Sean began dancing at age 4, he started by taking tap and then later added jazz, acro, Ballroom and folk dancing. At age 10, Sean entered the National Ballet School, where he was one of the first recipients of the Peter Dwyer scholarship for outstanding achievement. At the National Ballet School he was trained by such world renowned teachers as Betty Oliphant, Glenn Gilmour, Daniel Sellier, Eric Bruhn, Hector Zaraspe, and Eugene Valukin to mention just a few. During his development years as a dancer he was trained in the Cecchetti, the Royal Academy, and the Vaganova methods of training which helps him bring a wide range of dance knowledge into the dance studio. Upon graduation, he joined The National Ballet of Canada, where he became a soloist within three years. During his eight years with the National Ballet of Canada, he danced many solo and principal roles and worked with and partnered such world renowned artists as, Karen Kain, Rudolph Nureyev, Veronica Tennant, Natalia Makariva, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Anna Botafogo, Elisabeth Terabust, Eva Evdokimova and Evelyn Hart. Sean has also worked with such Choreographic legends in the dance world such as Sir Frederick Ashton, Celia Franca, George Balanchine, Maurice Bejart, James Kudelka, Brian Macdonald, John Neumeier, Roland Petite, and Glen Tetley.

Mr. Boutilier was a former Principal Dancer and Resident Guest Artist with Ballet Florida and during his dance career has made guest appearances with several major American ballet companies, as well as being a guest soloist with the Canadian Opera Company, performing with Joan Sutherland under the direction of Richard Bonning. He also appeared in many dance related films and shows including the “Karen Kain Special”. He has served on various Advisory Boards, including the Mississauga Arts Council and Ryerson Polytechnic University.

Mr. Boutilier holds his Advanced Cecchetti Diploma where he was awarded the level of distinction and is a Licentiate Diploma Member of the Cecchetti Society. He is also a graduate of the National Ballet of Canada's teachers training program. All of these achievements make him a highly respected coach, teacher and adjudicator, bringing a wealth of experience from the world of dance into the studio.

Dance has been a part of Frank’s life for the past 36 years. He is a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance for tap, jazz, and acrobatics. He is also a member of the Dance Masters of America. Frank is a highly sought after adjudicator through out Canada and United States. His students have gone on to win numerous overall titles, scholarships and cash prizes. Frank’s professional dance career has seen him appear in many music videos, commercials and film. But his true passion is teaching. His goal is to instil a good sense of hard work and dedication in anything his students set out to do. Frank hopes to pass on his knowledge and love of dance into all his students.

Melissa has been involved in dance since the tender age of seven. Since then dance has brought Melissa so many special things to her life. Her love of dance and children is shown through her teaching and she strives to develop a positive attitude of dance. She is a member of B.A.T.D in tap and jazz.

Sara began her training 35 years ago in Mississauga and competed for 14 years throughout Canada and the United States. She has over 20 years of extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical and Acrobatics. A graduate from the University of Toronto in 2005, Sara continued her dance career through teaching, training and completing her teacher examinations. As a teacher, she holds a teaching certificate from Dance Masters of America and is a member of the Royal Academy of Dance. Sara’s choreography continues to be recognized and win numerous awards and overalls both regionally and nationally. Sara’s students have continued training in many reputable schools and companies across North America, including Juilliard, The Boston Conservatory and many have continued to pursue successful careers in dance. Sara is pleased to be offering her knowledge and share her passion for dance with her students.”

Sarra Al-Nowaiser began her years at the Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance at the age of nine, as a student. After progressing through, and eventually graduating from the competition program, she continued her training in the Dance program at Ryerson University. Apart from working toward her BFA at school, Sarra also stage manages at the Upper Canada Repertory Company, as well as teaching and choreographing for their musicals. Though new to the staff, Sarra thoroughly enjoys her time at SBAD and looks forward to many more years with the staff and students.

