“At Dance Extreme, dance isn’t just about dance, it helps with building confidence and self-esteem. We pride ourselves on teaching all our students lessons they will carry with them always.”
Rebecca Brettingham-Filice
Director
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Rebecca is the Artistic Director and owner/founder of London’s most progressive and creative dance studio. Dance Extreme is in its 24th year. She brings enthusiasm and dedication to Dance Extreme that is reflected in the quality of the instructors, programs and facilities. Her goal is to provide all students with an enjoyable dancing experience and sense of accomplishment. A teacher since 1990, Rebecca began her career in the Toronto area before moving to London in 1994. She received her certification through Canadian Dance Masters of America, Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America. Always keeping up-to-date with her choreography and teaching technique, Rebecca is constantly attending workshops all over North America. Rebecca is a graduate of the Dance Master’s of America’s Teachers Training School at Kent State University and the State University of New York in Buffalo and a graduate of Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. Rebecca is a member of Canadian Dance Masters of America since 1997. She served as an examiner for CDMA for several years, been the secretary for CDMA, Chapter 38 since 2000 and served as a delegate for 6 years. She has judged and taught in both Canada and the USA at Regional and National level competitions, workshops and auditions. Rebecca is also a member of Dance Ontario. Rebecca and her students have won overall, choreography and special awards at numerous competitions. Besides running Dance Extreme, she is the owner/founder of The Sumptuous Basket a gift basket and children’s loot bag/party supplies company, now in it’s 13th year. Rebecca resides in London with her husband Tony and two children, Christiano and Isabela.
M.A. Dance, B.A., B.Ed., D.M.A., C.D.M.A. OCT.
Richelle Hirlehey
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Richelle is excited to be returning for her seventeenth season at Dance Extreme. She is responsible for all Educational programs at Dance Extreme. Richelle is the liaison between Dance Extreme and The Thames Valley School Boards where she coordinates the Educational Outreach program to bring dance education to surrounding elementary and secondary schools. Richelle directed the Carousel Dance Company, Carousel Dance Centre Inc. in Waterloo from 2005-2011. In addition to teaching, she has choreographed for The Community Players of New Hamburg (Cats – 2009, Aida -2011, Ragtime – 2014)), 21 productions with Original Kids Theatre Company between 2002-2014. Additionally, she has choreographed for high schools in southwestern Ontario, her own company Barefoot Creative 2001-2015 and has danced/choreographed for the UWO Dance Company for 8 years & the Hamilton Dance Company for 3 years. She worked as assistant choreographer on “Bella Dancerella – Disney Princess” & “Disney’s High School Musical 2,” “Dora Dance to the Rescue” (DVD) for Spin Master Ltd and on “Get Up & Move” – a dance instructional DVD for Toniolo Productions. Richelle was Guest Dance Educator at Matthews Hall Independent School in London Ontario from 2011-2013 and is a teacher with the Thames Valley District School Board. Richelle is a graduate of the Honours Kinesiology and Bachelor of Education programs from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Masters in Dance Education at York University in 2012.
Kiana Simler
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Kiana Simler has over 15 years experience as an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer from London, Ontario. She trained extensively in all styles at Dance Extreme Inc and Western University by some of the industry’s top Instructors and choreographers. In addition, she also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degree from Western University, where she double majored in Business Management (BMOS) and Media Studies (MIT). Kiana is excited to be returning for her sixth season as an instructor and choreographer at Dance Extreme Inc. She is also responsible for the Dance Camp programs where she coordinates all schedules and activities for campers and counsellors. Kiana is also the Social Media Coordinator for Dance Extreme Inc, helping to portray the studio’s award-winning programs and atmosphere in the digital world. Most recently, Kiana has begun her studies at Humber College for Advertising and Graphic Design. She is excited to refine her skills and plans to tie her creative abilities back to the growth of the dance world.
