Instructors

Jorie’s love for dance began at a young age. A graduate of Toronto’s York University, she was a Toronto Argonauts cheerleader from 2002 to 2005, before joining the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak. She rejoined the Argos in 2010 and is currently the head coach, coordinator and choreographer for the Argos Cheerleaders.  Jorie has also performed and worked along side musical acts such as Shania Twain, Brian Adams, Tragically Hip, Black Eyed Peas, Glass Tiger, Down With Webster, The Arkells to name a few.

Trained in all facets of dance, Jorie has a passion for teaching. For the last 10 years she has mentored more than 100 competitive and recreational students at AB Dance. As a teacher and choreographer, she has produced many award-winning competitive routines and inspires her students to be the best they can be. 

Jorie is currently a VJ on BPM:TV, Canada's first and only dance channel, where she hosts her own music request show called Back @ Ya!            

Dancing from the age of 4, Alessia found her true passion for dance with the help of the staff at AB Dance. She is a 2012 graduate from St.Elizabeth CHS where she was enrolled in the Regional Arts Performance Dance program. She will continue her education at York University where she will be attending the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program specializing in dance. She has danced at AB Dance for nine years training in various types of dance styles such as acro, jazz, ballet, hip hop and lyrical/ contemporary by many well-known choreographers. Alessia has also been teaching at our facility for three years educating children of all ages in all different styles of dance.

Alessia looks forward to learning and expanding her knowledge to share with her fellow dancers and students.

Lauren Tasker acquired her passion for the art of dance at a very young age participating in competitions around Ontario.  She honed her dancing skills through post-secondary education at George Brown College, where she graduated with a Diploma in Performance Arts.  She has had the pleasure of performing in show such as Choreographers Ball, Cabaret, A Chorus Line, Scrooge! The Musical, Broadway Gold, and she also choreographed The War Show.  She was also former Toronto Argonauts Blue Thunder Cheerleader captain, and choreographer. Lauren has danced with several celebrities like Nelly Furtado, Black Eyed Peas, and Lenny Kravitz in Grey Cup half time shows. Lauren also enjoys teaching various styles of dance such as Jazz, Acro, Lyrical, Ballet, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre at AB Dance.

Joanna Gregory: Joanna has been part of the AB Dance Inc. faculty for the past 7 years, teaching many disciplines at both the recreational and competitive level. She has studied and teaches the disciplines of tap, acro, jazz, musical theatre, song & dance, lyrical, and hip hop. Throughout her dance career she competed at various dance competitions worldwide, winning numerous awards and attending a range of workshops. She was also a former Toronto Argonaut Cheerleader where she performed at all games and other important events within the community. Joanna is an ARTS York Dance graduate, where she studied modern and ballet dance. She has also completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education and Dance and most recently her Masters of Science and Education! Joanna continues to pursue education and is actively involved teaching both at the studio and in schools, and is constantly participating in dance workshops and taking additional qualifications which add to her teaching expertise. Joanna is a very passionate teacher and is recognized for her energetic and enthusiastic teaching styles and most importantly her dedication to her students!

Ms.Thomas studied and danced professionally in South Africa, Israel and the UK.

Trained in Contemporary Dance, Spanish, Classical Ballet, African Dance and Jazz, she has been teaching classical ballet for more than 20yrs. She is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.) and administers the Ballet Exam programme at AB Dance.

Ms. Thomas teaches Mini-Dance, all the grade levels, Senior Ballet and Pointe class. This will be her  9^th year teaching at AB Dance.

Kathryn Kuwabara NBS dip., RAD RTS, A.I.S.T.D. (NDB) 

Kathryn is a graduate of the National Ballet School of Canada Teacher Training Program. In addition, she is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and holds her RAD Teaching Diploma, with written papers in Psychology, Anatomy, Music, and Dance History. She is also a registered teacher with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) and has attained Associate status in the National Dance branch. She holds the Royal Academy of Dance advanced ballet certificate and the I.S.T.D. Cecchetti advanced ballet exam. Courses completed at the National Ballet School include: dance history; child psychology; pedagogy in RAD, Cecchetti, and NBS methods; art history and appreciation; national and historical dance; composition and choreography; music history, theory, and appreciation; anatomy and kinesiology; body conditioning; and advanced modern and ballet classes. Kathryn has studied contemporary dance composition and modern dance while enrolled in the BFA Honours in Dance Performance at York University. 

