The Dance Element Faculty

TAYLOR DE GEER MACKENZIE

BATD, CDMA, DMA, PAEC, RAD

Director / Principal Instructor

Taylor is an accomplished Teacher, Choreographer, Professional Dancer and Adjudicator well known in the dance community. Her life long love affair with dance continues to flourish in all aspects of the dance industry. Taylor has taught professionally for many prestigious dance companies over the past 12 years. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in dance specializing in Jazz, Acrobatics, Tap, R.A.D Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern, Gymnastics/Tumbling, Stretch/Technique, Open and Musical Theatre. Her many years of training have won her countless awards, scholarships, and titles at competitions throughout Canada and the United States. Taylor went onto further her dance training and completed a 5 year Regional Arts Program with a major in dance, graduating with honors in Dance Technique, Theory and Injury Prevention.

Taylor is an active member of Dance Masters of America and Canadian Dance Masters of America Ch.#38 certified in Acrobatics and Ballet. An educational organization of which she was recently elected as director of the examinations committee, and holds a position on Ch.# 38 executive board. The British Association of Teachers in Dance certified in Jazz and Tap, The Royal Academy of Dance, Advanced Ballet and Performing Arts Educators of Canada certified in Acrobatics and Jazz. Throughout her training Taylor was fortunate enough to receive instruction in Los Angeles, New York, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, with some of North America’s most renowned Choreographers, Tina Landon, Richard Kim, Mia Michaels, Napolian & Tabitha D’umo, Fatima, Peggy Baker and Stelio Calagias just to name a few. Every summer Taylor aims to return to New York City at the Broadway Dance Centre to learn new styles and technique from some of the most well known teachers in the dance industry.

Taylor’s versatility and unique style have taken around the world. She has toured the Caribbean Islands with Carnival Cruise Lines as dance captain and lead dancer in two highly acclaimed Broadway Revues. Taylor was invited to perform at various events such as The Aloha Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii and on The Canadian National Tap Team at The World Dance Championships in Reisa, Germany. Taylor’s distinguished career in dance also includes many appearances in television productions, movies and commercials. As a dynamic and creative choreographer she has choreographed opening numbers for Dance Masters of America and Dancefest, she was also named choreographer for The Hamilton Tiger-Cats CFL and “Out of the Blue Dance Crew” York University’s dance team.

Taylor has been recognized for her tremendous talents time and time again, and received the “Prima Award” for outstanding choreography. Students of Ms. De Geer have won many overalls and special awards at the Regional and National levels of competition. She was the teacher/choreographer of Petite Miss Dance of Canada 2004, Junior Miss Dance of Canada 2004, 3rd Runner-up Teen Miss Dance of Canada 2003, and 4th Runner-up Teen Miss Dance of Canada 2002. Over her years in dance, Taylor has adjudicated and taught workshops for many well known dance organizations throughout Canada. As a teacher and choreographer she strives to bring the best in dance to her students such as passion, grace, poise, technique, style, self-esteem, discipline and how to be a team player.

Taylor loves to share her passion and enthusiasm for dance with young artists across Canada and help them to develop their talents. Taylor not only takes great pride in her career as a dance educator, but she also takes great interest in her student’s progress and well being. Taylor is excited to be living out her life long dream of opening her own dance studio and she looks forward to passing on her knowledge and her love of dance to her students at The Dance Element.

MINOU HENDRIKX

RAD, RTS, DMA, BATD, BFA

Instructor

Minou Hendrikx has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ryerson University where she trained with instructors such as Nadia Potts, Flora Lojekova, Karen DuPlessis, Vicky St. Denys, Stelio Calagias, Maureen Consolati, Audrey Looker and Malcolm Gayle.

Minou is a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) where she also received her Teaching Diploma. Also, Minou received her teaching certificates for Ballet and Stage from the British Association Teachers of Dance (BATD). Minou has passed the Advanced Ballet exams from the Imperial Society Teachers of Dance and BATD, and the Advanced I Ballet Exam from the RAD. Minou is also a member of Dance Masters of America Chapter 43.

Minou is a well traveled dancer having competed and performed throughout Canada, United States, Great Britain, and Scotland. She was also a guest artist for the Windsor City Ballet Company and Miss Dance of Canada 1990.

After a successful professional and competitive career Minou turned her attention to training future dancers and has been teaching Ballet, Jazz & Tap for over fifteen years.

Minou’s students have been very successful in all of their Ballet exams ranging from Primary to Grade 8 and Vocational students from Intermediate Foundation to Advanced 2. Apart from exam work and year end shows her students have competed locally and nationally receiving top awards.

Minou dedicates herself to the next generation of dancers by passing on her experiences and knowledge.

