Shelley Shearer
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Shelley has always been involved with dance. As a professional dancer with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Shelley had the opportunity to work with some of the world’s great choreographers. After her dance career, Shelley received her Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree at the University of Manitoba and went on to work for IBM in marketing as a systems engineer, before opening her dance school. Shelley’s choreography and her students have garnered Provincial, National and International awards and have gone on to professional careers in the performing arts with dance companies, musical theatre productions, cruise lines, and film and television. These include The National Ballet of Canada, The Royal Danish Ballet, the RWB, Decidedly Jazz Dance, Stratford, Charlottetown Festival, Mama Mia, We Will Rock You, and Rainbow Stage.

Roy Smith
Roy has been teaching at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance since 1988. He heads the Musical Theatre and Tap programs and teaches tap, musical theatre and jazz. Roy studied tap, jazz and ballet for 12 years and acting for 9 years. Having performed in over 125 productions locally, Roy is also a member of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. His students have won many awards and scholarships at the Canadian National Dance championships, World Jazz Championships and the Manitoba Dance Festival. His groups, solos, duos and trios have also been honored with numerous adjudicators’ choice awards at the Manitoba Dance Festival for the past 2 decades. His genius for staging outstanding, entertaining and professional presentations is legendary. He regularly garners choreography awards at competitions. Roy is beloved by students young and old, for his sense of humor and attention to detail. He brings his theatricality into his teaching and instills a professional work ethic in all his students.

Patti Caplette
Since 1995 Patti Caplette has delighted in bringing her expertise and passion for dance to the promising artists of the Shelley Shearer School of Dance. Patti and Shelley first met in 1976 dancing in the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company together and have since continued to grow both a personal and creative bond. Ms Caplette has led a distinguished career as a leading soloist with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. From 1970 to 1995 she travelled the world performing classical masters - The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Paquita, Raymonda - and contemporary works by international choreographers such as George Balanchine, Maurice Bejart, Antony Tudor, Agnes de Mille, Nils Christie, Hans Van Manen, and Canadian icons Nobert Vesak and Brian Macdonald. A dramatic artist with technical excellence she was favoured by both audiences and critics alike. Upon retiring from the stage, she joined the artistic staff of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet as Ballet Mistress, rehearsing the eclectic repertoire of the company. Later she was invited to join the faculty of the RWB school, where she continues to inspire students in the Intensive Program. Grounded by a lifetime dedicated to dance, Ms Caplette is versed in the Vaganova, ISTD, RAD, Bournonville, and Chechetti methods of Classical Ballet; Modern techniques of Limone and Graham, Fosse-style Stage, and is an advocate of Pilates conditioning. She is a member of the Royal Academy of Dance, Canadian Actor’s Equity, ACTRA, and is a founding member of The Dancer Transition Resource Centre. Ms Caplette also serves the community as adjudicator, juror and arts educator. Caplette’s love of choreography has generated copious works for dance companies, opera, television, film, special events and even the circus! Within Paquin Entertainment, Caplette has wielded her creative hand for specials such as Her Majesty’s Royal Visit, the opening of the MTS Center, The Pan Am Games, and worked with musical theatre celebrities Michael Burgess, Melissa Thompson, Ma Anne Dionisio, and singer/songwriters Tom Jackson, Amy Sky, Susan Aglukark and Florence K. Her foray into film has produced two award winning creations Journey~A Mythical Dance Fantasy, (Bravo!) starring ballerina Evelyn Hart, and Autumn Lady (Global Network). As co-founder and Artistic Director of KOBA Entertainment, she overseas original theatricals that tour world-wide.

