FACULTY
Meet our staff:
Education & Certifications at a glance:
*BFA Honours, Specializing in Dance
*BEd Primary/ Junior Division
*Special Education Part 1
*OCT Certified Teacher
*Acrobatic Arts Certified
Erin first discovered her passion and love for the art of dance at the young age of two. Erin has trained throughout her life in the disciplines of jazz, tap, modern, lyrical, contemporary, and ballet, including participating in her BATD Ballet Examinations. Erin was accepted into the York University Dance Program in 2007 and graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours degree specializing in dance.
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During her time at York, Erin trained intensively in the disciplines of ballet, modern, and jazz, under the instruction of such professionals as Karen Bowes- Sewell (National Ballet of Canada), Claire Wootten (Alberta Ballet Company), Helen Jones (Martha Graham Company), Donna Krasnow, Annie Wood, and Julia Sasso. Erin has performed in pieces by choreographers such as Darcy Callison (Down the Road), and Megan Andrews, the Executive Director and founding editor of the Canadian dance magazine the dance current.
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Erin also actively participated in dance works choreographed by fellow York University dance students, in annual productions at York University entitled “York Dances”. Erin has been fortunate enough to take class from such artists as Christopher House (Toronto Dance Theatre), one of Canada’s leading modern dance choreographers, as well as perform at events such as the Pride Festival in Toronto, ON.
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Upon graduating from York University, Erin received her Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University, her Special Education Part 1 Qualification, and became a certified teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers. Erin has worked with children in a variety of education and arts based settings throughout the Greater Toronto Area. These include teaching in public and private schools, daycares, and dance studios. Erin has also worked for the City of Toronto teaching dance to students in various recreational facilities throughout the GTA. It is through these experiences that she has had the opportunity to apply her knowledge of child development alongside her keen interest in dance and safe movement practices. Most recently, Erin had the opportunity to choreograph for a local performance art group entitled Street Ballerinas.
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Erin has studied anatomy and motor development as it relates to dance, and believes in creating an inclusive, nurturing, and fun dance environment. She believes in ongoing professional development, and is excited to share her passion for dance with the community. She aims to create a space where children feel free expressing themselves, building self-confidence, and becoming well-rounded dance artists.
SHARON HARRIS
Owner/ Administrative Director
A lifelong resident of Eastern Ontario, Sharon has a strong background in customer service including having owned two businesses in the Brockville area, one being a successful dance school.
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Sharon has been involved with dance in a multitude of capacities over the past 25 years such as, studio owner, backstage director, as well as dance parent. She looks forward to being able to provide a positive and supportive atmosphere for both students and parents at Arabesque Academy of Dance.
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Sharon is excited to serve the AAD families, as well as to promote community involvement and service through supporting local events and charities.
(Headshot by dke photos)
Education & Certifications at a glance:
*Developmental Services Worker
*30+ Years of Customer Service Experience
KRISTEN TACKABERRY
Acro Director/ Instructor
Education & Certifications at a glance:
*B.Sc (Kinesiology)
*Diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion
*Artistic Gymnastics & Trampoline Certifications
*Risk Management Training
*Alixa Flexibility (Module 1 & 2)
*Acrobatic Arts Certified
Kristen started taking dance and gymnastics at a young age. She trained and competed in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theatre, hip hop, and modern dance, as well as vocal, theatre, and cheerleading; but found her passion specifically in acrobatics. She started assisting classes at the age of 12, and completed her ‘coach in training’ hours at a local gymnastic club at 13. From there, she went on to become a Certified Gymnastics Coach (artistic gymnastics: sport specific, theory, and trampoline through NCCP). Through this training she also completed her risk management training, and participated in spotting and coaching workshops. Kristen then began teaching her own classes, and choreographing numbers. By age 15 Kristen won a Young Choreographer's Award for her first competitive acro piece.
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Kristen has gone on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Guelph-Humber, as well as attaining a diploma in Fitness and Health Promotion from Humber College. From this, Kristen has gained a vast knowledge of the human body, biomechanics, proper training techniques, and injury prevention.
