Our team.

City Dance Corps faculty are professional dance instructors with extensive background, training, and accreditation in dance.

Tina Nico

Studio Director

Sara Winter

Youth Program Coordinator

Esra Leia

Ballet Program Coordinator

Sadie Cahill

YPC Director

TORONTO FACULTY

Amanda Arruda

Tap

Amanda began dancing at the age of three at the Ontario School of Ballet training in ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics, hip-hop, and contemporary, as well with a knowledge of ballroom and Latin dance styles. From a young age she had a true passion for tap dance, competing with many tap solos. For over twelve years she danced competitively as a member of the Trillium Dance Company, and was in Tap! Dance Company at the Tap Dance Centre. Amanda grew up studying the RAD ballet foundations as well as ADAPT tap and jazz. She continued dancing for a few years after graduation to complete her ballet and tap exams to the highest levels. She graduated from the dance arts program at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts as well as completed her certification in ADAPT’s jazz and tap Teacher Training Program. She graduated from the fashion design program at George Brown. She currently works full time at a design company making dance studio costumes. She is very excited to continue her dance journey and to share her knowledge, passion, and overall love for the art of tap.

Alysis Davis

The Groove Crew, Hip Hop, Tap, Jazz/Contemporary

Alysis Davis is a performer, dance educator, and emerging choreographer based in Toronto, ON. Introduced to dance at the young age of 3 at Canada’s National Ballet School, she moved on to Toronto’s competitive dance scene, then became a member of DancEast’s Youth Performance Company in Moncton, New Brunswick. Alysis holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance from Toronto Metropolitan University, complemented by minors in Entrepreneurship and Psychology. Her professional training spans Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary, and Ballet, including certification as an ADAPT Jazz and Tap instructor. Beyond TMU, she has had the pleasure of training under and performing in works across Ontario by notable artists such as Natasha Powell, Angela Blumberg, Vicki St. Denys, Raoul Wilke, Alysa Pires, Louis Laberge-Cote, Roberto Campanella, Rock Bottom Movement, and more. During her studies, Alysis received the New Brunswick Arts Board Full-Time Arts Scholarship based on her on-stage and film choreographic and performance portfolio. Alysis actively seeks opportunities to enhance her training and knowledge, maintaining a deep passion for dance in every role she steps into, and is committed to nurturing the next generation of dancers in becoming confident, resilient, and creative movers.

Ashley Maia

Tiny Dance Classes, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Tap

Ashley started dancing at the age of 6, in Toronto. Began as a technical and competitive dancer for 11 years, trained in ADAPT and RAD while completing all examinations. In summer 2017 she was accepted and trained at the Joffery Ballet School in New York City in ballet, jazz and hiphop styles. Ashley has performed and opened for Portuguese artists including Mickael Carriera’s Toronto concert in 2016 and the Miss Portugal Canada Pageant in Toronto. Since 2020 Ashley has also branched out into more urban styles and has worked on some amazing projects. Some of these projects include campaign videos and concept videos with the following Toronto artists: Tatiana Parker, Shavar Blackwood, Leon Blackwood and Jac Valiquette. She is a member of Kode Red dance team from Toronto and expanding her training through it. Always a student growing her knowledge and experience as a dancer to bring the best guidance to her students.

Brianna Chapple

Dance Athletics, Jazz Combo, Tiny Twirlers

Brianna started dancing at the age of 3 at Star-Lite Dance Studio in Hamilton ON. She went onto compete in jazz, tap, contemporary, acro, and musical theater across Ontario and the US, before moving to Toronto for her post secondary education. After a successful career as a pastry chef she has turned her attention to starting a new career in childcare and getting back into her love of dance. When not completing her final year of ECE studies Brianna loves bringing her passion for dance to the younger generation while keeping a focus on inclusivity, fun, and creating positive relationships. Brianna is very excited to join the CDC youth program and continue her dance journey!

