Kelly Paddle (Artistic Director)

Kelly is Center Stage’s co-founder and co-artistic director, and has many accolades to her credit. She holds memberships with the British Association of Teachers of Dance (Stage and Acrobatics), Dance Masters of America and The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), not to mention a Level 1 coaching certificate in gymnastics. In 2008, Kelly was thrilled to serve as a choreographer for the YTV movie King of the Camp, featuring many Center Stage dancers. 

Her talent and reputation for excellence earned Kelly spots as co-choreographer for the Terpsichore national finals “Super Solo” opening number, and the honour of acting as an adjudicator for several dance competitions. Over the years, Kelly is proud to have seen her students go on to professional dance careers with companies such as Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Lines, Walt Disney World, the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies, Toronto Rock, and Toronto Argos, and the movies The Music Man and Honey just to name a few. 

For Kelly, there is no greater joy than passing on the passion for dance to each one of her students, and no greater reward than seeing the next generation of dance educators thrive under her guidance. 

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Claudia Caicedo (Artistic Director)

Exceptionally gifted in her work with children, Claudia is a mentor who nurtures and develops dancers to their fullest potential. Her passion for dance and talent for instruction has provided her students with the tools to become professional dancers, ballet teachers, and healthy human beings who just love ballet.  

Claudia holds a teaching Diploma with the Royal Academy of Dance, British Association of Teachers of Dance, and has received training at the world-renowned National Ballet School of Canada, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Ryerson University. 

As a mother of two, she understands the importance of safety, good health, and the development of life skills. Claudia constantly strives to inspire and motivate her dancers to ensure they have positive, lasting memories from their dance experience; she understands the importance of her role in the young lives she touches each and every day.

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Kennetha O'Heany    LRAD, MFA Dance History (Teacher)

Kennetha O'Heany has been an active ballet teacher and historian for the past 25 years.  As well, she is a Mentor and Tutor for training teachers in the RAD Teaching Programme.

Through her clear approach to ballet technique and its requirements, as well as her commitment to students, Kennetha has helped develop dancers to their goals of performance, teaching and academics.

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Mindy DeRose (Teacher)

Mindy DeRose has over 10 years of teaching experience. She has extensive training in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics and Lyrical (BATD, DMA and PAEC).

During her competitive career, Mindy danced throughout Canada and the United States.  She appeared on the Showstopper national television show and has had the privilege of meeting and dancing alongside celebrated dancers and choreographers like Mia Michaels, Mary Murphy, Tabitha & Napolean and Benji Schwimmer.

Mindy's passion for dance combines with her enthusiastic and charismatic teaching style to create a classroom environment in which young dancers thrive.

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Sarah Chapman (Teacher)

Sarah Chapman began dancing since the age of 5 and hasn’t stopped.  She has extensive training in a variety of genres, including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, Lyrical, Modern, Hip-hop, Musical Theatre and Ballroom. Sarah holds membership with the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD) and has completed her Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS) certificate through CanFit Pro.

Sarah has competed internationally and was proud to win a silver medal at the IDO 2006 World Showdance Championships in Germany, and has competed four separate times at the nationally-televised Showstopper North American Dance Championships in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  

Sarah may be seen in numerous TV commercials and movies including "King of the Camp" and has been photographed for "A Wish Come True" dance costume catalogue. She is thrilled to have had her dream come true this year being chosen as a member of the Toronto Raptors’ Dance Pak's 2009/2010 season!

Sarah is proud to be teaching at Center Stage once again this year, where she passes on her passion to students, and encourages them to achieve their personal best while also having fun! 

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Tess Carruthers (Teacher)

Tess is a graduate of the dance program at York University where she studied Ballet,  Modern,  Dance History,  Music,  Dance Kinesiology and Injury Prevention.  She then enrolled in a joint dance program at York University and the National Ballet School of Canada. Tess graduated from the National Ballet School's Teacher Training Program in 2006. While there, she obtained her Royal Academy of Dance Registered Teacher status as well as her Cecchetti Intermediate and Advanced One exams and National Intermediate and Advanced One exams.

Upon completion of her NBS studies, Tess returned to York, graduating in 2008 with an Honours BFA in Dance. Tess looks forward to helping further our commitment to fostering joy, enthusiasm and professionalism in every student!  

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Mariano Abarca (Teacher)

Mariano Abarca is an enthralling performer, accomplished choreographer and an extraordinary instructor.  He has over ten years of experience working as a choreographer and instructor in Toronto’s growing dance scene. Mariano has a diverse skill base and performing experience in Hip-hop, B-boying, popping and locking.

His knowledge of the history of Hip-hop culture in Canada and his willingness to share his knowledge and skill with his students make him a true rarity in the world of Hip-hop and render him one of the best instructors in North America. Mariano is a role model and innovator who brings a hip, modern flair to his classes.  He is thrilled to be working with the students of Center Stage. 

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Natalie Pitton (Teacher)

Natalie is a Director, Performer, Choreographer, Teacher and Adjudicator who celebrates her love and knowledge of dance with an inspiring class and her booming energy!