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Kristen has worked with a variety of athletes, and specifically dancers of all ages and styles, across Ontario. Kristen believes in ensuring a safe and fun learning environment, while providing new skills and techniques in every class. Most of all, she believes in connecting with each student she works with, and helping them to succeed as both a dancer, and as a person.
MADDY PALMER
Instructor
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Education & Certifications at a glance:
*BA - Drama
*MA - Arts Leadership
*Advanced Diploma in Music Theatre Performance *Artistic Gymnastics Certification
Maddy's first love, discovered at age 3, was dance. 2 years later, Maddy discovered a second passion: gymnastics. She loved mixing dance in her gymnastics routines and gymnastics into her dance numbers. She competed in both sports from a young age, representing Eastern Ontario at Provincial Gymnastics Championships and taking part in group, duet, and solo performances at dance competitions in Ontario and Quebec. Maddy knows what it means to work hard and have fun doing something she loves.
Maddy ultimately chose dance after high school, pursuing a music theatre performance career which led her to stages across Canada (BC to PEI!). Some of Maddy's favourite credits include: Les Feux Follets (Charlottetown Festival), Nancy in Fancy Nancy, Virtue in Anything Goes, Lou Ann in Hairspray (Lower Ossington Theatre), Eva in Bring It On, and Sally in Cabaret (Queen's Musical Theatre).
After a few years, Maddy realized the nomadic life of a professional performer wasn't for her, and decided to pursue university degrees in arts administration. Maddy learned to combine her passion for the arts with her business skills to support other performers, demonstrated in her roles at the National Ballet of Canada and now at Queen's University's Faculty of Arts & Science. Performing has turned back into a hobby of Maddy's and she is thrilled to return to the dance studio to share her love of dance with students once again. Maddy is especially thrilled to be teaching at Arabesque this year, and reuniting with Sharon and Erin (who choreographed a number or two of Maddy's while they were dancing together growing up:) ).
GRACE QUINN
Instructor
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Grace started dancing at 3 years old, and started teaching at age 14. She danced competitively beginning at the age of 8, until graduating high school in 2020. She trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical. Her favourite styles to teach are ballet and tap.
Grace is currently completing her Bachelor of Kinesiology at Queen's University, and is currently in her 3rd year. Through her studies she has gained knowledge of the human body and its biomechanics. She intends to become a paediatric health care professional one day.
Grace is very excited to be joining the Arabesque family!
Education & Certifications at a glance:
*Obtaining B.Sc- Kinesiology
KAILEY ZIEHL
Instructor
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Education & Certifications at a glance:
*Obtaining Bachelor of Arts; major in health studies
Kailey is an enthusiastic, passionate and engaging dance instructor that strives to bring out the best in all of her students. Kailey grew up competing regionally and nationally at competitions such as Intrigue Dance Nationals, The Dance Awards, and Break the Floor Productions, attending conventions and working with high class choreographers. Kailey has won numerous awards including, VIP runner up at Jump Dance Convention, scholarships at 24 Seven Dance Convention, and competed as a best dancer finalist at The Dance Awards. Kailey has also had the opportunity to perform in the professional industry in events such as, ChoreBall, Young Creators, ElevateTo, and Dancing for Dogs.
Kailey has been training competitively since the young age of six, and has experience dancing in styles such as ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, modern, tap, musical theatre, acro and hip hop. From grade nine to grade twelve, Kailey attended Wexford Collegiate school for the Arts as a dance major, where she furthered her dance education in modern, the history of dance, composition, and injury training. During these four years, she performed in several Wexford
shows such as the yearly winter variety shows, fall showcases, and open houses. In her senior year, she choreographed, and organized a piece called “Home” which was showcased in her school's winter production.
Kailey became an assistant dance teacher in grade school, and later became a dance instructor teaching and choreographing recreationally and competitively at various studios throughout the Toronto and Kingston area. Kailey currently attends Queen's university completing a Bachelor of Arts with a major in health studies. As well as her studies she has performed and choreographed in the “Queen’s Vogue Charity Fashion Show”. Kailey creates a safe and inclusive learning environment for her students, where she is determined to share her love of dance and inspire the next generation of dancers. Kailey is excited to embark on this new journey with Arabesque Academy of Dance, and connect with
the students and staff of this wonderful academy.
