Director of Interplay, Cecchetti Ballet Program, Intensive Ballet Program, Interplay Dance Company

Karen Davies Thomas, successor to Anna McCowan Johnson, is also owner and Director of the PSB Dance Academy, opened in 1989. Karen is a graduate of the National Ballet School's Teachers' training program and is accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Dance. After touring with dance companies in Europe & Japan, Karen returned to Canada to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree at York University, during which time she performed throughout Ontario with the York Dance Ensemble. She was formerly Associate Director of Interplay School of Dance, where she taught for many years. Karen built a strong Modern Dance program and formed a performing dance company at Interplay. Recently, she has taught at the National Ballet School of Canada. Karen is married to Joel Thomas and they have three children: Dylan, Celine and Julie.

Founding Artistic Director

Anna McCowan Johnson (Anna Wilmont) studied ballet with Gweneth Lloyd, co-founder of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company and spent her summers at the Banff School of Fine Arts. At age 16 she auditioned for Canadian entertainment icon Alan Lund and was selected for the popular Alan Lund Trio. She continued to perform at the CBC in many variety shows including "The Wayne and Shuster Show", "General Electric's Showtime" (hosted by Robert Goulet), and "The Big Revue" with Shirley Harmer. As a member of the Toronto Festival Dancers under the direction of Gweneth Lloyd she danced in many Canadian operas. She was 'The Girl from Boston' in the musical ,"Evelyn" with Tom Kneebone and was invited by the famous New York choreographer Lee Theodore Becker to dance in "Song of Norway". "Miss Anne", as she is affectionately called by her students, is a fully registered teacher with The Royal Academy of Dance and is a past board member of The Canadian Children's Dance Theatre and The Desrosiers Dance Company. She taught at Brian Foley School of Dance before opening her very successful school Interplay in 1983. She also taught at The Bishop Strachan School, Branksome Hall, and Mooredale House. Anna has recently retired as Artistic Director and has turned ownership of the school over to Karen Davies Thomas.She will continue to be actively involved with the school. Anna is married to Don Johnson, an investment banker and has two sons, Sean McCowan and Kaelin McCowan.

Jazz, Tap

Jacqueline began dancing at the age of four training in ballet, jazz, tap, modern and contemporary. She has trained with Karen Davies Thomas at PSB Dance Academy since the age of 12 where she performed and competed at regional and national levels. Jacqueline has successfully completed exams in both the Cecchetti and RAD methods while at PSB, earning her Advanced 1 and Intermediate certificates respectively. Jacqueline has also earned a dance major alongside her high school diploma while at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts where she studied ballet and modern (Limon and Graham). While at CCAA, Jacqueline performed in numerous shows and also had the opportunity to choreograph pieces for her peers. Jacqueline is currently a member of the Silhouettes Dance Company affiliated with the University of Toronto where she continues to learn from her fellow dancers and grow in her technique and choreographic experience. While at U of T she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and is eager to bring her growing knowledge of anatomy and safe, effective training into her classes. She is very happy to be a part of the team at Interplay School of Dance!

Intensive Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip Hop

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Bretonie began her dance training at the age of three. Her artistry and passion for dance grew into something that could not be ignored. As a young dancer her determination was something to be admired. Before graduating high school she had already performed on a cruise line, was chosen to travel and perform in a professional choreography competition, and danced and trained with the best in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, and London, England. She was recognized as a scholarship recipient at numerous conventions and received the title ?Dancer of the Year? at ADA dance competition in Calgary. She moved to Toronto, Ontario at the age of 17 to pursue her career in dance. The new city broadened her spectrum of dance and she was able to perform in the genres of Hip Hop, Contemporary, and Street Jazz, to name a few. She has appeared in Music Videos (Shawn Desmond, Blake McGrath, Young Avs) on Television (MTV, Love Trap) on stage in countless productions (A.C.E Awards New York, Toronto?s Choreographers Ball, I Move Forward etc) and even on the runway (Alternative Fashion Week, LG Fashion Week). This past year she has worked extensively as both a dancer and a teacher. June marked the beginning of her professional weekly open class ran out of RightFoot Studio, one of Toronto?s thriving hubs for urban dance. She has also been welcomed on the faculty of Fresh Dance Intensive which has allowed her to teach all over Ontario. As a dancer she was welcomed as a part of Jasmyn Fyffe Dance Company and was a part of the award winning production of ?Pulse? in Montreal Fringe. She is also currently working with RiaToss Productions on their re-installment of the successful show ?Marina Antoinette?. Whether it be teaching or performing, Bretonie has found great joy in the art of dance and hopes to spread this joy at every opportunity.

