Diane

Founder, Toronto Dance Vibe - info@dancevibes.com

Diane began dancing at the age of 5. She participated in many dance competitions over the years. Diane held B.A.T.D. teaching qualifications in the Jazz, Tap and Stage branches. Diane founded Dance Vibes in 1992 and has built up her student population and her teaching staff. The Studio now operates under the name TORONTO DANCE VIBE.  She took pride in her teachers and students and ensured the utmost professionalism. Diane specialized in Jazz/Tap and has received many awards for competitive routines she has choreographed. Diane was committed to providing her students and staff with a fun dance environment.

Happy Dancin’!

Specialty:  Jazz, Tap

A.J.

Instructor

A.J. LoPresti began his dance training at the age of 5. He has trained at Sheridan Institute under the Musical theatre program. He has studied a variety of dance styles at schools and studios including Broadway, Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Hip hop, Fosse, Tribal, Swing and many more. Most recently, AJ has been working on Disney's new movie "High Stakes" with Ashley Tisdale. He has won numerous awards and scholarships for both performance and choreography including the title of "Teen Mr. Dance of Canada" (DMA). Recent theatre credits include 'High School Musical 2' ( Toronto centre for the arts),The Canadian premier of 'Hey Marilyn' (St. Lawerence Centre), "Stopping Place' and 'Wordplay' (Indou Dance company), 'Gypsy' (Theatre Sheridan), 'Joseph and the amazing..', 'Oklahoma!', 'Guys and Dolls' and 'My Fair Lady' (Theatre Ancaster). A.J. enjoys working in studio environments to encourage students to be their best and see the results.

Josh

Instructor

Josh Nitkin has been a dancer and performer for over 21 years. Having trained in Tap, Jazz, Acrobatics, Ballet, Modern, Hip Hop, Swing, Breakdancing, Lyrical and Contemporary, Josh has a full arsenal under his belt. In the last few years Josh has done a number of shows with lead roles including Hines in The Pajama Game, Reverend Parris in The Crucible and Nikko in The Wizard of Oz. Josh has also done several contracts with Celebrity Cruise Lines as a Production Cast Dancer as well as had the opportunity to take master classes with LA and Toronto's top dancers and choreographers including Kelly Konno (Janet Jackson dancer), Tyce Diorio (So You Think You Can Dance) Linda Garneau (Helix Dance Project) and Shawn Byfield and Jeff Wong (Thrive! Entertainment).

Currently Josh is working with PAEC (Performing Arts Educators of Canada) in creating a Hip Hop/Urban Syllabus for all to learn from.

Josh trained at Ryerson University in the dance program, and from there went to study at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts where he studied Acting, Singing as well as Dancing. He currently teaches in school in the GTA and looks forward to meeting and mentoring the students at TDV.

Melanie

Instructor

Melanie has been actively involved in the dance world since the age of 3 and has studied and trained at various studios across the GTA where she has won various awards and honours through the years. Melanie has been with Dance Vibes since the doors opened in September of 1992, as a student, a teacher and office administrator.

Melanie is an active member with the competitive team and is very valuable to the team in preparing them for their routines during competition season.

Dancing has always been a passion of Melanie's and she feels very privileged to be able to pass this passion on to the students at Toronto Dance Vibe.

Richelle

Instructor

TBA

Rosemary

Instructor

Rosemary has been dancing for over 20 years, She was a performer for the Bulgarian Opera House. Rosemary was the Ballet Master Choreographer for the National TV in Sofia, Bulgaria. She has also choreorgraphed over 80 shows all over Bulgaria. Rosemary began teaching at the Bulgarian National Ballet school in 1989. She then moved to Canada in 1997 where she taught Ballet at Seneca College and then at Kaliev Gymnastics. Her teaching qualifications are from the Bulgarian National Ballet School and the University of Art in Plovdiv, Bulgaria and from the International Ballet Academy in Cologne, Germany.

Rosemary has been with Toronto Dance Vibe for over 9 years and has had many students successfully complete their Ballet exams. She has also choreographed competitive routines that have received many top achievments. Rosemary is excited to share her passion for dance with her students.

Specialty:  Ballet

Stephanie

Instructor

Stephanie Kokalovski has been dancing since the age of three. She has trained extensively in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Lyrical, Highland, Musical Theatre, and Modern dance. Stephanie is currently studying at York University in the BFA dance program and is an Associate member of the British Association Teachers of Dancing holding accreditations in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet. Stephanie is currently continuing to train in the Royal Academy of Dancing and Cecchetti Method of ballet technique. She has performed professionally across Ontario and has competed throughout Canada and the United States. Some performances include The Motionball Charity Gala for the Special Olympics, The Alzheimer’s Society Walk for Memories at Roy Thomson Hall, “The Best of Broadway in Concert” tour, Upstaging Cancer, Mayor’s Galas throughout the GTA, and various shows with Steppin’ Out Theatrical Productions. Stephanie has been the recipient of numerous awards for her performances as a soloist and in groups, some of which include the Be Discovered Dance Scholarship to Los Angeles, top soloist awards, judge’s choice, and choreography awards. Stephanie has had the opportunity to take mater classes from dance artists and educators from all over the United States and Canada. She is very passionate about dance and continues to learn and grow as a dancer, teacher, and choreographer and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the dancers at Toronto Dance Vibe.

Valerie

Instructor

Valerie Stanois redefines the term “Triple Threat”. As an accomplished singer, dancer, actor, choreographer, teacher and Zumbaâ Instructor, her talents have taken her all over the world. She is most well known for her portrayal of “Oz”, the rocker rebel, in the Mirvish Production of WE WILL ROCK YOU and was the dance captain as well as cover for all the female roles in the Broadway and Toronto companies of the musical ROCK OF AGES. With over 20 years of experience she has performed with the Stratford Festival, Can-Stage, and has played such roles as Rizzo in GREASE, Little Red Riding Hood in INTO THE WOODS, Sillibub in CATS and Sheila in HAIR.

Valerie continues to expand her craft by taking classes in NYC, Toronto and LA and strives as an artist by reaching out as an active member of the community. She has lent her talents to numerous charity events including the Sick Kids Telethon, Easter Seals Telethon, Gilda’s Club, Alzheimer’s Society, United Way, Children’s Wish Foundation and the Run for the Cure. As well as working in the schools as a choreographer and coach encouraging students to express themselves through the arts. She is very excited to share her knowledge and experience with the students of Toronto Dance Vibe