Erin Hyman
Erin has been a full-time teacher at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance since 1996, teaching Jazz, Hip Hop and specializing in Pre-School and Ballet. Erin’s passion for dance has led her to become a full time dance teacher.  Erin is also an assistant to the director on special projects such as recitals and staff training and works as an administrative assistant in the office during registration. She has grown up in Shelley’s school, having started as a student the first day it opened in 1986.  As a graduate of the school’s Teacher Training Program, Erin has also trained in several teaching workshops and seminars with the National Ballet of Canada and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.  Along with preparing students for internationally recognized Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing ballet examinations, Erin excels in choreography for recitals and competition. Her choreography and teaching skills have won her and her students numerous awards including: the Gold Medal for a children’s group at the World Ballet Championships in New York, the Gold Medal and the Silver Medal for her junior groups and the Gold Medal for her children’s duo at the World Ballet Championships in Niagara Falls,  Ballet Adjudicator’s Choice Award for the Manitoba Dance Festival Gala Showcase, Junior Scholarship recipients at the Manitoba Dance Festival, and many 1st and 2nd Place Overall Performance Awards for Solo, Duets, Trios and Groups at the Canadian National Dance Championships.  She believes in the importance of quality dance training, in a positive, motivating and nurturing environment. Erin has had the honour of watching many children grow up in the school, and looks forward to the future generations to come.

Elizabeth George
Liza has been teaching ballet for 25 years and has been on staff at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance since 1999 with a primary focus on ballet and preschool. As a full time professional teacher, Liza is also responsible for the school’s summer assistant training program and works as an administrative assistant in the office during registration. As with many little girls, the dancing bug bit at an early age and she has loved movement and performance ever since. As a young adult Liza focused on combining her love of dance and her love of children, by pursuing a Student Teaching Certificate and later her Teaching Certification with the Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD) Canada. Liza has attended numerous teachers’ courses including those with the National Ballet of Canada. Liza also prepares students for Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing examinations. While many of Liza’s students have won awards at provincial, national and international festivals and championships, every student makes her proud. Her students adore her encouraging and nurturing approach to teaching. Every student feels important in Liza’s class and knows that she would do anything to help them reach their goals. Her patience and thoughtfulness inspires everyone to be the best they can be. She loves to see a student acquire the strength, grace and poise that dance provides but especially values the confidence and positive self image that dancing instills in an individual. 

Stacey Nickol AISTD
Stacey Nickol began her teaching career at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance 15 years ago and is well versed in Ballet, Tap, Jazz and Musical Theatre. She is a graduate of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Teacher’s Course and The Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, BC.  Stacey holds an Associate teaching certificate in the Cecchetti Branch, with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, as well as a certificate in Applied Anatomy and Physiology for Dancers.  Stacey prepares students for ISTD ballet exams and has helped many of her students garner awards at festivals and competitions locally, nationally and internationally. In 2009, she was part of the teaching team that trained the students who received Gold Medals in ballet at the IDO World Ballet Championships in the adult group category. Her gift for choreography was recognized when the solo that Stacey choreographed, received the Gold medal in adult ballet.  In addition to her training and teaching experience, Stacey has a wide variety of professional dance experience working in various promotional and industrial events including Pooh Friendship Day (Disney), International Friendship Festival (KOBA), Opening Night (Paquin Entertainment), Legends Alive (Progressive Concert Productions Inc.), The Juno Awards (Paquin Entertainment), The Winnipeg Convention Centres' Mardi Gras Event, and Harley Davidson’s 100th Anniversary event.  Stacey has also choreographed for Celebrations Dinner Theatre and performed on board a Carnival Cruise Ship. Stacey enjoys sharing her experiences and knowledge with her students and is excited for another year at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance!

