Faculty and Staff

Rebecca is the Artistic Director and owner/founder of London’s most progressive and creative dance studio.  Dance Extreme is in it’s 13th year.  She brings an enthusiasm and dedication to Dance Extreme that is reflected in the quality of the instructors, programs and facilities. Her goal is to provide all students with an enjoyable dancing experience and sense of accomplishment.  A teacher since 1990, Rebecca began her career in the Toronto area before moving to London in 1994. She received her certification through Canadian Dance Masters of America, Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America. Always keeping up-to-date with her choreography and teaching technique, Rebecca is constantly attending workshops all over North America. Rebecca is a graduate from the Dance Master’s of America’s Teachers Training School at Kent State University and the State University of New York in Buffalo and a graduate of Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. Rebecca served as an examiner for CDMA for several years. She has served as secretary for CDMA, Chapter 38 since 2000 and served as delegate for 6 years.  She has judged and taught in both Canada and the USA at Regional and National level competitions, workshops and auditions.  Rebecca and her students have won overall, choreography and special awards at numerous competitions. Besides running Dance Extreme, she is the owner/founder of The Performing Arts Preschool.  It is a licensed preschool located in Dance Extreme which is now in its 6th year. As well, The Sumptuous Basket a gift basket and children’s loot bag/party supplies company, now in it’s 5th year. Rebecca resides in London with her husband Tony and two children, Christiano and Isabela.

Richelle is excited to be returning for her tenth season at Dance Extreme. She is responsible for all Educational programs and birthday parties at Dance Extreme. Richelle is the liaison between Dance Extreme and The Thames Valley School Boards where she coordinates the Educational Outreach program to bring dance education to surrounding elementary and secondary schools. Richelle director the Carousel Dance Company, Carousel Dance Centre Inc. in Waterloo from 2005-2011. In addition to teaching, she has choreographed for Original Kids Theatre Company, high schools in south western Ontario, London Musical Productions, her own company Barefoot Creative, and danced/choreographed for the UWO Dance Company for 8 years & the Hamilton Dance Company for 3 years.  She worked as assistant choreographer on “Bella Dancerella – Disney Princess” & “Disney’s High School Musical 2,” “Dora Dance to the Rescue” (DVD) for Spin Master Ltd and on “Get Up & Move” – a dance instructional DVD for Toniolo Productions.  Richelle is a graduate of the Honours Kinesiology and Bachelor of Education programs from the University of Western Ontario and is currently working on her Masters in Dance at York University.

Sharon joined the Dance Extreme faculty in 1997 during the first season. She is responsible for keeping the entire studio in order. Sharon is available should parents and dancers need the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. She is always ready and willing to assist in any matter.

Katie Robinson is a graduate of Queen’s University, where she received her B.A.H. in Drama, and her B.Ed. within the Artist in Community Education program track.  Upon graduation she continued her dance training at George Brown College and the Alvin Ailey School.  Katie currently works in Toronto as an actor/dancer, and has performed for such companies as Norwegian Cruise Lines, the Toronto Rock, Evoke Movement Dance Theatre, Tricon Films Ltd., and Theatre Etobicoke.  Her dancing has been featured on screen at the World Wide Short Film Festival, Breakfast Television and Global News, as well as at various high profile events throughout Toronto.  Aside from performing, Katie is also a dedicated arts educator, and teaches for the Living Arts Centre in Mississauga, as well as through the Artist in Residence and Artist in Education programs offered by the Ontario Arts Council. Katie is extremely excited to be joining the Dance Extreme staff, and is looking forward to a wonderful year ahead!

 

Amanda, originally from Brampton,  Ontario has been dancing for 17 years and received her training at Jessica’s Dance Innovations. She is a graduate of Mayfield Secondary School in the Regional Arts Dance Program in Caledon, Ontario, where she receieved the Award of Exellence in recognition of outstanding performance in dance for her graduating class in 2009. She has completed her Royal Academy of Dance examinations in Classical Ballet. She has been teaching recreational dance for six years at The City of Brampton School of Dance, and Defined Dance.  Amanda is currently studying Early Childhood Education and Fanshawe College.

