Faculty and Staff
Karen Davies Thomas
Director of PSB, Cecchetti Ballet Program, Intensive Ballet Program, Profile Dance Company
Karen is a graduate of the National Ballet School's teacher's training program and is accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Dance. After touring with dance companies in Europe & Japan, Karen returned to Canada to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree at York University, during which time she performed throughout Ontario with the York Dance Ensemble. She was formerly Associate Director of Interplay School of Dance, where she taught for many years. Karen built a strong Modern Dance program and formed a performing dance company at Interplay. Karen acquired ownership of Interplay in July 2006, and is now Interplay's Artistic Director and Principal. Recently, Karen has taught at the National Ballet School of Canada. She has two young daughters enrolled at PSB, who might just be following in her footsteps.
Jamie Beattie
RAD Ballet, Recreational
Jamie Beattie grew up in Cambridge where she danced with the Perpetual Motion Youth Company for two years and where she is currently working towards her ISTD Modern Theatre Associate Certificate. She then attended York University in their Fine Arts Department as Dance Major, working towards her BFA. Currently she attends Canada's National Ballet School in the Teacher Training Program. Jamie has a rich background in ballet, modern, jazz, national, character, tap, hip hop, creative and lyrical dance. Throughout her training, she has completed the RAD Grade Eight and Advanced One Ballet Certificates, ISTD Advanced Two Modern Theatre Award, ISTD Cecchetti Intermediate Ballet Certificate, ISTD Classical Ballet Intermediate Certificate, ISTD Gold Jazz Award and the ISTD Advanced One National Certificate. She continues to expand her knowledge at Canada's National Ballet School where she has recieved the ISTD National Associate and is currently working toward the RAD and Cecchetti Associate Teaching Certificates.
Chrissy Burrows
Intensive Cecchetti Ballet
Chrissy trained in the Cecchetti method of ballet under Karen Davies Thomas, Jean Geddis and Glenn Gilmour, and has been dancing in the Toronto area for over 20 years. In 2004, she successfully completed the highest level of accomplishment in the syllabus, the Enrico Cecchetti Diploma. In the summer of 2007, Chrissy obtained her Associate, the first Cecchetti teacher's qualification. She has danced with PSB's Profile Dance Company for many years, performing numerous lead roles, such as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, the Black Swan in Swan Lake, and a dancing role of Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty, to name a few. In addition to her accomplishments at PSB, Chrissy has spent time dancing with other companies across Canada and in Europe . She performed the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy as a guest lead for the Owen Sound Ballet, and has danced with Ballet Jorgen's youth company. She has also danced for PSB's own Jannine Saarinen in a piece featured at a showcase of local choreographers in Toronto, and has danced with Thierry LeFloch at the Academie de Mediterranean in Marseille France. Chrissy has danced in western Canada for the Vancouver Goh Ballet, the Edmonton School of Ballet, and most recently in Ballet British Columbia's apprentice program. While pursuing her dance interests, Chrissy earned a Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and works full-time as a systems analyst.
Kendal Charbonneau
Jazz, Tap, Acro, Dunbarton
Kendal has been dancing for over 15 years in ballet, tap, jazz, acro, musical theatre, and hip hop. Dancing with several dance schools in Durham and competing across the province, Kendal is an experienced performer. In 2006, Kendal earned her associates certificate for Ballet with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing. She later went on to pursue her BATD associate certificate for Stage Craft, a combination of jazz, tap, and performance. Kendal is a graduate of Dunbarton High School where she won several awards for Vocal Music as well as the Musical Theatre award for her graduating class. Kendal's numerous solos, duets and trios earned her many awards at competitions over the years, including overall top score award. In addition to dance, Kendal is a fully certified artistic gymnastics and trampoline instructor with the NCCP. Currently a student at the University of Toronto, Kendal is pursuing a life science degree in Human Biology while double majoring in French.
