Alumni
KATE CAMPBELL
Since graduating the triple threat program at SWS Kate has flourished in the dance/entertainment industry. After graduating from SWS, Kate carried on to become a certified member of DEA-Dance Educators of America - Teachers Training and Certification Program. A hired professional, Kate inspires students of all ages with her love and knowledge of dance.In 2008 Kate was accepted to, and attended George Brown College's - Commercial Dance Studies Program. This program has allowed her to continue in her education of all aspects of the performing arts- dance, vocal and drama.Not only has Kate become a passionate instructor/choreographer, she is now also a professional performer. Traveling the world as a production cast member for Disney Cruise Lines, Kate has entertained thousands at a time! Since returning from her journey with Disney Kate has performed for Corporate, Charity and Special events throughout the GTA - not only as a dancer but also an aerial strap artist. She has a wonderful relationship with several dance companies including; Lady Luck Productions, LR Dance Productions, Diamond Dancers, as well as The Dance Company, all whom call on her expertise on an on going basis.
"I am positive that training at SWS gave me the confidence and courage to pursue my dreams"!
Kate Campbell 2007 Graduate
Patrick Derry
As a graduate of S.W.S. Patrick has become a triple threat performer whose skills are in demand throughout the industry. The partnering/adagio, dance, drama and vocal skills that Patrick attained while training under Amanda and Sasha have made Patrick a sought after performer, choreographer and instructor.
Only months after graduating from the Triple Threat Program at SWS Patrick was hired as a performer for the prestigious 2010 Bell Gala which is the largest fund-raising Gala in Canada. At this event Patrick performed in front of dignitaries and shared the stage with industry artists like Russell Peters, Fefe Dobson and Aleesia, to name a few. Immediately after this red carpet performance, Patrick auditioned and was selected to begin his first contract as a production cast member for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Traveling the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska while performing before an audience of thousands Patrick enjoys his performances with RCCL very much.
Not only is Patrick an excellent dancer he is a phenomenal singer who has been approached with an offer to record his music. Patrick will be pursuing his career as a singer and hopes to produce some music videos when his commitment to Royal Caribbean is finished. As a triple threat talent Patrick enjoys his time playing lead characters and producing short films as well as dancing.
Patrick also has the distinction of being personally recognized as an up and coming talent in the dance world by Blake McGrath and Stephen tWitch Boss. As a dance teacher he has been privileged to work for Chantal's Dance Academy, Thrill Dancers(Brockville) and Step with Style just to name a few. Patrick has been called upon to choreograph for several dance studios as well as professional shows such as "The Up and Coming Fashion show 2009" and Wedding performances with LR Productions.
Patrick's career as a triple threat performer has only just begun and he attributes his success to his strong desire to succeed, his belief that a person can achieve anything they want in life if they work for it and especially to the exceptional training he received at Step with Style!
Cat Hsu
Cat's Hsu completed her training with SWS in 2008 and has been employed in the performing industry ever since!
Her performing credits include but are not limited to; "Making It", "Dream" & "Red City" with Toronto’s own Danny Davalos/owner of O.I.P. and Luther Brown! Cat has enjoyed her time as a performer with the CNE and Kids for Talent (choreographer-Blake McGrath).
Her talents have also been used for the "GM", "World Dance Day", "World Aids Day", "Milk and Honey Ball Presentation", "How She Move"- Premier show and Wrap up show, as well as backup performances for the up and coming pop recording artists Rebecca Nazareth & Shawn Desman!
A dynamic performer, Cat loves the stage and shares this passion with her students!
Cat instructs and choreographs for several dance institutions in the GTA including;
Ajax Park and Recreation Centre, Allegro School of Dance, Bravo Centre for Dance, U Got Dance, O.I.P. (assisting and subbing for Danny Davalos and of course Step with Style.
Cat has become an outstanding choreographer! Her routines have won special awards and 1st and 3rd top overall awards. She has taken the knowledge gained from SWS and continued to progress. She has her HIGH FIVE certificate ( five healthy principles for teaching children) and takes workshops and classes often to integrate new teachings and styles into her classes - thus making her a performer, instructor and choreographer that is highly recommended!
"Thank you to everyone at SWS for believing in me!"
Catherine Hsu
Tamara Freethy
Tamara Freethy is an outstanding performer who made it professionally immediately following her years with Step with Style! She has been recognized as one of the most dynamic performers in the GTA. Working with LR Productions, Fitness Junky & The Up and Coming Fashion Show in Toronto, Tamara is called upon for her talents and professionalism. Performing on the main stage, Tamara was one out of six dancers chosen to be a part of the Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt show called "Fangs". Most recently Tamara has discovered the world while under contract by RCCL Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a production cast member. She has performed in the Broadway style shows, "Centre Stage"- she and her partner performing as the Lead Ballroom Couple, as well as the Broadway style show "Front Row"- dancing the lead role of "Up Town Girl" in the "Moving Out" section. Since becoming a production cast member of RCCL Tamara has traveled, the US, Mexico, North & South America, Middle East, and Europe pleasing audiences of thousands at a time!