Sarah has been a valued member of the faculty for the past 9 years teaching Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop. As well, Sarah oversees our Assistant Teacher program. Sarah started her teaching career as an assistant and substitute teacher at Dance Extreme. She attended Dance Master’s of America’s Teachers Training School at the State University of New York, in Buffalo. She is certified in Jazz through DMA/CDMA. Sarah graduated from Fanshawe College as a Computer System Analyst in May 2006.

Nicole is in her eighth year as a member of the faculty at Dance Extreme.  Nicole teaches both recreational and competitive programs.  She also teaches dance camp, summer evening classes and has been a PUC Dance Extreme program teacher.  Nicole has been dancing for thirteen years in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop, eight years of which were competitive dance. She attended Dance Master’s of America’s Teachers Training School at the State University of New York in Buffalo. Nicole is a London native, who completed an Honours B.A. in History and Religious Studies at the University of Western Ontario. Nicole also graduated from Althouse Faculty of Education and is currently an occasional teacher with the London District Catholic School Board.  

Julia’s teaching career began as an assistant teacher at Dance Extreme. Since then, she has continued to develop her teaching experience as a dance camp teacher, PUC Dance Extreme program teacher and has been a member of the Dance Extreme faculty for several years. Julia is D.M.A and C.D.M.A qualified as well as having attended Dance Master’s of America’s Teachers Training School at the State University of New York in Buffalo.  She has most reccently completed her Advanced I Cecchetti Ballet Examination. Julia graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an Honors Bachelor of Medical Science Degree. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters degree in Biochemistry at the University of Western Ontario. 

Amy has been involved in teaching the competitive program at Dance
Extreme for 4 years.  Originally from Brantford, Ontario, she has been
dancing for 19 years, and received most of her dance training at
Tiffany's Dance Elite.  Amy has taught many dance camps previously at
Dance Discovery in Brantford
and Dance Pointe in Aylmer, as well as teaching a number of recreational
classes in these locations.  Amy has danced in many competitions both
nationally and internationally and she received a scholarship at the
JUMP
workshop in Buffalo, allowing her to travel to New York City to perform
in an
Off-Broadway show.  Amy has just graduated from the University of
Western Ontario with a Bachelor Degree in Medical Sciences, specializing
in Physiology and Pharmacology, and is continuing her education at UWO
to obtain a Masters of Science Degree in Physiology.

Tara has been dancing for 15 years and is a 2nd year kinesiology student at Western. She has studied RAD ballet extensively, receiving her Grade 8 Award with a mark of Distinction, as well as her Vocational exams up to Advanced Foundation with Distinction. She has been competing at the regional and national levels for 8 years, and has received numerous awards and scholarships for her performances, including 2nd Overall at Terpsichore Dance Celebration's National Finals for her student choreography piece. She also obtained one of the top 3 marks in the Solo Age 13+ category at the Dance Off at the same competition. Tara spent most of her time dancing with Vanessa Zullo's School of Dance in Bolton, ON, studying ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and tap, and is excited to share her love of dance with her students at Dance Extreme.

Carina Coldevin, born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, was a professional dancer trained at the Royal Swedish Ballet School and the National Ballet School in Toronto. She danced with the ballet Clasico de Zaragoza, Spain and the Norwegian National Ballet, the Phantom of the Opera, Sweden, amongst others. Carina completed the teachers training program with the College of Dance in Stockholm and the National Ballet School of Toronto. She has been teaching in Canada since 1996 with the Quinte Ballet School in Belleville, Ottawa School of Dance and at Dance Extreme since 1999.

