NICK GONZALEZ

“HIP HOP”

Nick Gonzalez embodies the talent of not only a great performer, but also an innovative choreographer and skilled instructor. His performance abilities have placed Nick in the Top 25 male dancers on Season 1 and 2 of FOX Networks smash hit “So You Think You Can Dance”. He has appeared in such music videos as Usher’s “Yeah”, Recording Artist Tomi in ‘’ Baby Get Down’’. Nick’s performance credits also include The Ying Yang Twins, Pitbull, Red Man, Fat Joe, Savion Glover and many more. Aside from his busy performance schedule, Nick creates eye opening choreography all over the world for the hottest hip-hop groups and artist. His choreography was most recently seen at such shows as “HYPE”,’ Move It’’ in London England “Best Of The Midwest” in Chicago IL and Dance Carnival 3 in Hanno Japan. With now taking the position of one of the chorographers for the hit movie ‘’ COBU 3D’’ Nick is now branching off into the movie scene with more projects under hi belt. Nick is also the Lead Judge for ‘’Got Dance’’ the Hit TV Show in the Grand Cayman Islands. His entertaining choreography can also be seen in the latest edition of NBA Ballers 2 and 3. From London to Tokyo to Korea and Canada. The List goes on and on. Nick has been teaching dance from all ages in range and has become an international master class instructor. When Nick is not ripping it up on the stage or choreographing mouth-dropping dances, you can find him igniting his passion for dance through his students. Nick currently instructs on NRG Dance Project dance Convention, teaching everything from Advanced Hip-Hop to basic Tap. Nick’s teaching style has made him a favorite with every student. Because of this Nick has been selected as one of the Lucky 21 hottest up and coming choreographers on Studio Beat Magazine. Whether on television or in the dance studio, Nick’s talents in Performance, Choreography and Instruction give a new meaning to the phrase “Triple Threat”.

NATHALIE HEATH

“Jazz, Lyrical & Contemporary”

QUOTE: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Eleanor Roosevelt

Born and raised in Surrey, B.C, at the very young age of three, Nathalie stepped onto the stage for her first ballet performance cast as a “diamond” in the local production of “Snow White”, upon exiting the stage she ran into her Mother’s arms and said “Mummy...I love the stage”. To this day, that feeling still resonates within her heart and soul. She began her training at Joy of Movement Studio in Crescent Beach, British Columbia under Susie Green, where she gained a strong foundation of technique in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, and Tap. At the age of fifteen, she furthered her training at Danzmode Productions under Rachael Poirier for three years. She owes much of her success to her two dance teachers who instilled a strong work ethic and incredible technique base for her to take to her professional dance career.

While in the competitive dance world, Nathalie was successful in the local dance festivals as well as abroad. In 2005 she travelled to New York City as a New York City Dance Alliance “Senior Outstanding Dancer”, this is where she gained a spot as a top ten Sr. Female Finalist. From 2005 - present, Nathalie has been an assistant at Triple Threat Dance Convention, touring across Canada with her mentors Kelly Konno, Dorie Konno-Lazaroff, and Carolina Lancaster. This has given her the chance to assist Tyce Diorio, Gustavo Vargas, Tina Landon, Tony Testa, Stacey Tookey, Jayson Wright, Megan Lawson & Matt Cady, Sho-Tyme, and Devin Jamieson.

Nathalie not only has had success in the competitive dance scene but also the commercial dance scene. Her first film job was at the age of fifteen when she was cast as Hilary Duff’s dance double in Disney’s “Lizzie McGuire Movie” choreographed by Kelly Konno. You may also have seen her in Nickelodeon’s TV movie “SECTACULAR!” as a member of the show choir, Michael Buble’s “Haven’t met you yet” music video and “Hellcats” in the fosse episode, both choreographed by Canadian choreographer Paul Becker. She can also be seen in Warner Brothers production of “Another Cinderella Story” starring Selena Gomez also choreographed by Kelly Konno. Nathalie was honoured to be chosen as a dancer for the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremonies performance of “Sacred Grove” where she danced alongside the Alberta Ballet, and Ballet B.C in a contemporary-ballet number for B.C native singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan choreographed by Jean Grand-Maitre. Most recently, you can find Nathalie in the Season 4 promotional commercial for “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” choreographed by Mia Michaels.

When Nathalie isn’t dancing, she enjoys cooking, baking, decorating her house, spending time with family and friends, choreographing, listening to music and travelling. Nathalie loves animals, she has two cats named Paul and Suzanne, and would like to add a French bulldog to her family of critters one day. She has travelled to France numerous times, and is fluent in French; she would like to one day reside in France six months of the year. Upon graduating high school she attended University and is a Business major working towards a degree in Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Nathalie is best known for her participation in the Season 3 production of “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” where she was a member of the top 8 finalists. Her appearance on the show allowed her to work with renowned choreographers: Luther Brown, Mia Michaels, Blake McGrath, Jean Marc Genereux, Sergio Trujillo, Melissa Williams, Bill T. Jones, Longinus Fernandes, Gustavo Vargas, Sean Cheesman, Pierre Allaire, Maria Torres, Danny Arbour, Sho-Tyme. Nathalie feels so blessed to have been a part of the show because it opened many doors for her. She feels it made her a different dancer and gave her the confidence to believe in the power of her dreams. The show allowed her to strengthen her core styles but also to learn new styles of dance such as: Cha Cha, Mambo, Bollywood, Viennese Waltz, Hip-Hop, and her favourite…Disco! She will never forget the incredible friendships and memories she gained from her participation and is honoured to have made a mark in dance history in Canada. Nathalie plans to continue to push for an even more successful career in the entertainment industry as she feels blessed to be able to do what she loves for a living. She belongs on the stage and in front of the camera and that is where she plans to stay.