Kristen Sawatzky
Kristen started dancing at the age of nine and was one of the first graduates of a Shelley Shearer School of Dance jazz class.  She continued dancing and later teaching with Shelley for a span of 10 years.  Kristen then headed off to Toronto where she graduated with honors from Ryerson University’s dance program.
Kristen has performed as a dancer all over North America and as far away as Seoul, Korea.  Her credits include Royal Caribbean cruise lines, The King and I (Rainbow Stage), Big Comfy Couch: Live as Granny Garbonzo (KOBA Entertainment), and Inside The Osmonds (ABC). Kristen also discovered a love of choreography in university.  Aside from choreographing numerous award winning dances for the school, she has also choreographed for the Fringe Festival, KOBA Entertainment, and is resident choreographer for Celebrations.  Other choreography credits include The Cradle Will Rock, and Music Man (NMC) and Songs For A New World (GPPA).  Kristen also works as an actor, Puppeteer and stunt woman for stage and film.  Her acting credits include, Amreeka, Less Than Kind, Capture of the Green River Killer, and The Snow Queen.  Her Puppeteering credits include Tipi Tales and Big Comfy Couch: Live as Molly.  Her stunt credits include The Lookout, The Messengers, Eye of the Beast and Haunting in Connecticut to name a few.
Kristen has been teaching since her early teens and has been back at the school since 2005 teaching various levels of jazz, lyrical and ballet.  Over the years her students have garnered many awards and scholarships at festivals and competitions. In 2009, her collaborative work with Lindsay Nelko saw their jazz groups received 2 Gold, a Silver and a Bronze medal at the IDO World Dance Championships in Niagara Falls .She has also enjoyed teaching at various Winnipeg high schools and as a part of learning through the arts.  She strives to pass on her knowledge and love of dance to each and every student, as it has been such a strong foundation to the dancer and person that she is today. Kristen is a brilliant choreographer who loves growing as an artist and takes every opportunity to continue to develop as a dance professional. Each year since 2008, Kristen has attended The Pulse summer teacher conventions in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, as part of Shelley’s professional development program.

Lindsay Shearer Nelko

Lindsay trained at her mother’s dance studio, the Shelley Shearer School of Dance for 17 years, in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Musical Theatre and Modern. She completed her ISTD Advanced Ballet exam. Lindsay’s Performing Arts Education continued at “UCLA Performing Arts” in the Theatre, Film and Television Dept. and at “NYU” Tisch School of the Arts, Musical Theatre Program. She continues to train with top industry professionals in the USA and Canada. During Lindsay’s competitive dance career she won numerous top awards and scholarships for technique and performance. Lindsay began her professional dance career at the age of 12. Selected credits include: several productions with Rainbow Stage, the Charlottetown Festival, Walt Disney Productions, Bravo TV, ABC TV Movie, Feature Films Miramax, 2005 Junos and “Circuit” Dance Company. Lindsay has been teaching since her early teens and returned to the school in the fall of 2007 to pursue her love of teaching and choreographing in Jazz, Lyrical and Hip Hop. She has become a full time dance teacher in order to pass on her experience and passion for dance to students of all ages. She says the greatest feeling is helping her students become the best they can be. Lindsay developed and taught dance programs on a volunteer basis for children and teenagers with special needs in Toronto and for the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society. These have been her most rewarding teaching experiences. Lindsay judges dance competitions across Canada. She has completed her Stott Pilates Intensive Mat-Plus course and is certified to teach. Lindsay is also an assistant to the director on special projects. Her students and choreography have won numerous top awards and scholarships at provincial, national and world levels. For 2 consecutive years, Lindsay received the coveted Pulse Dance Convention’s “Choreographers Pick Award” at their Summer Finale in New York City: in 2010 for “Get Out Alive” and in 2011 for “Perfectly Lonely”.

Megan McFadzean
Megan started dancing at the age of 7. She grew up training at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance in Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. She has competed in provincial, national and world competitions in Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto and Orlando. At the IDO World Dance Championships in Orlando, Florida Megan won 5th place overall for her Jazz Solo. Megan has attended many workshops and conventions such as the Decidedly Jazz Dance (DJD) summer dance intensive, Triple Threat and The Pulse. At the Triple Threat Dance Convention she was awarded a 3rd place scholarship, the “Jump Start Professional” award and a contract with a cruise line. Megan has performed at the Winnie the Pooh Friendship Day, International Friendship Day and Franklin at the Symphony. She has also toured in the United States with Koba Entertainment. Megan’s love for dance and desire to continue growing as a teacher finds her travelling to places such as Vancouver, Toronto and Los Angeles to take classes from leading choreographers in the industry. In 2008, 2009 and 2010, Megan was selected by Shelley to attend The Pulse summer teacher’s conventions in Los Angeles. In 2011, Megan attended the Monster’s of Hip Hop Dance convention in Orlando, Florida. Megan loves to share her knowledge of dance and her passion for dance with her students. She feeds off the energy that the students give her and enjoys seeing them succeed with the work she gives them.

