GUEST ARTISTS

GUEST ARTISTS

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  • For dancer and choreographer Irvin Washington, life and dance play hand in hand. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Irvin has worked with some of the industry’s very own including Janelle Monáe, Anjulie, Destiny’s Child, and Toronto’s Jully Black.

    More recently, Irvin could be found as a dancer and assistant choreographer on Season 1 of Canada’s Drag Race along with his ongoing role as Co-founder of the TKBA (Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance).

    Irvin’s talents within the Ballroom realm were also highlighted when he was featured as a Vogue performer in Fall For Dance North, one of the top international dance festivals.

    Irvin has toured all the way from Canada to Europe for artists such as Black Eyes Peas, Alicia Keyes, Danny Fernandes, and Canadian Idol, Eva Avila.

    His amazing passion and love for dance keep him continuously evolving and working harder every day to achieve his goals as he says “It’s my way of life”.

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  • Joanne has been dedicated to a rooted jazz aesthetic and philosophy for three decades. After her performance career (1993-1999) with Canada's Decidedly Jazz Danceworks (DJD), Joanne moved behind the scenes filling the roles of Artistic Assistant, Dance School Principal, and Arts in Education Coordinator.

    She is currently the 39-year-old organization's Artistic Outreach Associate and is personally celebrating a 30-year teaching career. Sharing her love of jazz dance has taken her across Canada conducting workshops and intensives at various dance institutions, studios, conferences and high schools including Cawthra Park High School, Etobicoke School of the Arts, Maxwell Heights High School, and Rosedale School of the Arts.

    She most recently co-presented a jazz dance workshop at the 2022 National Dance Educators Organization National Conference in Atlanta, GA and is proud to be included as a contributor to the award-winning 2022 book, Rooted Jazz Dance: Africanist Aesthetics and Equity in the Twenty-First Century. Currently teaching jazz dance to the students at Toronto Metropolitan University and the greater Toronto dance community, Joanne is honoured to educate in a form where she strives to be a responsible "cultural surrogate".

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  • Nick has been dancing since age 7 and has remained passionate and inspired from the very beginning...

    He has trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, lyrical, tap, African, samba, Capoeira and Caribbean dance, and is always looking for the new and next thing that is going to help to further diversify and learn.

    He has danced for various recording artists such as Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Aleesia, Shawn Desman, Lloyd Banks, T-Pain, Fabulous, and Busta Rhymes. Additionally, he has had the pleasure of working for productions by Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Germany, Universal Studios, Paramount Canada's Wonderland, and YTV. Artists never stop evolving; as an actor, featured on CBC’s original Schitt's Creek; as a playwright and producer, Nick has completed and previewed an original work entitled BionicBlue, an amalgamation of dance digital media and original poetry showcased at Toronto's Canadian Stage company.

    Director of Airtight Entertainment dance company alumni members have been featured in productions by Disney, The Next Step, So You Think You Can Dance Canada, YTV's The Next Star, Cirque de Soleil, World of Dance Toronto Champions. In addition to teaching at studios across Ontario, credited adjudicator with the Professional Adjudicators Alliance, he has been fortunate to travel and teach across Canada, the US, Mexico and the Caribbean.

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  • Jaz Fairy J is a creative entrepreneur, healer and performing artist. She has been a choreographer and dance instructor for 14 years. She is the founder and CEO of her luxury natural skincare brand ‘Rub of Luv’ accessing self luv through skincare.

    She believes that art is a portal to the divine and in that she is in a constant investigation around how her work can create more space for healing.

    Through natural skincare creations, movement and meditative workshops, gatherings, story sharing, rituals/ceremonies, ancestral research and performance, her work is about finding the inner freedom and grounding to live in the fullness of one’s truth and do the work of abundant self-love, self-healing, growth, and acceptance.

    Her life mantra is “Dream create manifest”.

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  • Tony Thompson or otherwise known as Tommy Steeze!

    Tommy is one of Toronto’s Original Popping Pioneers. A founding member of the world-renowned Bag Of Trix (BTX) crew and an extended family member of Boogie Brats, EB, and Rythmatic Funkloose movement. Tommy is also co-creator of the “Funk What You Got!” Popping contest series.

    Tommy’s expertise helps guide his students in foundational technique, understanding and freedom within Popping and Locking.

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  • Samar has been making art since childhood. From that young age, she has consistently searched for ways to expand her skill set, allowing her to master mediums that span across traditional practices, textiles and digital art. This expansion was developed further through her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ryerson University, where she studied in the Image Arts Department under the focus of New Media.

