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faculty DIRECTOR & OWNER Ginette Guimond – DMA, ACTRA
Ginette became a member of Dance Masters of America in 1987. She is a former National Certified DMA Examiner in Jazz, Tap, Ballet and Acrobatics. Ginette is also a graduate of Landmark Education - The Curriculum For Living. This year she was awarded the Mompreneur Award of Distinction Honourable mention. The award that recognizes exemplary success and leadership in a service-based industry.
Ginette is very proud to be celebrating the continued success of her studio in a state of the art location and the 22nd year of Maple Academy of Dance Inc. Her outstanding reputation has allowed her to become a sought-after adjudicator in North America. She also receives “Teacher Recognition Awards” yearly for her innovative choreography and students’ outstanding technique. Ginette’s updated style and creativity has earned her numerous High Score Overall Awards at Regional and National Competitions.
Her students’ achievements include winning several 1st Overall High Scores in all dance forms across Canada and the US. Her students can be seen performing in television shows including The Next Step, Backstage, commercials, music videos, movies and The Toronto Argos Cheer Team. Several of her graduating students are now certified teachers and have joined her on the faculty of Maple Academy of Dance Inc. Others have become professional performance artists or have further their studies with post-secondary education majoring in Dance at Ryerson, York University, Simon Fraser University and Ailey School/Fordham University.
As well as being an accomplished teacher, Ginette’s professional dance career has seen her appear in numerous Films, CBC Specials, Commercials and Music Videos. She can be seen in movies such as JailBait!, A Saintly Switch, Half Baked, Feast of All Saints and Hoop Life, as well as commercials including Levi’s and Trident. She was also a regular dancer on the weekly show, Electric Circus.
Ginette also has extensive experience in Sports Entertainment and has performed at NBA, NHL and NFL games. She has been a guest choreographer for the Toronto Blue Jays Dancers and is a former Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer for the Toronto Argonauts Football Club and Toronto Phantoms Arena Football Club. She is the choreographer for the Argos Alumni Cheerleaders and choreographed and performed at the 100th Grey Cup Festivities in Toronto. Other choreography credits include: Gemini Awards, NHL Awards, Walt Disney, New Jersey Turnpikes, Toronto International Auto Show, Remax and Odeon Records, just to name a few.
Ginette continues to attend workshops yearly in Canada and the United States to offer her students the most recent dance education. She gives her students the opportunity to work with many well-known dancers and choreographers across North America.
Ginette is extremely proud of all her students’ and teachers’ accomplishments at The Maple Academy of Dance Inc. She continues to encourage and inspire everyone at the studio to pursue their dreams and empower them to achieve their goals. Ginette would like to thank every parent from the bottom of her heart for choosing Maple Academy of Dance Inc. STUDIO MANAGER Stephanie Mastropaolo – Honours BA, B.Ed., DMA
Stephanie started dancing at the age of 8 and has competed in both Canada and the United States. As a former Maple Academy of Dance student, she has trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Modern, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Stephanie is a certified teacher and member of Dance Masters of America and she continues to attend classes, seminars, and workshops annually. Stephanie is a graduate of the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in History, English, and Women and Gender Studies. She also holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and is currently a secondary teacher with the Toronto District School Board. Prior to working as a secondary teacher, Stephanie taught Musical Theatre and Hip Hop workshops in schools in the York Region and Toronto District School Boards. She has also assisted with school dance teams and cheerleading. Stephanie enjoys sharing her passion and experience with students of all ages and continues to choreograph school dance performances in her current position. With over 20 years of dance and teaching experience combined, Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge to her position as Studio Manager. Her exceptional organization and positive attitude make her an asset to the studio. Stephanie enjoys working with the students, parents, and staff, and is thrilled to be part of such a fantastic team! ARTISTIC MANAGER Rosemarie Stea – MA, PG Dip., BFA, DMA, RAD, ISTD, ACROBATIC ARTS