Allison Gibbons
Junior Ballet, Modern, Jazz
Allison began dancing at the age of four and started training with PSB Dance Academy when she was nine. She has trained in Cecchetti Ballet under the direction of Karen Davies Thomas, Glenn Gilmour and Stephanie Landry and attained her Advanced 2 Cecchetti Certificate. She has also trained extensively in modern, lyrical and jazz dance at PSB with the Profile Dance Company. Allison has trained with Owen Montague and Gizella Witowsky at the Quinte Ballet School and in 2008, trained at L'Academie Meditterannean de Danse in Marseille, France, under instruction by Thierry Le Floch and Mitou Manderon, former principal dancers of the Roland Petit Company de Marseilles. Allison also had the opportunity to work with contemporary ballet company, Ballet D'Europe, under the direction of Jean Charles-Gil. Since returning to Canada, she has continued to pursue her dance interests with the Toronto dance community, performing with Cadence Ballet Company and working with various other artists. She is also a current student at the University of Toronto working towards a degree in International Relations. Allison began teaching at PSB in 2009, and has also taught at Kinetics Baton and Dance Studio. She hopes to continue to inspire children with a love for dance and music.
Nicole Marrello
Intensive Ballet
A.I.S.T.D, Dip. NBS-TTPP, BFA, MA Starting at a young age Nicole trained in both dance and gymnastics, until she was 12, when she joined the professional division of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. She completed her teachers training at the National Ballet School, where she studied Cecchetti, RAD, and national dance. Nicole holds her Associate Diploma in Cecchetti Ballet. Nicole continued her studies at York University and completed both a BFA and MA in dance, and is currently working towards the completion of a PhD in Dance Studies. Nicole enjoys working with young children and hopes to pass on her passion for dance to the next generation of dancers.
Christina Neves Tughan
Advanced and Intensive Jazz, Dunbarton
Christina started dancing at the age of 4. She joined PSB Dance Academy's jazz and ballet programs at the age of 8, and later was accepted into the Profile Dance Company. While studying various dance forms as a member of Profile, Christina won many awards, both as a solo dancer and in group performances, including Best Senior stage performer (IDC), High Entertainment Award (Much Too Crowded). She also demonstrated her exceptional talent as a choreographer when she won the first two choreographic workshops. She was then invited to set pieces on the Company as a guest choreographer. Christina's pieces won several awards, such as Overall Senior Group at the Muskoka Ballet Gala (Beautiful, Going Under, Empty Chairs, Hagamos, and Forgive Forget). Christina has also won best senior choreography/High score awards at Sur La Pointe/Dance Connection (Empty Chairs, Hagamos, Forgive Forget, Blurry and A Day without Rain). Christina's choreography also includes Paint it Black, Feelin Good, Hype, Everytime, O Fortuna and All that Jazz. Although she left the Profile Dance Company as a performer in 2005, she is now a Jazz instructor for both the recreational and intensive jazz programs at PSB. She continues to choreograph pieces in various dance forms (Jazz, Lyrical, Modern, Contemporary) for the Profile Dance Company. Aside from her work with PSB, Christina has taught for the ACE after school program in Scarborough, and at the Kinetics School of Baton and Dance. Christina is a University of Toronto and Centennial College graduate and is currently working in the pharmaceutical field. Christina looks forward to working with PSB for many years to come.
John Ottmann
Intensive Ballet, Dunbarton
John Ottmann started his career in 1983 at The National Ballet of Canada after training at The National Ballet School and L'Ecole Superieure de Danse du Quebec. Over the course of his 22 year performing career, John gained a reputation as a highly versatile and powerful dance artist on the international scene. He has performed for companies, including the National Ballet of Canada, Ballet British Columbia, Alberta Ballet, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Mascall Dance, Danstabat, Quorum, Fortier Danse Creations, and Holy Body Tattoo. He has spent years developing a progressive approach to teaching which achieves both technical excellence and artistry while based in sound anatomical principles. John has deepened his knowledge through training in structural alignment, the Pilates method, Gyrotonics, as well as courses in the Franklin method, learning theory, anatomy, physiology and Kinesiotherapy. John has taught and/or held position of rehearsal director for professional companies, such as Cirque du Soleil ("ZAIA"), The National Ballet of Canada, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, BJM Danse (Ballet Jazz de Montreal), La La La Human Steps, Company Marie Chouinard, O Vertigo Danse, Cas Public, Alberta Ballet, Toronto Dance Theater, Ballet British Columbia and the Dutch National Ballet. As a master teacher, John has taught for the following schools, institutions and workshops: Transformation Danse-Festival Transatlantic, Ballet Divertimento, Ballet BC Mentor Program, CADA, Dance Teq Toronto, Arts Umbrella, The Vancouver Ballet Society, Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts, Richmond Academy of Dance, Main Dance Bridging Program, Breaking Ground, Harbour Dance Centre, Simon Fraser University, Marin Ballet, LADMMI (Les Atellier de Danse Moderne de Montreal Inc.), and the O Vertigo Summer Intensive.