MAGGIE ROHRAUER
Instructor
Education & Certifications at a glance:
*Studying English Literature
*Pursuing Business Certificate
Maggie is a student at Queen’s University, studying English Literature and pursuing her Certificate of Business. She grew up dancing competitively at Stouffville Academy of Music and Dance in her hometown, Stouffville. She practiced the styles of Jazz, Ballet, Acro, Contemporary/Modern, and Lyrical, as well as, participated in competitive-team wide productions, which consisted of over 50+ students on the stage at a time!
As she got older, she began assisting with younger dancers in their classes, and after graduating, she worked teaching dance camp for 3 consecutive years– and was then promoted to running camp programming and team dynamics.
Maggie has returned to her hometown studio in the past few years to help prepare dancers for competition in backstage rehearsals, support the team– including her younger sister, and stage manage during recital. Maggie adores the community she has built at Stouffville Academy over her years, and hopes to do the same at Arabesque, inspiring young dancers into their own confidence and imparting the knowledge she has gained along the way!
Currently, Maggie also performs and choreographs for Project Red, a student charity fashion show at Queen’s University that raises money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation! Through this project, she has had the privilege of choreographing and working as part of a team of creative minds, and meeting dancers from all different studios.
Maggie plans to continue teaching, and receiving teaching certifications over the next few years!
Meet our assistants:
MISS MINTY
Senior Assistant
Minty joined Arabesque Academy of Dance in 2016 and at 6 years of age, found a true passion for dance and the dance community at AAD. Minty has taken jazz, ballet, lyrical/modern, and developed an intense love for acro.
Minty is entering her third year of Competitive Dance with the AAD Comp Team and has benefitted from the dedicated instructors, the structure, precision, practice, and classes.
This is Minty’s third year as an assistant and loves being part of helping others cultivate a love of dance, and improvement of skills.
Minty attended the LEAP Program, and is planning to continue with an arts focus in high school.
MISS LOWYN
Junior Assistant
Lowyn has been dancing since she was four years old, starting her journey at Arabesque Academy of Dance in 2016. With a passion for movement from day one, she quickly fell in love with the art form. Lowyn has trained in a variety of styles, including lyrical/contemporary, modern, ballet, and jazz, allowing her to express herself through a wide range of techniques. Currently in her third year of competition, she is excited to continue growing and challenging herself as a dancer.
Beyond her love for dance, Lowyn is also passionate about working with children. She enjoys sharing her skills and love for movement with others, especially younger dancers. As part of the Arabesque family, she values the support and encouragement from her teachers and teammates, and feels grateful to be a part of such a nurturing and inspiring environment.
Lowyn' s love for dance has only deepened over the years, and she is excited to see where this journey will take her in the future.
MISS MELEENA
Junior Assistant
Meleena started dancing at the age of four, and has been dancing at Arabesque since 2016. Meleena has trained in acro, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and ballet.
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Since joining AAD Meleena has gained strength, perseverance , and confidence in her dancing. When Meleena first began dancing, she absolutely fell in love with it. She not only fell in love with dance itself, but also fell in love with it because of the amazing bonds and friendships she has made along the way.
This is Meleena’s first year of assisting, and her 6th year of competitive dance. Meleena loves to push herself to gain new skills, even if she doesn’t think she will get in on her first try! Meleena is very excited about assisting, and building a connection with other dancers and students!
MISS EVA
Junior Assistant
Eva has been dancing since the age of three and joined Arabesque Academy of Dance in 2020, when she was seven years old. She has always had a passion for dance and has taken acro, lyrical/contemporary, tap, musical theater, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop.
Eva is going into her third year of competitive dance and has had a passion for dance since an early age. She has gained confidence, agility and strength since joining AAD. Eva is always developing and striving to improve her dance skills and has learned to always push herself to reach her fullest potential.
She has always had a strong connection with kids and is excited to help them succeed. Dance brings her great joy, and she is very excited to start her first year of assisting.