    Samar has shown work in spaces across Toronto, such as Edwards Day Gallery, Arta Gallery, and the Aga Khan Musuem, as well as internationally at the Possum Gallery in Berlin. She has additionally spent time at art residencies in both Berlin and Mexico, which led to a deepening of her knowledge on the conceptual and explorative aspects of art making.

    Samar views art as a way of revealing one's internal experience. She believes in the boundary-crossing and playful nature of art-making, and the many ways it offers freedom of expression.

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  • Jendayi Dyer began her journey in the Toronto dance scene in 2006. Her training in street dance styles such as hip hop, popping, locking, house, breaking, waacking and dancehall has been brought to stages across Canada.

    In both 2012 and 2013, Jendayi was one of three dancers nominated at the Manifesto Floor Awards for “Upcoming All Styles Under 18” Dancer of the Year. Upon her continuous training and dedication to her craft, she has had the opportunity to be cast in a principal role in the feature film Full Out directed by Sean Cisterna, a main role in Earth: A theatre production directed by Artists in Motion (Shameka Blake), a principal dancer in Disney’s Zombies 2, and Disney’s upcoming films Sneakerella and Zombies 3.

    Jendayi proudly represents Footnotes Elite, Twisted Ankles Dance Crew and has co-founded an all-female street dance crew - House of Hunniez. Beyond performing, she is passionate about giving back to her community through her role as an artist with Unity Charity. Jendayi has been fortunate enough to be able to train under some of the city's best and continues to further pursue her passion with a crew of like-minded dancers who continue to inspire and motivate her.

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  • A native of Mount Gambier, Australia, Lisa Robinson studied at The Australian Ballet School (Vaganova method) and with Ballet Master, Philip Balmain Beamish in Italy. Prior to her studies at the Australian Ballet school, Lisa trained at a local dance studio in her hometown and completed her Royal Academy of Dance Advanced Ballet examination, as well as studied jazz and tap.

    She joined The National Ballet of Canada in 1998 and became a Second Soloist in

    2003. Ms. Robinson danced featured roles in There, below, The Four Temperaments, the second detail, La Sylphide and The Nutcracker. Ms. Robinson also performed the role of Polina in the North American premiere of John Neumeier's The Seagull.

    Now entering her 25th year with the company, Ms. Robinson retired from dancing in 2010 and has worked in the Education and Community Engagement Department, and is the Senior Manager of Education and Community Engagement for the National Ballet. Ms. Robinson regularly teaches classes and hosts performances for many of the company's education programs.

    Ms. Robinson is thrilled and excited to share her passion and dedication to the art form with many aspiring young dancers.

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  • Ian Parsons is a Toronto-based teacher and choreographer, and is currently an Artistic Staff member at Canada’s National Ballet School. He is a double graduate of the ballet school: from both the Professional Ballet Program, as well as theTeacher Training Program for Former Professional Dancers.

    As a professional dancer, Ian has danced with The National Ballet of Canada and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, working with choreographers such as James Kudelka, John Neumeier, Jiri Kylian, and Jean-Christophe Maillot. He also appeared in the feature film of Les Misérables, as Hans in the Olivier Award-nominated revival of Cabaret in London’s West End, and as Assistant Dance Captain/Swing in the UK/European tour of Cats.

    As a teacher prior to moving back to Canada, Ian has been a faculty member of Performers College (London), as well as the School of Ballet Theatre UK. He has also been a guest teacher at The London Studio Centre, The Chantry School of Contemporary and Balletic Arts, and at the famed Danceworks and Pineapple Studios in London, England.

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  • Raoul Wilke, a multifaceted Dora Award-winning artist, is the co-founder of The Moon Runners dance crew and the CEO of FeedYourSole. His choreographic work extends into film and theatre, artistic directing and coaching for artists such as Dillion Anthony’s “Love That We Found, Tyra Jutai’s “New Shoes” and Abhithi’s cover of “7 Rings “.

    Under the artistic direction of Gadfly Dance Company, he got to perform for major brands such as Canada Goose, Azzaro Fragrance as well as grant commissioned works, at the Four Seasons, The Sony Center and many other Canadian-based venues. As a black emerging artist, his accolades within these different communities opened doors for new collaborations.

    He was a model for Seika Boye’s “This Living Dancer” in collaboration with the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario). He performed for The Raptors half-time show, as well got to produce his own film over the summer of 2019, commissioned by Canadian Stage Theatre. As a leader of street dance community within Canada, he has mentored various companies and dance schools over the years, on the importance of the historical context, within these vernacular street forms and the value of themselves. He has represented Canada internationally battling at world-renowned competitions, with his biggest accomplishment to date, representing Team Canada In China, for KOD in 2018.