Jennifer Nychek
Jennifer Nychek has many years of dance experience in tap, jazz, ballet, musical theatre, and hip hop. Jennifer first began dancing at the age of 4 and joined the Shelley Shearer School of Dance when she was 12 years old. She has participated in the Canadian National Dance Championships and the Manitoba Dance Festival, as well as many dance workshops throughout her years of dance. Jennifer began assisting jazz and tap at Shelley Shearer in her mid-teen years, and has taught and co-taught levels 1-4 jazz and a wide range of levels of tap. For the past few years, Jennifer has worked closely with Roy Smith, assisting and co-teaching the advanced tap classes, and she has been choreographing tap solos for a number of years. Jennifer now works full-time at the Health Sciences Centre Rehabilitation Hospital as an Occupational Therapist; however, due to her love of dance and her many wonderful and memorable years at Shelley Shearer, she has been unable to fully retire from the dance world just yet. Jennifer continues to be involved with choreographing tap solos and assisting with the advanced tap class on a part-time basis. Jennifer’s inspiration stems from the dancers that she works with and the teachers that she has learned from along the way. She looks forward to the next year to come.

Christina Kapac
Christina has been dancing at the Shelley Shearer’s School of Dance since 1993. Starting with level one jazz and then expanding with ballet, she gradually came to be a full time student, taking jazz, ballet, tap, musical theatre and hip hop, as well as performing some lyrical and variety dances. One of her most memorable experiences was as a jazz dancer at the age of nine when Roy gave her the role of ”Elvis”, for her first group dance at the Manitoba Dance Festival. She has been one of the oldest performing advanced dancers at the school for many years, spending a total of seven years in advanced jazz and eight years in the advanced ballet ensemble (she was also part of the advanced tap, hip hop, and musical theatre classes). Christina has won countless group and adjudicator’s choice awards over the years. Many of her groups have qualified to attend World Championships as well. She also danced five jazz solos throughout her years, benefitting from the styles and choreography of numerous different teachers. She has also been a part of the assisting and teaching staff at the studio since 2003. Christina has also taught the popular hip hop summer dance camps at the school. One of her favorite endeavors is to teach dance, in any discipline and to any age. She just loves to see the energy students bring to the class, letting loose and having fun while learning to do, in her opinion, the greatest thing in the world! She believes that, with the right mind set and positive energy, anybody can learn to dance and can love it as much as she does! Christina plans to continue teaching at our school while completing a degree in education.

Robyn Vincent
Robyn Vincent began dancing at the age of three, taking Storybook Ballet at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance. At the age of six, Robyn added tap, jazz, musical theatre and ballet, realizing her love for dance. Through years, she has completed many ballet exams and participated in numerous Manitoba Dance Festivals and Canadian National Dance Championships.  At the age of 14, Robyn joined the Teacher training program at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance and began assisting teaching. Graduating from the program several years ago, she became a teacher and has taught a variety of age levels and disciplines. Robyn now teaches mainly preschool and early jazz and tap levels. Since the age of 18, Robyn also works in the office as an administrative assistant at Shelley Shearer School of Dance, helping with registration and planning seating for all the students during the year end recital. Robyn has always had a love for children and is thrilled to teach students who love dancing as much as she does. Teaching at Shelley Shearer School of Dance has helped Robyn realized that a career with children was meant for her, which has helped pave the way for a career in Pediatric nursing.

