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
Assistant Artistic 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
BELLA MITROVICA
Instructor
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Education & Certifications at a glance:
*Obtaining Bachelor of Commerce
Bella describes dance as her creative passion and a fundamental part of her identity.
She fell in love with dance as a toddler and has been dancing ever since.
Bella began dance classes at the age of three and continued her training throughout high school. She is trained in acro, ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, and modern dance. Bella was a competitive dance team member for six years, and also participated in her high school’s annual dance show.
Beyond being an excellent creative and physical outlet, dance, Bella believes, nurtures valuable skills including collaboration, perseverance, time-management and self-discipline.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree at Queen’s University, Bella loves creating a fun environment that supports young dancers’ energy and learning.
Bella is excited to be joining the Arabesque dance family.
Meet our assistants:
MISS ELLA
Senior Assistant
Ella has been dancing at Arabesque since she was twelve. She loves dancing because it is a form of self expression and creativity. Ella has danced mostly in Ballet and Jazz. Her favourite style is Ballet.
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Ella believes that the dance studio is a great outlet for every child to make friends and build their self confidence while having fun and being active. She loves assisting and wants to help every student excel.
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Ella is in her last year of high school. After graduating she hopes to go to university and further her education while continuing to pursue her passion for dance and the arts.
MISS HANNAH
Senior Assistant
I’ve been dancing since the age of 3 but began dancing at arabesque at the age of 9. Dance has been my whole life since I was a little girl, and i have gained so much confidence, strength, and i’ve gained a second home and i want to create that space for our younger dancers.
I’ve trained in lyrical/contemporary, modern, ballet,and jazz, but if i had to choose i’d say jazz is my favourite to dance.
I’ve always loved working with kids. i love being able to share my passion with them. watching them learn, create friendships, try something new, and grow as dancers is one of the most rewarding things to experience.
MISS SHANNA
Senior Assistant
Shanna started dancing when she was 6 years old and joined Arabesque when she was 12. She has trained in various styles such as Highland, Irish, Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop, but found a love for Acro after training in Cheerleading and Gymnastics.
Shanna believes that dance is not only an amazing way to stay active but also gain confidence and build friendships that you will keep forever. She is beyond excited to share her passion with the young dancers at AAD.
Shanna is in her last year of high school. After graduating Shanna is hoping to further her education and pursue social media, while still keeping her strong passion for dance alive.
MISS MINTY
Intermediate 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 second 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 second year as an assistant and loves being part of helping others cultivate a love of dance, and improvement of skills.
Minty is in her second year in the LEAP Program, and is planning to continue with an arts focus in high school next year.
MISS AVA
Junior Assistant
My name is Miss Ava. I am in my first year of assisting with dance classes here at Arabesque Academy of Dance.
I have been dancing at this studio since 2017. My passion is ballet, but I also love lyrical and jazz. I have been on the competitive dance team since 2019. Dance has taught me so much including; teamwork, dedication, determination, perseverance, creativity, discipline, self-confidence and so much more!
I have gained strength and flexibility but most of all some amazing long lasting friendships. Dance has been and will continue to be a very important part of my life! I am really looking forward to my new role this year and can't wait to see what I learn.
MISS MADDY
Junior Assistant
Maddy’s passion to dance started at the age of 4 when she discovered jazz and ballet and quickly fell in love with it! Maddy’s favourite part of the day since she was a little kid was to get to go to dance after school, even though she was tired she couldn't wait to get up and start dancing and singing her heart out with her dance friends!
Maddy loves dancing with her whole heart and now being able to assist makes it even better.
Dance has taught her so much including self- confidence, teamwork, discipline and so much more!
Dance has given her lots of great friends and she can’t wait to see the little kiddos grow up in the dance school just like she did. Hopefully creating long lasting friendships just like hers! She can’t wait to see what this year brings her!