ASHLEY SUMMERS-MACDONALD
Co-Director/ Owner, Instructor
BFA(Hons.)- Dance Performance, A.I.S.T.D. (CSB)
Ashley graduated with Honours from Ryerson University with a Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance and subsequently gained associate status with the Cecchetti Society of Canada through Canada’s National Ballet School’s Professional Development Program. She has trained extensively in many dance disciplines and holds her Advanced I certificate in Cecchetti Ballet, and her Intermediate certificate from the Royal Academy of Dance. Ashley attended Cawthra Park Secondary School, completing the Regional Arts Program as a dance major, and was recipient of the Excellence in Dance Award and the Senior Achievement Award. Ashley was also privileged to perform a solo at World Youth Day on the Downsview stage. She was the recipient of the Meadowvale Theatre Award, the Paul Eck Bursary, the Frank Augustyn Award and was a nominee for a Mississauga Arts Award. Ashley has also had the pleasure of performing in the fFIDA Dance Festival, performing at Fashion Cares in Toronto, dancing at venues across Ontario with The Dance Company, and working and traveling around the world with the Jean Ann Ryan Production Company.
Ashley continues her dance education by becoming certified in Alixa Flexibility Levels I-V, the AcroDance Preschool Program with Acrobatic Arts and the foundations course from Baton Arts.
Ashley has taught at several studios throughout the GTA and is so excited to co-direct The Dance Class, celebrating more than a decade of dance in Milton. Together with Kelly, the two hope to provide a positive and creative learning environment to educate and nurture the development of young artists and Change the Way Milton Moves!
KELLY SUMMERS-WELCH
Co-Director/Owner, Instructor
NBS-TTP (Dip), A.I.S.T.D. (CSB) , R.T.S.-R.A.D., A.R.A.D., P.A.A.
Kelly is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program. After three years of study, she graduated with distinction and as class valedictorian. She holds her Associate Status with the Cecchetti Society of Canada and her Registered Teacher Status with the Royal Academy of Dance. She has taught around the greater Toronto area as well as at Canada’s National Ballet School in the Adult Ballet and Associate Programs. Her teaching has taken her across Canada and the United States. Most notably, in the Summer of 2010 Kelly acted as assistant to the director, Mignon Furman, at the American Academy of Ballet in New York. As a dancer, she currently holds her Advanced Two exam with distinction from the Royal Academy of Dance, Advanced Two exam with the Cecchetti Society of Canada and her Advanced One exam with the I.S.T.D. National Branch. Kelly has trained and performed across Canada and the United States, including at the Alvin Ailey Center, Adelphi University, and Purchase College in New York, as well as New Worlds School of the Arts in Miami, Florida. Her performance career includes Nuit Blanche (Toronto) 2010 and International Dance Day (Toronto) 2010. From 2011-2013 Kelly was the ballet director at In Motion School of Dance in Bermuda. Kelly had the opportunity to perform with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Bermuda as a chorus girl and dancer in the musical, The Producers (2012). Most recently, Kelly completed her training in Progressing Ballet Technique at the En Avant Dance Teachers Conference. Kelly’s students have gone on to train at SUNY Purchase College- Dance, Alberta Ballet Professional Training Division, Joffrey New York Summer Programs, Perry Dance Summer Programs, Grier School- Dance Program and North Carolina School of the Arts. Kelly also enjoys adjudicating dance competitions across the GTA and is a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. She recently completed her Acro Dance Adjudicator course and the ACA – AcroDance Competition Adjudicator Certification. Her recent continuing education includes SugarFoot Therapy Teacher Training Workshop and the foundations course of Baton Arts.
Her goal is to develop young dancers into passionate artists with technique, creativity, focus, and an undying love for their craft.
SHANNON ELLISON
Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Voice Teacher
Shannon Ellison has loved performing and entertaining since the age of two when she began dancing. Through the years her love of dance grew to the love of both singing and acting and now directing. Shannon is a graduate of Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto, where she worked with amazing teachers and directors. Shannon also ventured to Vancouver for two years to dip her toes in the theatre scene out west! Some of her credits include, Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Girl), High School Musical 2 (Gabriella), Something Rockin in Denmark (Honeybelle), Rockin’ Roll 50 Revue (Dancer), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Millie). Besides her love of performing on stage, Shannon also loves to be behind the scenes, where she choreographs and directs. Credits include Oliver (Choreographer), Grease (Choreographer), Beauty and the Beast (Assit. Dir), and recently Shannon has started a new venture with her sister “OnPointePortraits” as visual director. She is happy to be continuing with The Dance Class this season!
