Miss Laurie

Miss Laurie is the founder and director of Danceworks. She donned her first pair of tap shoes at age four, and since then, has been active in the dance community as a performer, choreographer and dance teacher.

Laurie studied dance at Janet Dunstan's Dance Academy in Niagara Falls, New York, competing in national competitions, and performing in numerous shows, parades, local festivals and recitals. She became a full time teacher and choreographer at the Academy at the age of seventeen, and apprenticed under Janet Dunstan for ten years. “Ms. Janet” was, and is, Laurie's primary influence and mentor.

Laurie graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Theatre. She was a professional dancer and choreographer for “Viva Niagara” for five years. She has been hired as a choreographer by many high schools in the community, putting on such productions as “Joseph” and “Anything Goes”. She has also taught dance curriculum in grade schools. Currently, Laurie was also the resident choreographer for the Miss Niagara and Miss Teen Niagara pageants in Niagara Falls.

In 1997, Laurie opened Laurie Ewart's Danceworks, and is thrilled to be able to give a home to students of all ages who want to dance. She hopes to pass onto them her energy, excitement and love for dance!!!!

Miss Tiffany

Miss Tiff

I remember, at three years old, my mom slipping on my first pair of ballet shoes. It was love at first point! The shoes have changed many times over the years but one thing has never changed--my love for dance! Since then my dancing repertoire has extended to include ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Dancing was never just a past time activity for me; it was my life. Shuffle steps, tendus, and ball changes were just a small part of the dance curriculum for me. A lot of growing up took place in front of those mirrors. Lessons learned in the studio shaped me into the person I am today. I have been with Danceworks from the day it opened and consider the staff and students part of my family. For the past 7 years I have been able to further my love of dance as an instructor. I will never stop dancing and it feels amazing to share my passion with other dancers.

Miss Heather

Starting coaching last year was the best step of my life. I was inspired one day by watching a couple dance competitively almost 12 years ago. Ever since watching them gracefully move across the floor, contemporary mixed with acrobatics, I knew that I loved it, and now getting the chance to teach it, inspires me everyday as the coach for Acro. As for cheerleading, what inspired me, was about 4 years ago, watching one girl, fly overtop of a two-people high pyramid - the rush and adrenaline of a true cheerleader. All it took was some more intense acrobatics for the love of the sport come into play.

Miss Emily

Miss Patricia

Dance has and will always be an essential part of my life. I started taking dance lessons when I was 3 years old and still enjoy taking class! I am extremely fortunate to have trained with great instructors in tap, jazz, modern and hip hop, at studios in Ontario and the United States. When I was younger, I would force my brother and cousins into learning routines. I would make them constantly practice so that we could perform our amazing production for the parents! I guess that's when I first started sharing my passion, even if they didn't want me to! Now, seeing students get excited about dance in my class, puts a smile on my face. I have taught with Danceworks for 11 years now and love seeing all the students grow into amazing dancers and people; knowing that I had a small part in that is a truly great feeling!

Miss Julie

My exposure to dance began at the tender age of 2 years old. To say that I disliked dancing when I first started out is an understatement. For the first couple of months my mom would literally have to force me into the dance room, shut the door, and run. I HATED it!!! I am not sure if it was the incredibly cool whistle we got that year to use in the recital, or if I just finally came to my senses, but here we are many, many years later, and I can't get enough of it. To this day I still thank my mom for not giving in to my sad little tears. Dance has become a huge part of who I am. Whether it is taking lessons, or teaching, I absolutely love the amazing world of dance. I know it is something that I will stick with for life!

Miss Jeanine

I started dancing at the age of seven and have loved it ever since. I love the involvement of being part of a child growing, both as a dancer and as an individual. I have danced professionally and was a Magicians assistant for years. I have two children Johnathan and Taylor.

Chris

Hi I'm Christopher Lee Zhou

AT THE AGE OF 14 MY FRIENDS AND I WERE INPIRED BY THE MUSIC VIDEO "ITS LIKE THAT" BY RUN DMC

THE MUSIC VIDEO WAS FRESH, EXCITING AND MESMERIZING! AT THAT MOMENT WE KNEW WE HAD TO BE B-BOYS!

I AM CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF PRIMA NOVA, A FRESH EXCITING B-BOY DANCE CREW!

Alan

I was inspired by martial arts. My love for combining tricks, rhythm and flow was found in a dance which is now commonly known as 'breakdancing'. After meeting up with a group of breakdancers in university, I soon realized I'd be addicted to the challenge and excitement of the dance, which continues to pursue to this day. I am a part of the amazing Prima Nova dance crew!

Miss Ellen

Miss Bev

Danceworks is pleased and excited to welcome Bev to our teaching family! "Miss Bev" is our "imported" Ballet instructor and is seen here on the right side of the picture. She brings along her equally able instructor "Miss Amanda". Here is an article written by Ellen S. Comerford in the Niagara Falls Reporter about Miss Bev:

Beverley Feder, founder of the Greater Niagara Ballet Company, is also the owner and principal instructor of the Feder School of Classical Ballet. Through the years, she has been a strong supporter of dance in the area. "I would like to see our company continue to be a leader for quality ballet," she says, "but the county has cut funding for the arts." Though she finds it difficult to put on performances with so little funding, Feder says, "The children have to dance." The Greater Niagara Ballet company, now in its 35th season, continues to provide local dancers with the opportunity to develop their talents in a professional theatrical setting while working with professional dancers from all parts of the world. The group also hopes to develop an understanding and appreciation of the ballet through educational workshops and performances.

Bev's Assistant (on the left) is Amanda Fong. Miss Amanda has studied/taught Ballet all over the World. Locally she studied at the Feder School of Classical Ballet. Some of her other haunts include the San Fransisco Dance Academy, the Ballet Russe of California, the (Shan-Yee) Poon Ballet and in Australia the Bondi School of Dance. To top it all off, Miss Amanda also has her Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Certificate from the Cecchetti Society. Quoting the Cecchetti web-site: "The Cecchetti Society of Canada is a student-focused, national organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Cecchetti Method of classical ballet and committed to the highest standards of training for dancers and teachers." http://www.cecchetti.ca

Miss Carol

Erika & Rob

We started at Danceworks calling about one child, then two, then three, its a funny story, just ask Miss Laurie. We started cleaning shortly after that. We watched the studio grow, and helped the studio move three times. We made good friends and learned life lessons. We couldn't imagine our family dancing anywhere else!