Kiana is grateful for her childhood dance studio and second home, Dance Extreme Inc for facilitating her training and experience. She held the titles of Petite Miss Dance Canada 2008 and Young American Dancer of the Year 2008 and went on to perform in professional shows throughout North America including: New Blue Festival for Emerging Artists and APAP. Her experience also includes backup dancing in music videos by Siadat, Reezy and Sean Kingston. Kiana was both a workshop assistant and choreography assistant for the well known choreographer Rebecca Zizek. In 2016, Kiana joined the Dance Extreme Inc faculty teaching recreational, pre-competitive and competitive students in all disciplines. Since, she has received great recognition for her choreography of various styles, for various age groups. Kiana loves to share her breadth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of dancers.
Megan Alfano
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Megan started her training at the age of 4 and has been tapping, twirling and teaching ever since! She currently holds her CDTA Stage Division Full Member Ontario Branch and ADAPT qualifications. Megan has choreographed for various high schools and arts organizations for shows such as The Addams Family, Legally Blonde, Suessical, Highschool Musical, Oliver!, Candide, Grease!, Nine, Guys and Dolls, Cats, Carousel, The Shipbuilder and Pride and Prejudice. Megan recently relocated from Saskatchewan where she spent over 12 years as the Director of the Saskatchewan Express Musical Theatre Studio, running both the recreational and competitive programs, she was also the choreographer and Assistant to the Artistic Director of the touring Performance Company Saskatchewan Express. Other ventures include choreography for the Saskatchewan Roughriders Half-Time Show Labour Day Classic featuring Johnny Reid and the Casino Regina/Moose Jaw Best of Both Worlds television commercial. Megan also spent the 2007 football season as associate coach of the CKRM Saskatchewan Roughrider Cheer Team. She is also a well respected dance festival adjudicator across Canada. Now in London, Megan has already found herself busy working with the performers at the Original Kids Theatre Company and St. Mary’s Choir School, as a choreographer and guest instructor at the Grand Theatre and an instructor at Fanshawe College. Megan adores teaching young people and knows first-hand what a difference the arts can make in their lives. She is excited to share her love of performance with the students in London!
Mya Sponseller
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Mya Sponseller was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. She was a dancer at the Centre Stage School of Dance from the ages of 4 until 17. Mya was also admitted into the regional arts program as a dance major at the Cawthra Park High School in the GTA. After high school, she obtained her Food and Beverage Management diploma from George Brown college. After graduating, she moved to Calgary, Alberta where she managed restaurants over a span of 5 years. During her stay in Calgary, Mya taught tap dance at Prestige Dance Academy. In 2013, she returned to Ontario where she started a family with her husband Steve, and two kids Ava, and Landon. Mya has been a part of the Dance Extreme family since 2018 and wears many hats here as our Office Administrator, Birthday Party Coordinator, and Events Manager. During her free time, she loves to read books, spend time with her family, and participate in events within her community.
Madison Lane
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Madison has been teaching dance for the past 5 years at Dance Extreme. She teaches a number of different disciplines including creative movement, movers and shakers, jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop and musical theatre. She is currently studying psychology at Western University, with the hopes of continuing to work with youth in the future. Madison danced at Dance Extreme for 11 years, 9 of which she danced with the dance troupe. As well as teaching Madison has also choreographed musicals for schools in London, some of her shows include High School Musical Jr. and the Wizard of Oz. Madison loves teaching dancers of all ages and sharing her knowledge and love of dance!
Brandon Clarke
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Andrea Gittens
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Andrea is a graduate of the Professional Performance Program at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She has trained extensively in Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Ballet. Her performance and teaching career have taken her across North America from Whitehorse to Pennsylvania, Vancouver to New York. Andrea’s theatre choreography credits include Unfrogettable: Nat ‘King’ Cole; Bye,Bye Birdie; Nunsense II; 42nd Street; Pajama Game; Seussical; Quilters; Ring of Fire; Forbidden Planet; Cats; Guys and Dolls; Ruddigore; Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; Rainy City Men’s Chorus; West Vancouver Marching Band; Sound Sensation; Visions Dance Company. Her performance credits include TV, commercials, film, theatre, cabarets and dance performances. “I love teaching the primary dancers as I am passionate about building a good strong foundation for a lifetime of dance appreciation. Dance is a great way to build confidence in students of all ages so they may continue to achieve their dreams.” She is excited to return as a choreographer for the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund’s gala Dancing With the Stars of the 911; her dancers, Lynn and Ross earned a first place finish last year. When working with the couples on their wedding dance, we often have many laughs as we learn the teamwork and trust involved in partnering. I really enjoy the diversity of each couple’s music choice and I ensure that they feel confident with their first dance.” She is currently working on finishing her Certificate in Management through Western, preparing for the CDMA exams and honours the privilege to continue to learn.
