 Allison Bradley
Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Tap, Poppn & Locking
Allison has had a passion for dance since the age of three. She trained at Dansation in her hometown of St. Albert, Alberta. Allison’s desire to enter into the
professional dance scene led her to Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto for intensive training. In 2009, she completed the International Student Visa Program at Broadway Dance Centre
in New York City where she received the Outstanding Student Award. Allison has created opportunities for herself and others by creating her own dance company, A L I Entertainment. Her dance
crew worked with N5 Pictures and performed for the music video Man-0 Kabootar by Sasha. Allison performed in the production i think i can as an actor and dancer under the direction of Conrad
Alexandrowicz at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People. Also danced in the Zapix Awards on YTV, Shawn Byfield’s Live in Rhythm, and Luther Brown’s Red City. Allison continues to grow as
a choreographer and performer as she embraces her love for teaching and sharing her passion for dance. |
 Shameka Blake
Hip Hop, Jazz, Reggae, Lyrical, Broadway, Burlesque
"From an early age I knew dance would play a significant role in my life." Shameka Blake has performed in numerous concerts, tours, productions and live
performances. She has shared the stage with artists such as Neyo, Mob Deep, and Open tours for artists such as Kayne West and lil Jon. She has worked with SYTYCDC judge and choreographer
Luther Brown taking part in his productions "On My Way Home" and "Red City." Also Shameka has been and featured in videos for recording artist Damian Marley, Red 1, and Shameka can be seen
on MTV's MADE And TV pilot Cupid's Cafe. She is the choreographer and dancer for Canadian recording artists Karolina Dawns and Chad Huges. In 2008, she started her dance company Artists In
Motion a company that has redefined urban dance. Members of the compay has worked and Choreographed for artists such as Divine Brown, Snoop Dog, and Flo Rida. The company has done numerous
live shows such as Bazzar, Nuit Blache, Toronto's Choreographers Ball, Enigma, and Harbourfront Centre's island soul. Also AIM dancers can be seen in the Disney movie Camprock 2. Shameka
continues to grow as a performer with her unique style of dance and choreography she had a lot to offer the dance scene. She is truly a rising star. |
 Elena Burlay
Ballroom & Latin
Elena loves to dance and loves teaching others to dance. She has been dancing for many years and has been dancing with her husband, Ole, since 1992. Their talent in dancing led them to pursue training from the best teachers in England and Canada. Those teachers urged them to display their talents in competition; Elena and Olé have been competing in professional dance for over ten years. Highlights of their careers: Winners of Arthur Murray Professional Championships in Latin dance (2001), Six times undefeated: Amateur Championships in Ukraine in Ballroom dance. Six times undefeated: Amateur Championships in Ukraine in Latin dance. Finalists of Open European Professional Ballroom Championships. Finalists of Open European Professional Latin Championships. Finalists of Open Canadian Latin Championships.
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 Ole Burlay
Ballroom & Latin
Ole loves to dance and he loves teaching others to dance. Ole's talent in dancing led him to pursue training from the best teachers in England & Canada. Those teachers urged him to display the talents in competition; Olé has been competing in professional dance for over ten years. Highlights of his career: Six times undefeated: Amateur Championships in Ukraine in Ballroom dance. Six times undefeated: Amateur Championships in Ukraine in Latin dance. Finalists of Open European Professional Ballroom Championships. Finalists of Open European Professional Latin Championships. Finalists of Open Canadian Latin Championships. Olé is a current members of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA).