Finding great reward in sharing her passion and knowledge of dance with children and adults, Kathryn sets a high standard of technique in the studio. Many of her students have pursued dance at the post secondary and professional level gaining acceptance at the National Ballet School of Canada, Quinte Ballet School, Ryerson University, York University, and George Brown College. As well, some have received recognition in the So You Think You Can Dance Canada finals and top 20 dancers, and contracts with touring shows and cruise lines.

She continues to pursue her dance education through professional development by attending many teachers' workshops and seminars held by the National Ballet School, Ballet Magnificat, Dance Ad Deum, and the Royal Academy of Dance. Kathryn is both honoured and thrilled to be a part of this cutting edge studio and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.

Kristy’s love of dancing began at the early age of 3years old. After studying at local studios in Stouffville, she attended Unionville High School for the Performing Arts and continued her dance training in post-secondary education. Kristy earned her diploma from George Brown College in Dance Performance Studies, training in various styles of dance and within company classes with Ballet Jorgen.

While following her passion of performing and dancing within small companies in the GTA, Kristy also found her passion of teaching and choreographing. Over the last 8 years, Kristy’s choreography has been recognized for competitive dance teams, skating clubs as well as entertainment events.

Currently, Kristy is focusing her energy on sharing her passion of dance to children of all ages. She is also presently a member and captain of the Argos Cheerleaders for the Toronto Argonauts. Kristy hopes to continue within the dance community and reminds all dancers that “life’s a dance, you learn as you go”.

Member of the DTTA: Dance Teacher Training Association

Nicole grew up in Coral Springs, Florida and began her dance career two decades ago in all disciplines. She immediately excelled and began performing across the United States and Canada where she has won extensive titles and scholarships. She has taught workshops, performed in nation conventions, competitions, festivals, performances at disney world, and sporting events for the Miami Dolphins, Toronto Argonauts and Toronto Raptors.

Nicole is a university graduate in Sociology and Kinesiology and is currently the dance director for an entertainment company choreographing, scheduling and organizing weekly corporate and private  functions. Nicole is following her dreams by devoting herself to teaching and sharing her vast knowledge gained from her broad dance education. She has a great love for performing and teaching which can be seen through her unique style of creativity and passion on the dance floor.

Kevin Howe has been dancing since the young age of 5. After 14 years of training in various styles of dance including Jazz, Tap, Hip hop, arco and contemporary in his hometown Ottawa, ON he decided to make the move to Toronto to begin his professional career.

Since then he has taken the dance world by storm from all angles, working with big names like Girlicious, Blake McGrath, Ke$ha, Russel Peters and Lady Gaga to name a few. On top of his stage performances, he has also ventured into film. His film and TV credits include Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure with Disney’s Ashley Tisdale, HBO’s Hellcats, and Disney’s Frenemies.

Most recently, Kevin was chosen to be apart of Canada’s top 22 on season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Recognized for both his dance abilities and choreography skills, Howe has began to make a name for himself in the industry amongst other well established professionals.

Having won the national title of “Americas Young Choreographer of the year” in both 2007 and 2010, his creative and innovative style has brought Kevin a lot of positive attention and he has since been given the opportunity to teach workshops and masterclasses to students and teachers across Canada.

As a young male dancer, Justin has made his way to the professional circuit via hard work and determination. The strong supporters in his life have given him much strength and courage in pursuing his dreams. He performs with pride in every number he is given, and takes pride in every number he creates.

Justin can be seen in the Disney Movie “Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars”, as well as YTV’s Finale of The Next Star Seasons 3, 4 and 5, and Canada's Got Talent Season 1. He has also performed in Industrials such as LG Fashion Week, Bell Gala, Z103.5 Summer Rush, Toronto's Interior Design Show, the Food Networks "Delicious Food Show", and the Honda Gala. Justin was fortunate to have worked with Stacey Tookey last summer in the workshop of the new stage production “Dancer”. He has also had the pleasure of assisting choreographers Mia Michaels and Blake McGrath on SYTYCDC. Justin has also had the privilege of performing in productions such as, Conteur's "State Of Mind", Crazy for You, and Celtic Thunder’s Storm.

He has been in music videos for artists such as Blake McGrath, Kai, and Shazelle. Justin toured with Blake McGrath earlier last year on his cross Canada tour, and has also performed for Blake in various shows. Justin has taught classes at various studios and Intensives, and has been invited to choreograph several pieces. In a short time, Justin has grown into a talented artist, and continues to pursue his craft, and always strives to grow as a performer and person.

