Who Are We
About Dance Dynamics
Dance Dynamics
Welcome to Dance Dynamics.
Our classes begin at 3-23moths with Intellidance for Babies and Intellidance for Tykes, a caregiver and child interactive class. Intellidance is a a unique series of research-based creative dance and music programs that foster critical development in children from baby to age 5 and are taught by an Intellidance certified instructor.
Ready, Set, Move, Dance -Ballet, Acro are the next stepping stones for our students bridging the gap between toddler and 5yr old. This innovative program in used in over 400 studios across the globe. Introduction into dance is through unique and engaging action songs, capturing the child’s imagination and ongoing development needs. Through the multilevel curriculum, Ready Set Dance promotes the three c’s, confidence, coordination and creativity. New this year is our Ready Set Hip Hop for boys and girls ages 3 to 6.
Age 5/6 is our Sizzle & Stomp program – a more formal introduction to dance before families decide to transition into our recreational or competitive streams.
Our Blazing Stars Recreational classes are for the youth (girls and boys) 7+ who are busy with other activities or are looking for a fun way to make new friends and be active without the full commitment of a competition team.
Boys Only B-Street Crew Hip hop, is geared to the meet the energy of boys ages 7+
Our 5 competition teams are for the more serious dancer, training in accredited dance syllabi, ADAPT and Acrobatic Arts. These students participate in exams, workshops, conventions and competitions. The season commitment is from Aug-May with recommended ongoing spring and summer training through semi-privates, summer camps, drop in classes and summer training programs offered by professional companies and schools.
And lastly for the Adult who never started dancing or just isn’t ready to give it up we have a variety of classes just for them. A great way to put self-care, decompressing, and exercise into your life
Meet The Dance Dynamics Team
Wendy Holmquist embarked on her dance journey at the age of 13 in her grandmother’s dance studio, Markall School of Dance and Baton. Now, celebrating her 51st year of dancing, she proudly owns and directs Dance Dynamics Studio in Thunder Bay, established in 2000 and commemorating 25 years. Wendy has dedicated countless hours to researching various syllabi, articles, videos, and webinars to create programs that focus on nurturing technically proficient, versatile performers while offering unique and enduring life experiences. She takes particular pride in the studio’s Tot & Preschool programs.
Wendy’s dance education includes certification and examinations from reputable organizations such as Canadian Dance Teachers, ADAPT (Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers), Al Gilbert Dance Educators, Boston Dance Teacher’s Certification, Dance Olympus, American Society of Dance Teachers, and Acrobatic Arts, and furthering her eduction with Progressing Ballet Technique, and CLI.
With a background as a fitness instructor and trainer, Wendy has worked at Vic Tanny’s, YM/YWCA, the City of Thunder Bay, and Confederation College Fitness Centre. She held certifications from the Ontario Fitness Leadership program and as a Nautilus instructor.
As an Acrobatic Arts Examiner, Wendy travels across Canada to assess young acro dancers progressing through the 12-level syllabus and Pin Program. She is also certified as a Rhythm Works Integrative Dance Instructor, focusing on rhythm and dance incorporating evidence-based practices for individuals with various needs. She has also completed the Acrobatic Arts Adjudicator certification.
Wendy encourages her staff to be industry leaders by utilizing the latest technologies and tools. She has partnered with CLI Studios, providing her team with year-round access to industry professionals like Caitlin Kinney, Sugarfoot Therapy, Julie Kay Stallcup, Comfort, Jamie Goodwin, Mandy Yip and Alex Wong.
Committed to the success of all her students, Wendy aims to nurture them not just as dancers but as dynamic individuals in the community. Beyond the studio, Wendy eagerly anticipates retiring from her full-time position at the Ministry of Transportation to dedicate more time to her family, studio, and embracing life to the fullest.
Owner/Director
Melissa Holmquist has immersed herself in the world of dance since the age of 2, mastering various styles such as Acro, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Cheerleading, and Baton. As a young performer, she garnered multiple awards and scholarships, showcasing exceptional talent in jazz and musical theatre.