Karlee Rosenberg
Karlee has been dancing at The Shelley Shearer School of Dance since the age of four.   She has a background in ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop.  She particularly enjoys tap.  Karlee has competed throughout North America, winning numerous awards.  As a graduate of the teacher training program, she has assisted and co-taught ballet, jazz, tap and pre-school since 2005 and is thrilled to continue her association with The Shelley Shearer School of Dance.  Karlee’s passion for dance, and love for children has led her to placing her energy and knowledge into teaching.  As a student and now as a teacher Karlee’s positive attitude, dedication and enthusiasm brings joy to every class.  Her warmth, calm demeanor and openness are qualities that draw students to her.  Presently, Karlee attends the University of Winnipeg, in the Faculty of Education, where she plans to fulfill one of her life’s dreams of becoming a school teacher.

Morgan Pooles
Morgan started dancing at 3 years old and continued her training at Shelley Shearer School of Dance at the age of 5 years.  Over the past 17 years, Morgan has trained in several dance disciplines including ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop and lyrical. Being a competitive dancer and winning many awards, Morgan has performed and competed on local and international stages including the Manitoba Dance Festival, Canadian National Dance Championships and The Pulse Convention in Toronto.  Morgan has also been a competitor for Team Canada at the World Jazz Championships and World Ballet Cup in Orlando, Florida (2005), Boston (2006) and New York (2007).   A highlight was qualifying in Adult Ballet and Jazz solos and receiving a Silver Medal at the World Ballet Cup in New York City.  In the summer of 2009, she earned 2 Gold Medals with her Ballet groups and the Gold and Bronze medals with her jazz groups at the World Competition in Niagara Falls, Canada. She also placed 9th with her jazz solo and 11th with her ballet solo, at this event. In May of 2009, Morgan proudly obtained accreditation in Advanced 2 Ballet from the ISTD Dance Examinations Board; Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.  In the summer of 2004, Morgan was accepted into the Teacher Training Program at Shelley Shearer School of Dance. She has been a Teacher’s Assistant for dance students, ranging from ages 3 to 15, and in the past two years she has progressed to becoming Co-Teacher and Teacher for many classes. She thoroughly enjoys her time teaching and dancing at the studio and looks forward to another wonderful year.

Jessica Thomas
Jessica has been dancing at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance in Winnipeg since the age of three. She has completed all of the ISTD ballet exams culminating in the prestigious Advanced 2 Ballet exam in 2009. Over the years she added tap, hip hop and jazz to her ballet training. Jessica completed the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School Professional Division summer school in July 2001, 2002 and 2004.  In July 2003 she attended the Quinte Ballet School of Canada’s professional division summer school. In July 2005, 2006 and 2007 Jessica attended the Young Dancers in Training Program at the Banff Centre for Music and Arts for 5 weeks at a time and was offered lead roles in the closing show. Participating in the Manitoba Dance Festival and the Canadian National Dance Championships in the categories of ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop, Jessica achieved top marks and many top awards. Most notably, she earned Gold Honors, Elite Gold and an overall 1st place standing for her ballet trio and Elite Gold and Gold Honors for many solos in Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet and Pointe. In 2007, her ballet duo received the senior ballet scholarship at the Manitoba Dance Festival and was selected to perform in the showcase. Jessica also qualified for the IDO 2009 World Jazz and Ballet Championships for her groups as well as for her Pointe solo and Jazz solo.  She has been teaching and assisting at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance since 2006 in Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop. Jessica has worked with students ranging in ages from 2 – 19 years old. Jessica feels that dance has shaped her as a person. She says that growing up at the studio has taught her a lot more than just dance. It has taught her life lessons and skills that she can use for the rest of her life. It’s been a confidence booster and has helped her define herself as a person. “There is nothing better than seeing the sheer joy that dance brings to a child’s face and watching them progress. Knowing that you helped them progress and you helped bring that joy…there is nothing better than that. “