    Raoul is currently Faculty at Ryerson Dance School, educating students on these vernacular dance forms that helped shape him into the man he is today. As a student of dance, he continues to live by the quote, “See the music, Hear the Dance” by Balanchine.

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  • Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Myrosia first started dancing just before her 3rd birthday. She first started her training in Ballet, Jazz, West African, Tap, Hip Hop and Acro-gymnastics. She also received her B.A.T.D in teaching dance at the age of 16, as well as 2 Honor Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Sociology and Communications (Media). In 2013, the well-versed dancer decided to take her years of professional training and move to New York City and shortly thereafter, Los Angeles.

    Myrosia has had many opportunities to work with great choreographers and creative directors such as Aakomon Jones, Fatima Robinson, and Micheal Rooney to name a few. Myrosia has worked with such artists as Drake, Rihanna, and Jennifer Hudson to mention a few.

    “To accomplish great things we must not only act but also dream; not only plan but also trust”

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  • Shelby is a songwriter, performer and teacher. She is a graduate of Humber College’s Contemporary Music Program and attended Sheridan College’s Music Theatre Program. She specializes in vocal jazz, folk, popular music and music theatre. She has furthered her studies in piano, guitar and music care.

    With over 15 years of experience, Shelby’s enthusiasm for teaching music has led to many innovative works. As a music instructor for toddlers and preschoolers, she has built an excellent rapport with young children. Through the years, she has developed inspirational programs that consist of singing, creative movement and instrumental exploration. Shelby has a genuine desire to help others empower themselves. She has created music programs for children, adults and seniors with special needs, using music as a medium to help improve the quality of day-to-day life skills and well-being.

    She continues to develop and extensively research music for therapy. Shelby coordinates and runs a Creative Arts Camp for young children, combining Orff instruments, singing, dance and visual arts. She also volunteers as a band coach and instrumental instructor at Girls Rock Camp Toronto, an organization that helps young girls build self-esteem through music education, creation and performance. Shelby has released two original albums receiving critical acclaim and airplay on CBC, campus and community radio nationwide. She continues to perform locally and resides in Toronto.

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  • Tara began her career with The National Ballet of Canada after graduating from the National Ballet School. She then danced for The Alberta Ballet and was a celebrated Principal dancer for Canada's Ballet Jorgen for 16 years. Bengt Jörgen created many lead roles in full-length ballets for Tara including Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella, Anastasia, Coppelia, and The Nutcracker. She has worked with many of Canada's most sought-after choreographers including Gioconda Barbuto, Roberto Campanella, Robert Desrosiers, Robert Glumbek, Allen Kaeja, Karen Kaeja, Malgorzata Nowacka-May, Crystal Pite, Kathleen Rea, and Wen Wei Wang.

    Since moving to Kitchener, Tara has been teaching, coaching and choreographing. This past November she produced, presented and performed in her first annual evening of contemporary dance in Kitchener at the Registry Theatre funded by the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund. These sold-out performances featured her new work "Hands in The Pool" along with new work by David Earle, Allen Kaeja, and Nickeshia Garrick. In spring 2023 Tara will present " Resilience" a performance featuring new work by Aria Evans, Nickeshia Garrick and Karen Kaeja which has been generously supported by Canada Council For The Arts and Ontario Arts Council.

    Dust and Soul Dance Projects is an umbrella company for Tara's artistic collaborations, presentions of original evenings of dance for the Waterloo Region, and workshops for non-dancers and pre-professional dancers in the community.

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  • Kiera Breaugh is a well-versed dancer and choreographer whose style lives at the intersection between contemporary and hip hop. She has been recognized for her work as both a dancer and choreographer as she travelled across North America training with the best dancers and choreographers.

    Along the way, Kiera became a member of the Young Lions, Immabeast, Immabreathe and MashUp Contemporary Dance Company - all LA-based companies. She has assisted choreographers including Ian Eastwood and Janelle Ginestra. She was head choreographer of the dance crew, Kuumba Beatz, from 2018 to 2020. Kiera premiered her piece “Wash” at Loyola Marymount University’s student concert, and it was chosen to be presented again at the American College Dance Association Gala in March of 2019.

    Kiera graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a minor in education from LMU in December of 2019. She has performed a solo on Canada’s hit TV show The Next Step, and also appeared on Make it Pop. Kiera performed her solo “Barely Black” for the Dance Matters: A Woman’s Work Series in 2020. In 2021, she became an Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellow at the School at Jacob’s Pillow. Since returning to Toronto, Kiera has taught and choreographed for studios across the GTA.

    Kiera’s versatile dance vocabulary and rare combination of movement experiences have prepared her to make her mark on the dance scene with her unique approach to choreography and self-expression.