Intensive Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical Programs

Mackenzie started dancing at the age of 8 in her home town of Calgary, Alberta, where she practiced dance forms such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Street Jazz, Hip-hop, Contemporary, Modern, and Lyrical. She was also a competitive gymnast until the age of 15. After high school, Mackenzie packed her bags and moved to Vancouver where she studied and performed at The Source Dance Company, which purpose is to encourage performance, stage presence, and an overall sense of individuality for dancers. After training and working in Vancouver for two years Mackenzie moved to Toronto to become a student at the Conteur Academy. She continues to reside in Toronto and is currently training as an apprentice with The Conteur Company for the upcoming 2013 season. In the past couple of years she has built a long list of live performances and music videos to her credit and continues to work in the industry. Mackenzie has taught throughout many of her travels and will always love the opportunity to work with young dancers.

Junior, Senior, Intensive and Enhanced Acro

Native from Montreal, bilingual in English and French, Sharlan Cuffy and her family moved to Toronto in 1993, where she found her passion in dance. Eager to become a dancer she trained and competed in multiple disciplines such as ballet (RAD), jazz, tap, acrobatics, contemporary, lyrical, commercial jazz, reggae, dancehall and hip hop. Being a dedicated dancer, Sharlan excelled in her training which created many opportunities such as dancing with the Toronto Raptors Junior Dance Pak for 3 years, dancing for Sears at the Air Canada Center, creating and choreographing for her high school dance team--all before turning 16.

In 2005 Sharlan took her studies of arts even further and attended George Brown College where she completed the commercial dance program focusing on singing, acting and dancing. Since graduating, she has gone forward to work and teach in dance studios across the GTA as a competitive and recreational teacher in jazz, tap, hip hop, acrobatics and conditioning. She also had the privilege to lend her coaching repertoire to a national and world class Canadian cheerleading gym in 2008, where students ranged from ages 5 to 20 yrs.

Sharlan's passion for the arts has provided her with many opportunities to dance on stage and film alongside many acclaimed artists--artists such as Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monea, Feist, Canadian singer Devine Brown, Andreena Mills, Reema Major, Entourage and many more. She recently expanded into the television world on such shows as Degrassi, Next Generation, Defiance, Hemlock Grove, Much Music VMA commercial, and has worked on set with Director Eli Roth (Hostel & Cabin Fever) and choreographed for a nationwide commercial for Hydroxycut (airing in the USA). Most recently she?s featured in Lifetime?s channels movie Aaliyah: Princess of R&B, starring Alexandra Chipp, which had its North American premier in November 2014. Sharlan is also a part of the widely successful production Gimme One Riddim, directed by Jazmine Fyffe (Fyffe dance Company) and Natasha Powell (Catalyst Dance Company) which has graced the stages of Winchester Theater, Markham Theater, Harbourtfront Enwave Theater, and various schools and community outreach programs within the GTA.

Jazz, Tap, Lyrical

Aleesha currently resides in Toronto but has been a part of the dance community in Saskatchewan for many years. She has extensive training in many dance styles and syllabuses such as RAD, CDTA, and Cecchetti, and has her diploma in Dance Performance studies from George Brown College. She has done commercial work in music videos, commericals, and tv shows for Much Music and MTV, as well as live performances in various companies throughout the country. Her passion has even taken her abroad working for Royal Caribbean Cruise lines to perform worldwide. She is excited to be teaching at Interplay and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge with her students.

RAD Ballet

Corinne has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She began her training at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance in Winnipeg where she practiced many dance forms such as jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, modern, and lyrical. Corinne has been fortunate to live in several cities throughout her life, allowing her to dance at many different dance schools and experience the teachings of multiple dance teachers, including those at the National Ballet School and L'École supérieure de ballet du Québec during summer programs. It was this wonderful exposure to the vast array of teaching styles and techniques that inspired her passion to teach dance. She is a graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and The National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program. She holds a teaching qualification from the Royal Academy of Dance. She also holds her Cecchetti Advanced I, and Advanced I ISTD in National Dance.