Esra Leia

RAD Ballet/ Ballet Program Coordinator

Ballet, RAD Ballet

From a young age, Esra has been passionate about sharing her love for dance with others. With a background in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary dance, she has had the opportunity to perform recreationally and competitively for over a decade. Esra studied ballet throughout her childhood and adolescence through the Royal Academy of Dance, completing all the graded and vocational examinations up to Solo Seal. After training at the Ontario School of Ballet and Related Arts for 10 years, she began her studies at Ryerson University in the Early Childhood Studies program. Esra has simultaneously been working to complete the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies programme through the Royal Academy of Dance in order to become a certified ballet teacher with the RAD. The combination of these two programs has shaped Esra’s philosophy of teaching; through inclusion and differentiated instruction, her goal is to create a playful and safe atmosphere for children to physically explore their bodies and express their emotions.

Eden Howlett

Ballet, Jazz/Contemporary, Tiny Classes

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 teaching at 13 years old, 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 also trained in Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, Hip-Hip, 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.

Jimmy 'Chico' Vasquez

Hip Hop, Street Dance Styles

Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Jimmy Vásquez González started his dance career at the age of 7. Surrounded by the Latin culture of his native land, Jimmy started his journey with the dance styles of Salsa, Bachata and Merengue. At the age of 13, Jimmy moved to Toronto, Canada, where he was introduced to the style of native Toronto Hip-Hop for the first time, also referred to as "Flavor". Though it wasn't an easy transition, Jimmy was able to maintain his love for dance by facing and accepting new challenges as well discovering his own identity through Hip-Hop and what it means to have your own identity through the art of dance. Shortly after his move to Canada, Jimmy was able to find other relatable individuals with the same drive and passion for dance, soon after becoming a member of Scarborough's very own dance crew, “The FLVRSquad”. The FLVRSquad is a team of individuals under the mentorship of one Toronto's most notorious and respected dance crews, BUCC N FLVR. With the mentorship of arguably Toronto's best of the best, Jimmy has been equipped with the tools necessary to comfortably share the knowledge passed down, as well as adding his personal Dominican flavor, giving his dance a very distinguishable energy and charisma. Jimmy has distinguished himself as a leader and mentor to his peers and those around him, further strengthening his values and the impact one can spark in others through dance. Today, Jimmy continues to pursue his undeniable love for dance, through teaching, performing and sharing his own creativity in hopes of inspiring others.

Katrina Hindle

Jazz/Contemporary Combo, Musical Theatre, Parent n Tot, Tiny Stars, Tiny Twirlers

Katrina is a Toronto based musical theatre performer/teacher. She is a graduate from both the Eastwood Collegiate Integrated Arts Program where she was a vocal, dance, and drama major, as well as a graduate from the Triple Threat program at the Randolph College for the Performing Arts in Toronto. She has trained in many styles including ballet, lyrical, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, acro, and musical theatre. Throughout her life she has performed competitively and has received many awards and scholarships including an opportunity to perform on Broadway in New York City. She has also performed with the K-W Symphony, NIKE HANGtime Fitness, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. Her most recent and favourite performing credits include Legally Blonde: The Musical (Pilar), Seussical: The Musical (Bird Girl), and Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Dancer). When she is not performing, Katrina loves to teach children of all ages. She loves bringing her positive and bubbly energy to her students as well as the ability to really push them to become their best. She is so excited to be able to share her love of dance with the City Dance Corps Youth Program!

Krystalia Hatzinakos

Jazz/Contemporary Combo, Ballet

Krystalia began dancing at the London School of Dance at the age of three, engaging in dance examinations and competitions over the span of thirteen years. Krystalia completed Royal Academy of Dance ballet exams up until the Advanced 2 level. She also completed jazz, tap, and acro exams with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing, earning the associate teaching exam certificates for tap and jazz styles. Alongside her technical training, Krystalia attended Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts where she expanded her performance experience in contemporary and musical theatre. Currently, Krystalia is completing an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto, adding knowledge of mobility, strength, and conditioning exercise to her repertoire. While completing her degree, Krystalia has had opportunities to work and volunteer in a variety of rehabilitative healthcare settings, assisting physiotherapists and occupational therapists in providing care to clients and families. Here, she has facilitated adapted movement-based programming for populations with diverse abilities, learning effective ways to foster inclusive spaces for people of varying ages and skill levels. Krystalia prioritizes the fun and enjoyment of her students while valuing inclusivity by taking an individualized approach to teaching. She strives to empower, motivate, and support students as they work towards achieving their personal goals.

