Diane

Director, Toronto Dance Vibe - info@dancevibes.com

Diane began dancing at the age of 5. She has participated in many dance competitions over the years. Diane holds 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 takes pride in her teachers and students and ensures the utmost professionalism. Diane specializes in Jazz/Tap and has received many awards for competitive routines she has choreographed. Diane is committed to providing her students and staff with a fun dance environment. Happy Dancin’!

Specialty:  Jazz, Tap

Cerise

Cerise is currently working in the Human Resources field. She holds an Honours B.A. in History, Classics, and Drama from the University of Toronto and is currently working on attaining her CHRP designation. Cerise started dancing at the age of 4 with Kicks Dance Studio, shortly thereafter moving on to Sandra Amodeo Dance Studio where she developed her technique in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical and Musical Theatre.

She has competed in numerous competitions and workshops all over Ontario and the U.S., winning many awards in the Dance America Finals held in such cities as

New Orleans, New York and Orlando. She holds her Associate Diploma with the B.A.T.D. and has been teaching dance and workshops for 7 years in addition to choreographing high school musicals and dancing for the Toronto Lynx.

Cerise is inspired by all forms of dance and strives to achieve immaculate technique from her students, while taking an avant-garde approach to her choreography.

Specialty: Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre

Daniela

Instructor

Since a young age Daniela has been a performer. Through her many years of dance she been able to experience the discipline and control of ballet, the excitement and energy of jazz, the rhythms and sounds of tap and has also encountered many other forms of dance, such as; lyrical, modern, music theatre, hip hop, tango, and Argentinean folk dance. Daniela has competed in many solos, duets, trios and groups, having travelled all over Ontario and the U.S.; including Las Vegas and Orlando where she took part in the N.A.T.T. (National Competition Finals). Daniela is a graduate of the University of Toronto and a certified B.A.T.D Associate Teacher who always looks forward to the chance to work with others in hopes of passing on her vast knowledge of dance and performance.

Specialty:  Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre

Dena

Instructor

Dena is currently a physical education teacher within the Toronto District School Board. She holds a BPHE (U of T), a BScEd (Medaille College), and her associate diploma with the B.A.T.D. Dena's experiences in dance include everything from competing, to show work (i.e. Radio Station promo, Sick Kids telethon, Special Olympics Opening Ceremony, corporate events), and choreography for numerous shows and events (i.e. Canadian Children's Dance Theatre, Cabbagetown Youth Centre, Wexford Music Theatre, Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra). When not teaching, Dena enjoys spending time with her son Xavier, keeping active, and trying new things.

Specialty:  Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre

Jasmyn

Jasmyn is a dancer, choreographer and teacher.  To date her repertoire includes “Revive My Soul” March 2009, “Be Lifted Up” in Heaven’s Rehearsal 2008 at the Rogers Center, “Living in a  . . . . world” performed at the Squigg and Junction Arts Festival 2008, choreography for the Toronto Passion Play scheduled for April 2009, Obsidian Theatre in Oct 2008 and Dramatic Change Youth Theatre in Aug 2008. She has presented works in the Project Dance Festival from 2006 – 2008 in New York City and Atlanta, Georgia. 

In January 2008 she presented a solo work in progress at Series 808 and in February 2008 she danced in the touring musical UMOJA.  Jasmyn will be directing the Project Dance Festival in Toronto, July 10-12, 2009.  Currently, Jasmyn is rehearsing and performing with her company ASM Dance ‘As the Spirit Moves.’ 

She endeavors to create art that soothes the soul and awakens hearts and minds.

Specialty: Acro, Jazz, Hip Hop, African, Modern/Contemporary, Lyrical

Jonathan

Instructor

Jonathan is currently a intermediate/physical health and education teacher within the Toronto District School Board. He holds a BPHE (U of T), a BEd (OISE/U of T), and his associate diploma with the B.A.T.D. Jonathan has been dancing since the age of four and has competed in various national level competitions in Canada and the United States. His most memorable dance experiences include dancing at Epcot Centre (Walt Disney World), Blue Jay games, the Runway to Athens Olympic fundraiser, and in the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies.  When not teaching, Jonathan enjoys playing hockey, and soccer.