Giuliana began her dance training at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance at the early age of four. Her passion flourished when she joined the competitive team, further developing her skills in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical and contemporary. Giuliana has also completed the Advanced 1 Cecchetti examination. In her efforts to continue sharing her passion for dance, she was a captain of her University’s competitive dance team, receiving awards for her choreography and performances. Giuliana is thrilled to be back with the SBAD team, teaching and inspiring the new generation of young dancers.

Tracy has been teaching for the past 31 years. She began her dance training at the age of three in Toronto, Ontario. First with the Royal Academy of Dance method (R.A.D) where she completed exams up to the Pre-Elementary level. Later she took classes in the Cecchetti method with Patricia Bradshaw and Paula Ramsay and obtained her Elementary level certificate while continuing her studies with Intermediate work. In 1991, Tracy graduated from the National Ballet’s teacher training program with distinction obtaining her Intermediate Cecchetti certificate with honours and her Associate Membership with the Cecchetti Society. Tracy also has University of Waterloo credits in child psychology and anatomy. Throughout all of Tracy's training, she actively assisted classes at the NBS and taught part time in local ballet schools. Under the guidance of Jean Geddis and Rosalie Deligioridis, Tracy completed her Advanced 2 Cecchetti examination in 1996 and again with Jean’s guidance, became a Licentiate Member of the Cecchetti Society in 1998. Along with her R.A.D. and Cecchetti training Tracy also teaches the Performing Arts Educators of Canada syllabus (PAEC), of which she is a Full Member of their Ballet Division, and helped to write the ballet syllabus in 2000 as one of PAEC’s original members.

Tracy has prepared countless students for ballet examinations, auditions, yearly recitals and competitions, with many of her pieces winning awards for choreography, costumes and concepts. In 2013 Tracy was the recipient of the BeDance Teacher of the year award. Many of her students have gone on to study at professional ballet schools, have successful careers in dance/dance related fields or operate their own successful dance studios and related businesses. Whether young or old, challenged or gifted, recreational or competitive, Tracy loves to see and be part of the students learning progress, sharing the world of dance with them.

Since the age of five the world of performing arts has played a significant role in Cindle Bowen’s life. Her dance career began in Ottawa, Ontario where she studied both Jazz and Ballet and her passion for dancing was fostered. Cindle spend the majority of her adolescence studying various performing arts including, acting, singing, gymnastics and a variety of musical instruments. After moving to the GTA Cindle began to focus solely on her dance training in Mississauga. Not only did Cindle’s dance career advance, she also helped to begin the dance training of other students in her position as a studio Office Manager, Assistant as well as a Teacher. As a Certified A.D.A.P.T and Acrobatic Arts teacher, Cindle has broadened her training to multiple studios where she has taught both Recreational and Competitive level students aging 16 months to adult. Additionally Cindle’s competitive routines have received numerous overall placements and scholarships. Cindle’s determination, enthusiasm and dedication make her an asset to any teaching staff. Her balance of technical background and natural ability with children make her a great teacher and allow her to develop a rapport with each of her students. Through teaching Cindle has had the opportunity to instil the love of dance within her students and cannot wait to continue doing so throughout the upcoming seasons!

Zoe Ullyett started her dance training at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance at the age of 4 and competed from the age of 6 to 18. Currently, Zoe is pursuing her Masters in Public health at Brock University. She recently graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor in Life Sciences with a minor in French. During her studies she joined the McMaster recreational dance team, teaching and performing in various styles. Zoe had the opportunity to be a part of the executive team, and was the president of the team in her final year. Zoe is very happy to be working at SBAD alongside an amazing team.

Tutu brings her own special love for dance (and the students) to the Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance. Her big eyes, cold nose and smiling face is always a welcoming sight to the SBAD students and parents. Whether wearing her SBAD competitive team jacket or not, she is always ready to encourage a positive atmosphere and team spirit with her playful personality.

