FACULTY

FACULTY

Alex Ashley.

  • PROGRESSING BALLET TECHNIQUE CERTIFIED

    A native of Nova Scotia, Alexandra is a singer, actor, dancer and choreographer. She began her first dance class at age 3 and has studied ballet, jazz, modern, tap and hip hop. She has studied at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, Los Angeles; The Banff Centre, Banff; Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Winnipeg; National Ballet School, Toronto and Dance Zone and Coastal Dance in Nova Scotia. She has also taken workshops with internationally renowned choreographer Mia Michaels in Contemporary Dance.

    Alex has been a competitive dancer traveling to New York City and she has performed at Disney World in Florida. She has performed with Lenny De La Pena of DoDat Entertainment, Hali’s Angels, Coastal Theatre and Neptune Theatre in Nova Scotia. She was also a dancer in the Disney movie, “Camp Rock 2-The Final Jam”.

    Alex not only has a passion for performing, but has enjoyed instructing dance from a young age. At sixteen she was teaching at multiple dance schools in Nova Scotia and has continued to teach since becoming a Torontonian.

    Alex is passionate about the growth and development of young dance artists, and she provides an inviting environment that allows dancers to discover their creativity. She wants her young dancers to build confidence and have enjoyment while experiencing different dance forms.

    Alex joined Charb Arts in 2013 and quickly fell in love with the artistic environment Lori had created. She found her home here and continues to be excited by such dynamic and promising talent that walk through the doors of CAS.

    “Dance is music made visible.” — George Balanchine

  • INTELLIDANCE® CERTIFIED

    Crista is a native Bostonian and started her dance training at the RDS performing Arts Centre. She holds a BFA in dance from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee and is a graduate of the DTCB dance education training course. While in Boston she performed with the Harvard summer dance repertory program and soon after had the opportunity to study with the Bella Lewitzky dance company in Los Angeles. For the next decade she would call New York City home where the amazing energy of the city kept her in a creative epicentre helping to build her unique skills as a freelance teacher and performer. Her love of travel, spirituality and people brought her around the world to Europe, Australia and the South Pacific, as well as spending considerable time in Central America.

    Her next steps would then take her to Toronto where she would soon start carving out her space as a popular pre-school dance teacher. Over the next few years she created a unique “Kinder-dance curriculum” for the The Beez Kneez Nursery Schools and successfully implemented that program throughout their 4 locations.

    Crista is a proud Mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend. Her gentle nature and playful humour help to establish a trusting bond with her young students. Her main goal as an educator is to build self-confidence and independence through music and movement.

    “Enjoy Life. This is not a dress rehearsal.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

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  • Naja Pereira is an emerging filmmaker based in Toronto. Her directorial work aims to centre Blackness while showcasing the range, complexity, and beauty of Black experiences. With an intention to give voice and visibility to underrepresented groups through the film medium, she also works as a creative producer, guiding other filmmakers through project development. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Studies from Toronto Metropolitan University's School of Image Arts. In 2019, she was honoured with the Image Arts Roger McTair Award, presented to a Black filmmaker who displays exceptional creative spirit. In 2020, she produced the short film Counterfeit which was selected by the Next Wave Program at the Toronto International Film Festival.

    With her love for the creative arts starting in theatre, she is an alumnus of Soulpepper Theatre’s 2020 Solo Show Creation Intensive and Curtain Up Program in both 2014 and 2015.

    Naja has also worked in equity spaces, serving as the Vice-President of Equity at the Image Arts Course Union and TMU Students' Union in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Applying the expanded knowledge of equity concepts learned in these roles, she led the development of Charb Arts Studios’ equity policies and community guidelines, hoping to make each class a dancer enters a safer space.

    Naja applies many of her skills in theatre and film to CAS’ live performances and digital presence. She often photographs, films, or operates lighting and music at shows. If you see a video or image from CAS, chances are she captured or edited it!

    Naja joined the CAS Team in 2017 and has enjoyed contributing to the studio's blossoming as a recognized pillar of the Toronto youth and dance community.