Sadie Cahill

YPC Director

Seanna Bailey

Youth Performance Company

Seanna Bailey is a powerful artist who constructs with a unique perspective. She feeds solely on the connection of the mind & body when dancing. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Seanna is taking all the knowledge and passion from her past, onto a new path as an emerging artist in Toronto. Currently, she is a member of faculty at City Dance Corps, sharing her vision through the Contemporary Fusion movement. She is currently choreographing, dancing & artistically directing new works in Toronto, while pushing the barriers of the dance world with her intricate style and vision.

Sanjana Tekaram

Hip Hop

Sanjana Tekaram is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher who strives to impact the dance community positively. Her training in hip-hop, commercial, dancehall, ballet, jazz, funk styles, and contemporary contribute to her versatility. Her creativity and artistry transcend as she continues to innovate through the process of creating new works. She is hardworking, dependable, reliable, and eager to explore new avenues.

Born in Toronto she grew up with a passion for the arts which later transferred to dance. Beginning self-taught in her teenage years, Sanjana began training in street dance styles such as hip-hop, dancehall, and popping. She then attended Centennial College’s Dance Performance Program where she trained in various styles such as contemporary, ballet, commercial, acrobatics, jazz, and cultural styles.

With a passion for teaching, Sanjana strives to create a positive learning environment where students of diverse backgrounds can be positively challenged. Her knowledge of dance and the industry brings relevant information to the classroom and helps develop dancers in ways that create longevity as a mover.

Tina Nico

Studio Director

Tina Nico is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of City Dance Corps, one of Toronto, Canada’s leading dance schools. As a choreographer, Tina has worked on productions like North America’s Dirty Dancing, Instant Beauty Pageant on E!, HGTV’s Home Heist, CBC’s Fashion File, a number of music videos and short films, and also choreographed Nelly Furtado’s Mi Plan World Tour.

Specializing in Jazz, Pop, and Latin Dance, Tina has been featured in several TV shows and publications like MuchMusic, CBC’s Living in Toronto, Elle Magazine, Dolce Magazine, Sun TV, Omni 1’s Here and Now, and her work with the City Dance Corps has been featured on Splice TV’s Three Takes, City TV’s Breakfast Television, Real Life on CTS, and the National Post.

As a performer and instructor, Tina has taught all over the world. From Bermuda to Shanghai, she toured internationally with her Salsa company, and once led one of the largest group Salsa dances with 2,500 people in an attempt to break three Guinness World Records. Her latest work can be seen across Canada as she choreographed the national ad campaign for CBC Gem. As a mom, dancer, and entrepreneur, Tina understands the needs and concerns of parents and children, while also fostering a supportive, creative, holistic and fun dance program where each kid shines!

Victoria De Rose

Ballet, Dance Athletics, Jazz Combo, Tap, Tiny Tappers, Tiny Tumblers

Victoria began dancing at the age of three, at the Ontario School of Ballet and Related Arts. She studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro, Pointe, Hip Hop and Lyrical, while also dabbling in art forms such as Contemporary, Street Jazz and Musical Theatre. At age 6, she started competing for the Trillium Dance Company, and continued to do so for over ten years. Victoria grew up studying the foundations of the Royal Academy of Dance, as well as the ADAPT Jazz and Tap Syllabus. Victoria is now studying at the Toronto Metropolitan University where she is enrolled in the Early Childhood Studies Program. Victoria is beyond thrilled to be sharing her passion and knowledge of dance with young aspiring dancers, while also ensuring a safe space for children to have fun and express themselves.