STEFANIE CHEHADE
Tap, Jazz, and Acro
Stefanie is an inspiring teacher whose dance training began in Sudbury Ontario and evolved through her experiences in New York City, Chicago and Kentucky. Stefanie is a member of the Canadian Dance Teacher’s Association in both the Acrobatics and Tap divisions and is accredited through Dance Educators of America. Stefanie has taught workshops and choreographed award winning pieces throughout Ontario. She has been training acclaimed competitive dancers in Toronto for over 15 years. Stefanie’s enthusiasm and passion for dance inspires every student she teaches to strive for excellence.
MINDY CONTO
Hip Hop and Jazz
Mindy Conto, a native of North Bay, Ontario, discovered her love of dance at the age of ten. She immersed herself in training and studying all dance disciplines with dedication and enthusiasm, and is devoted to encouraging the same energy and commitment in her students. She is an accomplished performer,
instructor and choreographer who brings passion, creativity and inspiration to dancers across North America.
As a teacher, Mindy strives to unlock the potential in each dancer, and to provide them with the critical skills and practices to support their success. Her intensive workshops have included a summer programme on audition preparation for dancers, and a full week master workshop and performance opportunity hosted in Greece.
Mindy’s talent and professionalism has taken her all over the globe, and she has had the opportunity to dance with some of the world’s most popular artists. Mindy has danced back up at the MMVAs with Hedley, PSY, Kardinal Offishall Featuring Akon, Hilary Duff and Bow Wow. Her extensive list of touring and stage performances include Destiny’s Child, Aaron Carter, Shawn Desman, Carly Rae Jepsen, Fefe Dobson, Aleesia, Shiloh, Eva Avila, Suzie McNeil, Dave Armstrong & Redroche featuring H boogie, Kreesha Turner, and Neil Young. Mindy performed in Massari’s World Tour, travelling across the Mediterranean Sea and the west of India.
In addition to performing in several commercials for Esquire & Movado Watches, Mindy appeared in the feature film “Honey”, starring Jessica Alba, in the ESPN drama television series “Playmakers” with Omar Gooding, and as a featured dancer in Hedley’s Lose Control music video.
Mindy has won numerous awards for her innovative choreography in many national competitions, and as former dance captain of the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, she has crafted several routines for the NBA and for other major sporting teams across Canada. Recently, she had the chance to offer her incredible talents in support of an important cause by contributing choreography to a spectacular fundraising Gala event for the ChildLife Department at the Toronto SickKids Hospital.
Mindy was selected for an elite team of adjudicators that toured Australia, providing valuable critiques and judging several hundreds of dancers during their competitive dance season down under, and was interviewed about her adjudication expertise and accomplishments in dancetrain magazine.
Mindy knows that perseverance, dedication and hard work are key to achieving one’s dance dream.
ELIZABETH KMIEC
Ballet, Modern, Pilates and Zumba
Elizabeth Kmiec is thrilled to teach at The Dance Class and is excited to continue to help change the way Milton moves! Since moving to Milton, Elizabeth has been heavily involved with the growing arts scene here. She has been a part of Arts Milton for several years, including the position of President and is also a volunteer for the Film Forum held at the Milton Centre for the Arts. Her first collaboration with local artists was in 2010 as she created ‘Walking Through the Past’ an interactive arts event held on the grounds of Milton Town Hall. In 2012, she was invited to create a dance piece with local dancers for the Milton Centre for the Arts official opening ceremonies and performed in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ with Globe Productions. In April of 2013 Elizabeth presented her first full length dance work, ‘Nutcase’ at the MCA and is thrilled to be continually bringing her love of dance to new events in Milton. Elizabeth is also a dance instructor, Zumba Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and Pilates instructor. She is an Honours graduate of the Ryerson University Dance Program and had the great fortune of premiering her dance film ‘A Day in the Life’ at the Cannes Film Festival. Elizabeth looks forward to sharing her love of the arts with everyone she meets through The Dance Class and invites you to come and enjoy yourself through dance.
MIKE GLENNEY
Tap, Jazz and Conditioning
Mike started dancing at the age of 6 and realized his love of the art shortly thereafter. Throughout his career, Mike has trained intensively in tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, ballet and partnering as well as performing in musical theatre and modern. Mike was the 2016 World Tap Dance Champion in the “Battle of the Feet”. Along with his title win, he has won a total of 7 medals in his appearances at the World Tap Dance Championships in Germany, spanning across solo, duet, and group categories. The students Mike has trained have also had their share of success; winning Silver at the “Commonwealth Dance Cup”, and Gold at the “World Tap Dance Championships” for solos he choreographed.
