CHERYL THOMPSON, ISTD. BFA. AD
Miss Cheryl was one of the first to graduate from the degree program at Ryerson University training daily with past professional dancer, Nadia Potts, Stellio Calagais and Karen Duplisea. She also performed choreography by acclaimed artists such as Vicky St. Denis and Carol Anderson.
As a competitive dancer she trained at Inta Leja’s studio of dance and Performing Arts in Whitby Ontario which is also the home studio to Disney’s star: Drew Seeley. With the competitive team she has traveled to New York, Las Vegas and Orlando Florida working with dance artists, such as Mia Micheals from the reality TV show: “So You Think You Can Dance”.
In 2005, she was certified with her coaching level 1 for gymnastics. Miss Cheryl has also created themed dance shows at the Scarborough Gold and Country Club in 2004 and 2005. Cheryl has also choreographed for New Line Cinema’ s blockbuster move “THE MAN”, Starring Samuel L. Jackson and Egene Levey. Cheryl’s competitive dancers have won numerous overall awards for ability, choreography and presentation. Miss Cheryl works between both our Millcreek and is the Artistic Director of the Laird location. In 4 years with us at Danceworks, the Laird location is now pleased to offer competitive dance as well as a strong recreational program.
Miss Beth (pre and beginner dance)
We are pleased to have miss beth on staff for another great year with our pre and beginner dance classes at Laird. Teaching an array of dance styles from ballet, jazz, acrobatics and our combo funky feet classes- students love miss beth's established
essence and structured classes week to week. Miss beth has over 10 years experience of teaching and working with children ages 2 and up.
DIANA VISELLI, HIP HOP INSTRUCTOR
Diana started dance at the early age of four. She trained in jazz, hip hop and musical theatre. Throughout her childhood she performed and competed winning many local competitions. As a young adult Diana joined Touch International, to whom she credits for giving her all the necessary skills needed to be a professional dancer. Through Touch International, Diana became more motivated, confident, knowledgeable and professional at dance. All of which showed through her first choreographed production piece performed at "Faces of Fear, A Touch International Production." From there, Diana performed in "Breaking Barreras" a show choreographed by established b-girl Lady Noyz and supported through Dusk Dances. She has collaborated and danced with Z103 for their Summer Rush, Aba Entertainment for their annual Bazaars and Toronto's International Dance Day. Today, Diana currently works for the City of Toronto, the TDSB and numerous private studios, instructing children, teens and adults in hip hop and street dance.
New to Danceworks Laird Location this year:
ASHLEY SUMMERS, BFA.
Ashley is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School, where she received a Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance. She trained extensively in many dance disciplines as a student of Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance in Mississauga 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 during that time, was privileged to perform a solo at World Youth Day on the Downsview stage. Ashley has also had the pleasure of performing in FIDA Dance Festival, and for the last two years has been working with the Jean Ann Ryan Production Company. Ashley is happy to be here at Danceworks.
Miss FELICIA -
Felicia has graduated from the regional arts program majoring in dance at Cawthra Park Secondary School where she recieved the Outstanding Dance Graduate Award. While in the program she had the pleasure of working with many amazing choreographers and teachers, some being renowned dance schools such as Juillard, and Alvin Ailey. She has performed on the Epicot stage in Disneyland, in the FIFA opening ceremonies as well as the Ms. Canada Pageant. She is very excited to be teaching at Danceworks to share her love for dance. Miss Felicia teaches recreational and competitive levels here at Danceworks, ages 3 and up.
Miss Ver (tap, hip hop, competitive)
As an Assistant Teacher to the Laird Competitive Teams, her Hip Hop choreography achieved high scoring awards in 2011. Teaching summer dance camps and still dancing herself on Millcreeks competitive team, we've seen miss ver perform her solos at our annual mainstage recitals year after year.