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 Jessica DaCruz Semedo
Brazilian Samba
“Samba Jess” - Jessica was born into a family with a diverse cultural heritage, and with an appreciation to music, rhythm, and dance. Jess has performed and learnt alongside Toronto's best Samba dancers and talented musicians at various venues across Ontario and Montreal including the Toronto International Film Festival, Luminato, Harbourfront Centre, Brazilian Ball, half-time show at the Rogers Centre, and the Montreal Jazz Festival to name a few. In 2007, and feeling to expand her technique, Jess took part in various Samba workshops in New York City as part of the 'Brazilian Day Celebrations', and has since been teaching Samba to Children, Youth, Adults, as well as volunteer taught in Costa Rica in August 2008. Furthering her Samba training in Brazil 2009, Jess studied 'Samba No Pe' at 'Casa de Danca Carlinhos De Jesus', a famous dance studio in Rio De Janeiro, run by one of the best samba dancers in the world, Carlinhos De Jesus. Jess was invited to train and dance as a 'Passista' in Carnaval 2010 and has recently founded her own dance company 'Grupo Afro-Lusophone.' Sharing her passion of self-expression through dance, Jess, brings a different flavour to the Brazilian Samba.....one that is energetic, enchanting and simply irresistible.
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 Lisa Fender
International Smooth & Latin
Lisa is a proud graduate of the Joy of Dance Teacher Training Program with over 5 years of experience teaching International Style Standard and Latin dancing. Besides her teaching, Lisa is a successful Pro/Am competitor with her students and has performed at celebrations and corporate functions all over Ontario. Lisa’s positive disposition comes across immediately. She believes dancing is a life-long passion and should always be an enjoyable experience. She is most grateful for the positive impact dance has had on her life: joy, and self-confidence. She enjoys meeting and dancing with the many wonderful people who share her passion for dance. Lisa is a certified member of the Canadian DanceSport Federation (CDF).
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 Daniel Guajardo
Argentine Tango, Salsa, and most Night Club dances
Daniel Guajardo known as Danielito, was born in Mendoza , Argentina .He has been involved in the field of dance for over ten years teaching, choreographing producing shows and acting. Daniel is very well known for his quick movements and intricate footwork having won numerous dance competitions in salsa and other dances , appeared in many music videos such as “Phenomenal Woman” Amy Sky, as well as TV shows and Hollywood movies being the latest one “Take the Lead” starting Antonio Banderas, where he danced with his dance partner Natalli Reznik ,“Cirque Du Sole” Nelly Furtado dancer. Through his work Daniel had the opportunity to work with many well known personalities, in 2001 he danced in TANGO REVUE produced by International star Nelson Avila . “Forever Tango” Broadway show , “Tango Bar” Film etc. Currently Daniel resides in Toronto where he shares his passion for the art of dance and his experience in Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, Cumbia, Bachata and the most sophisticated and sensual dances of all times The Argentine Tango.
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 Nicole Heinecke
Ballroom & Latin
Nicole began dancing Smooth and Latin Ballroom at the age of 15. Since then she has taught throughout Ontario, instructing both adults and children. With a background in psychology and the arts, Nicole enjoys the fact that Ballroom dancing fuses self-expression with interpersonal communication, and that it is a unique and meaningful way of connecting with oneself as well as with others. Appreciating that every individual enters dance for their own personal reasons, she is here to help you reach your own dance goals and perhaps even more than you had anticipated. Whether you have two left feet and are brand new to dance or have been cutting a rug for years, Nicole specializes in putting you at ease and leading you towards finding your own joy in dancing.
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 Jennifer Hicks
Nia
Nia is an energizing fitness practice which creatively blends elements of the martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. Jennifer gracefully delivers friendly Nia classes that are innovative and sensitive to the varying needs of each individual and is experienced in specialized workshop s for school-age children, adolescents and women’s groups. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm and passion for movement and believes that Nia has so much to offer everybody. “I found my groove, my energy centre, and my natural rhythm through Nia. It has introduced me to my essence and given me a way to free my body, express my heart and clear my mind. Through Nia I have been welcomed into a peaceful community where it is OK to be genuine. In Nia, there is no right and wrong movement.”
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 Reshu Khanna
Bollywood
Following in her elder sisters footprints Reshu has been dancing since the young age of eight years old. She attended and trained at Payyal Dance School in Richmond Hill, Ontario where she grew up. Bollywood dancing became a part of Reshu’s life very quickly as it exposed her to her parents culture and allowed her to showcase her creative abilities at a young age. After her training she went on to work independently teaching and choreographing dances for weddings and special events. The passion for Bollywood dancing soon became an opportunity when Reshu taught for the Toronto District School Board for two years. Reshu has and continues to teach children from the age of 6 years old to adults. The story that Bollywood dance depicts is one that Reshu loves to translate and teach to her students and she enjoys seeing the results of what her students gain out of her classes.
