Blog

Describe your job in 3 words!
Organizer. Cheerleader. Welcomer.

What do you do at DDA?
I am the office manager. So I help families join our studio and help make them feel welcome. Help the teachers stay organized. Get us ready for competitions. 

What led you to work in this field?
Well, I’m not a teacher but my girls started dancing and Darlene needed a little help. I helped in the office and I loved the atmosphere and being part of something that excited my children and made them happy. It eventually led to full time and after 17yrs I am still here and it has been so awesome seeing kids grow up here and even some stayed on to work here including my own daughters.

When did you join DDA?
I think 2005.

Best thing of being part of the DDA team?
The great staff and families. Getting to know families and watch kids grow. 

What is a fun fact about you?
I have 4 kids and 2 of them are twins. Plus 2 grandkids. Tara said to put I’ve had 15 surgeries. Haha

Where do we find you when you are not working?
Spending time with my grandkids or resting my tired aching old body.

What are you excited about for the new dance season?
To see all the new awesome choreography and how well our students do. From the Itty bitties to the adults.

 

Describe your job in 3 words!
Fun, rewarding, creative

What do you do at DDA?
I teach Hip Hop,

What led you to work in this field?
I danced for 12 years (Hip hop being my favourite style),and I always enjoyed working with and being around kids. This will now mark my 12th year teaching dance.

Did you have a favorite style of dance growing up?
Hip Hop

When did you join DDA?
Originally 2012

Best thing of being part of the DDA team?
The people I get to work with and the environment we get to create for the kids.

What is a fun fact about you?
I’m shorter than 5 feet!

Where do we find you when you are not working?
At the gym, hanging with friends or cooking.

Your advice to young dancers?
Dance from the soul – Follow your heart and do what you love!

 

 

Describe your job in 3 words!
Creativity, Team, Fun

What do you do at DDA?
I teach our competitive ballet and level 2 musical theatre classes

What led you to work in this field?
I danced throughout my childhood and teenage years, completing Cecchetti ballet exams and taking part in musical theatre and jazz programming. I started working as a student teacher at DDA when I was 17 and then taught recreationally as I went through school to get a degree in Music. Teaching became something I wanted to pursue full time and I went on to train with some different training programs including The Classical Ballet Progressions of Canada graded syllabus and Lisa Howell’s teacher training and Pointe systems. I love teaching at DDA and it has been so rewarding to lead our programming for our Ballet Rec. and Comp. teams since 2016.

Did you have a favorite style of dance growing up?
Even though I teach ballet now, growing up I always looked forward to going to jazz class!

When did you join DDA?
2011

Best thing of being part of the DDA team?
Everyone feels like family here! I look forward to spending time with my students and fellow teachers every night I work. It truly feels like home.

What is a fun fact about you?
I have been involved in planning over 30 weddings and been a bridesmaid 8 times.

Where do we find you when you are not working?
With my family & friends spending time outdoors, or singing along to a Broadway soundtrack at home.

Your advice to young dancers?
You can’t microwave technique! If you don’t get something on the first try, don’t give up. Proper technique develops over time so take your tech classes seriously and welcome corrections from your teachers, we are here to help you succeed. The end result is so rewarding!