Carina resides in London with her partner Scott and her twin boys Jaden and Jared

Andrea graduated from American Musical and Dramatic Academy, New York City.  She has trained extensively in Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre as well as Ballet and danced competitively for years.  Her dancing has taken her all over Whitehorse, California, Edmonton, Vancouver, Pennsylvania, and New York City.  Andrea has been teaching for 20 years both in the competitive and general divisions.  She loves working with the junior levels as I am passionate about building a good strong foundation for a lifetime of dance appreciation. She believe that dance is a great way to build confidence in students so they may continue to achieve their dreams.  With many choreographic credits to her name she is excited to join Dance Extreme's teaching Faculty.

Deana began teaching in 2000 with the PUC Dance Program. Her experience working with children is extensive. Deana has been a dance instructor with Dance Extreme since 2003, where she is involved with the recreational, pre-competitive and competitive programs. Deana was also a preschool teacher with The Performing Arts Preschool for 2 years, and a guest teacher at various elementary and high schools in London. Deana has a combined 18 years of dance training in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap. She is an active member of D.M.A and C.D.M.A. Deana is also a Registered Massage Therapist within a chiropractic clinic. Her knowledge extends into the studio in the form of injury prevention and treatment.

Dance Extreme is pleased to welcome Jeanine to the faculty. Jeanine has been dancing since 1990 and has studied RAD ballet, Pointe, jazz, tap, lyrical, modern and musical theatre. She has also studied Modern Dance Technique with Donna Peterson at UWO. Jeanine began her teaching career in 1994 and has taught Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Modern, Classical and Lyrical Ballet. She Choreographed and acted in several shows for Theatre Western at Talbot Theatre, UWO, notably, for “West Side Story.” She has also choreographed “A Chorus Line” for Micheal Rubinoff Productions at the Jane Mallett Theatre – St. Laurence Centre for the Arts. Jeanine is a UWO graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature and a minor in Dramatic Literature.

Dance Extreme is pleased to welcome Esther back for her second year on faculty.  Esther has been a valued member of our faculty for the past 4 years as an assistant and a camp instructor for the past 3 years.  Esther is always eager to teach our birthday parties and teach in schools as a part of our Educational Outreach Program.  She is working as a cooking and art instructor for preschool programs with the City's Parks and Recreation and also as a child minder for prenatal and postnatal programs for the Middlesex Health Unit.She has completed the High Five and Standard First Aid (CPR C) training. Esther has received a certificate of recognition from the City of London Children’s Services for contribution to healthy child development through recreation! Esther is enrolled in King’s University College at U.W.O in the Childhood and Social Institutions program.

Dance Extreme is pleased to welcome Kimberley to the faculty for the second year. Kimberley has been teaching Irish dance since the age of 18, and founded the Lancaster School of Irish Dance in 1992. Kimberley brings her Irish dance experience to the studio. She has competed extensively across North America with the Butler Academy and placed top twenty in Oireachtas Rince Cruinne, (All World Championships). She was also a Canadian and North American champion ceili and solo dancer.  She trained under Mae Butler, the first Irish dance instructor in Canada and attended examination certification sessions through An Coimisuin. Kimberley has her teacher Certificate an Rince Gaelachaa (T.C.R.G.), is a member of the Irish Dance Teachers Association of Canada, Irish Dance Teacher Association of North American and An Coimisuin Le Rince Gaelacha.  She has performed at Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill, Dancers for Life Aids benefits at Hummingbird Center and at other major venues across Canada. Kimberley turned down the opportunity to tour with Riverdance in order to complete her University education. Kimberley has also been an adjudicator at a number of competitions and festivals across Ontario. She wrote, choreographed, scored and produced the full scale shows Bran Dhu, Failte and Dochas. Kimberley hold an Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Western Ontario.