Julia Page
Julia’s career in dance started in 1995, which was her first year at Shelley Shearer School of Dance. She was 5 years old, and loved the Creative Dance class her mom brought her to every week. When she was 12 years old, Julia spent 2 years away to train with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s professional  division. She had the chance to perform in the Company’s Nutcracker, as well as Coppelia, and the David Moroni Gala. But in the end, Julia was back where it had all started! She studied at Shelley’s school during the year and attended dance intensives out of town each summer. She attended the Alberta Ballet Summer Session and participated in a pre-professional dance program at the Banff Centre for the arts  3 summers in a row, receiving a full scholarship one year. Julia has been competing in the Manitoba Dance Festival and Canadian National Dance Championships for 6 years. In 2008 she won a senior jazz scholarship and third place in her category. In 2009 Julia won a senior lyrical jazz scholarship and highest soloist score in the competition at Canadian Nationals. She also won the Gold Medal for Canada at the IDO World Dance Championships for her Lyrical Jazz solo, along with the Gold Medal for her ballet group and the Gold Medal, Silver Medal and Bronze Medal with her jazz groups. In 2008, Julia joined the teacher training program as an assistant teacher, and I loved it. “Watching the little Storybook Ballerinas twirl and leap their little hearts out during free dance reminds me of what I’m here for. It’s not about winning competitions, or having the most flexibility. It’s about the emotions I feel when I perform, and the feeling that, even if only one person in the audience is moved by my dancing, it will still be worth all the work I put into it.”

Monica Kapac
Monica has been dancing at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance since she was 3 years old and immediately fell in love with dancing and performing on stage. At the age of 6 she started competing in the Manitoba Provincial Dance Festival and the Canadian National Dance Championships in the jazz discipline, followed shortly after by tap, musical theatre, ballet, and later on hip hop. She has won numerous awards at both competitions, as well has qualified for the world championships in her jazz and ballet large groups. Monica started assisting dance at the age of 16, mainly in the jazz and hip hop disciplines. Her love for teaching grew, leading her to become a teacher 2 years later. She has been fortunate enough to have assisted and taught children from ages 3-17, giving her a chance to share her passion for dance with all ages. As a teacher, Monica’s friendly and bubbly personality helps everyone to warm up to her quickly. Monica brings so much positive energy to her teaching and loves watching her students progress and grow. After taking a year off to move to BC, Monica is thrilled to be returning to the studio, and can’t wait for what is sure to be another amazing year!

Eileen Newman
Eileen has been dancing at the school since 1997. She has studied ballet, jazz and hip hop. Eileen has performed and competed at Canadian National Dance Championships, Manitoba Dance Festival, and of course our year end recitals at the Manitoba Centennial Concert Hall. She has garnered many group and adjudicator’s choice awards with her groups over the years and most recently as a lyrical jazz soloist. In 2009, she was part of the Lyrical Jazz adjudicator’s group choice award at the Manitoba Dance Festival. Several of her group dances have qualified to represent Canada at the World Dance Championships. Eileen joined our teacher training program 2 years ago and loves working with children. She has worked as an assistant teacher with a wide variety of age groups from preschoolers to teenagers. Eileen also enjoys sharing her love of dance with the community and in 2008 she assisted Lindsay Nelko with workshops for the Manitoba Down Syndrome society.

Courtney Vertz
Courtney began dancing at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance at age three in story book ballet. She is currently a full time dance student as well as a member of the teaching staff. She has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical theatre, and Tap. Courtney has completed all of the ISTD ballet examinations including the Advanced 1 Ballet exam in 2009, and is now working towards the Advanced 2 level. She has performed as a soloist at festivals and competitions since the age of eleven. Courtney has participated in many dance conventions and workshops including: The Pulse (Toronto), Triple Threat, Evelyn Hart, dancers from the TV show So You Think You Can Dance, and Choreographers from the show such as Mia Michaels. Brian Friedman, Tyce Diorio, Wade Robson and more. Courtney qualified for World Dance Championships in Florida, Boston, New York, Norway and Niagara Falls. She has won numerous awards at these and other events. At the Triple Threat Dance Convention in 2007, Courtney was awarded the First Place Intermediate Scholarship. At the 2007 World Championships in New York City, she won the Silver Medal for her ballet solo in the Junior division. In 2009, she received 2 Gold medals with her groups in ballet and the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals with her groups in jazz at the IDO World Dance Championships in Niagara Falls. Courtney loves teaching. As an assistant teacher since 2007, she has worked with children of all ages in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. Her students love her warm smile and gentle nature. In 2008, Courtney volunteered to help Lindsay Nelko with a series of workshops for the Manitoba Down Syndrome Society. The Shelley Shearer School of Dance is a place she likes to call home. She feels that while growing up here, she has been given skills to succeed and experiences that she will take with her into the future. Courtney says that the “Shelley Shearer School of Dance has helped shape the person I am and the person I am becoming.”

