Our faculty

Natacha Aaron is a dynamic choreographer, performer, and dance educator based in

Toronto. She recently completed a national tour across England with the renowned

Mapdance company, while earning her Master’s Degree in Performance Dance from the

University of Chichester. During the tour, Natacha performed technically rigorous and

highly physical works by such leading contemporary choreographers as Ceyda Tanc,

Ben Wright, Rhiannon Faith, and Luke Brown. For the educational outreach portion of

the tour, she led workshops and created choreography for colleges and youth

companies. With multiple years of teaching experience, Natacha brings a supportive,

high-energy approach to teaching. She is known for her ability to connect with dancers

of all ages, fostering confidence, creative expression, and passion in all her students.

Riley discovered her love of dance at the age of five and began competing by nine. She has trained extensively in jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary, developing both versatility and artistry as a performer.

She is a certified Jazz Instructor through B.A.T.D. and also holds additional certifications in RAD Ballet and ADAPT Jazz.

Riley is attending Intrepid Dance Company to further her dance training and pursue a professional career in dance. She loves sharing her passion for dance with her students and is dedicated to helping them reach their full potential. Through her teaching, Riley strives to create a positive and supportive environment where every student feels encouraged to challenge themselves, express their individuality, and celebrate their progress!

Chelsea Robinson is the Owner/Director of Positive Dance Experience and is a highly-regarded dance teacher with over 20 years of experience in the field. Chelsea has served as faculty at The Toronto Cricket Club, The Granite Club, Randolph Academy, The Dance Institute, Stardust Academy, Ive Got Rhythm School of Dance and the Russian Classical Ballet Company.

Chelsea's extensive educational background includes being a graduate and from Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts, and fully certified through the ADAPT Syllabus, the BATD Syllabus, the Acrobatique Syllabus, the Acrobatic Arts Syllabus, Progressing Ballet Technique, Alixa Flexibility and with Barreworks. In addition, Chelsea is also a STOTT Pilates and Body Harmonics certified Pilates Mat Instructor.

Chelsea has dedicated her life to helping dancers of all ages and abilities reach their highest potential. While teaching in a variety of settings, from fitness to the recreational level to the professional stage, Chelsea has choreographed for many competitions and multiple stage performances.

In addition to her teaching, Chelsea is passionate about making dance accessible and meaningful to all. She is a strong advocate for inclusivity and creating a positive experience for everyone involved in the dance world. Her commitment to her students and her passion for the art of dance are what make her an incredible teacher and mentor.

Ruby has been a competitive dancer since the age of 7. She has trained in many different genres such as jazz, ballet, tap, acro, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop. 

Ruby is a certified Acro Instructor through the Acrobatic Arts syllabus. She is also a certified ballet, jazz and tap teacher through the B.A.T.D syllabus. 

Ruby is currently studying Biomedical Engineering at Toronto Metropolitain University. She strives to share her love of dance with her students and to help each one of them grow as a dancer and have fun!

Natalie is a professional dancer, award-winning choreographer and dedicated educator specializing in Classical Ballet, specifically the Vaganova Method. She completed her training under the tutelage of Prima Ballerina Tatiana Stepanova, graduate of the renowned Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Further refining her expertise, she trained with distinguished choreographers Tatyana Markovska (National Opera of Ukraine), Irina Chorna (Vienna State Opera), Max Ratevosian (Vaganova Ballet Academy), and Mercedes Carret (National Ballet of Canada).

Deeply passionate about the Vaganova methodology, Natalie has studied it extensively, learning directly from teachers who trained with the legendary pupils of Agrippina Vaganova. Her commitment to this tradition is evident in her teaching approach, which emphasizes technical precision, musicality, expansive movements, and the artistry of classical ballet.

As a choreographer, Natalie has staged original works, as well as choreographing excerpts from classical ballets such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote and Coppélia. Her versatility extends to Character Dance, Neoclassical Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical and Jazz.

Natalie has performed as a soloist with various companies including Toronto International Ballet Theatre on esteemed stages such as the John W. H. Bassett Theatre and the Meridian Arts Centre. Her extensive repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Coppélia, The Fairy Doll, Cinderella, Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales, Pulcinella, Le Corsaire and Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, among others.

Natalie’s unique teaching methodology, characterized by meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of classical technique, and a focus on both athleticism combined with emotional storytelling, has inspired a profound love for ballet in her students. Her students have not only advanced to professional levels but have also garnered outstanding awards reflecting her dedication to high level training, and to the art of ballet.

Mélina Patry (she/her) is a Toronto-based dance artist, originally from Gatineau, Québec. As a 2023 graduate of the Performance Dance program at Toronto Metropolitan University, Mélina has danced and collaborated in many virtual, film, and live performances, including works created by Louis Laberge-Côté, Daileidys Carrazana, Stephanie Lake, Alyssa Martin and Rock Bottom Movement, Bobbi Jene Smith, Or Schaiber, and Jesse Obremski. Additionally, in 2023, Mélina co-produced a choreographic show, titled An Ending; A Beginning, which premiered 20 original choreographic works from emerging Toronto dance artists, including three of her original choreographic pieces. Mélina’s drive stems from a tireless work ethic and insatiable desire to learn from and be inspired by the diverse array of artists she meets along her journey.