Dedicated to creating original choreography, Melissa constantly asks her students to challenge their boundaries while crafting inventive routines that captivate audiences with their uniqueness. Her students achieve top honours and scholarships at competitions and events, both locally and internationally.
Expanding her knowledge, Melissa completed a child development program for ages 3 months to 5 years, gaining certification in the Intellidance Method. Her commitment to excellence led Dance Dynamics Studio in Thunder Bay to become the first to offer this accredited program for babies and toddlers.
With certifications in Acrobatic Arts (Modules 1,2 &3 and Aerial, Back Handspring), Acrobatic Arts Examiner and Adjudicator, ADAPT Teachers certification, Progressing Ballet, Rhythm Works Integrative Dance and other dance education programs, Melissa continuously hones her skills. Through the introduction of innovative programs like Intellidance and Ready, Set, Acro at Dance Dynamics, young children are offered unique developmental and dance experiences that emphasize safety and skill enhancement.
Melissa has added to her already extensive certifications by completing the teacher training for the Ready, Set, Dance and Move preschool dance program. This August she spent 4 days in Las Vegas at the Dance Teacher Web Conference networking with and learning from 70 of the industry’s leaders taking classes some of which were Progressive Dance Techniques ages 7 + with George Hill, Culture, Branding and Communication with Susan Mendogni, and It’s Not Just Choreography with Joshua Bluhm.
Melissa’s impact extends beyond her studio through collaborations with educators, shaping the future dancers and teachers. Her nurturing approach creates a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where every student is appreciated and motivated to succeed.
Apart from her passion for dancing, Melissa shows a strong dedication to her family and community in Thunder Bay. She believes in the power of dance to create positive transformations. Her commitment to ongoing development and creativity establishes her as a prominent figure in the dance community, inspiring the next wave of dancers and instructors.
Assistant Director/Lead Teacher /Senior Choreographer -core classes- Intellidance, Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre
Gina Tozzo became a part of the Dance Dynamics family at the age of 3, during our inaugural year in 2000. Over the years, she has diligently studied various dance disciplines including jazz, tap, acro, ballet, musical theatre, lyrical, hip-hop, modern, and pointe.
During her competitive years, Gina achieved numerous specialty awards, judges’ choice accolades, and scholarships. She notably received the All-Around Junior High Score award at a Dance America competition, leading her to qualify for nationals in Orlando. Gina also clinched victory twice in the local talent contest “So You Think You Got Talent” with her musical theatre solo. Furthermore, she secured a spot as a VIP member on the Dance Olympus Summer tour and was invited to tour with them in the summer of 2017. Additionally, she was honoured as “Dancer of the Year” in 2010 by her peers at the studio.
Gina completed extensive training following the ADAPT exam syllabus, achieving all 10 levels of jazz exams, 7 tap exams, 3 ballet exams, continuing onto the ADAPT’s Assistant Training Program. She also completed up to Level 6 in Acrobatics Arts. She was one of the pioneering students at the studio to advance from the assistant teacher program in the studio to full-fledged teacher. This journey equipped her with crucial teaching skills, including methods for child interaction, emergency protocols, and teacher duties. Attended Dance Attack’s Teacher Expo in Toronto, and earned her High Five Training Certificate, emphasizing healthy child development. Gina enhanced her teaching expertise by becoming a certified Rhythm Works Integrative Dance instructor. This program integrates rhythm and dance with evidence-based practices from occupational, physical, and behavioural therapy. While the primary focus is on teaching individuals with behavioural challenges, learning differences, and special needs, the program is inclusive of people of all ages and abilities. Additionally, it enhances self-regulation, attention, and communication skills while supporting functional developmental, through rhythm and dance activities. She is the third team member to achieve this certification.
She has participated in workshops conducted by renowned choreographers like Mia Michaels, Shane Sparks, and Melissa Mitro. Gina attended classes at The Rock Centre for Dance in Las Vegas, a leading Competitive Dance Studio in North America, alongside students who have appeared on World of Dance, America’s Got Talent, and Dance Moms.