Melanie De Melo, a multifaceted artist, has been dancing since the young age of three. Growing up in the dance world, she has received extensive training in a variety of styles including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz, acro, tap. She graduated from Canadian Dance Unit with her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 certification.

Melanie is a certified B.A.T.D associate who has expanded her love for teaching as a co-captian and choreographer on McMaster University’s competitive dance team. As a recent graduate from McMaster University, Melanie also holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry.

Melanie is passionate about sharing her love for dance, and is thrilled to motivate and inspire young dancers at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance.

Kristal Doga has had a passion for dance since she began to walk, but it wasn't until she was 16 where she officially began her pre-professional training in recreational classes at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance, Toronto, Ontario. Kristal's love for dance brought her to the Dance Performance Preparation Certificate Program at George Brown College. To further her training, Kristal continued on to the Dance Performance Diploma Program. Over the course of her dance training, Kristal has had the opportunity to work with many talented choreographers and artists. Kristal has also had the opportunity to experience working with local commercial training programs in hip hop, heels, and jazz funk - as well as train in Los Angeles, California with top international choreographers. Over the years, Kristal has picked up a passion for diving deep into the practice of yoga; as it compliments her dance training and personal development. She is a certified 200hr YTT. She is also a passionate Barre instructor and received her TTC in June 2023. With her diverse training background and a fervent enthusiasm for dance, Kristal brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role as a dance teacher and instructor, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of dancers.

Anna began her dance training at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance at the age of 7 years old. During her time at the school she studied and competed in ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary and lyrical. She completed her Advanced I Cecchetti exam and did additional summer training in ballet at the Canadian School of Dance in Ottawa. She furthered her dance training in jazz, contemporary and hip hop in Los Angeles on several occasions at the EDGE Performing Arts Centre. Anna went on to study dance at Ryerson University, working with many well-known choreographers from across Canada including Robert Glumbek, Valerie Calam and David Earle and was awarded an achievement in dance award. Anna was accepted into the Emerging Artists Intensive directed by Kenny Pearl (previous dancer with the Alvin Ailey Company) for three consecutive years. Upon graduating Anna danced with Cadence Progressive Contemporary Ballet in Toronto. Anna’s strong interest in health and nutrition for dancers motivated her to recently complete a two year certification in nutrition from The Institute of Holistic Nutrition. She is thrilled to be part of the teaching staff at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance.

Choreographer, educator, movement coach and PhD candidate in Dance Studies at York U. Linda is the artistic director of the Helix Dance Project, whose works include The Waiting Room, Rain, Unearth, and Integration. Theatre credits include five seasons with The Shaw Festival, as well as productions for Mirvish, Canadian Stage, Charlottetown Festival, Citadel Theatre, National Theatre Centre, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Sheridan Theatre. Other credits include choreography for Stars on Ice, skating exhibition programs, and music videos. Linda continues to enjoy freelance choreography, teaching both at home and abroad, and discovering new facets of this wonderfully moving craft.

Brooklyn Giffen is an artist based in Toronto, ON. She began her training at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance at the age of five years old, where she studied, trained and competed in various dance genres. She has extensively trained and completed numerous Cecchetti Syllabus ballet exams, since the age of nine. Brooklyn’s passion for performance has included many training specializations, including: classical ballet, classical jazz, tap, modern, contemporary, street style, multiple areas of acting practice, voice, improvisation, creative process studies and choreographic training.

Brooklyn is a 2021 graduate of Ryerson University’s School of Performance. She enters the professional world with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance. During her studies, Brooklyn was trained and mentored by many honored Canadian dance educators including: Vicki St. Denys, Louis Laberge-Côté, Tanya Evidente, Robert Glumbek, Kenny Pearl and Kate Hilliard.