Upon receiving her O.S.S.D., Natalie attended the prestigious National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program, working and training under the instruction of dance experts such as Glenn Gilmour and Mavis Staines.

Natalie is an Associate Member of the International Society of Teachers of Dancing, as well as the Royal Academy of Dance. Natalie holds her Advanced Cecchetti Diploma, National Advanced II and RAD Advanced II, with Honours. Natalie is also an active member of the Dance Masters of America (DMA). In addition to her teaching qualifications, Natalie is a qualified Personal Training Specialist. Natalie is proud to be a member of the International Academy of Dance Adjudicators (IADA) and the Professional Adjudicators Alliance (PAA).

Many of Natalie’s students have continued forward in their studies to dance professionally in Companies and Professional Training Programs, such as The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Juilliard, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Quinte Ballet School and The National Ballet School.

Natalie’s most recent and largest accomplishment is, Rhythm and Grace Productions INC., a Contemporary Jazz Dance Company that thrives on their cutting-edge and original style. The Company is entering their fourth season and is looking forward to their North American expansion. Natalie’s love for dance exceeds limits and continues to share her passion with Students, Teachers and Directors across the scene!

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Yvonne Oldaker (Teacher)

Yvonne Oldaker received her dance education at the Hammond School of Dancing in England under the direction of the late Betty Hassall. There she studied ballet, character, ballroom, tap and musical comedy, earning her ARAD (Advanced Teacher Certificate). She choreographed and taught in Southport and Chester in England and came to Canada in 1959 to teach in Montreal and later in Winnipeg for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. In Manitoba Mrs Oldaker ran her own school for 15 years. In 1981 she founded the Halton Hills School of Dance in Georgetown. She has choreographed and directed ballets and musicals, and has adjudicated festivals in England, Canada, the USA, and Mexico.

Mrs. Oldaker became a children’s examiner for the Royal Academy of Dance in 1965 and has examined continuously in Canada since 1971. She has been fortunate to examine in most provinces and many countries around the world. Over the years she has had many hobbies including gliding, gardening, volunteering in places such as the Food Bank and recently cooking gourmet dinners for fundraising groups. For many years she has been involved in training teachers and has been tutoring and teaching in the Royal Academy of Dance teacher training programme since their inception. Her continuing passion and her ambition is to bring the joy of dance to students and teachers alike. 

 Jacques Monfiston (Teacher) 

After attending Ottawa University and taking a long break from dance of over 10 years, Jacques decided to train again at the age of 25 at Greta Leeming Studio of Dance. One of his many highlights has been to represent Canada at the World Dance Championships. As a member of the Canadian National Tap Team, he had the honor of being awarded the gold medal for Canada.

Jacques’ professional work includes traveling the world as an entertainer, choreographer and adjudicator. He was the 1st Canadian Judge at the 2001 World Jazz Dance Competition and also adjudicated the 2002 World Tap Dance and Show Dance Championships in Germany. Jacques was also the tap adjudicator at the Manitoba Dance Festival in 2008. Jacques continues to improve his talent by being on scholarship to two leading Performing Arts Training Centers and also has worked with some of L.A. and New York City’s top choreographers.

Jacques was also part of the inaugural dance company Helix Dance Project in Toronto under the direction of Linda Garneau. He was also in numerous commercials and industrials such as Bell Mobility, Coca Cola and Radio Shack to name a few. Jacques also teaches, conducts workshops and does competitive choreography for various studios worldwide. Jacques made Tokyo, Japan his home for over 2 years working for Walt Disney at the Broadway Music Theatre.

He was also in musicals/plays such as My Fair Lady, Cats, Cyrano De Bergerac, Guys and Dolls, Nixon in China and most recently the smash hit West Side Story at the Stratford Festival Theatre. Jacques was also a featured dancer in the smash hit show Dance Legends. He is the national choreographer for the Canadian National Jazz/Modern Team. Jacques also co-directed A Chorus Line with Faye Rauw for the Toronto Theatre Company and was selected by the Toronto District School Board to be a Dance Mentor for a project called Dare To Dance. On top of his busy schedule, he continues to teach at numerous dance studios, schools and conventions across the world. Live, Love, Share!

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Julia Landry (Teacher) 

Julia began dancing at the young age of 5 and has been pursuing the arts ever since. She competed for several years in Canada and the United States and excels in Jazz, Ballet, and Contemporary. While in high school, Julia discovered her love of drama and musical theatre. She performed in many shows and competed nationally in improvisational theatre.

After high school, Julia attended the University of Guelph where she received her honours degree in Theatre Studies. During her time at Guelph, Julia also sat on the executive board as the choreographer for “Curtain Call Productions,” a not for profit musical theatre company. She choreographed many musicals including “Fame” and “Zombie Prom.”

Julia then moved on to the University of Toronto where she received her degree in Education. She is currently teaching Drama, Dance, and Musical Theatre at the high school level.

Julia’s extensive background in dance, theatre, and education and her passion for teaching the arts allows her to maintain a classroom environment where students can develop new skills, be safe, and above all, have fun!

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Jenny Bowser (Supply Teacher)

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