Furthering her training she completed stretching and Hip Hop instructor program with B-Street Crew.
Gina attended the Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas networking with and learning from 70 of the industry’s leaders. She was able to take class herself in Latin Basics, Hip Hop progressions and Jazz progressions and is excited to bring this new work back to the classroom.
Gina is one of eight staff who completed the Ready Set Dance and Move preschool certification this summer. She cannot wait to bring all the fun to her Dance Bugs 1 and 1.5 classes this season.
Along with all team members, maintains up to date First Aid & Child CPR certification and has engaged in a seminar covering Mental Health First Aid.
Gina is a well sought-after instructor with the Thunder Bay Catholic District and Lakehead District School Boards for their primary dance programs.
Gina eagerly anticipates another rewarding season at Dance Dynamics, where she can share her love for dance and serve as a positive role model for her students.
Senior Teacher /Senior Choreographer-core classes - Dance Bugs(Ready Set Dance), Hip hop, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Boys B-Street Crew
Darrah Beebe began dancing at the age of 4 at Dance Dynamics where she has been ever since. Growing up at Dance Dynamics, she was encouraged and supported in finding aspects of dance she excelled in, which in her case was tap dance. Dancing eventually transitioned to teaching, and now Darrah is dedicated to helping her students find their own appreciation for this art form and encouraging them to discover what they personally excel in and support their growth.
She has trained in many forms of dance such as jazz, ballet, hip hop, musical theatre, lyrical, pointe, and tap which is what she specializes in. Darrah has completed many exams following the ADAPT syllabus, up to and including the Pre-Advanced Tap and Jazz exams.
She has competed in various local and worldwide dance competitions and has won many awards for her tap solos and group dances, some of which were self-choreographed. Darrah still competes presently and continues to receive special recognition and high scores for routines she showcases herself, and routines she choreographs for students. In 2019, 2022, and again in 2024, Darrah auditioned for and was successfully chosen to be a part of Team Canada for tap dance. She represented Canada alongside her team at the IDO’s Tap Dance World Championships and travelled to Germany and Croatia. She will be travelling to Prague, Czechia to represent Canada again in October 2024. In 2021, she was asked to be part of a piece by Sisu Dance Projects, directed and choreographed by Amy Lintunen, which was showcased at the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference in Mississauga, Ontario and performed alongside live musicians.
Darrah has participated in many tap dance focused workshops and intensives, some of which include: The Rhythm Lab (Thunder Bay), Tap Dance Centre’s Tap Syllabus Teacher’s Certification Course (Mississauga), and the Eastern Canadian Tap Conference (Mississauga). She has worked with many established dancers and choreographers such as Amy Lintunen, Kim Chalovich, Michael Glenney, and Juliana Kelly.
In Darrah’s class structure, everything is carefully planned out based on her dancer’s skill level and interests. She strongly references her training from the Tap Teacher’s Certification Course, and experience in learning and teaching the ADAPT syllabus, while adding to and modifying exercises to ensure they benefit her dancer’s growth. Every dancer can leave class having been challenged, but also getting the chance to show their personal strengths. Musicality, using up the entire dance space, and presentation are a few elements that are very important to Darrah, as she likes to encourage that the art form is called tap dancing, not just tap. Tap is definitely not easy for everyone, and Darrah is committed to helping every dancer find some element of the dance form they can enjoy, no matter their age or skill level.
Darrah is also currently studying at Lakehead University for an Honours Bachelor of Arts in History. Throughout the year she works at Fort William Historical Park as a historical interpreter, working on the living history site and in the costuming department. This job has helped further her other passions for history, music, and hand skills such as sewing and beadwork. Dance has also allowed her to travel the world, which has furthered her love for travelling.
Tap dancing has allowed Darrah to combine all of her interests into one place: dancing, history, art, costuming, music theory, and community. She is excited to continue sharing these interests with her students, helping them grow and appreciate the art of tap dancing in any way it suits them.
