KICKS Dance Studio Faculty
Jo-Ann Ko | Courtney Niven | Lisa Morris-Hupe | Mitchell Jackson |Nancy Finn | Christine Kim | Rachel Parish | Courtney Burnatowski
Christina Digiuseppe | Maria Nahri | Bianca Jones | Jocelyn Schmidt | Carla Deruelle | Bernadette Matthew
JO-ANN KO M.B.A.T.D.
Studio Director
Jo-Ann has been sharing her love of dance with students of all levels and ages for many years. She has owned and operated KICKS DANCE STUDIO for the past 20 years and is a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing. Jo-Ann has trained many students who are now enjoying professional careers in dance. She has also seen her students go on to perform major roles in Broadway Musicals. Jo-Ann has trained national and international level champions and has been awarded by the examiners of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing for providing "high quality dance training" to her students. Jo-Ann trains at New York City's Broadway Dance Centre with some of today's greatest tap teachers. She recently studied with famous tap dancers, Savion Glover, Mike Minery, Germaine Salsberg, Chuck Kelley, and Barbara Duffy in July 2003. Jo-Ann has been invited to adjudicate prestigious competitions and guest teach master tap classes for several well known dance associations in Canada. Jo-Ann opened KICKS DANCE STUDIO in 1984 to satisfy her life long dream of teaching dance lessons to children. KICKS is now a very successful business and is very well respected by other professionals in the dance industry. Jo-Ann teaches recreational and competitive tap classes at KICKS and runs the studio with her daughter Courtney.
Courtney is a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and is also the Dance Director of Kicks Dance Studio. Courtney is an accomplished choreographer, performer, and instructor. Since 2000, Courtney has been the Director and Choreographer of the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, Junior Dance Pak and Mini Dance Pak with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. Courtney can be seen on the reality TV show “Making the Pak” and “Dance Pak Flex” on Raptors TV and “The Business of Sports” on TSN. Choreography credits include: NBA Europe Live Tour Italy and Spain, NBA Jam Van Tour Dalian, China, Much Music Video Awards, La Senza Girl’s Fashion Bus Tour, Canadian National Hip Hop Team, Canadian National Tap Team (solo choreography), NHL Enterprises All Star FANtasy, as well as many other exciting works for Sony Music, Esquire, Nike, Reebok, Molson, Bell Canada, and Ford. Courtney is also the Host and Choreographer for the Toronto District School Boards’ Dance Instructional DVD for grades two through eight. In July 2007, Courtney’s Jazz Group won the Gold Medal at the World Jazz Championships held in New York City, along with other Gold and Silver medals for her Solo and Duet choreography. Courtney has performed extensively across North America, Europe and the U.S., and has appeared on television shows and videos for Much Music, OLN, TSN, CBC, Raptors TV, YTV and City TV. Courtney is also an adjudicator for several prestigious dance competitions and is often invited to guest teach master classes and workshops at dance studios across Canada. Courtney trains annually at New York City’s Broadway Dance Centre, and L.A.’s Millennium Dance Complex and The Edge. Recent training highlights include The Pulse NYC with Brian Friedman, Mia Michaels, Wade Robson, Cris Judd and Shane Sparks, The Tap Intensive Workshop with Savion Glover (NYC), Pro Dance (Las Vegas, Miami & LA) & the Broadway Dance Centers’ Teachers Intensive Workshop (NYC). Courtney’s students have earned numerous titles, overall awards, and scholarships at National and International dance competitions. Several students have gone on to perform in Broadway Musical Shows, as well as appearing on television and film. Courtney has been teaching dance classes at KICKS since 1993, and she continues to teach classes in Tap, Jazz, and Hip Hop.