Her curiosity as a collaborator and her versatility as a performer has enabled her to participate in various works in both performance dance theatre and on film. Brooklyn has performed stage works by esteemed Canadian choreographers such as Kelly Shaw, Alyssa Martin, and Alysa Pires, and in 2020 danced in A Gathering, a new work by Bobbi Jene Smith & Or Schraiber, commissioned by Fall For Dance North. Brooklyn has performed for The Vancouver Art Gallery under the guidance of Vancouver based artist Justine A. Chambers as well as internationally in Hydra, Greece under the directorship of Canadian producer Peggy Shannon.

Brooklyn is thrilled to be back at the place where she first fell in love with dance and be a part of the SBAD team as well as share her passion of dance by inspiring young artists to discover their artistic expression.

Kristopher Grzella currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. Kristopher has extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip-hop. Kristopher has been fortunate to train with noted choreographers throughout Canada and the United States via stage, television, and film. Kristopher has worked with Cora Kozaris, Tatiana Parker, Addy Chan, Jeff Dimitriou, Luther Brown, Desmond Richardson, Tessandra Chavez, Gil Duldulao, Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Will Lofits, Mia Michaels, Paul Becker and Christopher Scott.

Stage credits include Canada's National Ballet Nutcracker, Aznavour for the Stratford Festival, Family Channels Big Ticket summer concert, MasterCard International Fashion Week Toronto, Fashion Art Toronto (F.A.T.), YTV Summer Beach Bash with OMI - Cheerleader, Underneath 7Sould Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival and Canada's PamAm Games closing ceremony B5C company. Film and television credits include A Night Like This (Shawn Desmond, music video), My Spicy Icy Girl (JusReign X Sprite, music video), Dynamite (Mckenzie Small, music video), Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards and The Next Step TV series. Recently Kris completed filming Seasons 1, 2 and 3 of Nickelodeon's musical TV series Make It Pop (Nick Cannon) which is airing globally in New Zealand, Australia, Georgia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Latin America, Ireland, England, France, Russia, USA and Canada. Kristopher has also just finished working on a Disney Channel Original Movie entitled “Disney’s Zombies”.

Kristopher is an artist at heart whose passion for movement cycles him back to his roots. Kristopher can be seen both taking dance class and teaching class to fulfill his hunger to learn and share. Kristopher creates choreography and shares his movement style through his involvement with various dance studios and dance conventions as a faculty member. Kris is excited to share his multi faceted knowledge and his special brand of enthusiasm with all of you.

Shila’s love for dance sprouted at a young age through SBAD. She is currently the captain of the University of Toronto Mississauga’s competitive dance team earning multiple awards for her choreography. She is also a full-time student at UTM, pursuing a double major in Psychology and English. Having graduated from SBAD’s competitive program, Shila continues to pursue her artistic passions through creating new pieces and teaching them to the dancers at Sean’s!

Since the age of 3 Noelle has had a passion and love for dance. A recent graduate from the Ryerson Performance Dance Program as well as a graduate from Canadian Dance Unit, Noelle has received extensive dance training in a variety of styles including; Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro and HipHop. She competed both regionally and nationally in Canada and the United States on CDU’s competitive team for many years.

Noelle is a certified B.A.T.D associate in Jazz and Tap, as well as a certified gymnastics coach with the NCCP, coaching recreational gymnastics since 2017.

Noelle has always had a desire for teaching children and is extremely thrilled to share her experience, knowledge and technical abilities with the students at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance!

I began dancing at the age of four and found my home at Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance at the age of twelve. Here, I trained and competed in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, and pointe. I began to take hip hop classes at the age of thirteen and instantly fell in love with the style. This spurred a journey of extensive hip hop training and education that continues today. Upon completing my Advanced 1 Cecchetti exam and graduating from Sean’s, I am currently pursuing my BFA in Performance Dance at Toronto Metropolitan University.

Growing up, my parents introduced me to a wide range of musical genres like reggae, classical, psychedelic rock, funk, merengue, hip hop, soul, jazz, alternative, blues, grunge, latin jazz, disco, and ska, for example. I played instruments and sang in choirs, which deepened my knowledge of musical structure and its elements. This sparked my appreciation for music, an understanding of how it informs both feeling and movement, and a passion for exploration. Thus, dance became a meditative practice for me very early on.