OAKVILLE FACULTY

Anne Lam

Jazz/Contemporary Combo

Anne is a dancer, choreographer and instructor. She is originally born and raised in Vietnam and has developed her fusion style of dance through 17 years of dance training, Anne has been trained in Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Tap. After graduating from the International School of Ho Chi Minh City, Anne continued to build her experiences through joining a Contemporary Dance Group in Vietnam called UDG (Urban Dance Group) and had experiences of assisting, teaching and choreographing alongside John Huy Tran, Sabra Johnson and Alexa Sinclair. She then moved to Canada and joined Centennial College's Dance program as she furthered her knowledge within the dance community and graduated in 2023.

Anne strives to connect, share and deliver a sense of 'home' within the dance community as well as promotes being open minded and bringing out authenticity within her students. Anne now joins in with City Dance Corps, as she gets to share this universal language of dance, and to provide a safe and growing dance atmosphere!

Daria Lomangino

Ballet

Daria has trained in Classical Ballet since age three with a focus on the Royal Academy of
Dance (RAD) and American Ballet Theatre (ABT) syllabi. She completed all of the RAD
vocational exams and in May 2023 she performed as one of the six candidates for the 2023
spring Solo Seal Examination in Canada. In June 2023 she performed soloist and
Corps de Ballet roles in the annual Nutcracker and Spring Showcase performances in Oakville. She is alsoproficient in Contemporary and Modern dance, trained up to the Advanced One level in ImperialSociety of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) Modern Theatre, and has danced in Contemporary dancecollectives throughout Southern Ontario. She has trained with established Contemporary danceschools for intensives and workshops such as Pro Arte Danza and Dance Art Institute (formerly School of TDT). Daria has experience choreographing and performing with the McMaster
University Dance Team as she concurrently studies English at McMaster. She is a dedicated and
passionate teacher whose emphasis for her students is developing artistry alongside technique.
Daria strives to create a welcoming environment for her students to learn and mature into
capable, thoughtful and engaged dancers

Emma Andrews

Jazz/Contemporary Combo, Tap

Born and raised in Burlington, Ontario, Emma began dancing at the young age of three and immediately found a passion for it. Early in her teenage years, she discovered her true love for tap and lyrical and focused the majority of her time in those areas. Her hard work has been recognized with various awards throughout her dance career.

Over the past 18 years, Emma has competed nationally throughout Canada and the United States, completed exams in both RAD and Vaganova ballet, and participated in the On The Floor Gala for Sick Kids. More recently, she’s been discovering and exploring her true love for education and choreography.

Emma recently graduated from Brock University with her Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Child and Youth Studies. During her time at Brock, she was a dedicated member of the Edge Dance Team (formerly the Brock Dance competitive team) for which she choreographed and competed at Canada-wide university competitions. This team and the university dance world were her biggest inspirations to start her newest endeavor, NEXT GEN Dance Intensive, a brand-new, two-day summer workshop connecting young dancers with up-and-coming teachers and choreographers.

Emma believes deeply in the power of young people and is dedicated to nurturing a love of dance in her students. Her mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of dancers, helping them to achieve their fullest potential both on and off the dance floor.

Emilia Ostrowski

Parent and Tot, Tiny classes

I started dancing at age 2, eventually joining a competitive program at 7, where dance became a central part of my life. Over the years, I've trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, and more, while also gaining experience as a teaching assistant. I speak Polish, English, and French, and I'm studying French Studies and Concurrent Education at York University. My high school experience choreographing for my dance team taught me the importance of teamwork and community. That’s what I want to bring to my students—a sense of community, where everyone feels valued and supported. Dance has always been a part of me—it’s my passion, my safe space, and the way I express who I am. My goal as a teacher is to share that love of dance with my students, to help them find their own voices through movement, and to create a space where they can feel free, confident, and loved.