Enhanced and Intensive Ballet, Interplay Dance Company

During her training Martine Lusignan was a full time student at L?École Supérieure de Danse du Québec and also at The National Ballet School where she trained in Classical ballet, Pointe work, Pas de deux, Modern technique, Flamenco, and Theater. Ms. Lusignan's principal instructor was the master ballet teacher Mr. Daniel Sellier who has been mentor and teacher to countless professional dancers including Karen Kain. In 1999, after two seasons as a professional dancer with The National Ballet of Canada, Ms. Lusignan returned to Montreal. She later joined Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal with whom she toured international stages quite extensively. Subsequently, she went on to dance for several seasons with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. In her career, she performed the work of many wonderful choreographers including Jiri Kylian, Ohad Naharin, George Balanchine, Crystal Pite, James Kudelka, Fernand Nault, Johanne Madore, Eric Bruhn, Kader Belarbi, Stijn Celis, Edgar Zendalas, Patrick Lafontaine, Mia Michaels, Helgi Tomasson, Jean Christophe Maillot, Didy Veldman, Joe Laughlin, Christophe Garcia and Renaud Doucet. In 2000, Ms. Lusignan co-founded the innovative company Corpuscule Danse after studying integrated dance with CandoCo, in England. As co-founder of the company she had many responsibilities not only as dancer, pedagogue, and choreographer, but also as chief administrator and Director of Production for six years. Martine also had the pleasure of working as a freelance dance artist for various other companies and choreographers. Ms. Lusignan has been teaching and choreographing for dancers, dance students of all ages and levels, as well as physically handicapped dance lovers since 1996. During her time with Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, Martine took on additional responsibilities as a teacher and a ballet mistress on tour and at Domaine Forget for dance students. She taught at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, Randolph Academy College and several other schools and pre-professional programs for dancers. Martine Lusignan?s pedagogical approach is proactive, positive, goal oriented, and motivating. In 2009, Martine participated in the founding of AHAC (Association of Health for Artists of Canada) and now sits on the board of directors. Recently, she graduated as a schoolteacher and teaches in the French School Board in Toronto.

Recreational and Intensive Jazz, Tap, Acro

Ruby began her dance training at PSB Dance Academy in 1982, and trained intensely in Jazz, Modern, and Cecchetti ballet method (Advanced 1 level achieved) under the direction of Karen Davies Thomas, Glenn Gilmour, and Jean Geddis. At the age of 9 Ruby joined PSB's Profile Dance Company and began touring the province with the performance based dance troupe. Ruby continued to train for 12 years intensively in multiple dance styles with the Profile Dance Company and has won multiple group, trio, duet, and solo awards at competitions. After graduating from PSB, Ruby trained at George Brown College in the Dance Performance Studies program. She then expanded into fitness, doing a co-op program at Extreme Fitness and then completing her Les Mills Body Flow Group Fitness Certification, Zumba Instructor Certification, and Bolly Fit Instructor Certification. Since 2010, Ruby has had many opportunities to perform as a professional dancer. She was accepted into the dance companies of Lady Luck Productions and RS Divas Dance Company. In the summer of 2011 Ruby opened her own entertainment and dance company, À GO-GO ENTERTAINMENT. Ruby has been assisting and teaching since 2004 in disciplines such as Hip-hop, Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Stretch and Strength, and Acro. Recently Ruby has worked at studios all over Toronto and the GTA specializing in Acro. Ruby is a NCCP Trained Gymnastics Coach with Gymnastics Canada. She constantly expands her knowledge of dance, gymnastics, and fitness in order to always improve on her teaching methods. She is excited to work with Karen Davies Thomas again and everyone at Interplay.

