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

Daniela

Instructor

Daniela is currently studying at the University of Toronto. 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). Now a certified B.A.T.D Associate Teacher, Daniela 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), and a BScEd (Medaille College). Dena also holds her associate diploma with the B.A.T.D and has been teaching dance for 11 years. Her 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 playing soccer, improving her hockey skills, and trying new things.

Specialty:  Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre

Laura

Instructor

Laura is currently working in the Public Relations industry. She holds a BFA Honours Degree in Dance from York University and a post-graduate certificate in Corporate Communications from Centennial College. Raised in Kingston, ON, Laura began dancing at the age of 5 at the YMCA. She later joined I’ve Got Rhythm School of Dance and expanded her dance disciplines to include ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical and musical theatre. Laura holds her Associate B.A.T.D teaching certificate in both ballet and jazz and has been teaching dance intermittently for the past 8 years. While attending York University Laura participated in several dance productions as both a choreographer and dancer. She is currently a senior member of The Dance Company and performs at events throughout Toronto. Laura is excited to be teaching at Toronto Dance Vibe and looks forward to sharing her joy and passion for dance with her students.

Specialty:  Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre

Jonathan

Instructor

Jonathan is currently studying physical health and education at the University of Toronto. He has been dancing since the age of 4 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. Jonathan holds his associate diploma with the B.A.T.D. and has been teaching dance for 7 years. When not teaching, Jonathan enjoys playing hockey, and soccer.

Specialty:  Hip Hop, Tap

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 acquired my Associate Teachers Certificate from the B.A.T.D. in 1998 and has since been working with students of various ages training them to successfully complete B.A.T.D. exams at all levels in the form of Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Acrobatics.

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 7 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

Sarah

Instructor

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 a year in Mexico, working on a Resort as an Assistant Choreographer and Performer. Sarah recently went to L.A in the summer and 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

Tracey

Instructor

Tracey is a performer, choreographer, dance teacher, gymnastics coach and arts administrator based in Toronto.  She graduated with an Honours BFA in Dance from York University in 2003.  She has worked professionally as a dancer and choreographer, as well as continuing her endeavours as a teacher, coach and choreographer at notable GTA studios and clubs.

Raised in London, Ontario, Tracey trained at Laurie Ann’s School of Dance in jazz, ballet, tap and lyrical.  She is B.A.T.D and RAD trained and competed throughout Ontario.  Recent performance and choreographic engagements include, Toronto International Dance Festival, Larchaud Dance Project, Series 8:08 Season Finale, Toronto Street Festival, Vessel Dance Project, A Choreographer’s Ball (shown on BPM TV), Dusk Dances, Junction Arts Festival, Small Potatoes Series and she is currently choreographing for the York University Dance Ensemble.  Tracey has trained national and provincial level gymnasts and has received numerous choreography awards for her floor and beam routines. 

Specialty:  Jazz, Acrobatics

Wendy

Instructor

Wendy began dancing at the age of 14.  Although this was considered late to begin learning Highland Dancing, she was determined to catch up to her friends.

She received her Associates in the Highland Division of the B.A.T.D. 4 years later.  In 1986, she received her Members certificate. Wendy has been coaching the art of Highland Dancing ever since.  Her love of dancing has now been passed down to her two daughters.  Her love of Celtic music was passed down from her parents and grandparents.

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

Specialty:  Highland