Alannah Matte
Alannah Matte has been dancing since the age of 3, when she first saw her sister onstage. Her love of dance began with classes in Ballet and Jazz, and then later she added classes in Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical and Musical Theatre. Alannah has competed over the years in all these styles, and has won many awards with her groups and more recently as a soloist. Her favorite dance styles are tap and hip hop. In December 2007, she became a member of the Canadian National Tap Team, traveled to Germany for the 2007 IDO World Tap Championships, where she won 1st Place and the Gold Medal for Canada, competing against numerous other countries from around the World. As a dance assistant, Alannah hopes all come to enjoy the art of dance as much as she does.

Maja Bakija
Maja was born in Bosnia, and moved to Canada with her family at the age of six. At the age of nine, she entered her first ballet class at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance, and since then has progressed to include dancing in other styles such as hip hop, jazz, musical theatre, and lyrical. She has participated in dance conventions throughout the years, including the ‘Triple Threat Dance Convention’, and ‘The Pulse’ in Toronto, and competed at the Manitoba Dance Festival and Canadian National Dance Championships. In 2009, Maja represented Canada at the World Jazz Dance Championships in Niagara Falls where she won a bronze medal with the lyrical large group piece “Just for Now”. Wanting to become involved in helping teach younger classes at the studio, she joined the assistant teacher training program in 2007 and became a regular staff member in 2008. She also took part in an extensive performing arts program at Vincent Massey Collegiate, including courses such as dance, musical theatre, choral singing, chamber choir, and the drama program, in which she taught a musical theatre unit. At Vincent Massey Collegiate, Maja took part in various productions including “Anne of Green Gables”, under the direction of Joanne Parker - Gibson, “Seussical”, in which she acted and choreographed, and the 2009 production of “Guys and Dolls”, in which she played the role of a neurotic fiancé of fourteen years, Miss Adelaide. She has used her dance and performing experience to give back to the community; dancing to raises funds for the Kelsey King Memorial Award at Vincent Massey Collegiate, (Kelsey was a former student who passed away from cancer in 2006). In 2009, Maja also taught hip hop classes on behalf of the Shelley Shearer School of Dance at an inner – city elementary school, Greenway school, during the school’s annual Arts Day. Maja is part of the U of M, Faculty of Music Musical Theatre Ensemble under the direction of Donna Fletcher. In 2010, she will also be performing in Vincent Massey Collegiate’s 50th Reunion Musical Show. Maja hopes to continue to have many opportunities in the future to further my passion for the performing arts.

Kalli Russell
Kalli started dancing at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance at the age of 3. She takes all classes available including jazz, ballet, hip hop, tap, lyrical and musical theatre. Kalli has attended many dance conventions and workshops in Winnipeg and Toronto. She has competed in the Manitoba Dance Festival and Canadian National Dance Championships since she was 6 years old. Over the past couple of years, the highlight of her dancing was going to New York and Niagara Falls representing Canada to compete in the World Ballet and Jazz dance Championships! Kalli has danced in groups and as a soloist. She has earned many Gold Honours and Elite Gold Medals over the years. In 2009, she qualified to represent Canada as a Junior Jazz Soloist in Niagara Falls at the IDO World Jazz Championships and placed 13th. As an assistant teacher, Kalli is excited to share her love of dance!