Courtney Odelein started training at the age of three at Quill Lake School of Dance and continued her training at Jacquie?s Dance Academy. She was competitive in Quill Lake Highland Dance Association for eight years. She trained vigorously in tap, jazz, ballet and highland exams through RAD, ADAPT, CDTA, the NHDA as well as completing exams in figure skating. Courtney worked with Annie Woods in the jazz/contemporary company Dare to Dance: Instincts. After high school Courtney travelled to Vancouver to dance with Harbour Dance Centre?s Intensive Training Program. Through conventions and competition she has travelled all across North America on scholarships to Broadway Bound International, Triple Threat, Groove Street, Street Groove, Hollywood Summer Tour, Tremaine, Fayze1 Productions, Dance Fuzion, Broadway Dance Centre, Harbour Dance Centre, Edge, and Millennium. Courtney soon moved to Toronto, Ontario and trained with Scholarship Dance Program, Army of Sass and LR Productions. She is currently a performer in the hip hop company, BOSS, under the direction of Leah Totten and Army of Sass with Carla Catherwood. Courtney is the assistant for Lisa Stevens and Heidi Ford?s Broadway Bound International Dance Convention and Fayez1 Productions with Faye Rauw as well as their incredible faculties for the past several years. You can see her in Spyder G, V Sevani, Wanting Q, Diana Viselli and Ain?t No Love music videos, numerous shows, events and productions all over Canada, such as Vancity Project, Bazzar, Tapistry, Dance Ontario, REVEALED, The Box Presents: Evoke and many others. Courtney is very grateful for every opportunity she has encountered on this incredible journey through the art of dance.

Enhanced and Intensive Ballet, Repertoire, and Pointe

John Ottmann?s career spans 30 years and encompasses the roles and responsibilities of a dancer, choreographer, teacher, rehearsal director and artistic director. He has garnered a reputation as a highly versatile dance artist and inspiring mentor known for pushing and crossing the boundaries of ballet and contemporary dance. A graduate of Canada?s National Ballet School, Ottmann has worked with several companies including the National Ballet of Canada, Ballet British Columbia, Fortier Danse Créations, Holy Body Tattoo, Mascall Dance and he co-founded the collective, Quorum. Ottmann has also taught and/or rehearsal directed for organizations including: Wayne McGregor?s Random Dance, Cirque du Soleil (?ZAIA?), Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, BJM Danse, La La La Human Steps, Coleman Lemieux Company, Compangnie Marie Chouinard, O Vertigo Danse, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Toronto Dance Theater, Ballet B.C., Dutch National Ballet, Transformation Danse, Danceteq, Vancouver Ballet Society, Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts, Main Dance Bridging Program, Simon Fraser University, LADMMI, Ryerson University. Ottmann?s choreographic work has been featured at The Canada Dance Festival, the Vancouver International Dance Festival, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, The Fringe Festival Montreal, Dancing on the Edge Festival, and the National Ballet of Canada choreographic workshop. This Summer her presented a new work at the ProArteDanza Summer Intensive where he has been part of the artistic and administrative team since 2012. As the Artistic Director of the Quinte Ballet School of Canada from 2009-2011 he implemented his progressive approach to teaching and mentoring dancers. Currently Ottmann teaches at Interplay, PSB, Ryerson University and York University where he also completed a Master?s degree in dramaturgy for dance.

RAD Ballet, Teen Ballet

A native of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Natalia began her dance training at the age of four at the Kirkwood Academy of Performing Arts. In 2007, she was accepted to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School where she studied for five years. During her time at the RWB, Natalia has been the recipient of many awards including, the Royal Bank of Canada Scholarship, the Investors Group Scholarship, the RWB Alumni Scholarship and the Arnold Spohr Scholarship. Among many performances during her time with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Natalia counts Paquita pas de deux for the school?s 2010 Concert Hour Ballet tour, as well as appearing with the RWB Company in Swan Lake. Upon graduating from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 2011, she went on to attend the Post Secondary Program at Canada?s National Ballet School. Along with many performances at the school, she assisted ballet classes to the students in the junior associates program. In 2012, Natalia apprenticed with the prestigious National Ballet of Canada and performed in the production ? Alice?s Adventures in Wonderland? which included performances in Los Angeles, Toronto, and in January 2013, a tour to Washington, D.C. After apprenticing with the company, she continued her studies at the National Ballet School, and was a part of the schools Assemblee international 2013. Recently, she has assisted ballet classes to the students at Interplay Ballet School.