Rosemarie is a Toronto-based dance artist, teacher and award-winning Choreographer. Having been taught by leading industry educators and professionals across Canada, the US, the United Kingdom and Europe, Rosemarie holds a Masters of Arts Degree with Distinction in Contemporary Dance and a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance with the EDge Company, both from the London Contemporary Dance School in London, England. She also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ryerson University in Theatre Performance Dance. Throughout her career, Rosemarie has worked for and alongside choreographers and dance companies from across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom and has toured across Europe and the UK as a dancer, teacher and choreographer. She can be seen in numerous television commercials, has performed in industrials, independent feature films, music videos, live theatre and performed alongside Madonna in 2014. Rosemarie is awarded numerous overall high scores for her routines, Teacher Recognition, Choreography and Top Teacher awards year after year for her students' exceptional technique and her original choreography. She is also on faculty at The Carret Dance Conservatory where she teaches for both the Classical Ballet and Contemporary Divisions. Her involvement in education also includes teaching for educational institutes, private dance studios and pre-professional programs across Canada including the Peel and York District School Boards, Ryerson University, the Toronto Dance Teacher Expo and Dance Attack Workshops. As a freelance artist, she has choreographed for musical ensembles, independent dance films, professional photo shoots and is a highly sought-after Adjudicator for various Regional and National dance competitions throughout Canada. Having been with the Maple Academy of Dance since it's opening in 1998, Rosemarie is honoured to share her passion year after year with her MAD family! Kristy Best – BATD
Kristy began dancing at the age of 5. She joined a competitive team shortly after and competed across North America for the next 10 years. At 17, she competed as a soloist at the IDO World Tap Dance Championships where she placed 2nd. She then attended the Dance Performance Foundations program at George Brown College and started her professional career.
Kristy has performed as a company member of What’s On? Tap!, TDC Entertainment, and aboard Carnival Cruise Lines.
Kristy has over 20 years’ experience in teaching dance and is a full member of BATD in tap and jazz. She has taught competitive teams at various dance studios across the GTA and is excited to join Maple Academy of Dance and share her love for tap!
Gay Bishop – CDTA, ISTD, RAD
Gay Bishop is a graduate of Ryerson Theatre School. She holds her teaching diploma with RAD, is an associate member of ISTD, and a full member of the CDTA Jazz and Tap division. She has trained with many outstanding teachers and choreographers, as well as participated in numerous workshops with companies such as Danny Grossmann, Ballet Jorgen and Momix. Gay has been teaching Ballet, Modern, Lyrical, Tap and Jazz in Canada and the USA for over 22 years. Her students have been highly successful in competitions, and Ballet, Tap and Jazz exams. Many of these students have gone on to pursue successful careers in dance in post-secondary institutions, as well as performing across Canada, USA, and Europe. Her routines have been awarded many overall awards including Outstanding Choreography.
Gay has enjoyed being a performing member and assistant artistic director of two movement theatre companies in the USA. Gay has thoroughly enjoyed teaching workshops and adjudicating for many studios, pageants and competitions. Miss Gay is so very proud of all the accomplishments of the competitive team at Maple Academy of Dance.
Alexandra De Luca – Honours BA Kinesiology, B.Ed., SRB Alexandra is a graduate of the Woodbridge School of Dance. She is a certified ballet teacher by the Society of Russian Ballet. She studied at Ryerson University in the Dance Program for one year before transferring to Kinesiology and Health Science at York University. She also trained and performed at Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts and was a member of the Forrester Production Company. Alexandra taught at the Woodbridge School of Dance, has completed her Bachelor of Kinesiology and Health Science with a minor in History, and has completed her Bachelor of Education at York University. She is now employed by the York Region District School Board.