    “Don't try to lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you.” — Beyoncé

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INSTRUCTORS

INSTRUCTORS

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  • Justin David grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia and moved to Toronto at the age of 19 to pursue his career in dance. In his youth, Justin began as a self-taught dancer and was the captain of his high school dance team. Demonstrating drive and passion, he was pushed into the leadership role where his natural ability to choreograph and stage fellow students was discovered.

    Over the past 13 years, Justin has been working with the top professionals in the entertainment industry, including renowned choreographers throughout Canada and the United States. His training includes hip hop, African, stepping, street jazz, Caribbean, and South American styles of dance.

    Justin has been in countless music videos, commercials, movies, and award shows. He most recently appeared on the Emmy-Award-winning Netflix series, Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. He has had the pleasure of working with major recording artists including Drake, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, and Meghan Trainor. Dance has led Justin across Canada and throughout the World including China, Cuba, Mexico, Los Angeles, and New York City; performing in Times Square.

    As a multidisciplinary creative, Justin has been fortunate to lend his skills as an instructor and choreographer all over Canada. He has choreographed live shows, music videos, and is currently working behind the camera as a Creative Director with his company 20x20media. Most recently, he has begun working as an editor on short-form video content.

    Justin has worked as an instructor throughout his dance career, teaching students ranging from ages 5 to 50. In 2019, he was a resident instructor of the dance program at Seneca College. Justin’s upbeat and high-energy dance style has pushed him to succeed in his own career while helping guide his students along in their own training.

  • AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® CERTIFIED

    PROGRESSING BALLET TECHNIQUE CERTIFIED

    Honour has been a dance and movement educator for over ten years, working with dancers to help them cultivate an embodied sense of artistry, spirit, and technical resiliency. Honour has completed her Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Advanced Vocational Ballet Examinations, and trained with Ballet Masters Franco DeVita and Raymond Lukens to obtain her teaching certification with the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum on Broadway in New York.

    Before her teaching career, Honour trained in classical ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, fosse, and Latin dance, all of which have taken her to international stages during her years as a competitive dancer. She has been recognized for her grace and performance ability in Canada and the US. In the Professional world, Honour has toured with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen, the 3 6 9 Dance Collective, and has completed Pre-Professional training with the Toronto Dance Theatre in 2018.

    Honour strives to create a positive environment wherever she goes that nurtures growth, compassion, and artistry amongst her colleagues and students. She is pleased to be a part of the Charb Arts community sharing dance with the next generation.

    “Not only is Honour talented and highly proficient in many dance genres, she is also an amazingly intuitive performer and a compassionate and kind student mentor.”

    M. Grierson — Former Teacher

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  • Robert Baccellieri is a 22-year-old dancer, choreographer and dance educator. He has been immersed in the world of dance since the age of two. Early in his dance career, he developed a strong passion for dance, and he quickly distinguished himself, earning numerous high-score awards as a young performer. At 14, he began assisting dance classes, and by 15, he was choreographing for his high school dance team, ultimately serving as captain for the team by 16. His choreography gained recognition, earning overall awards at competitive events.

    With over three years of teaching experience, Robert holds certifications in Acrobatic Arts M1 and jazz, acro, and tap with Artistic Dance Educators. He is also a member of Dance Masters of Canada and certified to teach jazz and acro. His dedication to excellence and artistry continues to inspire dancers of all ages.

  • Eden Howlett is a multi-talented individual known for her creativity and dedication. With a passion for exploring new ideas and embracing challenges, Eden has built a reputation as a dance teacher. She began her dance journey at the tender age of 2, becoming a student teacher at 13 years old, and running and choreographing her own classes by 17.

    During her dance training, she completed all of her RAD ballet exams up to Advanced Foundation. She has also trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, and Tap. Eden is currently a student at Toronto Metropolitan University studying Performance Production and Dance.

    Whether through artistic, professional, or community involvement, Eden consistently demonstrates a commitment to growth and innovation in her classes. Her journey is marked by a continuous pursuit of knowledge and a desire to make a positive and lasting impact on her students and fellow teachers.

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  • Jessica was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia and began teaching hip hop dance at age 16. She competed in several East Coast dance competitions and performed with her local dance team all year round at charity events, concerts, schools, and for musical artists. She was the choreographer of the dance troupe for a professional basketball team in Halifax and the choreographer for Canadian artists such as Carl Henry, Classified, and Hedley.