Specialty:  Hip Hop, Tap

Kiera

Instructor

Kiera began dance training started at the age of 3yrs.  At the age of 7, the Doreen Hayes School of Dance turned out to be the place where my real training began. Keeping the dance train on track, fresh and challenging my mother made the move to a new studio called Danceology in Toronto. That is where I was taught the skills to turn dancing from my passion into my profession. I must give credit to the Claude Watson and Cardinal Carter School for the Arts for assisting with my training.

Many University workshops, dance competitions, classes, and intensive training classes became the bulk of my life till my mid teens. My vast training has granted me the ability to work in and perform in various Commercials, Industrials, Movies and Stage shows. The most memorable movie to date is “Bojangles”. Starring and dancing along side the world renowned Gregory Hines. A dream had come true. This experience was by far the largest dance job to date. Commercials have always been a part of my life. Throughout my teens the list of Commercials far out weighed the norm among others my age.  One commercial that broke the mold was working along side Clarence Ford and Vince Carter in a remake of  “Roocker Park” by the Nike Corp.

The chance came to become a company member at world-renowned The Shaw Festival.  I found out later just how much of a blessing this was. Only a few people every couple of years are accepted to become company members. I’m one of the few younger members to have completed four seasons.

My style of dance is current, up to date, exciting and over all professional. I’ve worked with many other actors, chorographers and dancers. These experiences have left me with the ability to find the best way to make dancing fun no matter how hard the steps or routine may be. I love to dance no matter what the style. My goal has always been to share this love with others.

Kiera is excited to join the Toronto Dance Vibe Team to share her love of Dance.

Specialty:  Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Lyrical

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.

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

Samantha

Instructor

Samantha has been dancing since the age of five. She has competed across Ontario in Jazz, Tap and Highland. She received her Associate Members in Highland Dancing and is working towards her Members Certificate with the B.A.T.D.

She enjoys teaching at Toronto Dance Vibe as well as working at the reception desk. For the past year, Samantha has also hosted many birthday parties for kids at the Toronto Dance Vibe Studio. 

Samantha is currently in her final year in Make-up Artistry at Sheridan College.

Specialty: Highland, Jazz, Tap

Sarah

Instructor

Sarah is the Founding Director and Choreographer of “SASS Entertainment”, a dynamic and highly energetic Toronto based company of professionally trained and accredited dancers. In just one year of SASS being born, the company has already had many successes, dancing in music videos, at corporate events and festivals, along with having the pleasure of sharing the stage with such artists as Akon, Busta Rhymes, Karl Wolf and Classified. Just to name a few.  www.sassent.com

Sarah began dancing at the age of 4 and competed internationally in multiple dance disciplines for over 10 years. She is professionally trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern and hip hop and spent 2 years in Mexico, working on Resorts as a Choreographer and Performer. Sarah has worked privately with top choreographers such as Mikey Minden (Pussycat Dolls) and Shane Sparks (So You Think You Can Dance). Professional appearances include TSN Sports Celebrity Canadian Special Olympics Fundraiser; Class Act Dinner Theatre; Dance Ontario Dance Festival and Urban Groove (BPM TV).

In addition to her stage work, Sarah has appeared in music videos, conducted guest workshops, been a faculty member of Dance Alive Productions and has been on staff at Greater Toronto area dance studios, where she has taught and choreographed for the competitive teams and recreational classes. Her continued involvement in performance and training ensures her choreography reflects the latest dance trends, while her substantial syllabus training and accreditation ensures a sound basis in technique training for her students.

Sarah is a Student Member of the Royal Academy of Dance, having successfully completed her intermediate ballet examination and is a certified Associate Teacher, Stage Division- Jazz and Tap, with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association.

Specialty:  Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop   contemporary and modern

Wendy

Instructor

Wendy began dancing at the age of 14.  Although this was considered late to begin learning Highland Dancing, she was determined to learn everything she could in a short period of time.  She competed for years at Highland Games and Winter competitions.

She received her Associates in the Highland Division of the B.A.T.D. in 1982. 

In 1986, she received her Members certificate with the B.A.T.D. Wendy has been coaching the art of Highland Dancing ever since.  She recently received her Life Members with the B.A.T.D.

She has begun choreographing Highland dances for our competitive team with positive results.

Wendy is very proud to coach the students of Toronto Dance Vibe in Highland Dance.

Specialty:  Highland