LAURA WITHERS

CDMA, PAEC

Instructor

Laura discovered her life-long passion of dancing at the age of 3 and has been involved with teaching, choreographing, and supply teaching since 2006. She has extensive dance training in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Stretch and Strength. Her years of training earned her countless awards, scholarships and special awards at competitions throughout Canada and the United States. Laura regularly attends workshops and has trained with some of the most renowned teachers and choreographers, including Mia Michaels, Blake McGrath, Everett Smith and Benji Schwimmer just to name a few, which has broadened her dance style and training throughout the years.

Laura holds teaching memberships in both ballet and jazz under the Performing Arts Educators of Canada, has passed her Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate examination, and is also a member of Dance Masters of America Chapter 38.

Laura has distinguished herself as a caring and dedicated instructor with an eye for detail. She strives for the best in her students promoting technique, poise, self-confidence, dedication, teamwork and inspiring her students to have a love and passion for dance. Laura’s enthusiasm for dance motivates and inspires her students to develop into creative performers and her passion and talent has made her an asset to The Dance Element for many years. Laura is thrilled to be part of The Dance Element faculty and looks forward to another exciting and memorable year of dance.

MELISSA SPENCE

Instructor

Passionate would be one of the words to describe Melissa Spence’s relationship with dance. Raised in Mississauga , Melissa began attending dance classes from an early age and developed a unique interest in all genres of dance. Since then her dance career has included local and international competitions in both Canada and the United States.

Melissa has been dancing for over 20 years with over 8 years of teaching experience.

Melissa has increased her love of dance by involving herself in teaching all ages. She has been working as a dance teacher for institutions all over the GTA (Theatre of Dance Arts, City of Toronto, Laura Furtado Dance, Live Once and Fuel Fitness. Melissa spends the rest of her days working at TD Canada Trust as well as

Melissa’s credentials include a Business Management and Marketing Diploma from Humber College. Melissa also is a certified wedding planner through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada and holds various certificates through Laura Furtado’s dance series.

Melissa is an outgoing individual with a drive of energy like no other. Once she sets her mind on something there is no stopping her. She is creative and spontaneous, but ultimately its the love of dancing that thrills her the most in life. Melissa looks forward to sharing her energy and enthusiasm with her students at The Dance Element.

owning her own event/wedding company “Elegantly Put...” With her love for dance and choreography she has also continued to perform local GTA events including Wellspot (Ap’08), CanFit (Aug’08) and many private events.

PAULA CALLON

Instructor

Paula was introduced to the world of performing arts 25 years ago and has never looked back. She has written, directed, stage managed, and acted in plays and improv competitions. Paula’s dance training includes a variety of disciplines with a focus on jazz, tap, and ballet, she also takes a variety of workshops when she can. She has participated in competitions in both Canada and the United States. In addition to teaching at The Dance Element, Paula also teaches in Acton and substitutes for her colleagues at various locations around the GTA. As an instructor with over 15 years experience, Paula has had the delight of teaching all ages and has found each age group to bring something exciting and different to the classroom. Paula is currently working towards obtaining a teachers certificate with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association.

Paula is a graduate of Sheridan College, having successfully obtained diplomas in Office Administration and Human Resources, as well as a certificate in Medical Administration. She has combined her education and works full-time as a Human Resources Professional at a leading independent medical facility.

Paula resides in Milton with her husband and toddler twins. She looks forward to passing her enthusiasm and passion, for dance and drama, on to her students at The Dance Element.

"Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another."
~Anonymous

BRITTANY CASTIGLIONE

BATD

Instructor

Brittany has been dancing since the age of 2 and has trained extensively in Jazz, Acro, Lyrical, Tap, R.A.D Ballet, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. She recently completed her teachers certification with the British Association of Teachers in Dance in Jazz and Tap. She has attained Distinction in the Advanced 1 level ballet exams with The Royal Academy of Dance and has been a Jr. member of Dance Masters of America, Ch.#38 for two years. Her dance education also includes attending the Regional Arts Dance Program at Mayfield Secondary School where she graduated with honours and an arts letter. Brittany is currently attending Ryerson University in the dance and theatre program.

Brittany has taught the dance portion of “Stage Coach”, a theatre summer program for two years run by the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board. She regularly attends workshops taught by some of the most sought after teachers and choreographers in the dance industry. These master classes have helped to enhance her abilities not only as a dancer but as a teacher as well. She recently completed a teacher’s conference hosted by The Dance Project where she participated in classes on “how to teach jumps & turns” and “up your teaching game”. She has taught many summer workshops for local dance studios in the greater Toronto area and continues her dance training at Performing Dance Arts in Woodbridge.