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 Joanna Lavoie
Salsa & Latin Social
Dancing and performing since the tender age of four, Joanna did Ukrainian dancing for about 15 years. She also dabbled in tap, ballet, jazz and even gymnastics as a child. In her teens, she further honed her skills in modern, jazz, hip-hop and partner dancing by performing with the award-winning Les P’tits Geants drama troupe. Bit by the Latin dance bug in 1998, Joanna currently teaches salsa and Latin Social dance lessons at various studios and venues throughout the GTA, including Ryerson University. She also performs with the Baila Boogaloo Dance Co. Always smiling and laughing, Joanna always puts her heart into her lessons and shows. When not dancing, she works as a bilingual journalist in Toronto.
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 Danny Leong
Ballroom & Latin
Danny's passion for dancing began at the University of Manitoba, where he was the vice president of the Swing Dance Club. He also studied Ballroom dancing during his student years. He started as a social dancer and after winning some local competitions, dedicated himself to studying more dances and how to teach. Danny won 1st place at the Winnipeg Salsa Competition in 2003. He also performed at the Salsa Congress Toronto and the Winnipeg Jazz Festival. He has studied at numerous International workshops from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and all other parts of the world. His passion for dance has brought him to the next level as a professional dancer. Presently, he is working on his final preparation for the DVIDA certifications. He is also a member of the Canadian Dancesport Federation.
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 Rebecca Lewis
Ballroom & Latin
Rebecca values the important things in life…family, friends, and that for which she has PASSION! Rebecca’s passion for dance is a family affair, passed down from her Grandmother through her mother (both dance teachers.) Rebecca trained throughout her youth at her mother’s dance studio in Kamloops B.C. and is professionally trained as a performer and teacher in ballet, tap, jazz and hip hop through the NATD (National Association of Teachers of Dance) based in London, England. Rebecca is a veteran to the stage and her infectious enthusiasm for dance is apparent in the energy of her classes. Currently, you can find Rebecca in Toronto tapping up a storm with her fellow members of Funk Factory, when she is not busy training and teaching ballroom, latin and tap at the Joy of Dance.
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 Anna Marchenko
Zumba & Latin
Anna started dancing ballroom and Latin at the age of 8. She also performed in various countries and participated in many competitions. Living in the Middle East she developed love for Belly dancing. In addition to that, Latin beats of salsa, merengue and bachata captured her attention and since then she says it's an addiction. The combination of these dances brings uniqueness to Anna's style.
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 Linda Marsella
Ballroom & Latin
Linda has demonstrated her talent as seasoned teacher, competitor and performer during a dance career that has now spanned over 10 years. She is DanceSport Professional specializing in the Art of Ballroom and Latin American Dancing bringing to you extensive education, experience and expertise in the areas of Dancing, Competing, Teaching, Performing, and Business. Linda stared dancing as a hobby with salsa being her specialty. It was upon meeting her current dance partner where she discovered her love for ballroom dancing and therefore decided to take it to a professional level and continue it as a career. In the competition circuit, Linda has placed within the finals of many competitions within Canada and the United States. Numerous audiences have had the pleasure of enjoying her performances at National shows and events held in Toronto and abroad! Aside from preparing for her own competitions, Linda also works hard at helping her students develop into the best dancers they can be! She is proud to mention some of the great accomplishments that her competitive students have achieved such as ranking first places in all competitions and also receiving “top student” awards! With each opportunity, Linda continues to improve her skills by taking lessons in both Canada and Europe with some of the best world renowned trainers and coaches. She is working towards becoming internationally recognized for her unique performance style and her teaching skills. Linda is a: Registered Member of the CDF (Canadian Dancesport Federation) and the BDFI CANADA. Professional Competitor in the Professional International Latin Division, Representing Canada. Pro/Am Teacher and Competitor. Professional Performer.
