de la Polyvalente Nicholas-Gatineau, Sylvie Chagnon a commencé à s’intéresser très jeune à l’enseignement de la claquette. C’est à l’âge de 14 ans qu’elle y fait ses débuts formant ses élèves d’après la technique «Al Gilbert». Deux ans plus tard, elle forme sa propre troupe folklorique nommée «Les Riverains» et suite à l’obtention de son baccalauréat en enseignement, elle rejoint l’ensemble folklorique «Les Sortilèges» à temps plein durant deux années.
Aujourd’hui, elle forme ses élèves grâce à la technique A.D.A.P.T. des niveaux junior à pré-avancé. Les excellents résultats obtenus par l’ensemble de ses élèves lors des examens démontrent la qualité de son enseignement. Quelques-uns de ses élèves ont représenté les villes d’Ottawa et Montréal lors des finales de Candance et d’American Dance Award. De plus, quelques-unes de ses nombreuses chorégraphies de compétition ont remporté d’excellents prix comme par exemple: «Spending Christmas in Ireland» (1ère place, Junior Diamond Dance Off, Candance Ottawa 2005), «Boogie Wonderland» (1ère place, lines 12 ans et moins, finale de la compétition Candance 2008 à Boston) et «Don’t stop me now» (1ère place, Junior Diamond Dance Off, Candance Montréal 2009). La réussite de ses élèves lui tient à coeur et elle souhaite encore partager sa passion pour la danse avec eux durant plusieurs années.
Tanya Miller
Tanya Miller is the founder, director and creative force behind Children in Motion, a movement and dance program that provides age-appropriate dance and movement instruction. Tanya is also co-owner of Studio de Danse Danielle. Tanya has studied Early Childhood Education and has combined this with her Pre-Elementary Certificate and Grade 8 award from the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) to become a true teacher of dance. Tanya also has her Advanced Certificate with Honours in Jazz from the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (C.D.T.A).
Through Studio Danielle, Tanya has been instrumental in grooming children from ages 3 to 17 to perform and succeed at international competitions. Tanya has also pursued advanced dance instruction at some of Canada’s leading dance schools, such as the Quinte Ballet in Belleville and École Superieur in Montreal. Tanya's passion is ensuring that young children grow up fit and healthy.
Ben Jammin
Ben Jammin has been involved in the Hiphop scene for over 15 years, including breaking for 8 years and teaching during 4 of those years.His dedication to the culture is evident when you hear him teach. He not only motivates youth in dance but he helps instill in them the importance of Canada's own Hiphop history. He is currently managing the "Canadian Floor Masters", Canada's oldest performing company for Bboying, and also continues to dance with this exceptional crew.Jammin is known for his complex choreographies and his D.J. and MCing skills.He is often the guest Master of Ceremonies at many large hiphop events.
As a D.J., he has been spinning records for the past 15 years at various functions from house parties to dance clubs that have a capacity of 1000 people. He has also traveled to Europe and South America breaking and D.J.ing with Le Groupe Swing, a Franco-Ontarien group that mix rhythms and rigodon rhymes to create a unique new sound.
Bill Juillette
Bill Juillette (AKA Mr. Bill) is one of Ottawa’s most charismatic dance instructors specializing in freestyle Hip Hop with a fitness edge for more than 10 years. His classes and choreography are designed for dancers of all ages and skill level who are looking for energy and excitement, which he delivers with style and enthusiasm. He proves that dance is one of the most enjoyable and engaging ways to develop endurance, coordination and creativity.
Krista Heals
Krista has extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern, hip hop and acro. She was awarded her Advanced Jazz Certificate with “Honours” and her grade four tap certificate from the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (C.D.T.A.). Krista is a student member of the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) and holds her elementary ballet certificate.
