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 12^th 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 is currently serving her sixth term as delegate.  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 and her husband Tony are the co-owners/founders of The Performing Arts Preschool.  It is a licensed preschool located in Dance Extreme which is now in its 5th year. As well, The Sumptuous Basket a gift basket and children’s loot bag company, now in it’s 4th year. They reside in London with their two children, Christiano and Isabela.

 

Richelle is excited to be returning for her seventh 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 is the Director of the Carousel Dance Company, Carousel Dance Centre Inc. in Waterloo. In addition to teaching, she choreographs 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.

Sarah has been a valued member of the faculty for the past 6 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.

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.

Laura has been the office assistant at Dance Extreme since 2005. Laura has a degree in Communications and Journalism from the University of Buenos Aires.  She is here to help you out on weekends.

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.

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.

Amber originally joined the Dance Extreme faculty in 2004, and is happy to be back after taking a few years off to focus on her studies at the University of Western Ontario.  Amber has been involved in gymnastics since the age of three, competing at the provincial level for eight years. Her accomplishments include placing second on the beam apparatus at a provincial championship, and receiving the award for best choreography for her floor routine.  As a coach, Amber is level two certified in both trampoline and artistic gymnastics, and has worked with children of all ages, with various levels of training. She is excited get back into the dance community, and to share different techniques with her students.

Patti brings an enthusiasm and dedication that is reflected in the quality of the programs and facilities. Her goal is to provide students of all age and abilities with professional quality programs as well as to grow an appreciation of the arts. She is a fully registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and has trained extensively in Royal Academy of Dance, British Association of Teachers of Dance as well as Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance. With over 20 years of teaching experience she has taught throughout Canada, the United States as well as Europe. Patti has served as the off-ice trainer for Canadian world class skaters, and choreographed for many theatre productions.  Her students have won numerous awards and many students have gone on to pursue careers in theatre as well as professional dance companies. She is also the founder and director of "On Your Toes" Dance Academy in Woodstock.

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.

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.

Danielle hails from Whitby, Ontario and currently attends the University of Western Ontario for Visual Arts. Under the same training as her sister Nicole Park (who also teaches at Dance Extreme), Danielle has studied the CDTA, BATD, and RAD Syllabi from Gaetane's Dance Studio. After dancing competitively, nationally and internationally, Danielle's love for dance continues to play a huge role even after graduating from high school; she taught at Trinity Anglican College in Albury, Australia, and participated in UWO's Dance Force team. She is incredibly excited to teach at Dance Extreme to share her creativity and passion for dance with the community.

Miss Sarah has been teaching at Dance Extreme since August 2008.  She teaches many of our pre-dance classes as well as creative movement, musical theatre and jazz classes.  Sarah began her dance training when she was four and she trained and danced competitively at Lyn Gleich Dance Centre for five years where she studied RAD Ballet and Jazz.  She has danced with the University of Western Ontario Performance Dance team during her first year at Western and just recently started a
non-profit dance club at the University called JUMP.  Sarah was heavily
involved with Original Kids Theatre Company for 3 years and
participated in many high school productions at Appleby College,
including her role as "Iris" in Fame. Sarah, in addition to her
teaching, can also be seen in the office on Saturday afternoons and is
more than pleased to assist you with any requests.

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 is in her first year teaching in the competative program at Dance Extreme.  She hails from Brantford Ontario where she spent most of her time dancing with Tiffany's Dance Elite.  Amy has been dancing for 16 years and has danced in and choreographed many musicals for her highschool - Brantford Collegiate Institute & Vocational School.  Amy has taught dance camps previously at Dance Discovery in Brantford and Dance Pointe in Aylmer.  Amy has danced in many competitions both nationally and internationally and she received a scholarship at JUMP workshop in Buffalo and travelled to New York City to perform in an Off-Broadway show.  We welcome Miss Amy to our Faculty!

Dana has been with Dance Extreme since 2006 and is currently teaching Jazz, Tap and Ballet. She brings a wealth of teaching experience to her classes. Dana began dancing at the age of 5 and was involved in many regional and national dance competitions throughout the USA. She was a member of the NCA Danz All-American dance team. She has taught at Northern Illinois Performing Arts Centre, at the Progressive Movement Academy and at Ottawa Dance Centre Schools. Dana is originally from Rockford, Illinois, and holds a bachelor degree in French and another in Psychology from the University of Iowa. Dana is a grade 8 teacher here in London, Ontario. She is currently studying for DMA exams for Tap and Jazz.

