Artistic Director of PSB & INTERPLAY – Cecchetti Ballet, Enhanced and Intensive Ballet, PSB & INTERPLAY Dance Company

Karen is a graduate of the National Ballet School’s teacher’s training program and is accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Dance. After travelling and training and touring with the Toronto Dance Theatre and dance companies in Europe & Japan, Karen returned to Canada to complete her Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours Degree at York University, during which time she performed throughout Ontario with the York Dance Ensemble. Her teaching experience includes The National Ballet School of Canada, Ballet Jörgen and George Brown College, York University, Ryerson University, L’école superieure Méditerranéenne, Quinte Ballet School, Claude Watson Program for the Arts at Earl Haig Secondary School, Mooredale House, Branksome Hall, and Bishop Strachan School. Karen has adjudicated in local competitions in Toronto and throughout Ontario.

Karen has trained and worked with renowned choreographers like Betty Oliphant, Carole Chadwick, Glenn Gilmour, Mavis Staines, Jean Geddis, Deborah Bowes, Kenny Pearl, Darrel Tracey, Pat Miner, Pat Fraser, Karen Duplisea, David Earle, Holly Small, and Donna Krasnow.

Karen founded the PSB Dance Academy in 1989 and was formerly Associate Director of Interplay School of Dance, where she taught for many years and built a strong Modern Dance program and formed Interplay Dance Company. She acquired ownership of Interplay School of Dance when founder Anna McCowan Johnson retired in July 2006.

Alex Berry — Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz

An emerging Toronto artist, Alex began at PSB Dance Academy at age two and later became Dance Captain on the competitive team. A Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts graduate (2016) and BFA Performance Dance alum of Toronto Metropolitan University (2020), she also trained in acting and vocals. Alex has performed works by Bobbi Jene Smith, Or Schraiber, Vicki St. Denys, Charles Moulton, and Peter Chin, and attended intensives with The National Ballet of Canada, Peggy Baker Dance Projects, and Metamorphosis Method. She has taught children aged 18 months to 18 years for over 5 years and is thrilled to inspire the next generation at PSB & Interplay.

Tanner Boyer — Ballet, Contemporary, Modern, Jazz

A BFA Dance graduate from the University of Arizona, Tanner has danced with Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Giordano Dance Chicago, and performed internationally with Royal Caribbean Productions (original casts of “Showgirl” and “Effectors”). He currently performs at Paris’s legendary Moulin Rouge in “Ferrie.” A decorated choreographer, Tanner premiered works on the University of Arizona’s Stevie Eller stage, received first place at Celebrity Create and the U of A Creative Achievement Award, and has staged pieces nationally and internationally. He has taught at Extensions Dance Co and Visceral Dance Center (Chicago) and holds NASM personal training certification.

Rebecca Brown — Acro, Gym Skills

Rebecca’s gymnastics journey began at age 2 and advanced to a decade on the provincial competitive circuit. Coaching while competing deepened her commitment to athlete development. After retiring at 17 to pursue psychology, she returned to train in programs for retired gymnasts and now channels her experience into gym skills classes, helping young athletes build strength, coordination, and confidence.

Bretonie Burchell — Social Media & Marketing Director; Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, Improv

Raised in Calgary, Bretonie started dancing at 3 and built an early record of performances across North America and the U.K., earning scholarships and ADA’s “Dancer of the Year” (Calgary). Her credits span music videos (Shawn Desman, Blake McGrath, Young Avz), television (MTV, Love Trap), runway (Alternative Fashion Week, LG Fashion Week), and stages including A.C.E. Awards (NYC), Choreographers Ball, and I Move Forward. She teaches widely, leads a weekly open class at RightFoot Studio, and serves on faculty for Fresh Dance Intensive. Recent performance highlights include Jasmyn Fyffe Dance’s award-winning “Pulse” (Montreal Fringe) and projects with RiaToss Productions.

Minuet “Min-T” Charron — Ballet, Multi Dance, Hip Hop

A Nova Scotia–born dancer, teacher, and choreographer, Minuet performs with Impetus Movement and trains at Dance Arts Institute and Kode Red Academy. Her background bridges concert dance (ballet, jazz, modern, character, pointe) and street styles (breaking with mentor Nick “Gennew” Nguyen, hip hop, house, heels, waacking, and more). Mentored by Bo Park (PARK), she completed Decidedly Jazz Danceworks’ Professional Training Program and competed with illFX Education’s Alpha crew. Teaching since 14 across Nova Scotia, Calgary, and Toronto, Minuet champions individuality and authentic style in every class.

Kimberley Ganter — Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical

Originally from Saskatchewan, Kimberley trained in Vancouver’s Harbour Dance Centre Intensive Training Program and performed two seasons with Source Dance Company under Joanne Pesusich, working with choreographers across North America. After years of professional performance and teaching in Vancouver and Toronto, she continues to broaden her craft and is delighted to bring her energy and range to Interplay students.

