Faculty
Lexy Cox
Lexy has a BFA in Theatre Performance - Dance from Ryerson University. She is also a certified acrobatics instructor with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. Lexy has performed in several dance productions including HSM 2 live on stage in Toronto. Her choreographic work Taiko was chosen by director Thierry Loa for a CBC documentary. Lexy is known for her innovative and expressive award winning choreography. She has a strong passion for teaching and works with ease to engage and influence her students. Lexy is currently teaching at FCDA, choreographing for workshops/competitions in Vancouver and performing with LR Productions in Toronto.
Niky Johnson
After performing with Cirque Sublime for several years, Niky has been heavily involved in Toronto’s dance scene. Niky’s performance highlights include dancing along side Ginuwine, Jessica Alba, and Li’l Romeo in the Universal Pictures movie Honey as well as with John Travolta in the film Hairspray. On TV, Niky can be seen on episodes of Degrassi: The Next Generation, The Amazing Race, Much Music’s Missy Elliott Fandamonium, music video “Man-O-Kabootar,” as well as commercials for X-Box, LCBO, Rollan’s TV Dinners and the CMHA. Niky has had the pleasure of training with some of the world’s top choreographers (Shane Sparks, Brian Friedman, Blake McGrath, Kevin Maher, Rhapsody) in Toronto, N.Y., L.A. and Australia. As a result of her diverse dance background, Niky’s own choreography is recognized for its unique style that is fluid, dynamic, expression-filled, and one that demonstrates a raw passion for the art of urban dance.
Hillary McCarrel
For Hillary, dance is a way of life and outlet of self expression. Hillary began her training in Calgary, Alberta at Premiere Dance Academy where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre and hip hop. It is here that she earned several awards including the Vanessa Williams scholarship for Best Overall Dancer. She actively studied with Sean Cheesman who can now be seen on So You Think You Can Dance Canada and USA. In her professional career, Hillary was a children's entertainer at the amusement park, Calaway Park in Calgary. Upon moving to Toronto, she played an active role in the Toronto dance scene. She performed with Bella Divas, a female hip hop group in 2009 and is a commercial Jazz performer and company member with LR Productions. Hillary has a bachelor's degree in Radio and Television arts from Ryerson University and was assistant captain to the Ryerson Rhythm Dance Pak. Hillar has recently performed in Making Waves Festival at Dundas Square, STOMP Urban Dance, Talent Defined, The Baazar, Pegasus Dance and Women in Dance. Hillary is a certified dance teacher and is excited to join the teaching faculty at Front and Centre Dance Academy!
Ryan Scheel
Ryan Scheel is a Graduate of the Sheridan Institute- Musical Theatre Performance Program. He has extensive training in singing, dance and acting and lives for the stage. He has performed in numerous productions such as Hello Dolly, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oliver, Brigadoon, Seasons of the Heart, Anne of Green Gables, The Music Man, No No Nannette, High School Musical 2, Groovin’ thru the 60’s and HAIRSPRAY . He has previously performed on Norwegian and Celebrity Cruise Lines touring throughout the world. Ryan has also been seen performing on the SLICE channel for PARTY MAMA’S and in Shawn Desmans music video “Electric/Night Like This”. He currently performs with MANDELL ENTERTAINMENT and LR PRODUCTIONS. His dance credentials consist of Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre along with many other forms. He has taught and choreographed for numerous studios and competitions throughout Ontario and is a certified member of the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators. Ryan instils strong positive training in each student's life, in and out of the studio. He always encourages each student to STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE!!
Sarah Williamson
Sarah originally from Sudbury Ontario is an honors graduate from Ryerson University's dance program. Recipient of several academic awards she excelled under the direction of Nadia Potts and continued her dance training in ballet, modern and jazz. Prior to University, she received professional training from The National Ballet School as well as The Quinte Ballet School. She is currently dancing for Cadence-Progressive Contemporary Ballet as well as Lady Luck Productions. She is a versatile performer having worked for Royal Caribbean and other diverse theatre companies. She enjoys spending her summers travelling and choreographing for Lock and Keynote's musical productions for youth. Sarah continues to work as passionate teacher, choreographer and dance educator in the city and is thrilled to be sharing her love for dance with FCDA students.
Terra-Lynn Snape
Recently graduated from the Dance program at Ryerson University, Terra Snape will be starting her third year with Jodie at Front and Centre Dance Academy in September. She is currently working on Fever II – A Cabaret with Sophie Luxton Productions, a jazz/burlesque show opening in June at Second City. Terra is also on staff at the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, and will be running the Jazz program for the summer intensive with Sam Snyders in July. Not only does she teach and perform, but competes in International Latin and Standard. Terra hopes to expand her knowledge of ballroom, grow as a teacher and choreographer, and continue her collaboration with two fellow artists who share her goal of creating a full-length work.
Molly Keczan
Molly Keczan began her exploration of movement as a rhythmic gymnast, which led her to travel throughout North America and to such far out places as the Czech Republic and Belgium. At the age of 16, Molly followed her love for dance, and began training Russian Ballet at the Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts. She now has a BFA in hand as a graduate of Ryerson University’s Dance program, where she studied with highly noted staff and choreographers. Now Molly can be seen climbing things all over Toronto where she resides. She performs for various circus companies around the GTA and is a core member of Hercinia Arts Collective. Mollys' teaching credits go back as far as her roots, as she started teaching in her hometown of Beamsville, Ontario. Molly teaches various styles, including jazz, lyrical, contemporary, ballet and acro. Her chorography has won numerous awards at dance competitions throughout Canada. Thrilled to return for her 7th year at Front and Centre Dance Academy, Molly would like to thank Jodie and Seb for creating such a great space for dancers to have fun!
Kristian Dalisay
Kristian has most recently completed a Math degree at Queen’s University, with hopes of becoming a highschool math teacher. His interest in hip-hop dance began in high school, with his initial exposure being solely from music videos and Youtube. Aside from doing a couple of talent shows, Kristian’s dance history lies no further than his time at University. During his first year at Queen’s, he was introduced to FLOW Dance Club by Katie Lee. After performing with the club in his first year, he was then asked to be an instructor in 2nd year and then Co-President in 3rd year. It was at this point that Kristian recognized his love for dance, as he began to experiment with the elements of both choreography and freestyle. Although Kristian does not have a long history of formal training, he has had many opportunities to train with incredible artists in the industry. In May of 2010, Kristian was fortunate enough to start dancing with the company Artists In Motion (AIM), training under the likes of Shameka Blake, Esie Mensah, and Hollywood Jade. Since training with AIM, he has been able to perform at many large events such as ‘Bazaar’, ‘Breaks, Beats & Culture’ at Harbourfront, ‘Project Dance’ for Pride weekend, and ‘World Partnership Walk”. In addition, Kristian has been chosen to dance back up for Artists such as Kirk Franklin, Danny Fernandes, Nicole Arbour, Alyssa Reid, and Anjulie. Kristian’s main strength lies within his freestyle; however he hopes to continue to grow in all aspects of dance. Through his continued training, Kristian hopes to gain experience in as many dance styles as possible, allowing for a more thorough understanding of not only dance as an art, but himself, as an artist.
Allison Bradley
Emily Getz
Rayna Schwartz
Rayna is a graduate of the York University and Sheridan Joint Program in Fine Arts Design. She is an Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) and currently teaches Junior Kindergarten. Rayna has been dancing her whole life and danced as student at FCDA in their first year open!