Enhanced and Intensive Lyrical, Competitive, Recreational Jazz

Faye Rauw hails from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. She has traveled extensively around the world dancing professionally, teaching workshops, performing and choreographing for various dance companies, as well as performing for Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. She is one of Canada's high demand dance judges, teachers and choreographers, traveling as far as Australia to judge their National Dance Championships.Faye has had the pleasure of working with the likes of Marlon Wayans, Charo, Ben Vereen, as well as Rob Marshall and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the Oscar & Golden Globe winning movie, "CHICAGO". She has also been captured as one of the video dancers in U2's "Vertigo" tour and the CBC/BRAVO dance movie, "Roxanna" with Greta Hodgkinson from the National Ballet of Canada and Rex Harrington. Most recent, Faye can be seen in the new movie release of "Hairspray" with John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifa. Faye's acting credits have been seen on the TV series "MONK", Walt Disney's "The Sixth Man", along with various commercials and Canadian feature films. Faye has been recognized on the entertainment TV show, ET Canada, for her accomplishments in the industry. Faye has choreographed for the NBA, AHL, CFL, Steve Nash Charity Classic, KRG Children's Charity Gala, KING DAVID The Musical, the stage tour for CANADIAN THUNDER, the Canadian product launch for Brittney Spears fragrance, CURIOUS, CHIN Picnic and has choreographed for recording artist Kristine W. Faye's choreography has been seen on Western University Dance Team, Pride Toronto, ALI Entertainment and OIP Dance Company. Most recently, Faye choreographed the musical "Billy Bishop Goes to War" for the Souris Valley Theater Festival. Faye has been recognized as an ambassador for Lululemon athletic wear. She teaches and choreographs at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and recently, Faye started her own dance and choreographic workshop series titled Fayez1 Productions. Her passion to create and perform makes Faye a true inspiration to work with.

Enhanced and Intensive Jazz, Interplay Dance Company, Competitive

Christina started dancing at the age of 4. She joined PSB Dance Academy?s jazz and ballet programs at the age of 8, and later was accepted into the Profile Dance Company. While studying various dance forms as a member of Profile, Christina won many awards, both as a solo dancer and in group performances, including Best Senior stage performer (IDC), High Entertainment Award (Much Too Crowded). She also demonstrated her exceptional talent as a choreographer when she won the first two choreographic workshops. She was then invited to set pieces on the Company as a guest choreographer. Christina?s pieces won several awards, such as Overall Senior Group at the Muskoka Ballet Gala (Beautiful, Going Under, Empty Chairs, Hagamos, and Forgive Forget). Christina has also won best senior choreography/High score awards at Sur La Pointe/Dance Connection (Empty Chairs, Hagamos, Forgive Forget, Blurry and A Day without Rain). Christina?s choreography also includes Paint it Black, Feelin Good, Hype, Everytime, O Fortuna and All that Jazz. Although she left the Profile Dance Company as a performer in 2005, she is now a Jazz instructor for both the recreational and intensive jazz programs at PSB. She continues to choreograph pieces in various dance forms (Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary) for the Profile Dance Company. Aside from her work with PSB, Christina has taught for the ACE after school program in Scarborough, and at the Kinetics School of Baton and Dance. Christina is a University of Toronto and Centennial College graduate and is currently working in the pharmaceutical field. Christina looks forward to working with PSB for many years to come and is pleased to be joining Interplay as a guest instructor.

Enhanced and Intensive RAD Ballet, Junior Ballet, Interplay Dance Company, Competitive, Manager of Intensive, Interplay Dance Company, and Competitive Programs

At age 4, Lucie immigrated to Canada from Malta. Lucie was a competitive gymnast until her passion turned to dance. Her formal dance training started in New Brunswick with The Rothesday Ballet School at age 12. By age 17 she had completed all the RAD grades and majors up to Advanced. After dancing in several professional summer programs, including The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and performing in numerous musical theatre productions, she finished high school and came to Toronto. In 1992 she graduated from the Teacher Training program at Canada's National Ballet School, where she completed all the Cecchetti ballet exams up to Advanced. Miss Ward was awarded distinction in both ballet and National Associate teachers' exams. During this time she trained vocally at The Royal Conservatory of Music. Further dance education included: The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, The Russian Ballet Institute (Vaganova Method), Ballet Jorgen, Metro Movement, The Joy of Dance, Canada's National Ballet School and University of Waterloo. Lucie has been teaching ballet in the greater Toronto area: for over 16yrs at Interplay, Randolph School for the performing Arts, Bishop Strachan, Branksome Hall, Toronto Lawn and Tennis Club, Oriole Nursery School, PSB dance Academy and Canadian Dance Company. Lucie has performed, choreographed and guest taught in numerous Musical Theatre productions and studios across Atlantic Canada and Ontario. She has been featured on CBC radio, acted in commercials, and adjudicated competitions. In February 2005, Miss Ward was pleased to accept a position as guest National teacher at NBS through the Cecchetti Society of Canada and accepted a substitute teaching position for Teresa Randall (Junior Associates level 4 & 5) at NBS in the fall of 2005 and spring 2006. Lucie's teaching career has done a full circle since her first job with Karen Davies Thomas at PSB Dance Academy in 1991 and is thrilled to work with Karen and the Interplay team once again.