With over 8 years of experience as a dance educator, Mélina brings passion and dedication to her classes, ensuring that each session is engaging and meaningful. She is committed to fostering a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment, which she believes is essential for creative expression and personal growth. Through her teaching, Mélina strives to inspire and empower her students to reach their full potential in dance.

Growing up in Belleville, Ontario, Kaitlin Kawam began her dance training at the age of three at the Ireland Academy of Dance and has been dancing ever since. She has trained and competed in all styles of dance both nationally and internationally, earning numerous awards and titles. Now based in Toronto, Kaitlin has performed at major events and productions, including the 6th Annual HUM Awards, Let the Elephants Dance, the “I Am Blake McGrath” Promo Tour, Escapade directed by Ryan Foley, as a member of the Sauga City Dancers, and as a featured performer in Lianne Tammi’s productions Divulgence, Cabaret, I Am Here, and Under the Big Top.

            Kaitlin has been teaching a wide range of dance genres recreationally and competitively to students of all ages for many years. She holds Associate-level examinations with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) in Jazz, Tap, and Ballet, and is a certified Acrobatic Arts instructor. Kaitlin earned a Bachelor of Life Sciences from the University of Toronto, graduating with distinction, and a Bachelor of Applied Health Science in Athletic Therapy from Sheridan College, where she graduated with high distinction and received the Dr. Wade Whitten Award for Clinical Excellence. Kaitlin is now a Certified Athletic Therapist and currently practices in Toronto, where she blends her therapy expertise with her dance background to support injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimization.

            Kaitlin is passionate about sharing her love of movement and dance with her students. Her combined experience as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and Certified Athletic Therapist allows her to create personalized training approaches that support each dancer’s growth, artistry, and long-term success.

Originally from Nanaimo, British Columbia, Kiana is true a jack-of-all-trades. A dancer first, she has been dancing since the age of 3, and is trained in styles such as: Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Acro, and Burlesque. Apart from dancing her whole childhood, Kiana was a competitive gymnast, and a classically trained as a singer for 10 years. When she moved across the country to Toronto, Kiana attended a 3-year Bachelor program studying Musical Theatre at Randolph Academy. Also known by the name “Kiki”, Kiana represents two Hip Hop crews: ‘Footnotes Elite’, and the all-female crew she co-founded, ‘House of Hunniez’.

Born a performer, Kiana has always been drawn to the stage and is grateful to have found herself on many stages across the world. Some of Kiki’s performance highlights include: “A Trip To Unicorn Island” World Tour with YouTube sensation Lilly Singh; a Quebec tour performing in Just For Laugh’s ‘Footloose’ the Musical, dancing with Rihanna, Drake, Machel Montano and more; and was a selected for Monsters cast in 2019. For the last several years, Kiki has found herself Emceeing across Canada for multiple dance competitions and events. 

In addition to stage performances, she has also been on numerous TV show and movie sets with Nickelodeon, Disney, CBC and Netflix. Some shows include “Zapped”, “Jinxed”, “Grand Army”,”Tall Boyz”, “Work It”, “Spin”, “Sneakerella”, “Zombies 3”, and Season 8 of “The Next Step”.

When she’s off stage, Kiana is also a seasoned and passionate teacher and creator. Whether as a school teacher, or in a dance studio, she has taught, choreographed and adjudicated in many cities coast-to-coast across Canada and the US.

Between all jobs and performances, Kiana is a passionate entrepreneur and business owner. She owns a wedding company, Save The First Dance, choreographing First Dances and arranging anything talent and media for weddings, and is the producer and owner of UNITE Showcase, a showcase with the motivation to bring all genres, styles and scenes of the entertainment and art industry together. Catch the next one in Winter 2025!

Passionate about the transformative power of fitness, Joanna is dedicated to promoting a holistic approach to health and wellness. With a deep-rooted enthusiasm for healthy living, she has committed herself to helping others achieve their best selves through thoughtful movement and proactive injury prevention.

A cornerstone of Joanna's career has been working with youth, guided by the principles of Long-Term Athletic Development (LTAD). Her experience in this area allows her to support young athletes and active individuals in their growth and development, ensuring they build a strong foundation for lifelong fitness and well-being. By applying LTAD methods, Joanna helps young people progress through developmental stages effectively, balancing skill acquisition with physical and emotional growth.

Joanna's journey into fitness and healthy living is anchored in a solid foundation of education and hands-on experience. With an advanced diploma in Fitness & Lifestyle Management from George Brown College, she has cultivated a deep understanding of physical health and lifestyle optimization. Her commitment extends to specialized areas such as pre and postnatal fitness, where she guides new and expectant mothers through safe and effective exercise routines. Sarah is also trained in Alixa Flexibility Level 1, which equips her to enhance flexibility and movement quality, and she holds certifications in TRX Suspension Training to provide innovative and dynamic workout solutions. She believes that a well-rounded approach—encompassing strength training, flexibility, and mindful practices—is key to fostering both physical vitality and mental resilience.