Instructing is definitely both a passion and a talent of Tamara Freethy’s. Training under the direction of Amanda Coatham and Alexander Chifman Tamara has completed the E.L.D. Educating Leaders of Dance- teachers training course-only offered at SWS. Traveling all throughout Canada as a workshop Guest Instructor Tamara thoroughly enjoys her time with students of all ages. When her performance schedule allows it Tamara continues to teach both part and full-time -recreational and competitive levels for studios and organizations throughout Ontario. Some of which are; Brockville Thrill Dancers, the BHS Dance Program, Step with Style and more! Tamara continues to become a high class instructor. Her students not only earn recognition and overall awards competitively but more importantly they improve each and everyday under her tutelage. As a choreographer Tamara works with students of all ages preparing them for the top competitions in Ontario! Dance is Tamara’s passion, it's her love it's her life!
Heather Humphries
While Heather Humphries worked professionally performing in Toronto’s own "Women in Dance" she decided to focus on using her knowledge gained at SWS towards a career as an instructor.
A graduate from Step with Style’s triple threat program Heather used her expertise and progressed through the ranks at SWS as an instructor. Completing her ELD-Educating Leaders of Dance-Teachers Training Course- under the direction of the Artistic Directors Amanda Coatham and Alexander Chifman, Heather is an extremely qualified instructor. Trained in all areas- dancing, singing and acting, Heather has an in depth understanding of the Syllabi and standards of Step with Style. Specializing in the instruction of dancers ages two through to adult, Heather has trained to instruct these ages specifically in their Novice years through to adulthood. Her loving nature, combined with her years of performing arts education, make her an unbelievable instructor for all ages.
As acting Recreational Director Heather oversees our entire recreational program! Not only does she meet weekly with our faculty to discuss all students’ progress and organize the phenomenal recreational year end performance, she is also in touch with our recreational families on a regular basis. Miss Humphries ensures the quality and integrity of the Recreational Program is always impeccable. All of our recreational families are in great hands!
Competitively her students have been recognized for their impeccable technique at such a young age and her routines are always noted for the dedication to detail and cleanliness.
Her drive ad passion for work alongside her love and motivation for her students make Miss Heather Humphries one of SWS’s most outstanding instructors.
Cristina
Cristina is currently in her final year at York University. She will be graduating in June 2011 with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Her passion for dance is endless and recent opportunities have heightened her appreciation for dedicated training. Although she was only a part of Step With Style for one year, Mandy and Sasha taught her a lot about the SWS team/family and about their goals as teachers. They have been an inspiration to her. Cristina has been part of a pre-professional dance company at OIP Dance Centre. Here she did many shows and performances mostly in hip-hop style that were collaborations with Luther Brown and Danny Davalos, such as "On My Way Home", "Making It", and "Dream". Cristina is very involved with teaching and choreographing at various studios. She loves interacting with children and loves sharing her love of dance with her students. She is also proud to be part of the FRESH Dance Intensive faculty, teaching workshops all over the GTA. In addition to teaching, Cristina has performed in many dance shows & fundraiser's. Most recently a show called "Steppin Up" a hip-hop benefit to raise money for Sick Kids Hospital on behalf of Leukemia research. Cristina not only performed at this event, but was involved in planning and organizing the show. Cristina is extremely excited to become part of the SWS faculty starting in the 2011/2012 season.
Sadie Brooker
Directly after her graduation from Step with Style’s triple threat program Sadie began auditioning. Her first audition was for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Following her very first audition she was hired immediately! RCCL absolutely adored Sadie’s technique and adage abilities and wanted to use of her talents right away! Since being hired with Royal Caribbean Sadie has traveled through Mexico, the Caribbean and Alaska as a member of the RCCL production cast for the Radiance of the seas. Sadie has been a part of the production shows, "City of Dreams" and "Piano Man" as a chorus and an adagio dancer as well as Toronto’s own "Women In Dance". Performing with several dance companies in the GTA Miss Brooker’s performing career is on the rise and she is ecstatic to be fulfilling her life long dream of being a professional dancer!
"SWS changed my life! Thank you!"
Sadie Brooker
Lauren Langille
After just eight months of training at SWS Lauren Langille was transformed as a dancer! Right away she began to receive recognition and was noted as being a strong and vibrant performer. In her first audition for Canada's Wonderland Lauren was one of only five dancers chosen to perform on the main stage in their professional singing and dancing production, "Dance To The Music" /2008. The directors and choreographer adored Lauren's style and work ethics so much they insisted she return for the following season in their production of, "Signed Sealed Delivered"/ 2009. Once Lauren had completed her Wonderland contracts she began to study at the University of Ottawa. It was there that she was selected for the competitive dance team and within one year, she was voted into the position of coach. In this role, Lauren and her co-captain were responsible for the training and management of Ottawa’s Dance Team. They raised thousands of dollars to fund the team, and led the 20 women to competitions, workshops and performances across Ontario. Lauren has not only continued to perform professionally, but she has pursued a career in dance instruction while studying. As a result she is able to continue to express her artistic passion though choreography and it has become a means to pay for her schooling! Lauren is requested each season by MCVI high school in Oshawa to direct their dance chapter/program and loves to be able to share her passion with these students. A triple threat graduate, Lauren has a diverse back round and is a multifaceted instructor giving her many more instructing opportunities than most. She has choreographed and instructed for various studios throughout the Ottawa/Gatineau/Durham area including; Dance Roots, Performance Dance Academy, Gee Gee's Dance Team, Gryphon's Dance Pak, Step with Style and more! When Lauren visits home, she is always excited to stop into SWS to teach some classes at a studio she calls home!
"Thank you! SWS faculty you were the building blocks to my self- confidence. Through your instruction, you taught me leadership skills that have allowed me to pursue dance opportunities beyond my competitive career." Lauren Langille