Lisa is a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing. She has been involved with dancing for the past 25 years. She studied Ballet for nine years with the Rita Saward Dance Academy. In 1985, she continued her dance training at KICKS DANCE STUDIO where she studied Jazz and Tap. Lisa completed her professional B.A.T.D. teachers training course as well as other professional classes with Dennis Moore at his dance academy in Toronto. Lisa began her teaching career at KICKS when she was 15 years old. Throughout her career as a dance teacher she has taught recreational and competitive classes in Ballet, Acro, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Mini Dance. Her students have won numerous awards and she has also sent many students through their B.A.T.D exams, all with exceptional marks. A large number of Lisa's recreational students have gone on to become successful competitive students at KICKS Dance Studio! Lisa is also the co-owner of Great Lengths Hair Gallery, a successful hair salon in Markham. Lisa thoroughly enjoys teaching dance and loves working with children. Her main goal and focus as a dance teacher is to watch her students have fun while enjoying the art of dance. Her gift of teaching comes from the heart and she has such a gentle patience with young children. Lisa currently teaches Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and Mini Dance at KICKS! Lisa is proud to teach at KICKS and is looking forward to another great year!
Mitchell is a very highly accomplished dancer and teacher. Some of his credentials include the following: Dancer Breakfast Television Slumdog Millionaire, Dancer LG Fashion Week, Tempus Fugit Lead Dancer. His training includes attaining the Performing Arts Diploma 4 years Sudbury Secondary School of the Performing Arts, Student George Brown Dance Prep Program, Company Member Dance Kraze Productions, attends Dance Intensives such as Candance, Coastal Dance Rage, Triple Threat.
Mitch’s training includes jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, musical theatre, ballet and tap. Competitive dance awards won: Overall High Score Starpower Talent Competition Syracuse, NY; Overall Highest Score Dance Educators of America, New York; Summer in LA Scholorship won in 2007 Be Discovered; Regional Title Candance, American Dance Awards 2008, Regional Title Dance Educators of America 2008, National 1st Place Overall Dance Educators of America Las Vegas 2008 and Titanium Dance-Off Top Five Dance Educators of America, Las Vegas 2008! Welcome to KICKS Mitch!
Mrs. Nancy Finn received her dance training at the Oakville School of Dancing under R.A.D. Examiners, Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson, Mrs. Yvonne Oldaker and Ms. Anushka Roes. She became a registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance receiving her teachers certificate under the guidance of R.A.D. examiner Audrey Looker at Ryerson Polytechnic University where she also studied under Mrs. Nadia Potts. Here she gained her Elementary National I.S.T.D. and her Intermediate Modern I.S.T.D. Mrs. Finn founded the Saliba School of Dance where she successfully entered students in the children major exams for 10 years. Mrs. Finn enjoys giving the gift of dance to her students and is dedicated to each individuals progress, improvement and understanding of proper ballet technique. Mrs. Finn is looking forward to another great year teaching Ballet classes at KICKS.
Christine was born in South Korea and started training in classical ballet at the age of 9. She was a very quick study and stood out to be a very talented student and dancer. After 2 years of training in the R.A.D. syllabus at the Universal Ballet School of Korea, Christine made the move to England and joined Elmhurst School of the Arts where she trained for 2 years. Christine now lives in Canada and trained at the prestigious Quinte Ballet School of Canada, training in Cecchetti for 5 years. Christine completed the Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced I exams with exceptionally high marks! Christine also performed in the Quinte Ballet School of Canada shows including: Giselle, Paquita, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker. Christine has performed in a contemporary ballet choreographed by Owen Montague. She has also studied and trained with John Ottmann, Kate McCabe and Gizella Witkowski. Christine joined the Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance prior to attending the Quinte Ballet School where she competed for 2 years and won many awards for her exquisite technique! Christine is excited to be on staff at KICKS where she will share her knowledge of classical ballet techniques and train dancers to not only strengthen their technique but also their “love of dance!” Welcome Christine!