Mike began teaching dance in 2009. He then went on to spend two years dancing aboard the Disney “Dream” and “Fantasy” cruise ships, before returning home to reignite his teaching career. Mike’s passion for working with children and youth has lead him to mentor as a Youth Facilitator with the Kiwanis “Key Leader” program, and as a workshop leader and guest speaker at the “Kids4Kids” summer leadership camp. His love of mentoring young dancers has also led him to become a member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA). Most recently Mike has become a choreographer for the “Canadian National Tap Team” for the “World Tap Dance Championships” in Germany and the “Commonwealth Dance Cup” in South Africa, and “World Performers Canada” for the “World Dance Cup” in Spain.
Mike is proud to have become sought after performer, instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator throughout the GTA and beyond. Mike cherishes his time spent encouraging and inspiring his students, and imbuing them with the same love of dance and performance that has him shuffling down the street.
LISA-MARIE BURKA-DANIELS
Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary
Lisa-Marie brings over 20 years in the professional dance industry to The Dance Class. She is the creative director behind Graffiti Dance Company since 2005 and a recognized national freelance choreographer. She trained at such facilities as Theatre of Dance Arts, Randolph Academy and Broadway Dance Centre, in the disciplines of ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, tap and acrobatics. Lisa-Marie has received certifications from both the British Association of Teachers of Dance and the Royal Academy of Dance. In 2021 Lisa participated as one of 54 applicants from around the world to participate in the Broadway Dance Center Choreography Program. She is sought after for her unique improvisation workshops and technique classes, as well as an accomplished adjudicator. Her competitive choreography has received national and international acclimations and she has also professionally choreographed for numerous clients including Disney, CFL Grey Cup and The Canadian Armed Forces. Her students continue to win numerous awards and titles including the National Male Dancer of the Year – CanDance 2015. Lisa-Marie is passionate about the artistry of dance and performance and is excited to inspire younger dancers.
KIM FALCONI
Advanced Acro
Kim Falconi is an accomplished, award winning teacher and choreographer in all forms of dance and acrobatics. She has performed on television and stage throughout her career. She is proud to have spent many years training as a triple threat performer which has led her to achieve many of her life time goals. Kim was a featured acrobat in the opera “Aida”. She travelled to Cleveland where she was a member of the girls singing group “She Said” and is very happy to be a former “Miss Dance of Canada”.
Kim is a certified DMA teacher where in many of her students have been able to rank nationally in this organization. Some of her former students are now dancing in theatrical shows and companies across North America and Europe. Kim is a highly sought after adjudicator and choreographer, because of her strong technical background and commitment to the artistry of dance. She has been pleased to share her love and knowledge of dance with our students.
Kim’s choreography has been recognized both regionally and nationally and her students have held numerous national titles. Kim is best known for her skills and choreography teaching acro (gymnastic) style dance.
PAIGE OBRIGHT
Jazz, Examination Ballet, TDC DanceFit [Ballroom, Ballet Barre Fitness, Heels]
Paige Obright is an alumnus of The Dance Class and has been teaching at the studio since 2016. She has performed in Arts Milton Culture Days and various roles in the Nutcracker Holiday Spectacular, formerly Winterlude, including Sugar Plum, Dew Drop, and Dolls. She worked as a greeter for three years at the Milton Mayors’ Gala and the Hospital Gala fundraiser in various roles such as CanCan Girl and Sandy from Grease. Other notable appearances include her role in the OneStage Fashion Show on the Budweiser stage, in the 2013 Mercedez Benz gala, and in American Girl: Isabelle Dances into the Spotlight. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2021 with an Honours Bachelor of Science. During her time at Laurier, she taught Advanced Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, and Heels at Laurier’s Recreational Dance program. She is SoulBody Barre certified and has 3 years of experience teaching the program at GoodLife Fitness, Cloud Dance and Fitness Network, and Wilfrid Laurier University. During this time she also Adjudicated the Student Choreography Competition for Cloud Dance and Fitness Network. Paige went on to complete her Master of Biotechnology at the University of Toronto where she was an active member of the Pom team, performing at both Football and Basketball games. In 2022 she took on the role of Choreographer for the team where she choreographed multiple Halftime performances and the competition routine for the Big East Blast and Winterfest competitions. She is SoulBody Barre and Acrobatic Arts certified and is currently furthering her education by working on her Cecchetti Associates Degree. She continues to take classes at the National Ballet School of Canada and the Underground Dance Centre. She looks forward to having a positive impact on the students in her classes and setting them up for success in whatever avenue they pursue.
TESS VOSPER
Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop
Tess has 7 years of dance teaching experience and has been dancing herself from the age of 2! She has studied various styles through her competitive dance studio experience and her time at Cawthra Park Secondary School as a Dance Major. Tess is proud to have been part of the TDC family since the studio’s first year. She has completed her Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus Advanced 1 Exam and is certified in her International Dance Teaching Standards Level 1. Tess has graduated from McMaster University with a Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science and minor in Psychology and has recently completed her Masters of Science in Dance Science & Education at The University of Edinburgh. There she studied dance pedagogy, preventative dance medicine, and applied sport science and focused her dissertation research on dance teacher perception of eating disorders.