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  • As an emerging dancer, choreographer and instructor, He is proud to call Toronto his home. Starting dance late at the age of seventeen, He mainly trained in urban styles and later was influenced to train in modern, ballet, contemporary and jazz techniques.

    As a graduate from the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Shakeil has developed his experience through working with artists such as Allen and Karen Kaeja (Kaeja d’Dance), Draico (Step Up Franchise), Hollywood Jade (Jully Black Entertainment), Julie Pérron (Cirque du Soleil) and Debra Brown (Cirque du Soleil). Shakeil has also been fortunate enough to work within the Afro-Contemporary Diaspora with Esie Mensah (Esie Mensah Dance) and Lua Sheyenne (Lua Sheyenne Dance Company).

    After years of independent and company work, he’s grateful to have ventured into the world of Musical theatre, finishing a contract at The Grand Theatre performing in Disney’s Mary Poppins. Most recently Shakeil has been working with Emilio Dosal (In the Heights) and Ebony Williams (Beyoncé) on a new Disney plus project. His love for dance extends beyond performing seeing that he’s one of Theatre Passe Muraille’s 2020 BUZZ residency creators and BCurrent’s resident 2021 artist.

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  • Born and raised in Toronto, Penelope started dancing at the age of three and quickly made the dance studio her second home. Penelope has trained intensively in R.A.D Ballet, A.D.A.P.T tap and jazz, hip hop, contemporary, ballroom and acrobatics. Her passion and dedication have earned her many awards and accolades.

    Penelope has had the opportunity to perform in Florida, London, Paris, and Mexico. She feels very fortunate to be able to travel while she does what she loves. After graduating high school, Penelope rediscovered her love of Musical Theatre, and has done everything from beloved classic shows to world premiers! Some of her most recent credits include the North American premiere of Bend it Like Beckham; The Musical (Starvox Entertainment), and Turandot (Canadian Opera Company). Other accolades include Alice in Wonderland; The Panto (Diversified Productions), the World Premiere of Raise the Stakes, Hairspray (U of T), and Big Fish, Titanic, Anything Goes (Wavestage).

    When she’s not performing, you can find Penelope in the dance studio helping train the next generation of dancers. She’s best known for her uplifting energy and nurturing teaching practices. Past and present students of hers find her to be not only an inspiring dancer and teacher but human too.

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  • International choreographer, and dancer Jordan Washington (NYC/Toronto) former core stepper for the legendary BLACK ICE step company, an entertainer, and soul movement enthusiast whose objective is to help develop and cultivate the like-minds of artists through quality education and higher learning. Credits include ARIANA GRANDE, LENNY KRAVITZ, JANELLE MONAE, SEAN PAUL, DIVINE BROWN, CANADIAN IDOL’S EVA AVILA & GARY BEALS, motion pictures “SISTERS”, and "HOW SHE MOVE", as well as choreographing performances for the 2007 GREY CUP HALFTIME SHOW, 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES Corporate stages, 2014 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S GAMES, and 2015 PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES.

    Jordan’s knowledge and "ear" for music complimented by his diligent practice and persona has made way for him to provide vital service to the under served dance community nationwide with new ideals and extraordinary vision that can be seen in his works with media outlets NBC, BRAVO, MUCHMUSIC, BET and CTV. With over 8 years experience in the music and dance industry Jordan has emerged as a dynamic flame for the next generation of hungry minds.

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  • Mikhail Ilyin was born in St. Petersburg Russia and graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree from the Vaganova Ballet Academy in 1998. In 1999, he joined the Boston Ballet for two years, then Miami City Ballet where he became in principal in 2003. His repertoire with Miami City Ballet included leading roles in Swan Lake, Paquita, Coppélia, Giselle, The Sleeping Beauty, Ballet Imperial, Apollo, Theme and Variations, Allegro Brillante, Ballo della Regina, Prodigal Son, Symphony in C, Afternoon of a Faun, Dances at a Gathering, Interplay, Company B, In the Upper Room, and many others.

    Ilyin joined American Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet in January 2008. His repertoire with the Company includes Airs, the Bronze Idol in La Bayadère, Company B, Birbanto in Le Corsaire, a leading role in Études, the peasant pas de deux in Giselle, Rabbit in Rabbit and Rogue and the Lead Pontevedrian Dancer and the Maitre d’ in The Merry Widow. He created the Russian Dance in Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker. Ilyin is teaching and choreographing across the United States. He has been an Artist-in-Residence with Ballet Mississippi since 2005. In addition, he is a practitioner of The Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education “Awareness Through Movement” (a 4 year Professional Training Program). Ilyin is fully certified with all the levels of ABT® National Training Curriculum Pedagogy Program.