Ana Pacanins is originally from Montreal, Quebec, and grew up in the competitive world of dance as part of Ethel Bruneau Hoofers and Hip-hop troupe. Ana is a tap teacher in several studios and is an award winning choreographer. In 2010 she assisted tap master Jason Janas at the “Triple Threat” dance convention in Calgary. In 2011, she performed in the “Feats Festival” in Edmonton with Lisa La Touche & at Lane Alexander’s “Chicago Human Rhythm Project” in Chicago. She also assisted Tap Master and Legend Dianne “Lady-Di” Walker in Tasha Lawson’s 2011 Tri-Tone Productions “Rhythm Body and Soul” workshop. Ana has also performed in the Musicals “Anything Goes” directed by Randy Davis and in the “Modern Version of the Nutcracker” from PM Productions. She was part of Travis Knights’ tap company “Dynamix Soles” in Montreal and a part of Danny Nielsen’s tap company “Danny Nielsen and the Tap Messengers” in Calgary. She has also appeared on tv shows like “Edible Incredible” and “On the road again”. Most recently Ana performed at the “Soul 2 Sole” festival in Austin, Texas and at the “Feats Festival” in Edmonton with Danny Nielsen. New to Toronto, Ana is now a new member of Everett Smith’s company “Bringing Tap Back”.

Jordan Boyle began dancing at the age of 3 and has been studying ballet, jazz, tap, acro, musical theater, hiphop, lyrical and contemporary ever since. Jordan has been developing her skills at AB Dance since 2005. She is a strong, well rounded dancer winning numerous awards at various competitions.  Jordan is excited to share her passion and love for dance with her students here at AB Dance.

Jennifer Gerwlivch (OCT, B.A. Hons., B. Ed) teaches acro and tumbling. Prior to joining the staff at A.B. Dance, Jenn coached competitive gymnastics for eight years. She holds NCCP Level 2 certification in gymnastics and trampoline.

Angelica began dancing at the age of three, and has been dancing ever since! She was an A.B. dancer for ten years and is now a part of our A.B. Dance Inc. faculty. She is trained in multiple genres including acro, jazz, hip hop, tap, and ballet. As a member of the competitive team, she has travelled to competitions across Ontario and has won numerous awards. Angelica has also participated in many events including the Toronto Argonauts half time show and the Shania Sunflower of Hope day.  She is continuing her education at the University of Toronto to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology. Angelica is a fun, enthusiastic teacher, who strives to push her students to be the best dancers they can be.

Amira Christie graduated from Ryerson University with a BFA in Performance Dance. After graduation she spent 2 years in New York City dancing at Alvin Ailey American Dance Centre, as well as teaching all genres of dance in the city. Amira has taught and entered students in ballet exams for the past 17 years as a registered RAD teacher. She has choreographed ballet and lyrical routines for recitals and competitions for studios in the GTA for as many years. Amira also enjoys her job as a dance and drama teacher for the Artist- in- the- School Program for the YCDSB, which she has had for the past 13 years. Currently Amira is furthering her education in York University's Faculty of Education. She looks forward to her new teaching job at AB Dance!

Sarah Bergeron started off training in gymnastics at the young age of 2, before switching into dance classes a few years later at AB Dance Studio. Beginning with acro, Sarah is now trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, tap, contemporary, hip hop, and modern. She was accepted to the competitive team at the age of 6, and competed for many years in various disciplines, earning numerous high score awards and top placings. Sarah is a graduate of the Arts York Dance Program at Unionville High School and, while there, she participated in their local performance company, Dance Access. Sarah is now a Dance Major at York University, and teaches at various studios in the Toronto area. She is also a Certified Gymnastics and Trampoline Coach. Sarah is also trained in the art of the Flying Trapeze at the Toronto School of Circus Arts.
 
Sarah has attended many intensive workshops and has worked with many renowned choreographers, including Blake McGrath (SYTYCD), Shannon Mather, Keith ‘Tyce’ Diorio, Joey Arrigo (SYTYCD Canada), and Ryan Foley. She has performed all around Ontario, including at the Cure for Cancer Fundraiser, Celebration of the Arts (where she and her teammates won the Top Group scholarship award), and with the Junior Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders at half-time, to name only a few. Sarah loves to give her students a challenge, but always makes time for fun!