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 Kimberly Pilc
Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap
Kim's passion for dance started at a early age when she began to learn tap, jazz and ballet. At aged 13, she went to Randolph Dance Theatre. By 14, she was the assistant choreographer and performer for Lisa Lougheed's national tour. Kim's dance experience is both on and off the stage. She has worked with Kevin Pugh with the Dance Teq, Randolph Dance Academy, and is a graduate of the Earl Haig Performing Arts program where she continues to share her choreography with future performers. Most recently, she was managing a fitness club in downtown Toronto. Kim is thrilled to be back in the dance world and spread the joy of dance with others.
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 Mark Read
Ballroom & Latin
Mark's passion is to enjoy and have fun teaching dancing. His seven years of dance experience is comprised of three years as a student and four as a teacher. Mark has experience in American and International styles. He is presently working on his final preparations for the DIVDA certifications. He is very much at home teaching private land group lessons. His warm personality is a real delight to be around and his passion for dance is infectious.
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 Sarah Skinner
Bellydance
Sarah Skinner is known for her mastery of belly dance, superb technique and lovely veil work. Sarah Skinner is a multi-talented artist: An innovative, mesmerizing performer and highly-acclaimed dance instructor, she is also well-known for her artistry as a dance photographer and unique costume designer. Sarah Skinner has been exploring bellydance through a diverse range of styles, always maintaining her signature qualities – lyrical, highly-emotive flow of the dance, fluid and expressive body line, precise and rich technique. From NYC now based in Toronto, Sarah teaches and performs around the world. Her twelve instructional and performance DVDs are internationally acclaimed and have been published in a number of languages. Sarah performs in professional theater shows, at private events, and high-end clubs with the top bands.
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 Richard Smith
Jazz, Hip Hop & more
At age sixteen, and with full scholarship, Richard started his training with Les Ballets Jazz/Toronto. Shortly thereafter, he achieved Principal Dancer/premier choreographer status, for the modern dance company, Confidance; through founder and artistic Director Juan Antonio (Louis Falco Dance Co.) working with acclaimed choreographer, Michael Peters, Richard has had the privilege of sharing the stage with the likes of, Alvin Ailey; Desrosiers; La La La Human Steps; Patti Labelle and Diana Ross. He made his musical theatre debut in the Canadian production of CATS (Plato/McCavity). Other shows include: Damn Yankees, A Chorus Line, A season at the Stratford Festival (West Side Story) and most recently Lion King. He has done numerous Film & Television credits in both Canada and the USA. Over 15 years of teaching dance in Canada /Japan; acknowledge my student and peers, for keeping the energy and love for dance performance alive!”
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 Emily Tench
Modern dance
For Emily, dancing and teaching bring her life inspiration, motivation and great happiness. Emily grew up in BC, training in ballet and modern dance and performing in festivals around the province. She is a graduate of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and the Rotterdam Dance Academy. Between the two schools she performed in 20 new and remounted works by choreographers from around the world. After her graduation in Europe she performed for dance-theatre company Theatergroep DOX, which toured the Netherlands and Belgium extensively. She also performed a solo work at the 2006 Prague Dance Festival with Lithuanian choreographer Agnija Šeiko. In Canada Emily has spent the last 4 years dancing for Tilt Sound & Motion, a contemporary dance company that tours across Ontario. In 2007 she worked in Vancouver for MOVE: The Company, choreographer Josh Beamish. She was featured in the premiere of the full length work “Zero” at the Vancouver International Dance Festival. In Toronto Emily has danced with and performed for choreographers Susie Burpie, Michael Caldwell, Diana Groenendijk, Sasha Ivanochko, Meagan O’Shea and Michael Trent. Emily sees modern dance as a creative, ever changing dance form that extends the dancer in limitless ways through space. Through her enthusiasm and sense of humor, Emily teaches strength, an understanding of technique and most of all expressive movement in her classes.
