Sean Boutilier Academy Of Dance

Our Faculty

Founder

Sean Boutilier

Founder

LCSC - CIBC, MCDTA

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.

DIRECTORS

Frank Giorgio

Artistic Director

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 Giorgio

Managing Director

Administrator

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.

Department Heads

Sara Allen

Head of Lyrical, Scheduling Coordinator

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

Head of Tap, Social Media

BFA (Theatre/Dance)

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 Bandiera

Head of the Rising Star Program, Social Media

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 Dawn Pinch Lacroix

Director of Ballet

NBS-TTP (Dip.), LCC-CICB, P.A.E.C. - Full Member Ballet

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.

Administration

Hope Jessup-Ramsay

Administrative Director

Hope began her dance career with Sean Boutilier at the age of 5 where she competed in all disciplines for several years. Since then she has completed a degree in Sociology from the University of Guelph. During her time as a university student, Hope was an active leader and choreographer for the Dance Pak, loving every moment of her experience! From there, Hope taught acro and jazz at various studios in the GTA. Her path then took to gymnastics, where she spent five years coaching and managing programs. Hope comes from a background of leadership and management and is thrilled to be back in the dance community and part of the SBAD admin team!

Crystal Nicholls

Administrative Associate, Social Media

B.A Fine Art, ITIL

Crystal has been actively dancing as an adult at SBAD for the past 11 years and her daughter Indio is currently in the competitive program. By day Crystal is an IT Service Manager and in her spare time has been an active volunteer at SBAD’s year end performances assisting back stage and more recently assisting in prop design for our competitive team. Crystal is excited to be joining the SBAD team as the Social Media/Marketing Director allowing her to get back to her creative background and share her passion for dance and all things SBAD.

Zoe Ullyett

Administrative Associate

Administrator

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 a degree in Honours Life Science with a minor in French at McMaster University. While studying, Zoe has continued to dance by joining the McMaster recreational dance team, teaching, and performing in various styles. Zoe has recently been accepted to be a part of the McMaster dance executive team, and plays an integral part in running the team. Zoe is very happy to be working at SBAD alongside an amazing administrative team.

Tutu

SBAD Mascot

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.

Teachers

Susan Ambrose

Musical Theatre

Performing on-stage starting at age 10, Susan has performed in plays and musicals in the Toronto area for over 25 years, including professional children’s musical theatre. She studied acting, voice and set design at the University of Guelph, receiving a B.Sc. and BA Minor in Theatrical Arts. She has also studied teaching techniques at Seneca College. Susan has trained in gymnastics, tap and ballet disciplines. She is a sought after Scenic Artist and has designed and painted numerous theatrical backdrops for professional and community-based theatre, including dance companies. Her artistry can be seen in many of the SBAD year-end performances. She has had the privilege to dance and sing through numerous musicals, but her first love is character acting. Some memorable roles include; Rachel Lynde (ANNE OF GREEN GABLES), The Widow Corney (OLIVER), Domina (A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM), Dorothy (STEPPING OUT) and Grandma Tzeital (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF). Susan is looking forward to this opportunity to pass on her passion for theatre to a new generation.

Ted Ambrose

Musical Theatre

Ted started performing at a young age in operettas in elementary school and has never looked back. He studied Theatre Arts at Seneca College in Toronto, where he currently teaches Television Production. His position at the college also involves coaching the Television and Journalism students in performance and voice. Ted has been performing in professional and community-based musical productions in the greater Toronto area for over 25 years, including stints at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Performing Arts and Stage West. He has had the privilege to appear in shows ranging from the “old chestnuts” to the modern musicals. Some memorable roles include; Curly (OKLAHOMA!), Sky Masterson (GUYS AND DOLLS), Pharaoh (JOSEPH), Cinderella’s Prince (INTO THE WOODS), Stone (CITY OF ANGELS), Roger DeBris (THE PRODUCERS) and Gaston (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST – a role he reprised in SBAD’s “Celebration of Dance” in 2008) to name a few. Ted is very excited about taking on this fun, educational and entertaining position with the SBAD family.