Jessica Polzella
Junior Ballet
Jessica Polzella is originally from Kansas, USA. She completed her undergraduate degree at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. Jessica has been studying ballet for over 19 years and is currently a student at the National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program. Previously she taught in several schools in Kansas and is very excited to be a member of the PSB team. She has performed in numerous Actors Equity Association musical theatre productions as well as choreographing several professional and high school productions. She danced in many college productions at WSU including Swanhilda in Excerpts from Copellia. Jessica is looking forward to being accredited in both RAD and Cecchetti upon graduation from NBS.
Erin Poole
Junior, Advanced and Intensive Jazz
Erin has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She began training at PSB at the age of 8 and was accepted into the Profile Dance Company at the age of 9. She has been trained in Cecchetti Ballet by Karen Davies Thomas and Glenn Gilmour and has attained her Advanced 2 Cecchetti. She is trained in jazz and lyrical technique by Christina Neves. Erin graduated with Honours from Cardinal Carter Academy of the Arts and was awarded the Dance Award in Grade 10. During her years at Cardinal Carter, Erin was trained in Graham and Limon Modern by Julia Lava and Marlene Engenheiro. She also danced the lead role in an original narrative, modern dance film, "The Marriage" choreographed by Julia Lava. In Grade 12, she choreographed a Fosse Jazz piece for Cardinal Carter's annual "In the Making" performance. Erin has also attended the National Ballet School of Canada's Summer Program. In 2006, Erin was a finalist at the CNE's "Rising Star" competition with the jazz trio "Feeling Good," choreographed by Christina Neves, and a semi-finalist in 2008 with the solo "Are You," also choreographed by Christina Neves. In 2006, Erin was awarded 'Best Technique" and 'High Senior Soloist' at the Muskoka Ballet Gala. She has performed various lead roles in PSB's performances, including Giselle, 'Aurora' and 'Lilac Fairy' in Sleeping Beauty, 'Swanhilda' in Coppelia, and the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux with National Ballet of Canada company member, James Leja. This past year, Erin trained in Marseilles, France at Academie Mediterraneenne under the instruction of Thierry LeFloch and Mitou Manderon, former principal dancers of the Roland Petit Company de Marseilles. She has competed in the "International Concour de Grasses" and the "International Concour d'Aix en Provence" in which she placed 2nd for her Gamzatti variation and 2nd for a contemporary solo which she choreographed on herself. While in Marseilles, Erin also trained with the contemporary ballet company Ballet D'Europe, under the direction of Jean-Charles Gil. Erin intends to pursue a career in professional dance and is currently pursuing dance job opportunites in Canada. Erin is beginning her second year of teaching at PSB. She has also taught at Interplay School of Dance and Bishop Strachan School.