Brittany has won numerous awards throughout her dance training as well as scholarships, both as a soloist and group member. She was most recently rewarded with Miss Dancer of the Year 2008 at the American Dance Awards regional competition as well as 1st runner up Miss Dance of America Ch. #38 2005, and 1st runner up Dancer of the Year American Dance Awards 2007.

Brittany is a part time teacher of Jazz, Tap, and Acro at The Dance Element. She takes great pride in her position as an instructor and in each and every one of her students. She strives to bring out the best in her students teaching confidence, determination, style, poise, grace and teamwork. She aims to demonstrate that dedication to training and technique results in a successful and versatile dancer. Brittany loves to share her enthusiasm and passion for dance with her students but also takes great care in ensuring their well being. She is excited to back as a member of The Dance Element staff!

ASHLEIGH KEENAN

RAD, RTS

Instructor

NICOLE MARSH

Instructor

KELSEY Mc CLELLAND

CDMA

Instructor

COURTENAY LAZOURKA

Instructor

Raised in Milton, Kim’s dance training started back when she was 4 years old. She has studied a variety of disciplines including jazz, tap, ballet, lyrical, musical theater and hip hop. She has competed in both regional and national competitions throughout Canada and the United States. She was involved in teaching, assisting as well as office help at a previous dance school and continues to enjoy the art of dance at TDE in the adult dance classes.

Kim is thrilled to be a part of the faculty at The Dance Element and is looking forward to “experience, explore and enjoy” another great season at the studio.

SARAH LA RIZZA

Office Administrator

Dance has been Kelsey’s true life passion since the age of 7. She has a strong competitive dance background and has been thoroughly trained in Acro, Jazz, Ballet, and Tap, as well as Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Being especially drawn to her love and talent for Acrobatics, and her ability to WOW her audience, she has taken home many special awards, from scholarships, top category placements, and Judges awards in Canada as well as in the United States. Kelsey began assistant teaching dance classes at age 15, and has loved it since! She believes instructing is something she was born to do and comes naturally to her. She really enjoys watching her student’s progress and loves knowing that she can help contribute to each student’s success as a dancer.

In an effort to expand her knowledge within the fitness industry and also increase her own flexibility and strength towards her dancing, Kelsey began training in Pilates.

She is now a fully certified STOTT PILATES mat work and reformer instructor, and has extensive training with special populations and injured clients. Kelsey completed her certification at The Pilates Body in Port Credit, Mississauga.

Kelsey has also completed her Business - Marketing Diploma at Sheridan College in Oakville, and puts it to use every day as a full-time sales representative for McClelland Premium Imports.

Kelsey is ecstatic about joining the instructing team at The Dance Element, and looks forward to a memorable, exciting year.

KIM GOODMAN

Office Manager

Ashleigh is an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer. She specializes in ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics and lyrical dance forms

As a teacher Ashleigh works with dancers of all ages and skill levels. As an instructor, Ashleigh has certifications in jazz and ballet with Dance Masters Of America, Royal Academy of Dance and with the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators.

As a dancer and choreographer, Ashleigh is dedicated to her art, reviewing new technologies and attending workshops to upgrade her skills. Ashleigh has received several awards for her choreography, including most recent 1^st overall group at Candance.

Competitions 2010, 1^st overall 10 yrs soloist at Bedazzled competitions 2010, 1^st overall 13yrs soloist at Love to dance competition 2010 and numerous overall awards for her choreography. She has been involved in the Miss Dancefest and Dance Masters of America choreographing opening numbers for their respective events. Ashleigh also had the pleasure of choreographing a performance at the Harlem Globetrotters game 2012.

Ashleigh hopes her commitment and passion to dance will help to send her dancers forward with grace and poise and to be successful in whatever their future holds.

Courtenay has been dancing most of his life and started in grade one when the break dancing era began. He has perfected such techniques as freezes, glides and popping as well as numerous others. Some of Courtenay’s styles from urban dance include break dancing, hip hop and house to name a few. Courtenay has taught for over fifteen years and has worked with some of the best break dance crews in the industry. He has taught Miss Chinese Canada who came in third for a routine he choreographed. As well as working at Toronto’s harbor Front center. Due to his expertise and knowledge Courtenay was hired to design two programs which were the first of their kind in

Canada. One was a look at hip hop culture though dance and the other was a look at hip hop culture in the media. Both programs allowed students to get graded on their knowledge of hip hop culture as well as experience it firsthand. Since hip hop is the biggest youth culture in the world these programs were revolutionary in Canada and still the harbor Fronts most popular programs to date. Courtenay has also danced in numerous music and commercial videos for such artists and products as, Alanis Morrissette, Evren, the source and radio shack, Kit Kat as well as many others. Courtenay still dances and hopes to pass on urban dance and hip hop culture to a new generation which he hopes will inspire them to new heights of positivity, creativity and success.