Bernadette is an independent artist and dance educator with numerous performing and choreographic credits. She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and swing dance! Bernadette holds membership with the Royal Academy of Dance, the Checcetti Society of Ballet, Affiliate Member of Australian Teachers of Dance and Associate with the Scottish Dance Alliance. She owned and operated "Freestyle Dance Centre" in Vancouver, B.C from 1999-2010 growing her school to 350+ students! Bernadette has choreographed for the Children’s Miracle Network, BC Summer Games, Gala Opening of the Clarke Foundation Theatre and countless productions in Canada and Australia! An avid swing dance performer, Bernadette has taught and performed at workshops, weddings and shows. She was also the guest lector at Dance Fellowship in Vancouver and Calgary conferences as well as Trinity Western University. Bernadette is known for her innovative choreography and highly technical dancers winning many awards including Teacher of the Year, 5678 Showtime Productions and Best Choreography as well as Dance Power Choreography Award! She holds her teaching certificate with the Royal Academy of Dance and enters students in graded and vocational ballet exams! We are pleased to have Bernadette prepare and enter KICKS students in grade exams with the R.A.D.! Welcome to KICKS!!
Rachel has been involved with dance since the age of three and is an accomplished performer, choreographer and instructor. She is trained in all forms of dance and has participated in many dance competitions across North America winning numerous awards and scholarships for her outstanding performances. Rachel has trained with some of the dance greats including Mia Michaels, Blake McGrath, Jackie Patterson, Benji Schwimmer, The Tap Dogs, Kenny Wormald and Jared Grimes.
Having completed a full three year teacher training program under the direction of Bryan and Faye Foley, she is a full member of the Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT). As a teacher and choreographer Rachel has helped her students to many great accomplishments including, top marks in their dance exams, becoming members of the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, Stratford Festival, and countless competitive overall awards and scholarships including pageant title winners and placements. At the present time, one of Rachel’s dance students can be seen performing on stage in Toronto in the Sound of Music.
Rachel teaches and choreographs for studios in the Greater Toronto Area and is also on staff with the Durham District School Board teaching dance to elementary school students to help them achieve a mark in the dance component of their curriculum and the Durham District Catholic School Board teaching the Performing Arts Program to Grades 9 through 12.
Courtney is well known for her many outstanding “Choreography Awards” in jazz, ballet, lyrical, musical theatre, tap and hip hop. Her students have won first Overall Awards at very prestigious dance competitions. (Starpower, Showstoppers, Footloose and Candance).
Courtney trained at the “Bojangles Art of Dance” for 13 years, under the direction of Studio owner Margo Hartley. She participated in competitions across North America including: New York City Dance Alliance, West Coast Dance Explosion, Break the Floor Productions and Showstoppers Dance Championships. She won many overall awards for her performances along with a scholarship in recognition of proficiency in hip hop.
Courtney has also trained with some of the dance greats including Dee Caspary, Robert Schultz, Mandy Moore, Ray Leeper, Mike Minery, Nick Lazzerini and Brian Friedman. She continues her dance education by attending world renowned dance conventions such as: Tremain Dance Convention, JUMP Dance Convention and Triple Threat Dance Convention.
Courtney teaches and choreographs at Bojangles Art of Dance in Waterloo and she also taught in Sudbury at Happiness is…Dancing!
Courtney attends Ryerson University where she has completed a year of the dance performance course and is currently an arts and contemporary studies student.
Courtney’s main interest is sharing her strong technical background, creative choreography and attaining an exceptional level of performance with her students.
She is looking forward to sharing her strong foundation in jazz, ballet, pointe, hip hop, lyrical, musical theatre and tap with KICKS students! Welcome Courtney!
Christina Digiuseppe is a professional dancer and choreographer in Toronto with 18 years of dance training experience. Some of Christina’s training includes Edge for the Performing Arts, WCDF, Broadway Dance Center, Quinte Ballet School, and Cardinal Carter Academy For The Arts where she attended High school and graduated with her arts diploma. She has choreographed and performed for Sears Canada, The Mike Bullard Show as well as Canadian Artists such as Maestro, Don Carlito, and Kardinal Offishall. She has also performed in the Orange Bowl Parade Miami Florida, Canada’s Wonderland, Chin Picnic, Various Canadian fashion shows, Benson & Hedges, Hpnotiq Gala Party and Swatch watches. She is a dance coach, guest teacher and competitive choreographer for private studios, independent performers and Arts High schools across Ontario. Christina has won many choreography awards along with Adjudicators Choice Awards and Overall Awards for Solos, Groups and Lines. Christina has taught recreational and competitive classes at Vlad’s Dance Company, Hoofer’s Performing Arts and Gotta’ Dance. We are excited to have Christina teaching recreational hip hop, competitive jazz and competitive modern/contemporary dance classes at KICKS!