Alexandra is very proud of all her students’ success this competitive season! Ashley Earl – CDTA, BATD, ACROBATIC ARTS
Ashley has extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet (RAD), Hip Hop, Lyrical, Music Theatre and Acro which have won her numerous choreography awards across Canada. Since graduating from the Sheridan College Performing Arts Program and the St. Lawrence College Music Theatre Performance Program, Ashley has taught at many studios across Ontario, and done a vast array of performing and choreography. In 2007, Ashley landed her first professional role in “The Sunshine Boys” with The Thousand Island Playhouse in Gananoque. Other favourite roles include: Matron Mama Morton in “Chicago” and Sheila Bryant in “A Chorus Line”. Ashley has choreographed for shows including: “Annie Jr”, “Peter Pan”, “Tweed the musical” and “Godspell”. Her Choreography has won her many awards including a Brampton Bloom award for Best Choreography for Annie Jr. Most recently, Ashley has taught and choreographed at Ballare Performing Arts in Woodbridge for 9 years, 5 of which she was the Artistic Director, until the studio permanently closed its doors in June 2019. Ashley continues to further her dance and teaching practice by attending annual workshops. Her hopes are to remain current and relevant in the ever-changing dance world, and to continue to inspire her students to always strive for the next level. Ashley is very excited to be joining the Maple Academy of Dance team and to share her passion with the staff and students! Lynn Gatto – Honours BA Physical Education, OGF, DMA
Lynn started dancing at the age of 6 and carried on to become a competitive dancer and gymnast. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree with Specialized Honours in Physical Education from York University and was part of the National and Provincial award-winning competitive gymnastics team. Teaching acrobatics and numerous forms of dance for many years, she has had the honour of teaching award-winning students. “I feel so blessed and fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I am passionate about and experience the world of dance. I hope that you always remember and hold dear in your heart your MAD family! Each and every one of you has been a part of my life and makes me love what I do and want to do it forever! Thank you to my MAD family, I am eternally grateful.” Miss Lynn is honoured and privileged to work with the students, parents, teachers, and staff at MAD. “May your feet take you where your heart wants to go” – anonymous.
Caroline Crimi – BA, B. Ed. Caroline holds a diploma in Theatre Dance, from the Theatre School of Ryerson University and also holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University where she studied in the Fine Arts program in dance. Caroline performed in many productions with the Ryerson Theatre School and York University. Caroline has taught the art of dance and drama to children in various dance schools in Toronto and the surrounding area for over 30 years. She has completed courses in “Music for Young Children” from the Richard’s Institute, University of Windsor as well as numerous workshops in fitness for young children including FitKid and Fitness Ontario Leadership Program. Caroline is a past member of the Imperial Society of Teacher’s of Dancing and the Royal Academy of Dance, having completed exams in Ballet, Modern, National and Jazz Dance. Caroline is a member of the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators. Caroline is an elementary Arts teacher for the York Region Board of Education, as well as a former owner and artistic director of her own dance studio. Many of Caroline’s students have been accepted into performing arts high schools, university dance programs and professional training programs. She has successfully prepared students for dance competitions and ballet exams. Caroline continues to further her studies with workshops and by taking Master classes in Toronto and New York. Chyrelle Guimond – B.Ed., Honours BA, DMA B.Ed.,
Honours BA, DMA Chyrelle has been a dancer at the Maple Academy of Dance since it’s opening in 1998. She trained and competed in Jazz, Ballet, Acrobatics, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, and Contemporary. She has won numerous overall National Awards in Disney World, New York City, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Atlantic City, California and Orlando. She graduated from St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in the Regional Arts program for Dance in 2013, where she received the Spirit Award. She was also a member of the Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders for 3 years. Chyrelle graduated from York University with an Honours BA in French and completed her Bachelor of Education degree. She is currently teaching with the York Catholic District School Board. She is a certified teacher with Dance Masters of America. She has been recognized and awarded for her choreography and her students have won many overall and special awards. Chyrelle is so excited to be teaching the Recreational, Part-Time and Full-Time students this season and is so proud of all her students’ accomplishments. She is looking forward to another wonderful year with her MAD Fam!. Antonietta Lippa – BATD