    Starting at the age of 20, she travelled to Los Angeles every year to train with top choreographers and dancers in the industry.

    Jessica moved to California to pursue dance as a career and continued to travel home to Canada to judge and teach at dance conventions and competitions. Jessica has resided in Toronto for 12 years and continues to teach, inspire, and mentor young dancers. She has experience teaching both recreational and competitive groups.

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  • Maria Riano is an emerging dancer, choreographer and instructor in Toronto. She began her training in Bogota, Colombia where she was born. She is a 2021 graduate of the Toronto Metropolitan University Creative School for the Arts in performance Dance.

    Maria has had the chance to work in projects/ companies such as Citadel Compagnie Dance Mix 2023, CAMINOS Festival, Citadel Compagnie for Night Shift 2022, Nostos Collective, Foolish Operations, The Bentway, Frog in Hand and Angela Blumberg.

    Maria draws inspiration in her art from constant investigation, the eagerness of life and human connection. This, as a result, is where

    Maria’s movement derives from, a place that is open-minded and curious.
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  • Jenica Boutilier is an emerging dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in Toronto. Jenica was born and raised in Kentville, Nova Scotia where she began her dance journey at the age of 4. She holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts from York University where she majored in Dance and specialized in Performance and Choreography. Recently, she travelled to Berlin to take part in the B12 dance festival. 

    Her recent credits include Bloom (2023, 2024), Grease (UofT), and The Garage (2024). She also has experience performing behind the camera and has appeared in All is Fine in ‘89 (2024) and Eleanor McCains music video I Can See Hope From Here (2021).

    Jenica finds inspiration through the human experience, her thirst for knowledge, and kinesthetic exploration. She strives to make a positive impact on those around her and is eager to share her passion with the next generation of dancers.

  • Mark Collantes is a Breaker whose style blends explosive movement, technical precision, and raw creativity. Starting at 15, he quickly became immersed in Hip Hop culture, developing a distinct approach that balances power, flow, and musicality. Over the years, he has earned his place in the scene, representing Unknown Floor Force, Jamillz, BBoyizm, and Breadcrumbs —crews known for their dedication to the art and evolution of Breaking.

    With a foundation built on discipline and innovation, Mark’s approach to the dance is both calculated and expressive. His footwork is intricate, his transitions seamless, and his presence undeniable. Whether battling on stage or exchanging in a cipher, he brings energy, adaptability, and a deep respect for the culture.

    Beyond competition, Mark is committed to pushing Breaking forward, training the next generation, and contributing to the community that shaped him. His journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and the endless possibilities of movement.

LIVE ACCOMPANIST

LIVE ACCOMPANIST

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  • MUSICAL ACCOMPANIST, PIANO

    Farida Amirhanova was born in the Soviet Union and received an excellent education as a musician at a School for Gifted Kids, Music College and a State Music Conservatory. She worked as a teacher of music disciplines, a choir conductor, and an accompanist in opera, ballet and sports (Olympic Gymnastics Team).

    In 2002, Farida moved to Toronto and began working for the Oakville School of Classical Ballet, the Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance, Performing Dance Art Inc., Metro Movement, Ballet Jörgen, University of Toronto, the National Ballet of Canada and many other ballet schools and companies in and around Toronto.

    As a guest pianist, she worked at the National Ballet School, Alberta Ballet, Cecchetti Society of Canada, playing for exams in many ballet schools in Ontario and Toronto and "Youth America Grand Prix".

    Farida has worked with famous ballet teachers, such as Glenn Gilmour, Jane Wooding, Tatiana Chernova, Amanda Paterson, Christina Richardson, Franco De Vita (USA), Adam Sklute, (USA), Charla Genn (USA) and other great talents.

    She has also done the very important and interesting work of accompanying Master Classes with great ballet dancers - Evan McKie, Greta Hodgkinson, Harrison James, Heather Ogden, Tanya Howard, Alejandra Perez-Gomes, Alejandra MacDonald, Chelsy Meiss, Giorgio Galli, Calley Skalnic and many others.

    Farida considers herself very fortunate to love her job and to work with talented people who also love what they do.