Monique Jovanov — Competitive Division Director; Jazz

An alum of Etobicoke School of the Arts and Toronto Metropolitan University, Monique is an established choreographer and educator whose work fuses strong technique with organic musicality. Performance and choreography credits span Canada, the U.S., and Europe, including CTV’s So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Kim’s Convenience, The Handmaid’s Tale, American Pie: Beta House, Sun Life Financial, and Hulu’s 11.22.63 with Sarah Gadon and James Franco. Stage highlights include GREASE, HAIR, and major multi-sport ceremonies (International Children’s Games; 2016 Pan Am Games). Her students have built thriving careers, and her choreography has received numerous top awards.

Antonella Martinelli — Ballet

Born in Santa Fe, Argentina, Antonella trained at Canada’s National Ballet School (Peter Dwyer Award recipient). She joined The National Ballet of Canada as an RBC Apprentice in 2007, the Corps de Ballet in 2008, and performed an extensive repertory—among them Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, The Nutcracker, Onegin, Anna Karenina (Kitty), and works by Balanchine, Kudelka, Kylián, and more—before retiring in 2022. She brings world-class artistry and deep repertory knowledge to every class.

Dominique Tersigni — Contemporary, Acro, Gym Skills, Jazz, Lyrical

Toronto-based freelance artist Dominique trained competitively at Interplay, earning awards including the Patricia Upcraft Award and Glenn Gilmour Scholarship, and was a CNE Rising Star finalist (2015). She has performed and created in platforms such as Fever After Dark, Choreographers Ball, Industry Night, The Next Step, and the Parapan Am Opening Ceremonies. A ProArteDanza Summer Intensive alum, she currently trains with Chimera Projects Company B and teaches with a focus on musicality, clarity, and performance presence.

Lucie Ward — Student Liaison to Artistic Director; Ballet, Yoga, Pilates

Immigrating from Malta at age 4, Lucie trained through RAD Advanced and later completed Canada’s National Ballet School Teacher Training Program (Cecchetti Advanced; distinctions in Ballet and National). Her teaching career spans Interplay (16+ years), Randolph Academy, Bishop Strachan, Branksome Hall, Toronto Lawn & Tennis Club, PSB, and Canadian Dance Company, among others. A performer, choreographer, adjudicator, and featured CBC radio guest, Lucie has also taught as a guest at NBS and continues to mentor dancers with rigor and warmth.

Amy Blake - Hoffman

Sara House

Sara was born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, before moving to Toronto to begin her dance career. Starting at the age of two, Sara’s love for dance grew quickly, and she soon became confident that she wanted to be a dance educator.

Immersing herself in a variety of dance styles throughout her training, Sara has developed a comprehensive foundation of knowledge and brings over five years of teaching experience. She is well-versed in Ballet (Cecchetti and RAD syllabi), Pointe, Contemporary, Modern, Lyrical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Street Jazz, and Conditioning for Dancers (Progressing Ballet Technique), among others.

Honoured as valedictorian, Sara graduated with distinction from Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program in June 2025. She continues her education at York University, where she will complete her final year in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance program. While at Canada’s National Ballet School, Sara was the recipient of the Carole Chadwick Award (2024) and the Sylvia McPhee Award (2025) for her demonstration of great potential and citizenship.

Sara holds her Associate status with Cecchetti Canada and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing – National Dance, as well as her Registered Teacher status with the Royal Academy of Dance. She is also a certified Progressing Ballet Technique and Dance for Parkinson’s instructor.

As a dance educator, Sara strives to foster her students’ passion for dance while enhancing their technical proficiency. Equally important is her commitment to teaching the values of kindness, respect, and collaboration.

Outside of the studio, Sara enjoys baking, listening to music, and attending live concerts and performances!

Alexandra Martin - Junior Teacher

Mackenzie Mitchell - Junior Teacher

Aleksandar Antonijevic — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

A former Principal Dancer with The National Ballet of Canada and soloist with Zurich Opera Ballet, Aleksandar has performed leading roles in the classical canon and in works by Balanchine, Kudelka, Neumeier, Forsythe, and more. An acclaimed international guest artist and award-winning photographer, he later became a sought-after coach and stager, bringing productions to companies including Royal Danish Ballet and the Bolshoi Ballet. Honors include two Rolex Dancers First Awards. His teaching integrates musicality, dramatic nuance, and pristine classical line.

Mercedes Bernardez Carret — Guest Teacher/Choreographer; Artistic Director, The Carret Dance Conservatory

Mercedes’s international career spans Principal Dancer and Ballet Mistress roles in Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela. She has served as Artistic Director (Quinte Ballet School) and Ballet Mistress (Alberta Ballet), and teaches at renowned institutions including The National Ballet of Canada (In Studio), Ballet Jörgen, and University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She advises Les Petits Ballets (Ottawa) and co-directs Cuba’s TEADE International Dance Intensive. Through TCDC, she supports pre-professional training recognized by CID-UNESCO.