Teacher /Choreographer - core classes- Tap, Adult
Mariah Meredith kicked off her dancing career at Dance Dynamics when she was just five years old. Over the years, she has trained in several different styles and started teaching in 2019, focusing on contemporary, acro, hip-hop, tap, and jazz. As a well-rounded teacher, Mariah offers something for everyone, from the littles to the teenagers. With a focus on proper technique, Mariah loves to push her students out of their comfort zones so that they continue to grow as dancers while keeping it fun and enjoyable.
As a dancer and choreographer, Mariah has received numerous Judge’s Choice Awards both locally and out of town for her strong, powerful, and emotional dancing, as well as her creative, intricate, and age-appropriate choreography. Last year, she was awarded the Gold Cup at Lakehead Music Festival for her choreography.
Mariah has achieved Module 1 and Module 2 certification with Acrobatic Arts through the graduate program. She is also certified with Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, B-Street Crew, and holds CPR-C and First Aid training certifications. Mariah has completed the Intro to Preschool Dance Certification, Strength Training and Injury Prevention Certification, and Choreography and Composition Certification through CLI classes, in addition to her yearly online training. She continues to attend local and out-of-town workshops, including classes with the Rock Dance Company in Las Vegas, Versastyle Workshops, private lessons with Cirque du Soleil artist Meaghan Wegg, and ECTC Tap classes in Mississauga.
Mariah attended the Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas this summer where she had the opportunity to learn from a selection of 70 amazing faculty. Her focus over the 4 days were classes in Contemporary, Hip hop and Tap.
Mariah is one of eight staff who completed the Ready Set Dance and Move preschool certification this summer and is looking forward to implementing this exciting new work in her classe
In addition to teaching at Dance Dynamics, Mariah is a fourth-year Kinesiology student at Lakehead University. Last summer, she completed a placement at a chiropractic clinic, and this summer she is working in the Neurology Outpatient Program at St. Joseph’s Hospital. After earning her Kinesiology degree, Mariah plans to pursue a career in injury prevention and rehabilitation while remaining active in the dance community. Outside of dance and school, Mariah enjoys painting, fishing, camping, traveling, and relaxing in her new home in the country.
Dance has been a significant aspect of Mariah’s life since the moment she first stepped in the studio, shaping her into the person she is today. She is thrilled to continue sharing her passion and love for dance with her students this upcoming dance season.
Teacher / Choreographer-core classes- Contemporary, Acro, Jazz, Hip hop, Recreational
Chynna Erickson began dancing at the age of 3; competitively since the age of 6 at Dance Dynamics Studio. She has studied and continues to take classes in many styles of dance, including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acro, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Hip Hop. Chynna was previously an assistant dance instructor for 9 years, helping and sharing her knowledge with the younger dancers of Dance Dynamics, transitioning to instructor of her own classes in 2018. She specifically enjoys teaching and excels in Jazz and Acro through her qualifications.
Chynna has trained in the ADAPT exam syllabus her whole competitive life studying in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet. She successfully completed her Pre-Advanced Jazz exam in 2018 with a Highly Commended. In 2022, she completed the three-year ADAPT Teacher’s Training School program in Tap and Jazz making Chynna certified as an ADAPT Teacher of Dance. This qualifies her to be able to technically teach those three genres of dance and prepare her students for their ADAPT exams.
Through Acrobatic Arts she also has completed all levels from Primary to Pre-Professional 3. In 2020, Chynna successfully completed the Acrobatic Arts Graduate Program to become a certified Acro instructor in both Modules One and Two. This qualifies her to spot and train her students in Acro safely and technically. She has been a demonstrator at the Acrobatic Arts workshops. She has taken part in the Aerial and Back Handspring training, Back Tuck and Back Layout training as well as the Accelerate Acro Convention.