Faye Rauw
Intensive Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Dunbarton
Faye Rauw hails from Humboldt, Saskatchewan. She has traveled extensively around the world dancing professionally, teaching workshops, performing and choreographing for various dance companies, as well as performing for Royal Caribbean Cruise lines. She is one of Canada's high demand dance judges, teachers and choreographers, traveling as far as Australia to judge their National Dance Championships.Faye has had the pleasure of working with the likes of Marlon Wayans, Charo, Ben Vereen, as well as Rob Marshall and Catherine Zeta-Jones in the Oscar & Golden Globe winning movie, "CHICAGO". She has also been captured as one of the video dancers in U2's "Vertigo" tour and the CBC/BRAVO dance movie, "Roxanna" with Greta Hodgkinson from the National Ballet of Canada and Rex Harrington. Most recent, Faye can be seen in the new movie release of "Hairspray" with John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifa. Faye's acting credits have been seen on the TV series "MONK", Walt Disney's "The Sixth Man", along with various commercials and Canadian feature films. Faye has been recognized on the entertainment TV show, ET Canada, for her accomplishments in the industry. Faye has choreographed for the NBA, AHL, CFL, Steve Nash Charity Classic, KRG Children's Charity Gala, KING DAVID The Musical, the stage tour for CANADIAN THUNDER, the Canadian product launch for Brittney Spears fragrance, CURIOUS, CHIN Picnic and has choreographed for recording artist Kristine W. Faye's choreography has been seen on Western University Dance Team, Pride Toronto, ALI Entertainment and OIP Dance Company. Most recently, Faye choreographed the musical "Billy Bishop Goes to War" for the Souris Valley Theater Festival. Faye has been recognized as an ambassador for Lululemon athletic wear. She teaches and choreographs at the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and recently, Faye started her own dance and choreographic workshop series titled Fayez1 Productions. Her passion to create and perform makes Faye a true inspiration to work with.
Jannine Saarinen
Musical Theatre, Recreational and Intensive Modern, Adult, Junior Ballet
Jannine Saarinen began dancing at the age of six. She trained at schools such as The School of Classical and Contemporary Dance, Interplay, Canadian Children's Dance Theatre, and PSB Dance Academy. She has studied classical ballet (both Cecchetti and RAD), modern, and jazz, training with Marielle Carruthers, Glenn Gilmore, Jean Geddis, Arwyn Carpenter, and Karen Davies-Thomas. She went on to graduate with honors from the George Brown College Dance Performance Studies Program and she received the Certificate of Professional Development from Ballet Jorgen Canada. While at George Brown she worked with many excellent teachers and choreographers such as Che Chun, Bengt Jorgen, Michelle DeBrouwer, Kathleen Rea and Sylvie Bouchard. She began teaching in 2003 and currently teaches at PSB Dance Academy, Interplay and the Swansea School of Dance. She has also been a guest teacher at City Dance Corps and Martha Hicks. Professionally, Jannine has worked with several excellent choreographers, including Donna Greenburg, Marlee Cargill, and Viv Moore. She has performed in fFIDA, Dance Ontario Weekend, Artist' Play, Nuit Blanche and at many other venues. In 2006, Jannine created Jay9 Dance Projects to choreograph and produce character-based dance that is versatile and expressive. Her work incorporates modern dance with elements of theatre and also draws on her experience in other dance forms. She collaborates with different artists on a piece by piece basis and these talented performers perform her work in shows such as Artists'Play, In a White Room, Danceries, Talent Defined, Junction Arts Festival, Dance in Dundas Square, and the bi-monthly cabaret series Eros, Thanatos, and the Avant-garde.In the last two years Jay9 Dance Projects has produced two successful themed cabarets. Currently, Jannine is working on projects for SummerWorks Theatre Festival and Nuit Blanche '09.
Adam Sergison
Guest Teacher
A professional dancer, actor/singer, Adam has worked with some of the industry’s most admired companies including Disney and Mirvish Productions. He danced the role of Tadzio in the Canadian Opera Company's critically acclaimed production of "Death in Venice". He appears in the ensemble dance cast of the movies “Camp Rock” and “Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars”. On stage, he was a member of the Toronto cast of “We Will Rock You” (Mirvish), “Peter Pan” (Neptune), "West Side Story" (Neptune) and recently performed as Mr. Mistoffelees in "Cats" (Rainbow Stage). Adam performed with Toronto’s Premier Jazz/Contemporary Professional Dance Company: The Helix Dance Project in their full length dance production entitled “Rain-Life in Full Bloom” and with Fayez1 Productions in "Grief: Another Common Bond". A personal highlight was the opportunity to assist Mia Michaels during the first season of “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”. He has worked with industrial shows such as The LiveRight Gala for the Canadian Liver Foundation, Puma Fashion Show, Rogers Cup and he has appeared in several national commercials.As a choreographer and teacher, Adam has conducted workshops for The Travelling Stage at Durham elementary schools as well as many dance studios throughout the Greater Toronto Area. He recently co-choreographed and danced a piece for the Toronto's Original Choreographer's Ball. His training includes ballet (Vaganova), jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap and partnering. His thirteen successful years as a competitive dancer have given Adam valuable perspective and he loves to share his knowledge by giving back to the dance community.