Rachel Romanoski

Jazz/Contemporary Combo, Tiny Dance Classes

Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, Rachel Romanoski is a multifaceted Canadian artist proficient in acting, singing, dancing, choreography, and modeling. With a B.A in Performance Arts, she has showcased her talents across Ontario cities such as Hamilton, Toronto, Niagara, and Mississauga, as well as a guest artist for the 2nd Edition of the Montreal Heels Festival. Trained since age five, Rachel's expertise spans dance forms like Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballet, Musical Theatre and more. Not only has she led Performing Art Seminars and global workshops, but she's also competed internationally, notably at World Of Dance. She's worked and trained with artists like Reet Roy, John Comix, Kaela Faloon, and Lauren Lyn, including international stars Nessa Preppy and Cocanina. Rachel passionately nurtures her students to foster confidence and self-expression. Dedicated to inspiring others, she eagerly shares her knowledge and zeal with those on similar artistic journeys.

"Overall, I believe in Community. Dance is a community. We learn from each other, grow from each other, motivate one another, and excel as a team".

"Dance is art. Art is Creativity. Creativity is expression. Expression is individuality. Individuality is freedom. Freedom is the soul, and I treasure every student that walks into my class, as I get to witness their spirit, determination, and passion for dance. There is nothing more rewarding".

Jaymie Bradford

Jazz/Contemporary, Tap, Dance Athletics

Jaymie Bradford is a graduate of The University of Western Ontario in Kinesiology and Sports Management. Continuing her passion for inspiring and educating students, Jaymie has also just completed the Bachelor of Education program at Brock University. She began dancing at a young age and trained competitively for a number of years in the styles of Acro, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Lyrical. Following experience working alongside award winning choreographers and instructors, she
began teaching and choreographing. She has been instructing across Ontario for the
last 7 years. Jaymie has been fortunate to have been given the opportunity to dance and perform for
different groups across Canada. Most notably she was a member of the London Lightning Dance Pak where she performed at events hosted by the National Basketball League of Canada.
Jaymie is excited to have the opportunity to work with the dancers at City Dance Corps this season.

Sierra Davis

Jazz/Contemporary Combo

Sierra Davis is a performer, teacher, and choreographer born in Brampton, ON. Her dance training began at Lorri's Dance Place where she excelled and competed in various styles such as hip hop, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, jazz funk, and ballet. She further honed her skills at The CLI Conservatory in Massachusetts, under the direction of Teddy Forance. During this time she studied under the guidance of leading choreographers in the dance industry from LA and NYC. Sierra's teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where dancers are encouraged to explore their individuality and develop their technical skills.

Tamara Bally

Hip Hop, Tiny Classes

Tamara Bally is a motivator and encourager at heart. She combines her experience and training with her heart for people. She has trained at York University's BFA Dance Program and graduated with honors. She has also trained at NYC's Broadway Dance Center as well as Toronto studios. She has taught dance for 11 years and loves every minute of it. She has a range of dance styles that she is versed in. She wants to train you to enjoy dance and build the discipline of the art as well. Tamara has performed in various shows, music videos and videos for multiple companies, including; Good Morning America - IconaPop, World of Dance, Cirque Wonderland, Holt Renfrew, Canadian Music Week, Montreal Red Cross and more. You can find her building up and encouraging her students in every class while making it fun and exciting at the same time.

Yohance Gutherie

Hip Hop and Street Dance Styles

Yohance Guthrie also known as "Yonce" is a dancer and choreographer from Mississauga, ON. Beginning his training in local studios like A New DAEI and Canadian Dance Company in his pre-teen years, Yohance continued to train and perform on the post-secondary team Vie Division to go on to perform in Toronto showcases, backup for Toronto artists like TOBi, Haviah Mighty to star on Disney's Sneakerella. Currently a member of Footnotes, Yohance continues to refine the street styles and hip hop he teaches, he strives to pass on the joy of finding yourself in hip-hop.