Tess is very passionate about community engagement and inclusive dance spaces, as seen through her extensive community arts involvement, Jacques Foesier Youth Dance Award, and her continued participation as rehearsal director for Milton’s Nutcracker Holiday Spectacular.
Tess holds many awards for her choreography and commitment to dance and the arts. She has held leadership roles such as McMaster’s Artsci Musical Executive Choreographer, Mac Dance’s Recreational Social Outreach Coordinator, and the University of Edinburgh’s DanceCraft Rehearsal Director for Pomegranates Festival.
Tess looks forward to bringing her knowledge and experience back to The Dance Class and hopes to inspire healthy, strong, and supportive dance spaces!
NATALIE KNAUER
Ballet, Acro
Natalie has been a part of the dance community since the age of 3 and is excited to be joining The Dance Class this season. She trained competitively in all forms of dance and began teaching over 20 years ago after graduating from Cawthra Park Secondary School’s dance program where she earned a choreography award. She has taught students from age 3-18 at many studios across the GTA. Her creative dances have been recognized with many choreography, overall and special awards throughout the years. Some of her students accomplishments include acceptance to the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive, placement in Miss. Dance of Canada pageant , a perfect score as well as placements on Canada’s National Dance Teams. Natalie’s love for children goes beyond dance. During the day she is an elementary school Guidance Councellor as well as a Grade 8 teacher. She spreads her love of dance to her students and makes music and movement a part of their daily routine. Natalie is excited to bring her passion to her student’s this year and is looking forward to an amazing season!
ISABELLE METHE
Hip Hop
Isabelle is an accomplished and inspiring student teacher since 2022, she hopes to extend her teaching career throughout her post secondary studies in Pediatric Nursing. She has danced since the age of 3 and has been at The Dance Class since 2018. She has danced competitively for many years in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theatre. Isabelle has been assisting classes since 2015 at both The Dance Class and other Milton dance studios. She has accomplished the BATD Street Dance Pedagogy and has completed her Grade 6 Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus Exam. She is working towards her Intermediate Cecchetti Ballet Syllabus Exam with hopes of expanding her historical dance knowledge and skills. She is certified in BATD Street Dance Pedagogy, BATD Teaching Tap and Timing, Introduction to AcroBatic Arts and The PAEC Classroom Content of 2022. Isabelle is a graduating student of 2024 from Sainte-Trinité High School with a completion of the Specialist High Skills Program in health sciences. She has participated in Milton’s Nutcracker Holiday Spectacular with The Dance Class as an ensemble member and soloist.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS and SOCIAL MEDIA
MRS NICOLE CLARK
MRS ROSEMARY SUMMERS
MR MIKE SUMMERS
MS JOEY DECAIRE-GRAHAM
SUPPLY and JUNIOR TEACHERS
BRIANNA CURTIS
Ballet
ABIGAIL MARVIN
Ballet
Abigail started dancing at the age of 5 and has trained extensively ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop. 2024 is her graduating year as a competitive dancer at The Dance Class and is excited to begin her teaching career with such a supportive and talented team. Abigail has successfully completed her Canadian Dance Teacher Association (CDTA) primary jazz exam levels and is currently working towards completing the Cecchetti Intermediate level ballet exam in Spring 2024. She is an active member of the CDTA (2023-2024) and currently holds various teaching certifications from Acrobatic Arts, Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers, British Association of Teachers of Dancing, Canadian Dance Teachers Association, Dance Masters of Canada, Performing Arts Educators of Canada, and Progressing Ballet Technique.
GUEST TEACHERS and CHOREOGRAPHERS
DR. TANYA BERG PhD Dance Studies
Ballet and Pointe
Tanya Berg holds a PhD in Dance Studies from York University in Toronto and is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School Teacher Training Program. In addition to teaching in private studios, Tanya has taught at the University of Toronto in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education since 2003. She has presented papers internationally on topics such as panopticism in dance education, innovation in ballet pedagogy, and conditioning for ballet dancers. Tanya’s publications can be found in journals including Research in Dance Education and Journal of Dance Education. Tanya is thrilled to have been invited to co-author two chapters with Dr. Douglas Risner (Wayne State University) in the anthology, Case Studies in Dance Education: Ethical Dimension of Humanizing Dance Pedagogy.
Tanya is pleased to be a part of The Dance Class to share her knowledge of and passion for dance education with the students.
BRENDAN DE SANTIS
LAURA TENCER
TAYLOR COLLIS
HANNAH MORRIS
REBECCA ZIZEK
STEPHEN COTA
BAILEY WOODMAN
and more!