Kelsey Pooles
Kelsey started to dance at Shelley Shearer School of Dance at the age of three. Over the last 14 years, Kelsey has trained in many dance styles such as ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop and tap. Kelsey has proudly obtained many of her ISTD: Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, ballet accreditations, most recently being her Advanced One. As she has won many awards for her competitive dancing, Kelsey was able to compete both locally and internationally to showcase all of the many dance disciplines, such as the Manitoba Dance Festival and Canadian National Dance Championships. Kelsey has also had the opportunity to dance for Team Canada at the World Jazz Championships and World Ballet Cup. She has represented Team Canada through both solo and group performances in Orlando, Florida (2005), Boston (2006) and New York (2007). One proud accomplishment for Kelsey, was receiving a Bronze medal at the World Ballet Cup in Boston. During the summer of 2009, Kelsey once again proudly represented Team Canada at the World Competition in Niagara Falls, Canada. She garnered two Gold Medals with her ballet groups and the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals with her jazz groups. Kelsey also placed 11th with her ballet pointe solo and 13th with her jazz solo. During the 2008 and 2009 year, Kelsey has participated in many dance conventions, including the Triple Threat Dance Convention. Here, she had the opportunity to perform a jazz solo in front of acclaimed dance professionals and choreographers. Kelsey was awarded a Senior Convention scholarship. While she performed many dances at the Manitoba Dance Festival, Kelsey was awarded a Senior Lyrical Scholarship for her lyrical solo performance during the competition. Kelsey began assisting classes at the studio in 2007. She has been a Teacher’s Assistant for dance students of all ages and in a variety of dance disciplines. Kelsey truly enjoys helping her students grow into becoming better dancers and to help them further enjoy their love of dance. She looks forward to more years of dancing and assisting at the studio!

Ashley Youssiem

Ashley has been dancing at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance from the young age of 3. Over the past 13 years, she has trained in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical and musical theatre. She has participated in both the Manitoba Dance Festival and the Canadian National Dance Championships since she was 7. In addition to group performances, Ashley has competed in hip hop and tap categories with solos and duos. She performed with Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet in The Nutcracker, in 2002. In 2004, she performed a hip hop duo in Jewish Child and Family Services Stars of Tomorrow concert. In 2007, Ashley competed with her jazz group in the World Ballet and Jazz Championships in New York City. She also completed grades 2 through 6, ISTD Ballet exams. She performed in the Grant Park High School Performing Arts productions over the last four years. Ashley has participated in many Triple Threat Dance Conventions in Winnipeg as well as The Pulse Dance Convention in Toronto. In the summer of 2008, she took our summer dance teaching assistants course. Ashley feels that her dance training has helped her gain strength, flexibility and technique. She has also learned many life skills including teamwork, dedication, devotion, and commitment. Ashley hopes that her love for dance, will inspire other dancers to love dance as much as she always has!

Kelsey Lacombe
Kelsey has been dancing at the Shelley Shearer School of Dance since the age of four when she started taking Creative Dance. Now a full time student, she takes ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, hip hop and lyrical classes at the studio. Over the years, Kelsey has completed six ballet exams and competed as a soloist and group performer at the Manitoba Dance Festival and Canadian National Dance Championships, winning many Gold Honours, Elite Gold and Adjudicator’s Choice awards. She has also attended numerous Triple Threat Dance Conventions and Manitoba Dance Festival Workshops. Kelsey’s passion for dance has led her to perform in several musicals at Balmoral Hall School in which she has had various lead roles. These include ‘Skimbleshanks’ from CATS!  and different characters from A Chorus Line, Chicago and You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. She has performed at Disneyworld and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and events such as The Guardian Angel Benefit and The Hospice and Palliative Care Fundraiser here in Winnipeg. Kelsey enjoys being around children and sharing her love of dance with them. She looks forward to continuing assisting and dancing at the studio for many years to come!