KICKS is very pleased to welcome Maria Nahri to our teaching staff! Maria is a competitive bellydancer, professional actress, singer and dancer! She attended Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts in Drama and also Humber College Theatre Performance Program – Theatre, Music, Dance and Directing. Maria presently attends York University for Honours Dance program!
She has performed in numerous plays including Merchant of Venice, King Lear, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet to name a few. Maria’s dance training includes Ballroom, Modern, Ballet, African, Period, Chi Kung, Yoga, and her specialty belly dance! Maria has competed in many belly dance competitions in Syria. Maria was awarded the Edna Khubyar Scholarship Award or Outstanding Acting Achievement in 2004! Maria is teaching Acting, Singing, Audition classes along with belly dancing at KICKS!
Bianca has an extensive background in dance. She has studied Ballet, Modern, Tap, Jazz, Acro, Hip Hop, Theatre and Singing. Bianca has taught at Sue’s Dance Centre and Theatre of Dance Arts. Bianca teaches competitive and recreational classes in tap, jazz, hip hop and acro. Her students have won Top Overall Awards in competition! Bianca was a member of the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak from 2005-2008. She was invited to choreograph some dance routines for on court appearances. Bianca competed in the CNE Rising Star Competition, the Cawthra Park Live Talent Show, Mosaix Dance Showcase and she also performed in Montreal for Latina singer, Shanti. Bianca has won numerous awards at over 100 Dance Competitions, locally and nationally. She has also won several scholorships for her Tap Solos! Welcome to KICKS! Bianca is excited to be teaching Competitive Tap and Competitive Hip Hop along with recreational hip hop classes, including an adult class!
Jocelyn has been involved in dance since the age of four. She has received all of her dance training here at KICKS in the areas of: Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, Pointe and Musical Theatre. For many years, Jocelyn was an accomplished member of KICKS Competitive Dance Team and her solos, duets and groups won numerous overall awards at many competitions. Jocelyn was also very thrilled to be a member of the Toronto Raptor's Junior Dance Pak for three years where she was able to further fulfill her love of performing at the Air Canada Centre in front of thousands of people. Jocelyn also taught a variety of dance classes and choreographed recital routines at KICKS before she went to University. Currently, Jocelyn is a successful Honours graduate from Queen's University and is excited to be pursuing a career in teaching once she completes her Bachelor of Education degree this year. With dance as her passion, she hopes to actively participate in the Dance curriculum to not only promote self-confidence, dedication and technique but to also inspire her students to have a love for dance. Jocelyn is thrilled to be back at KICKS and part of the faculty and hopes to share her love of dance and the art of performing with her students!
Carla has been dancing since the age of 3 years old. She has extensive training in the areas of Cecchetti Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Lyrical and Hip hop. Carla was trained at "The Studio" formally known as Nancy's School of Dance, in Brampton where she went on to compete and take part in numerous conventions across North America. Attending Mayfield Secondary School for the Arts was Carla's next step in extending her knowledge as well as explore other styles of dance. It was there she studied theory, history, modern dance and theatre, graduating with honours in Dance Arts. Carla started her professional career landing a job at Canada's Wonderland at the age of 17. She worked as a background dancer for a number of shows throughout that summer. She went on to dance for the Toronto Blue Jays when she was 18; performing at over 80 games. It was there she joined on with a break dance crew where she learned to break dance. This led her to performances at numerous weddings, bat mitzvahs, showcases, Toronto fashion shows and beauty pageants, including Ms. Universe Canada. Carla attended the University of Toronto where she taught hip hop and Jazz throughout her studies. She was actively involved in choreographing for ongoing charity events, fashion shows and showcases. Carla is an active teacher in the dance curriculum for the Peel District Board of Education. Carla was a member of the Toronto Raptors Dance Pack from 2005 - 2008 where she has the best time of her life performing in front of thousands of people a game. traveling to China was one of the most memorable moments in her professional dance career. Carla is very excited to be teaching at Kicks!