Lucie Ward
Profile Dance Company and Intensive rehearsals
At age 4, Lucie immigrated to Canada from Malta. Lucie was a competitive gymnast until her passion turned to dance. Her formal dance training started in New Brunswick with The Rothesday Ballet School at age 12. By age 17 she had completed all the RAD grades and majors up to Advanced. After dancing in several professional summer programs, including The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and performing in numerous musical theatre productions, she finished high school and came to Toronto. In 1992 she graduated from the Teacher Training program at Canada's National Ballet School, where she completed all the Cecchetti ballet exams up to Advanced. Miss Ward was awarded distinction in both ballet and National Associate teachers' exams. During this time she trained vocally at The Royal Conservatory of Music. Further dance education included: The Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, The Russian Ballet Institute (Vaganova Method), Ballet Jorgen, Metro Movement, The Joy of Dance, Canada's National Ballet School and University of Waterloo. Lucie has been teaching ballet in the greater Toronto area: for over 16yrs at Interplay, Randolph School for the performing Arts, Bishop Strachan, Branksome Hall, Toronto Lawn and Tennis Club, Oriole Nursery School, PSB dance Academy and Canadian Dance Company. Lucie has performed, choreographed and guest taught in numerous Musical Theatre productions and studios across Atlantic Canada and Ontario. She has been featured on CBC radio, acted in commercials, and adjudicated competitions. In February 2005, Miss Ward was pleased to accept a position as guest National teacher at NBS through the Cecchetti Society of Canada and accepted a substitute teaching position for Teresa Randall (Junior Associates level 4 & 5) at NBS in the fall of 2005 and spring 2006. Lucie's teaching career has done a full circle since her first job with Karen Davies Thomas at PSB Dance Academy in 1991 and is thrilled to work with Karen and the Interplay team once again.
Rachel Zinck
Rachel began dancing when she was 5 years old in her hometown of Cambridge, Ontario. Over the years Rachel's accomplishments included: recipient of awards in ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical from national and international competitions; completing Vocational examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance; performing at Disney World; and the recipient of a scholarship to train in New York City at a summer dance intensive with Jackie Patterson. She graduated from George Brown Dance with a diploma in Performance Studies and was able to work with teachers and choreographers such as Bengt Jorgen, Che Chun and his wife, former principal ballerina Chan Hon Goh. After college Rachel performed as a lead dancer for Carnival Cruise lines. After returning to Toronto, she worked as an independent performer and trained at the Toronto Academy of Acting for Film and Television, which led to work in film and television. In June 2011 Rachel graduated from the three year Teacher Training Program at Canada’s National Ballet School. While at NBS, she was given several wonderful opportunities, such as teaching ballet for an outreach program with the Boys and Girls Club of Scarborough; was hired as a full-time ballet assistant for their 2010 Summer School and day counsellor the following summer; selected to teach for special events at NBS; and during her final year was hired to teach in the Associate Program. Rachel graduated from the TTP successfully completing her RAD Registered Teacher's Status exams, Cecchetti Associate teaching exam, ISTD National Associate teaching exam and the Vocational dance exams within each syllabi. Currently Rachel is teaching throughout Toronto, applying all of the valuable knowledge, skills and experience she gained not only while studying at NBS, but also in prior years training and working professionally to her craft. She has continued to develop her choreographic skills setting pieces for competitions and more recently has been asked to be assistant choreographer for the Hart House Theatre's production of “The Great American Trailer Park Show.” Rachel is delighted to join the teaching staff at PSB.
Diane Fordham