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 Aidan Thompson
Ballroom & Latin
Aidan likes puppies, moonlit nights and long walks on the beach. Through he always loves to dance. Aidan was first introduced to ballroom and partnered dance while a student of York University's acting program and was immediately hooked. In his personal training, Aidan has studied many disciplines of movement such as Pilates, Yoga, Mime, Judo, Laban and even Circus Arts. In his professional training, he has been fortunate enough to work with several world class dancers as well as a few of the adjudicators who judge them. This gives him a wide base of knowledge and experience to draw from in his teaching, which is his true passion. Also, working with the Board of Education as an educational assistant with the special education department, Aidan has taught people from the age of three to 73. Aidan prides himself on his teaching - whether a special needs child or an eager new dancer - he strives to meet the specific needs of the student.
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 Rachel Zinck
Ballet
Rachel began her dancing career at Meyerhofer Academy of Dancing in her hometown of Cambridge when she was barely six years old. Starting out with just her once a week, Saturday morning classes, she knew this is what she wanted to for the rest of her life. Just two years after her first dance class she was asked to join the studio’s competition team. By the time she was ten years old, Rachel was competing in ballet, jazz, and tap categories as a soloist and ensemble dancer in several groups. It was at this time that she began her teaching career as an assistant in one the baby classes at her studio. Over the years she kept on progressing with her dancing by working on her R.A.D. Majors examinations completing all up to and including her Advance, as well as doing several competitions a season and was able to travel all over the US and Canada winning top awards and scholarships. She was also a part of Disney’s Magic Music Day and was thrilled to be able to dance on a Disney stage. Right after graduation, Rachel moved to Toronto, attending George Brown. Two weeks after she finished at George Brown she was off to New Orleans to board one of Carnival Cruise line’s ship for the first time. Since being back in Toronto, Rachel has performed with local ballet company, Ballet Espressivo, and increased her level of film/television acting under the training of Chris Healy and doing small parts when given. And at this time, Rachel is more then excited to get back into teaching!
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 Ken Homer
Zumba & Ginga Fitness
(Bio to follow)
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 Lola Ilizirov
Ballroom & Latin
(Bio to follow)
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 Lauren Lyn
Reception, Hip Hop, Jazz
(Bio to follow)
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 Lynda Lyn
Ballroom & Latin
(Bio to follow)
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ADJUNCT FACULTY
 Julie Epplett
West Coast Swing
Julie has been sharing her passion for West Coast Swing with the Toronto dance community since 2001. Although trained in a variety of dance disciplines (ballet, jazz, Flamenco and others) it's the freedom of expression and connection between partners in West Coast Swing that keeps her focused on this playful social dance. In addition to offering regular weekly classes locally, Julie has taught West Coast Swing workshops in Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Waterloo, and London, Ontario. She's a member of the teaching staff for the Swing Niagara Dance Championships in Buffalo, New York each year and is an invited instructor for the 2008 Toronto Open Swing Dance Championships. Between teaching commitments Julie attends international events where she competes and continues to train in order to bring the latest trends in West Coast Swing back to her students. She's delighted to be a new member of the talented faculty at Joy of Dance.
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We are proud to announce that Joy of Dance received the TOP STUDIO AWARD at the MAPLE LEAF CLASSIC Dancesport Championship November 6-7, 2010.
Ole Burlay received
TOP TEACHER,
Linda Hamilton and Paul Delaney received
TOP OVERALL student
We are also proud to announce that Joy of
Dance received FOR THE
2ND YEAR the TOP STUDIO AWARD at the Crystal Leaf International Dancesport Championship April 16 - 18, 2010.
Ole Burlay received
TOP TEACHER
Marilyn White received
TOP OVERALL
Female student
and Paul Delaney received
TOP BRONZE Male student and TOP OVERALL Male student.
AMERICAN BRONZE
Sat. Noon - 3 p.m.
Sun. Noon - 2 p.m.
Come try it out!
INTERNATIONAL BRONZE
Tues 8 - 10 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
INTERNATIONAL SILVER
Thur 6 - 8 p.m.
New section starting
every 4 months.
Come try one of our dance classes
to see if it is for you.
Call 416-406-3262.
The Joy of Dance has the Toronto EXCLUSIVE for the outstanding curriculum from San Francisco's Ballroom Dance Teachers College.
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