Joanna is devoted to guiding individuals on their path to optimal health, emphasizing the importance of proper movement techniques and injury prevention strategies. She helps individuals develop a profound understanding of their body’s capabilities. By integrating evidence-based practices with personalized care, she strives to empower others to lead active, pain-free lives and to embrace the joys of a healthier lifestyle.

In addition to her fitness expertise, Joanna is a Reiki practitioner, having completed Levels 1 and 2. This training enriches her approach to wellness by integrating energy healing practices that promote holistic health and balance. Through her diverse certifications and a genuine passion for injury prevention, Sarah is devoted to empowering individuals to achieve their best selves. By blending evidence-based practices with personalized care, she strives to inspire a culture of health, vitality, and well-being.

Joanna's commitment extends beyond just physical fitness; she is dedicated to cultivating a supportive community where everyone feels encouraged to set and achieve their wellness goals. Through continuous learning and a genuine passion for helping others, she aims to make a positive impact and inspire a culture of health and well-being.

Sarah has studied under renowned instructors such as Kenny Pearl (Graham technique), Kate Hilliard (improvisation), Louis Laberge-Côté (contemporary), and Allen Kaeja (partnering). She is certified in DiscoverDance's Foundations course and Acrobatics Arts’ Module One, and is currently working toward certification with ADAPT.

Sarah’s performance credits include works by Hanna Kiel, Jera Wolfe, Ben Landsberg, Tori Mehaffey, Roberto Campanella, and Charles Moulton, as well as participation in ProArte Danza's summer intensive and Fall for Dance North. In 2019, she joined Juntos Collective in Guatemala for community outreach, and in 2021, performed at dance:made in Canada as part of the Dance Steward Program.

With a passion for creative exploration, Sarah brings care, creativity, and curiosity to her teaching, inspiring students to explore movement and grow.

Melissa Morris is an actor, singer, musician, musical director, multi-instrumentalist, composer, playwright, and educator. She is a graduate of both the Music and Drama departments at Queen’s, and also attended Australian National University.  Melissa’s career has taken her across Canada and the Caribbean, where she has had the pleasure of working at Chemainus Theatre, Theatre Orangeville, Port Hope Festival Theatre, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Stirling Theatre, Upper Canada Playhouse, Orillia Opera House, Seven Tyrants Theatre, Theatre 20, Theatre Collingwood, and Theatre Kingston. She was Resident Musical Director and Composer at St Lawrence Shakespeare Festival for 9 seasons, and has musical directed many other shows at different companies in Canada. Melissa was a composer of Evil Dead the Musical, which ran Off-Broadway and in Las Vegas, and which continues to run internationally. She has sound designed multiple shows and has also composed music for film. She has taught Musical Theatre at both Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College. She teaches privately as well as in several Arts schools in the GTA.

Luke is a triple threat performer and dance educator originally from the prairies of Saskatchewan. He is a graduate of the Randolph College for the Performing Arts. He grew up as a competitive dancer in Saskatoon where he also received his Canadian Dance Teachers Association Advanced Tap exam as well as his Royal Academy of Dance Advanced 2 Ballet Exam. He has also worked on the creative side choreographing and directing shows such as dance ensemble version of “Songs for A New World” and choreographing “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline” at Stage West Calgary. He also works as a guest teacher, choreographer and workshop instructor for studios across the country and is a proud member of the Quick Ball Change Roster. He has worked for many Theatres across Canada including Stage West Calgary (A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Step By Step: Evolution of the Greatest boybands, 9 to 5, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) Drayton Entertainment (Evita, Crazy For You, Elf, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Beauty and the Beast, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin: The Panto, Anne of Green Gables), Theatre Aquarius (Elf The Musical), Harold Green Jewish Theatre/danCap (The Jazz Singer), Capitol Theatre (Beauty and The Beast), Breakaway Entertainment/NextStage Festival (Anatomy of a Dancer) Theatre St. Johns (Mary Poppins)

I have been dancing for 13 years recreationally and 6 years competitively. I have received training in a variety of styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and musical theatre. I first began assisting in 2022 for a ballet 1 class. Currently, I am enrolled in the ADAPT Assistant Teachers Program.

Alyssa is a dedicated member of the senior competitive team with a passion for dance.  She has training in ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop and acro genres and has competed in Jazz and Hip Hop solos.  Alyssa is a high school student at TFS and enjoys spending her time in the summer at overnight camp.. Alyssa is very excited to volunteer and contribute meaningfully to the PDE community.

Hi, I’m Isla! I’m 16 years old and like to sing and dance. I love all styles of dance but my favourites are jazz and contemporary. I have been in the competitive program with PDE since 2020 and danced with Ms Chelsea for many years before that. I think dancing is a great way to express yourself, be creative and have fun. I really like seeing the younger dancers get started in their dance journey and it makes me happy to be able to teach them!