I am so excited to share my love of dance with the new generations to come and hope to inspire young dancers to feel first and perform second.

Jordan Occhiuto began her dance journey at the young age of three years old. She has received/ continues to receive extensive training in a wide range of styles, which include, ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary. Jordan has performed in front of audiences containing thousands of people. She has also worked professionally on movie sets that can be found on Disney+. Jordan is currently studying Political Science at Wilfrid Laurier University. Jordan’s passion for dance continues to be fulfilled as she shares her love for this art form with her students!

Maria started dancing at the age of four at Ballarte School of Ballet in Bogota, Colombia. She had classical Russian training until her family moved to Canada when she was 7 years old. Shortly after, she began dancing competitively at Sean Boutillier Academy of Dance and graduated from there. She received training in the special ballet program of Cecchetti Ballet finishing her intermediate exam and starting her advanced I. Asides from ballet she also trained in modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz and Pointe. She is now at Ryerson University training in their Performance Dance program going into her second year. She is so happy to be back at her second home inspiring her students through dance.

Kyla Graduated from CDU with a versatile dance training in the genres of jazz, contemporary, ballet, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, and more. She is a certified B.A.T.D. associate in tap and jazz, and has been teaching throughout the GTA for the past 6 years.

Kyla went on to pursue concert contemporary dance at the Conteur Academy—a Toronto post-secondary dance institution directed by Eryn Waltman. The Conteur Academy opened many doors for Kyla to work with Canadian choreographers including Julia Cratchley, Alyssa Martin, Colleen Snell, David Northsworthy, Apolonia Velasquez, Robert Glumbek, and more.

Most recently, Kyla graduated from Humber College with a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion. She is an Ontario Fitness Council RHEP (Registered Health and Exercise Practitioner) who places the utmost importance on the physical strength, athleticism, and safety of her students.

Kyla is very excited to be working with the dancers at SBAD and she looks forward to an amazing season!

Kassandra Sciacca’s love of dance has been growing for over 2 decades. Her passion for dance and teaching has earned her numerous choreography awards and has lead her to work on projects such as David Foster’s Miracle Gala, Ryerson Alumni Gala, Petites Danse, Young Human Body Expression, Fever After Dark & many more. Growing up as a dancer, she trained in many styles and continues to attend dance workshops throughout North America. She holds her teaching certificates with the B.A.T.D in jazz and tap and has a BFA from Ryerson University in Performance Dance. Currently, Kassandra is focusing on her love of teaching & adjudicating and is excited to grow each day with her students.

Dance has been a part of France's life since the age of 3. She currently teaches students ages 3-18, both competitive and recreational and has attended many regional and national competitions along with various workshops in both Canada and the United States. Over the years of dancing, Frances has won numerous overall and title awards, she holds her Associate membership with the BATD in Tap, Jazz and Acro. Frances completed two years at George Brown College in the performing arts program, and three years in the Advertising and Marketing program at Humber Lakeshore. We are happy to have Frances back on faculty at SBAD.

Amanda Videla’s charismatic attitude and personality helped develop her love for dance at an early age. She is a multidisciplinary artist who has trained in various styles of dance such as Hiphop, Afro-fusion, Dancehall, Heels, Salsa, Bachata, amongst others. She has worked under the direction of renown choreographers such as Tony Testa, Gabriel Ash, Tatiana Parker, Amanda May-Wilson. By the age of 21 she was able to travel across the world and has been fortunate to perform in places such as Africa, New York, and Los Angeles. Her passion for dance has taken her to greater heights and has allowed her to perform in front of huge audiences such as the Pan Am Games Closing Ceremony at the Rogers Centre, Raptors Halftime Show at the Scotiabank Arena, and with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at the Roy Thompson Hall. In 2019 she landed a dance role on a couple of episodes in a Netflix series lead by renown Creative Director Tanisha Scott. Amanda has also performed for numerous local and international artists eg. Mr.Vegas, Shawn Desmond, Jencarlos Canela. Amanda strives to reach her highest potential by working day and night on her craft.