Dance Extreme is pleased to welcome Erin to the faculty for the second year. Erin began teaching with the Lancaster School of Irish Dance in London, Ontario in 1993. Erin brings her Irish dance experience to us. She trained under Mae & June Butler in Toronto and also with Rose Fearon in London, and has attended examination certification sessions through An Coimisuin. She is currently completing final quarter of Teacher Certificate an Rince Gaelacha,(T.C.R.G.) She has competed extensively across North America with the Butler Academy and placed top twenty in Oireachtas Rince Cruinne, (All World Championships). She was also a Canadian and North American champion ceili and solo dancer.   Erin has developed the full scale shows Bran Dhu, Failte and Dochas along with Kim Lancaster. Erin is a graduate of Fanshawe College as a Developmental Service Worker (D.S.W.).

Dance Extreme welcomes Kristin back to Dance Extreme for a third year! Kristin has been dancing for 18 years. She is the recipient of the ADA Dancer of the year and multiple scholarships from workshops like Westcoast Dance explosion and Triple Threat. In 2008-2009 she helped run Westerns HEAT dance team and is captain of the jazz and lyrical team. Kristin taught dance at the UWO Sports Camp. She choreographed for the play “Twisted” in 2005. Kristin graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a degree in Psychology and Criminology.  She most recently was a finalist for So You Think You Can Dance Canada.

Laura has been with Dance Extreme for 5 years and is an integral part of the faculty. She began teaching as an assistant teacher at Dance Extreme. Since then, she has continued to develop her teaching experience as a PUC Dance Extreme program teacher and substitute teacher. Laura attended Dance Master’s of America’s Teachers Training School at the State University of New York in Buffalo and has achieved her DMA and CDMA Certifications. She also has her TTS year 1. Laura graduated from The University of Western Ontario (BSc.) with a major in Medical Science and Psychology

Dance Extreme extends a warm welcome to Jeanette! Jeanette brings years of professional dance experience to the studio. She trained in England in R.A.D. Ballet and I.D.T.A. Tap and Modern. She has been a professional dancer in Portugal, Japan, Malaysia and England. She has also danced at sea for various cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Costa, Cunard, and Radisson Seven Seas. Jeanette also holds diplomas in Fitness Instruction, and Personal Training. She has also been a Yoga Instructor for the past 8 years.

Natalie is an accomplished singer, actress and dancer. She has performed with companies such as The Stratford Festival, the Canadian Opera Company and the Charlottetown Festival, to mention a few.  Favorite roles include Anita in The West Side Story, Josie Pye in Anne of Green Gables, Suzie in The Great Adventure and Sheila in Swing Step.  Film and television credits include Assistant Choreographer for the Disney film Eloise, Stormy Weather and The Gemini Awards.  Ms. Sebastian is an award winning teacher and choreographer and currently teaches all ages in ballet and jazz and also teaches musical theatre at several dance studios, high schools and colleges in the Southwestern Ontario region. She has been a registered R.A.D. teacher since 1995 and is a member of A.C.T.R.A. and The Canadian Actors Equity Association. Natalie is a graduate of The George Brown Dance Program. She received the Kitchener Waterloo Arts Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in 1998 and the Tyrone Guthrie Award, Stratford Festival.  Natalie has also adjudicated for dance festivals and competitions across Canada and the United States as well as currently running her own ballet festival and business, ‘En Pointe & Just Dance. www.enpointeandjustdance.ca since 2003  She has served on several art councils.

My initial inspiration to learn tap dancing started by watching the original Mickey Mouse Club and at the age of six, I began tap dancing with Florence Abel in Chatham.  A few years later I began studying ballet but tap dancing remained my passion.  While attending Wilfrid Laurier University for Physical Education I continued to study tap dancing at the Davenport School of Dance.  I obtained my membership level of teachers in BATD for tap dancing and for the last seven years I have enjoyed teaching tap dancing in Chatham, Sarnia, Windsor, and Wallaceburg.  During that time I had the pleasure of working on choreography for several plays including, Crazy for You, Stepping Out, and Thorougly Modern Millie.   In recent years, I have begun learning swing dancing and have taken interest in learning other dance forms while continuing to upgrade my Tap Dancing skills at the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference.  Tap Dancing will always be a part of my life, and my goal is to continue to grow as a tap dancer so that I may pass on this beautiful marriage of percussive rhythm and dance.