Cindle Bowen

Jazz, Acro & Hip Hop

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!

Anna Fyshe

Repertory Assistant, Ballet & Contemporary

BFA, CNP

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.

Linda Garneau

Jazz & Contemporary

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

Ballet

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.

Karina Grzella

Hip Hop & Jazz

Karina Grzella currently resides in Kitchener, ON. Karina has been dancing for 22 years and has extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip hop. She has been fortunate to train with noted choreographers throughout Canada and the United States. Via stage, film and television, Karina has worked with Cora Kozaris, Linda Garneau, Tatiana Parker, Jeff Dimitriou, Christopher Scott, and Ebony Williams (Beyoncé). Beyond studio training Karina has expanded her dance education via travel to various dance workshops throughout North America. Through invitation only intensives and as a Pulse On Tour Pro Elite Protege 2016/2017, Karina has been fortunate to work more intimately with, Desmond Richardson, Cris Judd, Dave Scott, Gil Duldulao, Dana Foglia, Tessandra Chavez, and Brian Friedman.

Stage credits include Monster of Hip Hop ( New Jersey), i Heartradio with Anne-Marie featuring Marshmellow, 2015 Panam Games closing ceremony, and Janet Jackson as a guest performer in her Unbreakable Tour Air Canada Centre Toronto - Gil Duldulau choreographer & creative director. Karina is currently touring North America with Ru Paul’s Drag race first Canadian winner, Priyanka.

Television credits include The Next Step, McDonald's National All Day Breakfast campaign "Chaos", Once Upon a Time, Frankie Drake Mysteries, What We Do in the Shadows, Grand Army, and Salt-N-Pepa Lifetime TV feature documentary.

Karina’s film credits include My Spy featuring Dave Bautista. More recently, Karina had the good fortune to work with Christopher Scott as part of a skeleton crew *used to set choreography. Karina was also chosen as a cast member for the series of Disney Movies entitled "Zombies *, Zombies 2 and Zombies 3.” Karina can also be seen in Disney movies SPIN and Sneakerella.

Karina is an artist at heart who's love for performance is not outshined by her passion for constant growth in dance education. Karina’s inate ability to interpret music has guided her towards choreography and teaching which fulfils her artistic nature. Karina is constantly evolving and looks forward to opportunities which challenge and expand the person that she is.

In 2020, Karina graduated from Wilfred Laurier University majoring in Psychology and double minoring in women/gender studies and education. Karina looks forward to sharing from her wealth of knowledge and is excited to work with the next generation.

Kristopher Grzella

Hip Hop & Jazz

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.

Jessica Mogentale

Ballet, Jazz & Tap

BFA (Theatre/Dance)

Jessica Mogentale is a dancer, teacher and choreographer. Jessica began her dancing at the eager age of 3 with the Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance. There she began her training in ballet and subsequently expanded into other methods of dance such as jazz, lyrical, modern and acrobatics. Jessica has studied and completed many ballet exams with the Cecchetti Society of Canada and has successfully attained her Cecchetti Advanced 2 diploma. Among numerous awards and achievements, Jessica earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ryerson University in theatre dance and performing arts. Jessica has been able to experience new types of dance, perform in many amazing shows, and work with excellent choreographers, some of which include Vicki Adams Willis, Linda Garneau, Matjash Mrozewski, Nadia Potts, Faye Rauw and Vicki St. Denys. Jessica also studied in Calgary, where she trained with the renowned jazz company Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, in their professional training program. Jessica is very excited to be teaching at the Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance and hopes to share her love of dance with each student.

Jordan Occhiuto

Jazz & Contemporary

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!