Chynna has traveled to multiple out-of-town competitions, as well as local ones. At these competitions, she has received many judges’ choice awards and scholarships, the “Junior All Around Bowl” in 2011, the “Dance Star Dancer” nominee for Thunder Bay in 2018, the Sylvia Horn Young Scholarship in 2022, and numerous group awards. Along with these achievements, Chynna was voted “Dancer of the Year” in 2013 by her peers at Dance Dynamics. Besides her own achievements at competitions, Chynna’s choreography has been recognized through judge’s choice awards and has placed in the top overalls. Chynna continues to further her dance teacher knowledge through CLI and other dance-teacher conferences.
Along with three other staff members Chynna had the opportunity to attend the Dance Teacher Web Conference in Las Vegas in August. She took classes in Latin Ballroom, Contemporary, Ballet, Direct Dancer Performance, Strength and Flexibility and Ellove Technique, which she described as being like dance, yoga and Pilates on steroids.
Chynna is a certified Ready Set Dance and Move instructor and although she currently doesn’t teach any of the classes where these programs are being used she is ready and eager to step in as substitute should there ever be the need.
In 2020, Chynna was a performer for the Superior Theatre Festival Undercurrents Project alongside her peers showcasing local talent in Thunder Bay. In 2022, Chynna was an ensemble performer for Dancing with the Docs Thunder Bay to help raise funds for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation Northern Cancer Fund.
Academically she has received numerous school awards, including The Athletic Award, The Christian Living Award, and The Academic Award, and was on the Honour Roll in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. During her time at St. Ignatius High School, she has participated in the musicals “We Will Rock You” and “Rock of Ages” as a dancer/ensemble. Chynna has completed her Honours Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting at Lakehead University and plans to take the next steps to receive her CPA designation.
Chynna is looking forward to another great dance season sharing her knowledge of dance to the students at Dance Dynamics Studio.
Teacher /Choreographer-core classes- Acro, Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet
Franca Neil began her dance journey at Dance Dynamics Studio at the age of 3 years old. She is trained in all genres of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, musical theatre, and acro. Franca has also completed exams in Ballet, Acro and ADAPT Pre Advance-Jazz and Tap.
Since the age of 6, Franca has participated in numerous local and out-of-town competitions, earning several awards such as the Gillian Watters Memorial Award at Dancefest 2019, and multiple scholarships for her musical theatre solos from Music Festival.
Before transitioning into a teaching role, Franca dedicated many years as a teacher’s assistant, interacting with children of various ages and passing on her love for dance to each one. Her dedication to creating a nurturing and motivating atmosphere has empowered students to gain confidence, mirroring the impact dance had on her during her own childhood. Franca became a part of the Dance Dynamics teaching team in 2019, where she has relished discovering innovative methods to infuse joy into the learning environment.
Franca remains active in her professional development by participating in various workshops locally and out of town. She has previously attended The Rhythm Lab and ECTC Tap classes in Mississauga where she has taken many combinations and passed down to her students.
Franca, as a Dance Dynamics staff member, has fulfilled the mandatory annual training in CLI Studios to stay current with the latest teaching methods and new dance trends. This includes learning fun and interactive tap combinations from Chloe Arnold, along with classroom strategies and advice from Julie Kay Stallcup.
Academically, Franca was on the honour roll all four years of high school along with numerous other school awards. She also received an entrance scholarship to Lakehead University for Academic Excellence and has maintained it for the past three years, along with other scholarships from local clubs in town. Franca is going into her fourth year of university at Lakehead in the Political Science/Pre-law program with a minor in criminology.
Franca’s teaching philosophy focuses on making dance fun and expressive. She believes that every student can discover their own unique style through movement and strives to create a welcoming and encouraging environment. She loves seeing her students grow and gain confidence through their dance journey.
Franca is thrilled to share her passion for dance with her students and is looking forward to another fantastic dance season with Dance Dynamics Studio!
Teacher /Choreographer -core classes-Tap, Musical Theatre
Alleigh-Jane’s dance journey began with Jazz, Ballet, Acro, and has expanded to include a variety of styles like Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, and Heels. She has successfully completed multiple ADAPT exams in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap, along with exams through Acrobatic Arts.