Eryn currently resides in Toronto and has been a member of the entertainment industry since the early age of three. She has had extensive training in all forms of dance with various teachers and choreographers throughout Canada and the United States. As a performer, Eryn has danced in various shows (including Fashion Cares, Molson Indy, Grey Cup etc.) Graduating from the University of Western Ontario, she also began a competitive dance team where she pursued her love for teaching and choreography while also completing her degree in Sociology. We are lucky to have Eryn a part of our SBAD team.

Shannon Widdis (she/her) is a dance professional and multidisciplinary artist with nearly two decades of dedicated involvement in the world of dance. Currently studying at Humber College and previously having majored in Art, Performance, and Cinema Studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver BC Shannon has had the opportunity to create art through visual, physical, and auditory mediums.

She has an extensive background in various dance styles, having trained and competed in ballet, jazz, tap, acro, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip-hop. Shannon's dance journey began at the age of two and continues to this day having taught at various studios throughout the GTA and Vancouver. A graduate of O’Neill CVI’s performing arts program Shannon continues her arts education through actively working in the dance and film industry and returns as a guest choreographer and workshop leader for the same program. Shannon has had the opportunity to study contemporary and modern techniques like Limon and Graham and had the privilege of working with a variety of choreographers and dance educators including David Norsworthy, Allen Kaeja, Alyssa Martin, Aria Evans, and Eric Beauchesne.

Shannon is a Co-Director and Artistic Content executive of a not-for-profit organization, Equity In Dance, a Queer and youth led organization that seeks to create art, challenge norms, learn histories, celebrate all, as well as create safe and equitable dancing spaces. Shannon is very excited to be teaching at SBAD this year and can’t wait to meet all of the dancers!

Rebecca has over 20 years experience as an accomplished dancer, teacher, choreographer and adjudicator from Mississauga, Ontario. Growing up in the dance world, she trained extensively in all dance styles with some of the industry’s top teachers and choreographers. In addition, she also holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences degree from Western University. Most recently, Rebecca has presented work in New York as a featured choreographer at the APAP Showcases presented by Peridance Capezio Center 2017, as well as the Young Choreographer’s Festival in 2015. She has choreographed and performed for many other professional and commercial shows throughout North America including; Fever After Dark, Raise the Rhythm, Fresh Blood - The Chimera Project, New Blue Festival for Emerging Artists, Toronto Raptors Junior Dance Pak, Block Party featuring Calvin Harris, Ray- Dance Gala, Sketch (the Canadian National Exhibition), Toronto Dance Teacher Expo Showcase, Breaking Formality (Echo Dance Company/York University). Rebecca also spent two years dancing as a company member with contemporary dance company POV Dance Project. In addition to her professional work, Rebecca has extensive teaching and choreographic experience with students of all ages. She loves working as a guest teacher and choreographer and is constantly working at studios, intensives and workshops across Canada, with her work receiving much acclaim. You can find her on faculty with Dance Attack Workshop and Convention and the Audience Dance Rivalry. She was a five-time recipient of the Award for Young Choreography and was the recipient of the 2015 George Lon Choreography Award (DMA), in addition to many other accolades that her artistic and innovative work has received. Many of her students have gone on to pursue professional dance careers and she has students training at Joffrey Ballet School (New York City), Toronto Dance Theatre and performance dance programs at Ryerson University, York University and George Brown College. Rebecca loves to share her versatile knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers as an adjudicator at various competitions across Canada. Rebecca’s enthusiasm and passion as an artist is undeniable and it is her honour to be able to share this with the dance community.