Junior Ballet, RAD Ballet Program

Victoria began her dance training at an early age in Brampton and Mississauga, Ontario, until she attended the Junior Associates Program at Canada?s National Ballet School. She then went on to dance at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada in their Professional Ballet Program for six years. While studying at Quinte, she had the chance to tour and perform yearly with their version of The Nutcracker and a Spring Showcase, which held a varied repertoire and collaboration of styles. Upon graduating from The Quinte Ballet School of Canada, Victoria entered The Teacher Training Program at Canada?s National Ballet School and is now a graduate of their program. Victoria is versatile in both the Cecchetti and RAD style and holds teaching qualifications under both societies. She also has her Cecchetti Advanced II, RAD Advanced II, and Advanced I ISTD in National Dance.

RAD Ballet, Adult Barre Fit

Rachel began dancing when she was 5 years old in her hometown of Cambridge, Ontario. Over the years Rachel's accomplishments included: recipient of awards in ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical from national and international competitions; completing Vocational examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance; performing at Disney World; and the recipient of a scholarship to train in New York City at a summer dance intensive with Jackie Patterson. She graduated from George Brown Dance with a diploma in Performance Studies and was able to work with teachers and choreographers such as Bengt Jorgen, Che Chun and his wife, former principal ballerina Chan Hon Goh. After college Rachel performed as a lead dancer for Carnival Cruise lines. After returning to Toronto, she worked as an independent performer and trained at the Toronto Academy of Acting for Film and Television, which led to work in film and television. In June 2011 Rachel graduated from the three year Teacher Training Program at Canada?s National Ballet School. While at NBS, she was given several wonderful opportunities, such as teaching ballet for an outreach program with the Boys and Girls Club of Scarborough; was hired as a full-time ballet assistant for their 2010 Summer School and day counsellor the following summer; selected to teach for special events at NBS; and during her final year was hired to teach in the Associate Program. Rachel graduated from the TTP successfully completing her RAD Registered Teacher's Status exams, Cecchetti Associate teaching exam, ISTD National Associate teaching exam and the Vocational dance exams within each syllabi. Currently Rachel is teaching throughout Toronto, applying all of the valuable knowledge, skills and experience she gained not only while studying at NBS, but also in prior years training and working professionally to her craft. She has continued to develop her choreographic skills setting pieces for competitions and more recently has been asked to be assistant choreographer for the Hart House Theatre's production of ?The Great American Trailer Park Show.? Rachel is delighted to be teaching at both Interplay and PSB Dance Academy.

Guest Teacher

Fellowship CSC-CICB, Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma, Bachelor of Science (University of Toronto)

After graduating from the National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program, Amy has spent the last 25 years teaching ballet, from beginner to advanced, for numerous dance schools in and around Toronto. Dedicated to continued professional growth, Amy attends teachers? seminars regularly, and has studied with many renowned international teachers. Amy has attained the Fellowship teaching qualification in the Cecchetti Method and holds the Enrico Cecchetti Final Diploma. In addition to her teaching, choreography, and continued training, Amy has also managed dance programs across the Greater Toronto Area. Specific managerial roles include: Principal of Interplay School of Dance, Principal of the Post-Secondary Program at George Brown College School of Dance, and also Co-developer of the Bishop Strachan School Summer Arts Workshop in Dance & Art.Amy?s affiliation with Interplay began in 1994 and she is thrilled to continue to be part of the Interplay and PSB team.