BROCK JELLISON

“TAP”

Brock grew up in his mothers dance studio in the small town of Fort St John. He began teaching at the age of 11 and by the age of 12, he began choreographing competitive tap pieces. Trained in all facets of dance that he was in the vicinity of, including Irish, Brock won numerous awards as a student. After graduating high school, Brock went on tour with the hit show “Tap Dogs” and toured throughout the US. After the tour finished Brock taught many conventions and workshops until he decided to join Princess Cruise lines in 2000. In 2003, Brock started his own dance/production company Ruckus Company Productions. He wrote, composed, designed, choreographed, and performed in his original shows. By 2006, Ruckus had performed three original productions to sold out audiences, “77 Minutes”, “Ricochet” and “Blue”. In 2008/09 “Ricochet” toured BC In 2010 Brock was given his ultimate opportunity. He was hired as Choreographer and Lead Tap Soloist for the Vancouver Winter Olympic Opening Ceremonies, which received amazing reviews world wide. Brock continues to inspire and motivate students across the country and internationally.

ROBYN PICARD

“Jive, Bachata, West Coast Swing, Cha-Cha, Salsa”

Robyn was born into and raised by a dancing family, with her parents being Ballroom, Latin & Swing Dance Instructors as well as her older siblings. She started taking Jazz, Tap, Acro, Ballet, & Modern Stage at the age of 4 and then went on to learn the various styles of partner dancing that would groom her to follow in her family’s footsteps. She has taught thousands of people, both kids & adults, over the past 20 years around the Lower Mainland. She teaches classes through the Maple Ridge Arts Council, for public and private schools, creates choreography for wedding “first dances”, and other various special events. Her goal is to continue to facilitate the growing interest in partner dancing for young and old alike. She would like to introduce dance into more and more people’s lives as a great form of fitness & fun, and a wonderful way to enjoy each other. It is a great way to socialize with the great groups of people in the continually growing dance communities throughout the lower mainland.

DOMONIQUE HUTCHINSON

“BALLET”

Dominique Hutchinson, Director, Teacher and Choreographer is a native of Montreal. She moved to B.C. in 1985. She is a certified teacher for the Royal Academy of Dance and Studio Claire Duhamel in Montreal in both Contemporary and Ballet. Her dance teachers include: Lois Smith O.C. (Ballet and choreographic work), Josephine Slater (Ballet and Ted Shawn technique), Ellen Andrews, David Adams, Attila Ficzere and many more. Dominique has taught in private studios, community centres, Elementary and High School programs in B.C. and Quebec. Dominique has been the brain child of various micro contemporary dance companies in B.C. and Quebec, fulfilling her need to express herself as a dancer and a choreographer. In 2001 she formed the Dsdanse dance company where youth dancers are guided to the creative process, building the bridge between student, performer and choreographer.

Lorenza Sammarelli

“ZUMBA”

Lorenza Sammarelli is a Skate Canada Certified Figure Skating Coach, and the CanSkate & Off Ice Training Director with the Inlet Skating Club in Port Moody. She also worked in the fitness industry for close to 10 years teaching group fitness. Lorenza started figure skating at a young age and naturally fell in love with the sport. She spent many hours of her youth on the ice and also in the gym; however, a tailbone injury required her to retire from competitive skating at the age of 18. With her passion for skating and fitness she became certified through the National Coaching Certification Program to teach figure skating. In addition to coaching, Lorenza began teaching group fitness and managed a gym. Aerobics came naturally to Lorenza but she wanted more of a challenge and sometimes the higher intensity would hurt her back. After years of struggling to find something new, one day a friend brought her to Krista Langtry’s Zumba class at the Port Moody School of Dance. “I remember saying, you want me to shake my bootie like that…are you crazy, not going to happen! Three weeks later I was in the front row shaking things I never thought could move the way they do and now 9 months later I’m teaching Zumba and feel great!” “Zumba gave me the freedom…To Move…To Dance…To JUST BE ME!” “Zumba is a workout where there is no wrong, and there is no right. It’s YOUR workout! “

Credentials                                                  Classes

ZUMBA Basic Level 1 -                              May 2011 www.ZumbaByKrista.com

NCCP Level 2                                            Certified EMAIL: lorenzas.zumba@gmail.com

CPR & 1st Aid Certified                              EMAIL: Krista@ZumbaByKrista.com

MEAGAN EKELUND

“Musical Theatre”

Originally from the wide open spaces of Calgary, Meagan decided to move to the beautiful west coast to pursue a career in theatre. Meagan is extensively trained in RAD Ballet as well as jazz, lyrical/contemporary, tap, and musical theatre. She is a graduate from the Musical Theatre Program at Capilano University.  Meagan has recently been seen performing in the Vancouver Opera’s production of West Side Story. She received the 2010 Ovation Award for Outstanding Choreographer for her work in pipedreams production of NINE. She was also awarded the 2009 Grace Macdonald Award from Theater Under the Stars and the 2008 Ovation award for Outstanding Gypsy Performer. Other performing credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (Gateway), Thoroughly Modern Millie (TUTS), Guys and Dolls (Gateway Theater), A Year With Frog and Toad (Gemini Theatre), Graziella in West Side Story (RCMT), Lily St. Regis in Annie (Footlight Productions), Euphoria (Paper bag Productions), Oklahoma (TUTS), 42^nd Street (RCMT), Les Belles Soeurs (Exit 22 Productions), Children Of Eden (Exit 22 Productions),Nine (Arbutus Theatre Productions), Charlottes Web The Musical (Exit 22 Productions), Into The Woods (Exit 22 Productions), Crazy For You (TUTS), and A Chorus Line (Stage West Dinner Theatre).