Christina started her teaching career in London nine years ago. Christina received her teacher training certification in Imperial Society of Teaching Dance and R.A.D. Her teaching experiences include guest instructing at various elementary and secondary schools in both the dance and physical education programs. She choreographs for fashion shows at the University of Western Ontario. She has worked with world renowned choreographers such as Margie Gillis, Robert Wood and Janice Pomer. Christina currently teaches in various locations across Ontario. She is the licensed co-owner of Salsa Babies in London and Woodstock.

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

We are thrilled to have Rosa once again on our faculty at Dance Extreme.  Rosa brings with her a wealth of fitness and training experience.  She is a certified Fitness instructor and Wellness and Nutrition Councilor with Can-Fit-Pro.  She holds her Level 1 technical Boxing Coach certification and is certified with the Box-on Executive Program.  She has taught for three years with the P.U.C Spectrum program for the City of London and has worked at an Aerobics instructor for seven years at the Athletic Club.  In 2005 she was named Instructor of the year at the Athletic Club.  Rosa teaches the conditioning portion of our Jazz Technique classes.

Kate has been dancing for 20 years and was a strong competitive performer in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. Her passion for dance led her to study Modern and Contemporary 5 years ago and she's been hooked ever since! Kate has also studied under Donna Peterson at UWO. Kate has taken her passion for dance and turned it into a teaching opportunity for the past 10 years. She has been a choreographer at Original Kids and for the UWO Dance Company; run and organized summer dance camps; taught for Campus Recreation; and taught workshops in various schools around London. Kate has started as a freelance teacher/choreographer in the GTA.  Kate is also a Certified Level 2 Gymnastics Coach and a Certified Fitness Instructor with the YMCA.  This will be Kate’s second year with Dance Extreme.

Dance Extreme is pleased to welcome Paul to the faculty.  Paul has taught gymnastics and trampoline for over 40 years.  He holds a diploma in gymnastic Coaching from Seneca College.  He has been the Head Coach for various clubs in and around Ontario and he ran his own club in Northern Ontario.  Paul has completed both his level one and two in gymnastics and trampoline.  Paul has also complemented his gymnastics training with dance training over the years, and applies this experience to his exceptional teaching technique. 

Deana’s teaching career began in 2000 when she began teaching the PUC Dance Program. Deana is a very experienced in working with children. She has been a dance instructor with Dance Extreme for 6 years, a preschool teacher with the Performing Arts Preschool for 2 years, and a guest teacher at various elementary and high schools in London. She was the camp director for Eastpark for the past 6 years. Deana has a combination of 18 years of dance training in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical and Tap. She is also D.M.A and C.D.M.A Certified.  Deana is a graduate of the Social Service Work Program at Fanshawe College where she has also obtained her certificate in the Human Foundation Program.  Most recently Deana was certified as a Registered Massage Therapist. Her long term goal is to open a RMT Clinic with a specialty in dancers to help enhance their skill level and prevent / treat injuries.

·          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.

Jessica has been a member of the faculty at Dance Extreme for 6 years. Jessica has furthered her teaching career through recreational and dance camp instruction. She has completed the Dance Master’s of America’s Teachers Training School at the State University of New York in Buffalo and has received her certification through Dance Masters of America. Acrobatics is Jessica’s strength as she comes to us with a competitive gymnastics background. She also has her First Aid and CPR certification. Jessica has graduated from the Business Marketing program at Fanshawe College.

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.

Nicole hails from Whitby Ontario and is currently attend the University of Western Ontario where she is pursuing her Masters Degree in Human Genetics.  She has been dancing since the age of 3 and has studied CDTA, BATD and RAD Syllabi.  Nicole has taught both at Queen’s University where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree and at Gaetane’s Dance School.  After many years of training and competing at National and International competitions she is excited to share her passion for dance with all of her students.  Dance Extreme welcomes Nicole to the studio!

Dance Extreme welcomes Sarah to the faculty for her second year! Sarah has been dancing for 15 years and trained with the Rythum Plus Dance Company. She has taught Tap and Jazz, and has been a dance assistant for the last 5 years. Sarah’s outgoing and hardworking nature endears her to children. Sarah is currently going into her second year in the Kinesiology program at The University of Western Ontario.

Nicole is in her sixth year as a member of the faculty at Dance Extreme.  Nicole teaches recreational, competitive and ran the pre-competitive program.  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 and is currently attending Althouse Faculty of Education.