Sheila Vecchiarelli
(R.A.D., I.S.T.D & C.D.T.A)

Sheila is the owner and artistic director of the studio. Sheila started her training at the age of seven. She completed all of her training at the Simcoe Dance Academy, including all of her teaching qualifications, under the careful directions of her mother, Joan Dorothy. Sheila has performed, directed and choreographed in numerous shows. She has successfully entered candidates for exams in all disciplines up to and including the teaching level. She has also entered many students in dance competitions with “golden” results. Sheila helped to establish the Moving Art programme, bringing dance and drama into our schools. Sheila has been a full time teacher at the studio for over 23 years.
She enjoys living and working in a small community with a big heart.

Joan Dorothy
(R.A.D., I.S.T.D & C.D.T.A)

Ms. Dorothy is the previous owner and current principal of the studio. Ms. Dorothy started her training in England and continued her teaching qualifications in Canada. Ms. Dorothy has been serving the dance community for over fifty years. In addition, Ms. Dorothy was the president of the Bradford Figure Skating Club for fifteen years. She has mentored many young teachers, giving up hours upon hours to ensure their success. Ms. Dorothy has also had students accepted into the Royal Ballet in London England, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada. Ms. Dorothy is one of few teachers able to successfully train students up to the Solo Seal level which is the highest award given by the Royal Academy of Dance. Any student who is invited to attend her classes appreciates Ms. Dorothy’s expertise and attention to detail.

Alison Hasler
(R.A.D., I.S.T.D & C.D.T.A)

Alison completed all of her training at the Simcoe Dance Academy. She has been a part of the dance world whether it be dancing or teaching for over 25 years. Alison is a fully registered teacher in all dance disciplines, although her first love is ballet. After completing her dance training with Simcoe, she went on to post secondary education in Hamilton, Ontario where she was a sought after dance teacher. Alison has performed in numerous shows and dance competitions. As well as being a dance teacher, Alison is also a schoolteacher completing her teaching degree in Edinburgh, Scotland. Alison’s dedication and encouragement brings out the best in all of her students.

Alexandra Vecchiarelli
(A.R.A.D., M.I.S.T.D & A.C.D.T.A)

Alex has been dancing since the age of two. She is the youngest student at the Simcoe Dance Academy to complete all of her Advanced 2 level exams. Alex recently tried her first teaching qualification exam and passed with Distinction. Alex has been teaching for four years and successfully entering candidates for exams for three seasons. Alex is a hard worker and expects the same from all of her students. They are encouraged to always give their best, because anything less is a waste of talent. Alex sees talent in everyone and will work hard to help the students discover it. Alex was recently in Montreal as a guest teacher at a dance summer school, where she was asked to teach and choreograph for a variety of different disciplines and levels. Alex has also co-ordinated and directed dance and drama camp shows with great success. Alex was head of our competition staff this past season where she won awards for her creative choreographic talents. Alex is entering her first year of University at Guelph where she will be studying Psychology and History.

Mikayla Vecchiarelli

Mikayla has been dancing since the age of three and has received all of her training at the Simcoe Dance Academy. At the age of fourteen Mikayla has already completed five professional level exams with very high marks. Mikayla works hard in her own classes and looks forward to sharing her love of dance with our beginners. Mikayla has assisted at the studio for the past two seasons and has taught numerous classes during our summer programmes. Mikayla is a great choreographer and enjoys trying new ideas. As well as being very involved with her dance training, Mikayla has also studied piano and voice lessons. Mikayla’s confidence is evident in all areas of her life as she has participated in many public speaking contests and was voted class valedictorian. We look forward to Mikayla bringing her enthusiasm into the classroom.

Megan Balsdon

Megan has been dancing since the age of five and has received all of her training at the Simcoe Dance Academy. At the age of fourteen Megan has already completed six professional level exams with very high marks. Megan has a particular flare for modern and tap, although her level of excellence in all dance disciplines goes beyond many others of her age. Megan has been accepted into the Huron Heights Dance Programme for the fall of 2009 where she will further her dance studies as part of her high school curriculum. Megan has participated in numerous dance competitions and recitals. Megan has been asked to choreograph and teach during our summer programmes, which she accomplished with great success. We welcome Megan to our teaching staff.