Entering her fourth year as a teacher at Dance Dynamics, Alleigh-Jane has continued her dance education by earning certifications from CLI Studios. She has taken classes with renowned instructors like Sugarfoot Therapy, Julie Kay Stallcup, and Melissa Sandvig, as well as completing the B Street Crew Hip Hop Instructors course.
Additional courses include Introduction to Taping & Wrapping for sports injuries, Adapted Physical Activity, Skill Acquisition, Psychology of Physical Activity, Musculoskeletal Injuries, and Motor Development. Alleigh-Jane effectively applies the knowledge gained from these courses in the studio environment. Additionally, she is certified in First Aid and has completed several courses to enhance her skills.
Alleigh-Jane teaches because she wants to inspire others to love the art of dance as much as her teachers did for her. Alleigh-Jane loved to learn as a dancer and used it as a creative outlet. Now, she uses the role of teacher to create meaningful experiences for her students and hopefully inspire them in the same ways. Alleigh-Jane appreciates the connectedness that dance brings her and is very fortunate to have grown up at Dance Dynamics. Alleigh-Jane teaches a variety of levels, from kinder to adult. She enjoys the diversity of her classes because it challenges her to adapt and be flexible to teach all ages.
Outside of the studio, Alleigh-Jane is entering her fourth and final year of her Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree, where she is currently named on the Lakehead Dean’s List. She will be conducting a thesis this year to complete her degree, where she will incorporate her love for dance with her interest in the human body, by performing a study looking at dancers and related injuries. On campus, Alleigh-Jane is involved in various clubs, and runs her own LU Women in Sport Association with more than 130 members. After her degree, Alleigh-Jane hopes to pursue more education along a path with dance and related science.
A fun fact about Alleigh-Jane is that she is no stranger to an athletic endeavour. At the start of 2024, Alleigh-Jane began branching out to a new form of dance in her free time. She is an Intermediate Level Salsa Dancer as of now and is excited to continue learning this style in more depth. Aside from dance, she is also a triathlete who has completed XTERRA, Shuniah Forty Miner, The 10 Mile Road Race, and most recently named a member of the Fresh Air Mountain Biking Team. Her other interests include weightlifting, hockey, and hiking- she recently travelled to South America to complete the 4 day Sulkantay Trek to Machu Picchu!
Alleigh-Jane is looking forward to this season and is very excited to see what it has in store for her students.
Teacher /Choreographer-core classes- Jazz, Lyrical, Hip hop, Recreational, Adult
Emma Petryna started her dance journey at the age of 5 and ventured into competitive dancing right away and continuing until her second year in university. At 16, she decided to further her training at Dance Dynamics, where she appreciates the support and opportunities provided by the studio. Emma is trained in various dance styles including ballet, contemporary, jazz, lyrical, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, and modern, Emma has completed ADAPT exams in ballet, jazz, and tap. She has traveled across North America attending workshops and learning from many talented choreographers and dancers. Before joining Dance Dynamics, she served as a dance instructor assistant another dance studio.
Since September 2022, Emma has been teaching ballet, lyrical, and technique classes at Dance Dynamics while pursuing an honours degree in psychology at Lakehead University. Her dedication to working with children and young adults extends beyond the studio, allowing her to witness students flourish and evolve into skilled dancers. Emma’s passion for dance is matched only by her commitment to education and personal growth. Balancing her time between rigorous academics and her responsibilities at Dance Dynamics, she exemplifies the essence of hard work and perseverance. Emma combines her extensive technical knowledge with a nurturing and inspiring approach to teaching, establishing a secure environment for students to explore their creativity and enhance their self-confidence.
Her journey is a testament to the profound impact that passion, dedication, and a supportive environment can have on personal and professional development.
Emma stands as a role model for young dancers, proving that with determination and a love for what you do, the sky’s the limit.