Tiffany Ratz

Acro

Tiffany Ratz is well versed in all forms of dance; specializing in acrobatics. She began her acro training at the age of 5 and continued her training for over 10 years. While training and competing in acro, Tiffany attended many student workshops including Cirque du Soleil - where her talents were recognized and she was invited to train with the artists of a traveling circus arts show. Tiffany has over 16 years of teaching experience in the industry and has acquired many accreditations, including certifications in Artistic and Rhythmic gymnastics, ADAPT and DMA. Tiffany has been flown around the world for choreography, student workshops and leads teacher training programs as a guest for various organizations. Her acro students and choreography have seen tremendous success at competitions around the world including title-winning soloists, choreography awards and judges choice awards for Best acro of the competition. Tiffany is quickly becoming one of most saught after teachers and choreographers in her field. Her diverse array of training allows her to challenge and develop each dancer in her care into a unique and individual artist. Tiffany lives in Toronto, Canada where she teaches acro throughout the year and also travels the globe to conduct workshops and seminars.

Maria Riano

Ballet, Jazz & Tap

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.

Kassandra Sciacca

Jazz & Contemporary

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.

Frances Stabile

Jazz & Contemporary

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.

Alisa Walton

Ballet

Alisa Walton has been performing and teaching in the field of Physical Theatre and Ballet for almost 30 years. Her performance career began with work as a ballet dancer, performing with companies like (as a student) les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and (as a Soloist) the Stom Dance Foundation, as well as work in Television as a Dancer for Canadian Television Corporations CBC, TVOntario and Sullivan Entertainment. After completing her Conservatory Training in the LeCoq Technique of Physical Theatre under Ron East, Walton went on to tour with various Theatre Companies, including shows at Young Peoples Theatre, and Carousel Players. She starred in the internationally aired and award winning children’s Series Polka Dot Shorts for eight seasons as the rag doll “Marigold.“ Other Television Credits include the principal role of “Socks the Monkey” in Elliott Moose is on the Loose (series Television, Nelvana) the Adventures of Noddy, (CBC) Brenda’s Room (SaskTel) and numerous commercials. Walton has also worked as a stunt dancer on Stilts for several Circuses, and was the Ringmaster for Cirque Sublime for two seasons.

Most recently Walton appeared in episodes of Riviera Season 2, and Impulse Season 2.

Choreography Credits include work for TV Ontario, Swizzlestick Theatre and Crow’s Feet Physical Theatre, Lab le Jeu, and she produced the independent dance festival Human Dances.

Alisa is certified to teach the Cecchetti Method of Classical Ballet through Cecchetti USA., and holds an Associate Diploma with Cecchetti USA. She also enjoys sharing her skills as a former dancer teaching open ballet classes. She specialized in teaching of mens work at the Victoria Academy of Classical Ballet (Vaganove Method) under the direction of Sergei Basilaev.

She has taught internationally on the subject of the body’s postural relationship to character study, most notably at the IUGTE forum in Austria.

Other teaching credits include coaching for professional theatre companies in physical comedy, physical theatre, stage combat, stilt walking, dramaturgy and ballet for many Toronto and area arts high schools She taught the art of mask and theatre making at Kytes (theatre for at risk or street youth) as well as with Circus Agnes, developing a short training programme for children at risk in Etobicoke.

Walton prides herself on having had a quintessentially Canadian Career in the Performing Arts, currently focusing her work on shows which are meaningful and educational to a cause.

Rebecca Zizek

Jazz & Contemporary

BHSc, DMA, PAA

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 sha6re this with the dance community.

Accompanists

Alla Vortsman

Director of Music

Accompanist

Alla began to play the piano at the age of 6. She completed Music School and Music College back home in the city of Sumy (Ukraine) and then attended the University of Music Arts in Kharkiv, having graduated with an honor degree. She has extensive education as a pianist, accompanist, concertmaster and a teacher of piano and history of arts. While studying at the University of Music Arts, she started working as an accompanist for ballet classes, singers, chamber orchestras and the choir in Sumy Music College. She worked there for 13 years. In addition, she performed in different concerts as a solo-pianist. After moving to Canada in 1997, Alla worked as a private piano teacher and music therapist in Kingsway Gardens Retirement Residence. She also was a volunteer for Toronto Music Festival.

In 2011, Alla joined the SBAD staff. “It’s a great opportunity in my life to work side by side with such professional dance teachers. Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance has a long and glorious history, and I hope that my passion for music will benefit all of the SBAD team".