Romina has been dancing twenty-one years.  She danced at Beal Secondary School for four years, she was in the dance performance group, dance club and was enrolled in modern class.  She also studied dance with Errington Graham Dance Studios taking classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Pointe.  After graduating from high school she took ballroom dance with Arthur Murray and began teaching with them.  She performed with Dance Troupe Motion X for five years performing in Southwestern Ontario.  Romina began teaching preschool dance and dance readiness classes fifteen years ago.  In 1998 Romina was introduced to Hip Hop wanting to learn more she attended many workshops and master classes between 1998 and 1999.  Romina then began teaching hip hop at many studios in the London area.  In September 2000 she opened up her own dance studio specializing in Hip Hop.  Romina completed many ballet examinations and received her Associate and Gold Medal in dance from the Western Conservatory of Ballet.  Romina is currently training towards her international Latin teacher certification.  Romina loves teaching and choreographing and brings to her hip hop classes a fusion of hip hop, jazz, funk and latin.  Her style ranges from smooth fluid grooves to energetic hits.  In 2002 Romina introduced Latin Jazz to her studio schedule.  Romina is now teaching hip hop and latin dance for Dance Extreme.

Eryn Waltman currently resides in Toronto, and has been a member of the entertainment industry since the early age of three.  She has had extensive training in all forms of dance with various teachers and choreographers throughout Canada and the United States.  More specifically, she studied under the instruction of Tiffany McLean where passion and dedication drove her to a career in the industry.  As a performer, Eryn has danced in various shows (including Fashion Cares, Molson Indy, Grey Cup etc.)  Graduating from the University of Western Ontario she also began a competitive dance team where she pursued her love for teaching and choreography while also completing her degree in Sociology.  As a director, she also leads the travelling University Dance Workshop "BREATHE," which tours across Canada giving young professionals and university dancers an opportunity to continue training with some of the country's esteemed choreographers.  Choreographing for various shows and teaching at several studios across Ontario, she is constantly being recognized for her original and innovative choreography.  She is constantly motivating and inspiring her students, teaching them that dance is not only about the development of technique, but about the development of oneself.  She strives to build the self-confidence of her students both on and off the stage.  She is now sought after as an adjudicator, guest teacher and choreographer across Canada and the United States.

Rebecca has been dancing for 19 years and is trained in R.A.D ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, hip hop and acro.  She attended both the National Ballet School of Canada and Royal Winnipeg Ballet summer schools. She competed for 14 years nationally and internationally , winning numerous awards and scholarships, most recently with the University of Ottawa’s Dance Team. She was a member of the Ottawa Renegades Dance Team where she performed in the opening and half-time shows at the Grey Cup. Rebecca taught recreational and competitive classes as well as summer camps at Dance Pointe in Aylmer. From there she taught at the University of Ottawa’s Sports Services and coached the U of O dance team in her final year. She was recently accepted into the R.A.D teacher training program which she will begin in January. Rebecca graduated from the University of Ottawa with an Honours Bachelor of Arts with Specialization in Psychology degree and is currently in her first year at Western studying engineering.

Rebecca, originally from Mississauga, Ontario, has been dancing for 15 years and received her training at The Dance Factory. She has been competing since the age of 6, and has received many awards and scholarships across Canada and the U.S., from programs including West Coast Dance Explosion, CanDance and Dance Masters of America. She also has been a finalist in the Canadian Exhibition’s “Rising Star” competition, and was a member of the Toronto Raptors Junior Dance Pak. Rebecca has been teaching recreational and competitive students from the Dance Factory for the past two years, receiving her first “choreography” award last year. Rebecca is entering her first year at the University of Western Ontario, where she will be studying Health Sciences.