Annastacia Smith
Artistic Director / Studio Owner
Holding her BFA hons. Dance from York University, Annastacia is trained and certified in RAD, CDTA, Acrobatic Arts and Cangym, PBT and as a ADTA Acro Adjudicator. Her genres include Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro, (and specialty acro) Modern (Limon and Graham), Musical Theatre, and Contemporary/Lyrical. She holds her NCCP and AAC1 for Acrobatics and gymnastics. She trained in a variety of professional programs, such as NBS, York University, and Mirvish Productions.
Over her remarkable career, Annastacia has guided countless students who have gone on to achieve exceptional careers in the arts, both as performers and as educators. Many of her students have been accepted into prestigious dance institutions, performed with renowned companies, and have made significant contributions to the arts community worldwide. Annastacia’s dedication to her craft and her students' success has made her a respected and influential figure in the dance industry.
Crystal Clark
Administrative Director / Studio Owner
A seasoned studio owner and certified Acro adjudicator with over a decade of experience in the dance industry. She holds certifications from Acrobatic Arts and the ADTA Acro Adjudication program, continuously expanding her expertise by training with Cangym professionals to ensure her students master essential foundational skills.
Crystal’s strong background in finance and business complements her artistic endeavors, allowing her to efficiently manage the studio's day-to-day operations while also serving as our competitive liaison. Her unwavering commitment to dance education and her extensive knowledge make her an invaluable leader, dedicated to nurturing both the technical and personal growth of every student.
Diego Arvelo
Diego Arvelo made history as the youngest dancer to join the Ballet of Santo Domingo at just 16 years old. During his time with the company, he toured South America, performing in Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Diego continued his dance education by studying the techniques of renowned choreographers such as Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, and Martha Graham.
After relocating to Canada, Diego continued his training with certifications in R.A.D., C.D.T.A. in Jazz and Ballet, Vaganova Ballet Technique and the British Association of Teachers of Dance (B.A.T.D.). Diego inspired the next generation of artists through his role with the St. Lawrence College Musical Theatre program, where he taught jazz, partnering, and modern techniques.
Amia Ogieva
Amia studied at Wilfrid Laurier University and possesses extensive training across multiple dance disciplines, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Acro. Her passion, particularly for Hip Hop and Contemporary, ignited during her studies at WLU, and has since become the cornerstone of her artistic journey.
Amia has been dedicated to shaping the next generation of dancers, sharing her expertise as a faculty member at ODA, Canadian Dance Company, and Hoofers Performing Arts. Bringing her commercial dance experience into the classroom, Amia has performed with renowned artists such as rIVerse and Tynomi Banks from Canada’s Drag Race. Most recently, she had the honor of performing internationally at the opening ceremonies of The World Cup.
Amia continues to work professionally, honing her craft, and competing both nationally and internationally with her crew and studio, Keystone, all while inspiring her students with her passion and dedication.
Samantha Beaudin
A National Ballet of Canada's Teacher Training Program graduate, Miss Sam brings 20 years experience and holds certifications from the Royal Academy of Dance, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, and the Cecchetti Society. Her extensive education includes studies in Anatomy, Dance History, Music, Pedagogy, the NBS Curriculum, and Conditioning. Additionally, she is recognized as an Ontario Scholar and a Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture.
Kristina McIntosh
A Theatre Arts graduate from Ryerson University, Kristina holds certifications from the Royal Academy of Dance and the Cecchetti Society of Canada. Her extensive training includes studies at the Pia Bouman School for Ballet, the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, and additional training with the Banff Centre for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh Ballet School, and Princeton Ballet School.
Kristina performed with the Paula Moreno Spanish Dance Company and has since dedicated herself to teaching. She is a pioneer of the Dancing with Parkinson’s initiative in the Quinte area and is currently pursuing an assistant degree in Occupational and Physiotherapy to further enhance her expertise of the human body in motion.
Rebecca Funari
Rebecca, who holds a Certificate in the Arts, embarked on her dance journey at the School of Performing Arts in Winnipeg. Her passion for dance led her to Belleville, where she further honed her skills in Ballet through the QBSC professional training program. As a certified member of the Cecchetti Society of Canada, Rebecca’s commitment to the art form is evident in her rigorous training and ongoing contributions to the dance community.
Rebecca’s path from an aspiring dancer to an accomplished professional underscores her deep dedication and expertise. Her journey is a testament to her perseverance and love for dance, and she continues to inspire others through her work. With a blend of technical skill and heartfelt passion, Rebecca remains a prominent figure in the dance world, continually motivating those around her with her unwavering commitment to the art.
Lauren Lafayette-Brooks
A graduate of Humber College's Theatre Performance program, Lauren is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the theatre industry, both on stage and behind the scenes. She is a trained and skilled voice and vocal artist with extensive expertise in drama, dance, and vocals.
Lauren's diverse background and extensive performance experience enrich her teaching approach. Recently, she furthered her skills by earning certification through Acrobatic Arts. Her comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience allow her to provide a well-rounded and dynamic education, fostering growth and creativity in her students across various disciplines.
Terry Brooks
ODA Art Facilitator
Terry holds a B.A.Hons Degree in Art and Design from Leeds Polytechnic, an Art Teacher’s Certificate from Leeds University , and a BSW Degree from Ipswich College of Further Education.
Before emigrating to Canada in 1990 , he worked in the U.K. in the fields of Education, and Social Work. After arriving in Ontario he worked for the Children’s Aid Society for twenty years before retiring.
He is a practicing artist, photographer, and musician , and a member of the Brighton Arts and Culture Council , where he has been involved in staging musical concerts and art shows since 2010.
ACCOMPANISTS
Tibor Csaszar
Tom Dietzel
Ongoing Mentorships
Ontario Dance Academy is privileged to maintain an ongoing training partnership with many highly sought-after industry professionals.
These instructors are seasoned experts who actively engage in both Canadian and International dance circuits. We are privileged to be able to offer their ongoing expertise to our dancers on an on-going basis.
David Houle
David Houle is a distinguished multidisciplinary artist celebrated for his internationally acclaimed career. Trained at the National Ballet of Canada and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, David has left an indelible mark on the industry.
His career highlights include starring roles in Cirque Du Soleil's iconic productions such as Sonor, Viaggo, and WOW The Vegas Spectacular. His dynamic talent extends to aerialist performances in shows like Come Fly With Me and Sequins and Feathers, and the role of Angel in the Tony Award-Winning musical Kinky Boots, collaborating closely with Cindy Lauper.
Recently appointed Managing Director for a major cruise line, David oversees singer workshops, conducts dancer auditions, and manages international artistic operations. His leadership underscores expertise in talent management and artistic direction.
Gerard McIsaac
A double alumnus of the Canada’s National Ballet School, Mr. McIsaac is a highly regarded and accredited Professional Dance Educator Master.
Certifications include Diploma with Distinction from the NBS Teachers Training Program for Former Professionals, Mutually Recognized Teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, ballet faculty member with Dance Masters of Canada and International Dance Teachers Association of Great Britain, and Professional Adjudicators Alliance.
Gizella Witkowsky
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Gizella Witkowsky graduated from the National Ballet School and joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1975 and enjoyed an illustrious 20-year career with the company. During that time, she performed lead roles in all of the major classical ballets and has worked with many world-renowned choreographers and had the honour of performing with some of the world’s greatest dancers. Ms. Witkowsky also has extensive experience in theatre and dance productions both in Canada and abroad. She has taught master classes at numerous Ontario dance festivals. Ms. Witkowsky continues to help develop and inspire future generations in the world of arts.
