About our School

Strictly Rhythm Dance Academy (SRDA) has been offering quality dance instruction and choreography since 1995. With an enrollment of hundreds of students and 2 state-of-the-art dance studios, SRDA houses one of the top ranked competitive dance teams in the region. The goal at SRDA is to produce well-rounded dancers who are skilled in all forms of dance.

Whether your child is a young dancer who aspires to be a ballerina, a recreational dancer looking to learn the lates dance styles, or a competitive dancer looking to compete at the highest level, SRDA offers your child the very best in dance education!

We offer dance classes in Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Ballet, Pointe (by invitation only), Lyrical, Modern, Acro, Musical Theatre and Conditioning (for competitive students only) for ages 6 and up. We also have pre-school classes in Tap, Ballet and a Jazz/Hip Hop mix for children ages 3-6.

About the Director

Involved in dance for over 35 years, Michelle Clark strives for performance excellence. Michelle studied dance at Ryerson University and is a certified member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. Throughout her years in dance, Michelle has competed and choreographed routines for competitions all over Canada and the United States and has had the honourable distinction of several prestigious dance scholarships. In addition, Michelle has choreographed and performed with dance bands as well as the CFL's Hamilton Tiger Cats Dance Team.

Under Michelle's direction and leadership the Strictly Rhythm competitive team continues to bring home many diamond and platinum awards. Michelle's choreography has won numerous choreography and special awards. Michelle is also actively invovled with the recreational program. Michelle teaches all dance elements/styles.

 

Marie Bruce

Michelle Clark (Dir.)
Briar Dermo
Darian Dermo
Stephany Collins
Kessandra Cook
Maya Low
Sofia Mollahassani
Holly Reid
Amanda Smoskowitz

Stephany Collins

 

Stephany has over 40 years in the industry as a competitive dancer and instructor . She was trained under some of the best studios and instructors in Ontario and US . She is technically trained in C.D.T.A tap and jazz to the advanced level . She also studied Dance Masters of America where she received the prestigious mark of high honors in tap as well as her teachers training diploma . Stephany danced her way through the doors at SRDA in 1998 and has helped many dancers believe in their dream . " I am very honored to be a part of this team and proud of all my students and their accomplishments .Remember its not just about the dance its how you Preform "

 

Kessandra Cook

 

Kessandra started dancing at the age of 3 and instantly fell in love with the freedom of movement that comes along with the art form. She has trained in all styles of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Modern, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. Alongside training at her studio, Kessandra also attended high school for the arts where she graduated with the Regionals Arts Program specializing in dance. In this program she was honoured to receive special roles in productions such as “The Nutcracker”, “Where the Wild Things Are”, and “The Polar Express”. Kessandra has continued to learn and grow as both a dance and teacher by taking classes in Los Angeles, Toronto, and New York from well-known choreographers. She is inspired by how dance, as an art form, is constantly evolving.

 

Maya Low

Maya began her dance career at age three and continued advancing throughout her childhood - dancing recreationally and competitively in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, and Irish dancing. She competed at two different Oireachtas national competitions as a young Irish dancer. Maya has also completed several ballet examinations with the Royal Academy of Dance and has completed Grades 1-7 with the World Irish Dance Association with plans to become a certified instructor with WIDA. She also aspires to complete her Dance Masters of America teachers certification for jazz and tap.
Additionally, Maya was the leader of her high school dance team and choreographed several numbers for stage, football fields and gymnasiums, one of which was featured on a local news channel.
Maya began teaching at age 15 and now has experience choreographing all genres recreationally and competitively. Her recent competitive numbers have won several special awards and scored well at competition. Maya is excited to join Strictly Rhythm Dance Academy!

 

Sofia Mollahassani

 

Sofia has studied dance since she was 10 years old and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

She has worked as a dance instructor and choreographer since she was 18 years old in the United States, England, and Canada.

Sofia believes that dance provides children with the opportunity to learn empowerment, creativity, teamwork, and discipline.

 

Holly Reid

 

Holly has been dancing since the age of 2 and has no intention of stopping! In 2003, she joined the fabulous team at Strictly Rhythm and has never been happier!
Holly has also been heavily involved in musical theatre productions since age 10. Most recently she has joined the Royal Canadian Musical Productions Inc in Guelph. She was honored to play one of the leading roles in last November's production of "White Christmas". She followed this performance by playing 3 different roles in the April, 2012 production of "Seussical". This fall she will be playing the role of Cathy Seldon in "Singin' in the Rain". Holly also received the award for Outstanding Dance Performance from the RCMPI's Board of Directors for her performances in "White Christmas" and "Seussical".
Holly is ecstatic to be a member of Strictly Rhythm's recreational program and competitive tap team.

 

Amanda Smoskowitz

Hi, I’m Amanda! I have been a competitive dancer since the age of 7. Throughout my competitive dance career, I have been awarded countless scholarships and invitations to prestigious dance companies in Canada and the United States. After graduating high school, I decided to pursue Criminal Justice and Public Policy at the University of Guelph. I have been a member of the award winning Gryphon Dance Pak since my first year at the university. I have found a passion in teaching dance at Strictly Rhythm as there is nothing more rewarding than seeing my students succeed on and off the stage. My high energy and encouraging personality allows for me to run dance classes that not only teach skills and technique but also allows for a welcoming and fun environment. I look forward to making more on and off stage magic!