Rui Huang — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

Shenzhen-born and trained at Shenzhen Arts School, Rui danced with The Washington Ballet (Soloist) before joining The National Ballet of Canada (2011; promoted Second Soloist in 2016). Her repertoire includes principal roles across classical and contemporary works by Balanchine, Tharp, Wheeldon, and many more. A decorated competitor (Youth America Grand Prix; World Ballet Competition—bronze), Rui teaches and coaches widely, including with The National Ballet of Canada, and serves as a private ballet coach and trainer.

Martine Lusignan — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

Trained at L’École Supérieure de Danse du Québec and Canada’s National Ballet School, Martine danced with The National Ballet of Canada, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal (international touring), and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, performing works by Kylian, Naharin, Balanchine, Pite, Kudelka, and others. She co-founded Corpuscule Danse, championing integrated dance, and has taught across Canada in pre-professional programs. A proactive, goal-oriented educator, Martine also serves the arts community through AHAC and classroom teaching.

Kealan McLaughlin — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

A Toronto native and graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School, Kealan performed with Alberta Ballet and Ballet Jörgen before becoming a leading soloist with the Estonian National Ballet. His repertoire includes principal roles in Onegin, La Bayadère, A Streetcar Named Desire, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Giselle, and more. He has guested with The Chimera Project, Opera Atelier, and DanceTeq International and teaches across Canadian programs.

Ruby Moreno — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

Ruby began at PSB in 1982, training in jazz, modern, and Cecchetti ballet (Advanced 1) and touring with Profile Dance Company. She studied Dance Performance at George Brown College and expanded into fitness (Les Mills Body Flow, Zumba, Bolly Fit). Professionally, Ruby has danced with Lady Luck Productions and RS Divas and founded À GO-GO ENTERTAINMENT (2011). A NCCP-trained Gymnastics Coach, she teaches across the GTA, specializing in Acro, and continually advances her multidisciplinary teaching practice.

John Ottman — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

A graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School, John’s three-decade career spans dancer, choreographer, teacher, rehearsal director, and artistic director roles. He has worked with The National Ballet of Canada, Ballet BC, Fortier Danse Créations, Holy Body Tattoo, and co-founded Quorum. He has taught/rehearsal-directed for companies and schools worldwide (including Random Dance, Cirque du Soleil, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and universities), with choreography presented at major festivals. John teaches at Interplay, PSB, Toronto Metropolitan University, and York University (where he completed an MA in dance dramaturgy).

Erin Poole — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

Erin trained at PSB from age 8 and joined Profile Dance Company at 9. She holds Advanced 2 Cecchetti, studied jazz and lyrical with Christina Neves, and is a Cardinal Carter Academy of the Arts alum (Dance Award). She trained in Graham and Limón techniques, performed lead roles in PSB productions, and studied in France at Académie Méditerranéenne. A finalist at CNE’s Rising Star and award recipient at the Muskoka Ballet Gala, Erin continues to teach at PSB, Interplay, and Bishop Strachan while pursuing professional opportunities.

Faye Rauw — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

From Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Faye’s global career includes professional performance, teaching, judging, and choreography, with credits spanning cruise lines, film, and television (CHICAGO, Hairspray, MONK), and collaborations with artists such as Marlon Wayans and Ben Vereen. She has choreographed for major sports leagues and national events, served as a high-demand judge, and founded Fayez1 Productions. Faye teaches at Randolph Academy and inspires dancers through workshops and original creations.

Adam Sergison — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

Adam’s theatre highlights include the original North American tour of The Wizard of Oz, Mirvish’s We Will Rock You, COC’s Death in Venice (Tadzio), West Side Story, Cats (Mr. Mistoffelees), 9 to 5, and Peter Pan. Screen credits include Disney’s Camp Rock and Harriet the Spy: Blog Wars. As a choreographer and teacher, his students have earned invitations to YAGP Finals and scholarships to respected ballet programs. Adam’s classes emphasize musicality, precision, and stage craft.

Julie Thomas — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

Julie contributes to PSB & Interplay as a guest teacher and choreographer, bringing professional experience across studio, stage, and creative development. A full bio will be added as additional credits are confirmed.

Kylie Thompson — Guest Teacher/Choreographer

A multidisciplinary creator and educator based in Toronto, Kylie works across street styles and contemporary/ballet-based techniques, bridging stage and screen as a choreographer, filmmaker, and performer. Credits include TIFF, DanceWorks, Fringe Festival, Barenaked Ladies, Airplane Boys, Kiesza, Gadfly Dance Company, and Dance: Made in Canada. Committed to inclusive practice and ongoing dialogue, Kylie nurtures curiosity, play, and rigorous craft in every room.

Flora Chen — Accompanist

A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with advanced early-childhood music credentials, Flora studied voice, conducting, piano, and theory at Birmingham School of Music (U.K.). A founding staff member with Interplay Ballet, she brings sensitivity and musical depth to classes, and serves as a choir director and organist at two Toronto churches.

Erik Geddis — Accompanist

For two decades, Erik has accompanied York University’s Department of Dance, performing on piano, percussion, and voice. He has recorded class albums, contributed to numerous performances, and collaborates with The National Ballet of Canada, PSB & Interplay, and his own ensembles as a performer, composer, and recording artist.