Teacher /Choreographer -core classes -Ballet, Lyrical
Kamryn Dawydenko’s dance journey began at the age of three, and she joined the Dance Dynamics family at nine. Growing up, she delved into various dance styles, with jazz and lyrical captivating her the most. Competing since age five, Kamryn earned numerous awards in competitions. She has honed her skills in jazz, tap, and acro through exams with ADAPT and Acrobatic Arts. Furthermore, she has expanded her dance knowledge through CLI training taking classes with industry leaders such as Julie Kay Stallcup, Brian Friedman and Teddy Forance. Kamryn has completed the instructor certification with B Street Crew giving her a solid foundation for teaching Hip hop.
Kamryn’s passion for dance is matched only by her dedication to sharing her knowledge with others. As a teacher, she brings her vibrant energy to every class, inspiring her students to reach their full potential. She is recognized for her choreography that is both creatively intricate and emotionally profound, frequently captivating audiences.
Outside of the studio, Kamryn continues to pursue her dance education by attending workshops and conventions, ensuring she stays current with the latest trends and techniques. She believes in the power of dance to foster community and build confidence, and she strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and empowered to express themselves through movement.
Apart from dance, Kamryn actively participated in local theatre productions during her formative years, kindling her love for musical theatre. Currently pursuing an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at Lakehead University, she is also working towards a Bachelor of Education in Primary/Junior Education. Her commitment to teaching and nurturing children is evident in her role at Little Lions daycare, where she continues to gain valuable experience. Additionally, Kamryn holds certification in First Aid/CPR, ensuring a secure environment for the children under her care.
Kamryn’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of dance, and she looks forward to many more years of inspiring and being inspired by the art she loves.
Teacher /Choreographer-core classes- Dance Bugs, (Ready Set Dance) Hip hop, Jazz, Recreational
Tatyana Popovic from the age of three, dance has been one of the most important parts of her life. Since then, she has trained in all styles of dance, including, ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre, and hip hop. As she grew up at the studio, her love for dance grew, leading her to become a dedicated dance teacher.
For the past eight years, Tatyana has had the privilege of sharing her passion for dance with her students beginning her teaching experience both assisting and teaching classes at Studio One and Art in Motion, and now with her new team at Dance Dynamics Studio, fostering self-expression and confidence among her students. Throughout these years, not only has she strengthened her dance and teaching skills but has developed a deep appreciation for the art form.
Recognizing the profound influence, her past dance instructors had on her life, Tatyana was inspired to become a teacher herself, aiming to inspire and support her students just as she was. These experiences have shaped her unique perspective on teaching, emphasizing the significance of nurturing a positive and supportive learning environment for students of all abilities.
Tatyana’s journey as a dance teacher has been complemented by a series of experiences and accomplishments in the dance world. In addition to successfully completing all of her BATD exams in tap, jazz, and ballet with honours scores, Tatyana has been invited and competed at their scholarship weekend in Toronto several times. This experience has allowed her to learn from distinguished educators, further enriching her understanding of dance.
Since the age of seven, Tatyana has competed in many local and out of town competitions. Her solo, duet and group dances performances have won multiple unforgettable awards.
Tatyana continues to seek dance opportunities whenever she can. As a frequent traveller, she loves to take classes at the Broadway Dance Centre in New York City whenever she can. Along with that, Tatyana has also attended the “Rhythm Lab” in Chicago, “The Big Apple Tap Festival” in New York, numerous BATD workshops in Toronto, and many local workshops.
Outside of dance, Tatyana has completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology, starting her first year of Concurrent Education in the fall. She works at St. Thomas Elementary School, where her passion for working with kids and love for teaching come together. As a dedicated educator, she finds immense joy in guiding young students and fostering their creativity.
Dance has had a huge impact on Tatyana’s life. Dance shaped her into the person she is today, instilling discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic within her. Tatyana’s ultimate goal as a dance teacher is to inspire a lifelong love and passion for dance in each of her students.
She is thrilled to be back at Dance Dynamics after a successful first year with them!
Teacher/Choreographer-core classes- Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Sizzle & Stomp
Junior Teacher/Choreographer-Supply
Dance Dynamics Affiliations