Antonietta started dancing at the age of 5 and was a former student of Maxine Ross. She participated in competitions in both Canada and the United States, winning many awards throughout her dance career. Antonietta has received training in First Aid and is presently a Teachers' Assistant at a private school where she works with childern in Kindergarten. She has over 30 years of experience working with children and teens. Antonietta is a certified teacher with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing and has been teaching for over 20 years; 21 of which have been with Maple Academy of Dance. She has been recognized and awarded for her choreography; her students have won special awards and have placed and won many overall awards. Antonietta enjoys working with children of all ages and sharing her love of dance with them. She feels fortunate to be a part of the MAD family, not only as a teacher but as a parent, and having the opportunity to work with such a great team of teachers, staff, parents, and students. Miss Antonietta is very proud of all her students’ personal growth and accomplishments this past season! Vanessa Notte – Honours BA, B.Ed., DMA
Vanessa graduated from York University with an Honours BA in English and Italian Studies. She has also graduated from the University of Ottawa where she completed her Bachelor of Education degree and is currently teaching with the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. Vanessa is excited to share her passion for dance and teaching with her students this season. Vanessa is very proud of all her students and would like to thank each of them for their hard work and dedication the year! Sierra Ricci – BFA, B.Ed., DMA
Sierra began dancing at the age of 4 at the Maple Academy of Dance and trained for 14 years in Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical, Pointe and Musical Theatre. She has competed in both the United States and Canada winning numerous Overall High Score Awards and Scholarships for her solos and group routines. Sierra is a graduate of St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in the Regional Arts Program for Dance, where she received awards of excellence for Most Versatile Dancer and Technical Merit. Sierra graduated with a Bachelor degree in Education and a Specialized Honours degree in Fine Arts at York University. She is presently working towards her Master of Education at the University of Toronto. Sierra is an Occasional Teacher with the York and Toronto Catholic District School Boards. She is a certified member of Dance Masters of America and is excited to be teaching Part-Time Competitive students this year. Sierra enjoys teaching dance and is very proud of her students’ accomplishments! Jessica Rooney – DMA, BFA, B. Ed.
Jessica started dancing at the age of 4, and over the years she has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical, Pointe, and Musical Theatre. She has competed with the Maple Academy of Dance throughout Canada and the United States, achieving numerous overalls and high score awards for her routines. Jessica graduated with honours from St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in the Regional Arts Program for Dance. From there, she went on to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance and a Bachelor of Education, with specialization in both Dance and History at York University. ​Currently, she is working towards her Masters of Education with a diploma in sustainable education. Jessica loves teaching and has been working with the primary grades in the YCDSB. Jessica is excited to share her passion for dance and looks forward to teaching her students!
Alexandra Scarlato – BSc, CEP, DMA, NCCP, Pn1 Alex began dancing at Maple Academy of Dance at the age of three and trained in various styles for 16 years. She has competed across Canada and the United States, winning numerous overall awards for her solos and groups, including Senior Miss Legacy in July of 2016. She is also a graduate of the Regional Arts Program in Dance at St. Elizabeth CHS and continued to pursue her love of dance as a co-captain, choreographer, and dancer on York University’s competitive dance team where she received choreography and overall awards for her routines. Alex recently graduated cum laude with a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University and is currently working towards a Masters degree in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto, focusing on high performance training and artistic athletes. She is a certified member of Dance Masters of America as well as a Certified Exercise Physiologist and nutrition coach, and eagerly shares her passion and expertise in human movement and health with her students at M.A.D. Alex is excited to be teaching the recreational and competitive students this season and is grateful for another year with her M.A.D. fam! Vanessa Sturino – BFA, B. Ed., DMA
Vanessa has been dancing at Maple Academy of Dance competitively since the age of 7. She has trained in Acrobatics, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Modern, and Hip Hop. She has achieved numerous overall high scoring awards and scholarships in both the United States and Canada. Vanessa graduated with honours from St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in the Regional Arts Program for Dance in 2015 and received Awards of Excellence from her teachers and peers. Vanessa graduated from York University with a Bachelor degree in Education and a Specialized Honours degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Dance. Currently, Vanessa is teaching at a private school in a Kindergarten class. Throughout her university career, Vanessa continued to dance competitively and choreograph for York University's Competitive Dance Team and is very proud to have led the team as co-captain. Vanessa is a certified member of Dance Masters of America and is excited to be teaching the Recreational, Part-Time and Full-Time Competitive students. Her students have won special awards and have placed and won many overall awards. She enjoys sharing her love of dance and is looking forward to teaching others!
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