Millcreek Dance Staff

KRISTINA OBELIENIUS, BFA. AD.

Miss Kristina is an energetic, dedicated and responsible leader that sees the joy in working with all children. Growing up in Mississauga, she trained and competed with Marie Ann Longlade’s School of Dance where she was successful in winning multiple awards and scholarships in New York, Las Vegas and Florida. Kristina is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre School, where she received her BFA in Dance Performance. Over these years she had the privilege to study with Nadia Potts, Karen Duplisea and Vicki St. Denis. After graduating Kristina went on to dance in shows produced and choreographed by Roberto Campanella/ Linda Garneau-The Jazz Cracker- Hamilton theatre, Karen Andrew -FIDA Dance Festival and David Connolly. She also took her dance career to New York City dancing with the “NEW DANCE GROUP” company. Kristina also was a part of the Toronto Argonauts dance/Cheerleading team for two seasons performing with Shania Twain, Shaggy, Bryan Adams and at the Muhammad Ali dedication game.

Along with Kristina’s professional dance career, she is also a well-known teacher/choreographer in the GTA. Kristina has taken multiple C.D.T.A Ballet, jazz and tap exams. Multiple Cecchetti Ballet exams, and her Intermediate certificate from the Royal Academy of Dance. Over the past 8 years she has created and established dance teams, working with children ages 3-21. Kristina is passionate about creating a positive, loving and energetic environment here at DANCEWORKS and is very excited to be working with all of her new students. This is Kristina’s fifth year as Danceworks artistic Director.

 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 work shopping with dance artists, such as Mia Micheals from the reality TV show: “So You Think You Can Dance”. As a teacher, Miss Cheryl has worked with recreational and vocational dance students at Seneca College as well as competitive student throughout the GTA.

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. This will be Miss Cheryl’s fourth year with us at Danceworks.

Miss Ver

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.

Miss Deanna

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 fFIDA 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 Marie

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.