Krista has performed at such places as the NAC in the opera “Rigoletto”, the Casino du Lac Leamy, the Hilton du Lac Leamy, the Gatineau Balloon Festival and Parliament Hill Her television experience includes Jeans Jeans Plus Commercials and CJOH’s Homegrown Café. She has also won at National Dance Championships in Florida, Vancouver and New York City and was awarded the “Fabulous Focus” award from the American Dance Awards (A.D.A.) Canadian Dance Tour 2003. Krista’s passion for dance is most recognized when she’s on stage performing and in the classroom teaching the children.
Judith Davies
Judith Davies holds a Bachelor of arts in Fine Arts from Concordia University, and is a Registered Teacher and Life Member of the Royal Academy of Dance, London, England. She has been awarded both the Teaching Certificate and Teaching Diploma, with Distinction, of the Academy and has spent forty-two years in the field of Dance Education specializing in the teaching of children. Ms. Davies performed professionally as as apprentice with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal, and as a full company member of the Judy Jarvis Dance & Theatre Company, Toronto, Ontario. She was the founding artistic director of Ottawa Dance Theatre from 1976 to 1986, and the recipient of two Ontario Arts Council awards for choreography. As well, from 1972 to present, She has taught and directed the Ottawa Dance Centre Schools. Graduates have been accepted by major companies in Canada and abroad, as well as major universities in related fields.
Since 1991, Ms. Davies has been Artisit-in-Residene for the Summer Program 'A Chance to Dance' with Dance Works at Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, Tennesse, U.S., where she has taught both classical ballet, Modern Dance, (graham Technique and others), Creative Movement and Composition. Her work in Contemporary Dance Education has earned her recognition in both Canada and the United States. This past year (2004-2005) she was invited, under a Tennessee arts Council Grant to set a choreography on Advanced students of Dance Works, based on the technique and Dramatic structure of Martha Graham, as part of a Celebration of Great Choreographers of America.
Ms. Davies' training in Contemporary Dance includes study at the Martha Graham school, NYC, as well as with noted choreographers, Twyla Tharp. Paul Taylor and Alvin Ailey. She continues to actively teach in both Classical and Contemporary idioms.
Ping Feng
Ping Feng is a former Premier Danseur with the Ottawa Ballet Co. and the Beijing Dance Academy Ballet Co. He was also a company member and teacher with Les Ballets Jazz de Montreál. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance from the Beijing Dance Academy and has many years of teaching experience.
Angele Lafontaine
Born and raised in Sudbury Ontario, Angele's intense passion for dance was apparent at an early age. Being influenced and mentored at local dance establishments including Happiness is Dancing…, Company G Dance Academy and Sudbury Secondary School, Angele is proficient in styles such as ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, lyrical, modern, contemporary and hip hop. Angele's love for the art eventually lead her to Montreal where she was accepted to study in the contemporary dance program at Concordia University.
She took part in many festivals and performances and always seized the opportunities that would aid in her growth as an artist. In 2008, she trained with Trademark, a montreal based hip hop group, competing in many festivals including World of Dance in New York. Upon graduation she decided to make her focus hip hop. Now a dancer and choreographer for Driven Dance Company, an Ottawa based hip hop group, she continues to perform for various charity events and shows through out the city. Angele continues to inspire young dancers throughout the city as she is constantly teaching workshops at both elementary and high school level and at local dance studios.
Pascale Fortin
Pascale was trained in tap, ballet, jazz, pointe, lyrical, acro, modern and musical theatre. She completed the RAD Upper Grades in ballet with Distinction and was trained by many syllabuses in tap: the CDTA, BEAT and ADAPT. She also participated in many competitions and received several awards such as Ultimate Gold and Platinum as well as special mentions from the judges. At national level, she received first place for her tap solo in 2008. She also participated in many festivals and community shows.
Pascale has worked with children for more than seven years, five of which teaching at Studio de Danse Danielle. In 2011, her competitive tap group received many overall awards at both regional and national competitions. Pascale teaches tap as well as jazz, ballet and creative movement. She is currently studying in the “Enseignement préscolaire et éducation primaire” programme which allows her to diversify her teaching methods. Pascale’s goal is to guide students into discovering the love of dance.