Guest Teacher

Shannon began taking ballet lessons at the age of 5 at Interplay. With the encouragement of founder Anna McCowan-Johnson, Shannon auditioned for and attended the National Ballet School, Quinte Ballet School and The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School summer programs. At age 16 she attended the full time professional program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, where she participated in a program to introduce the professional students to teaching. It was during that program that Shannon developed her love of teaching ballet. Shannon returned to Interplay and trained under the current Artistic Director, Karen Davies Thomas. She went on to attend Ryerson's dance program. Shannon has completed all Royal Academy of Dance exams up to the Advanced level, and received Distinction on her Royal Academy of Dance teaching exam. She has also completed the elementary and intermediate Cecchetti exams. Shannon has performed in Summerworks, Ffida, a fundraiser with guest artist Evelyn Hart, and as a dancer for the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, as well as other events. However, her passion is teaching ballet to young dancers, which she has enjoyed for over 10 years.

Guest Teacher

Erin has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She began training at PSB at the age of 8 and was accepted into the Profile Dance Company at the age of 9. She has been trained in Cecchetti Ballet by Karen Davies Thomas and Glenn Gilmour and has attained her Advanced 2 Cecchetti. She is trained in jazz and lyrical technique by Christina Neves. Erin graduated with Honours from Cardinal Carter Academy of the Arts and was awarded the Dance Award in Grade 10. During her years at Cardinal Carter, Erin was trained in Graham and Limon Modern by Julia Lava and Marlene Engenheiro. She also danced the lead role in an original narrative, modern dance film, "The Marriage" choreographed by Julia Lava. In Grade 12, she choreographed a Fosse Jazz piece for Cardinal Carter's annual "In the Making" performance. Erin has also attended the National Ballet School of Canada's Summer Program. In 2006, Erin was a finalist at the CNE's "Rising Star" competition with the jazz trio "Feeling Good," choreographed by Christina Neves, and a semi-finalist in 2008 with the solo "Are You," also choreographed by Christina Neves. In 2006, Erin was awarded 'Best Technique" and 'High Senior Soloist' at the Muskoka Ballet Gala. She has performed various lead roles in PSB's performances, including Giselle, 'Aurora' and 'Lilac Fairy' in Sleeping Beauty, 'Swanhilda' in Coppelia, and the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux with National Ballet of Canada company member, James Leja. This past year, Erin trained in Marseilles, France at Académie Méditerranéenne under the instruction of Thierry LeFloch and Mitou Manderon, former principal dancers of the Roland Petit Company de Marseilles. She has competed in the "International Concour de Grasses" and the "International Concour d'Aix en Provence" in which she placed 2nd for her Gamzatti variation and 2nd for a contemporary solo which she choreographed on herself. While in Marseilles, Erin also trained with the contemporary ballet company Ballet D'Europe, under the direction of Jean-Charles Gil. Erin intends to pursue a career in professional dance and is currently pursuing dance job opportunites in Canada. Erin continues to teach at PSB, Interplay and Bishop Strachan School.

Guest Teacher

Adam is an original ensemble member of the cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Wizard of Oz, which just completed it's premiere North American tour. A successful competitive dancer, he found his love of musical theatre when cast as the youngest member of We Will Rock You (Mirvish). A career highlight was playing the principal dance role of Tadzio in the critically acclaimed Death in Venice (Canadian Opera Company) in the beautiful Four Seasons Centre in Toronto. Other theatre credits include: West Side Story (Vancouver Opera & Neptune), Mr. Mistoffelees in Cats (Rainbow Stage), 9 to 5: The Musical (Drayton), Peter Pan (Neptune). Screen credits: Disney's Camp Rock and Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars. Dance, stage and screen have given Adam many memorable experiences including assisting Mia Michaels, performing on New Year's Eve for millions and being "electrocuted" on the Carrie set.

Adam has been honoured to teach and choreograph for many esteemed competitive studios and ballet academies in the GTA. While proud of all his students, he is particularly honoured that his solo contemporary choreography for Youth American Grand Prix won his dancer an invitation to YAGP finals in New York where she was offered a scholarship to Mercyhurst's prestigious ballet program. Other dancers he has choreographed and taught are currently attending the National Ballet School and preparing for professional careers in dance. As a competitor himself, Adam won many overall awards and was chosen to represent Dance Masters of America Chapter #38 as Mr. Teen Dance Canada.