N.C.C.P.1
Sharon Colvin
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Sharon joined the Dance Extreme faculty in 1998 during the first season. She is responsible for keeping the entire studio in order. Sharon is available should parents and dancers need the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. She is always ready and willing to assist in any matter.
Victoria Kao
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Victoria teaches in the Recreational and Dance Troupe programs. She trained at Dance Extreme and thoroughly enjoyed her 9 years at the studio. Now a faculty member, Victoria is grateful for the opportunity to share all she has learned. Her dance studies have continued at Western University, where she is currently working towards her BMSc degree. She wishes all the dancers a wonderful season!
Kayleigh Sheeller
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Hello!! My name is Miss Kayleigh and I have been a teacher at dance extreme for three years. Before that, I joined the Dance Extreme family myself as a student at the age of 8. I took advantage of the variety of dance styles offered at dance extreme and was enrolled in jazz, ballet, musical theatre, hip hop, contemporary, pointe, and tap. You will now find me teaching creative movement, movers and shakers, and pre-dance classes! Outside of the studio, I am a student at Brescia University College. I am currently studying French with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher! I can’t wait for this year to begin! See you in class!
Destini Small-Allen
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Hi, my name is Destini Small-Allen, I am 19 years old and currently a student at Western University. I began my dance training at a very young age and throughout the years I’ve developed a passion for choreography and teaching. I am super excited to begin my first year here at Dance Extreme!
Kiera Hunter
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Kiera feels so fortunate to be joining the DX faculty as she begins her first year of teaching. She has been part of the Dance Extreme family for 15 years now, and has loved every bit of it! She has trained in all disciplines, but her favourites are jazz and lyrical. You may see her teaching ballet and jazz classes around the studio. You might even find her in the DX Dance Boutique occasionally! Kiera has begun her first year studying Health Science at Western University. She is continuing in her path of dance on TIL, a competitive dance team at the university. Kiera is so happy to be part of our team, and hopes all dancers have a terrific dance season!
Emma Chow
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Emma grew up in Richmond Hill and has been dancing since she was five years old. She trained at The Dance Institute in various styles including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical. Now, she is pursuing a Health Science degree at Western and a Business Administration degree at Ivey Business School. She is also a member of the HEAT Dance Team where she competes in University competitions each year. Emma is very excited to be teaching at Dance Extreme for her second season and can’t wait to see the progress the dancers will make this year.
Susie Malina
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Susie is excited to be a part of the Dance Extreme family and is currently teaching acro classes. She had danced in a variety of styles including ballet, pointe, jazz, tap, contemporary, and lyrical but is most passionate about acro dance. She danced for 10 years at In Motion Dance in Kitchener before moving to London to attend Western and be a part of the Western dance team. Susie brings previous teaching experiences to Dance Extreme from both community centres and dance studio classes. She loves working with children, seeing them grow, and helping them succeed in dance. Susie looks forward to more Dance Extreme experiences in the upcoming years!
Tara Cannon
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Tara is thrilled to be a part of the Dance Extreme Faculty! After training at Dance Extreme for 13 years, she is grateful for the opportunity to share her enthusiasm for dance and teach at her home studio. As a student, Tara trained in ballet, jazz, tap, acro, musical theatre, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical. Now, she continues her dance journey at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, studying Musical Theatre Performance. She wishes all the dancers the best and looks forward to a fantastic year!
Olivia Davies
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Hello, my name is Olivia Davies, I am currently a teacher at Dance Extreme but I’ve also been dancing here for 14 years and started at the age of 4. You will find me teaching movers, shakers, groovers and mini combo. I am currently a student at Kings College majoring in Childhood and Youth studies and minoring in French, hoping to become an elementary teacher! Fun fact about me, I am french first language and very fluent!
Kierra Ariesen
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Born and raised in London, Ontario, Kierra’s journey led her to Strathroy after completing high school, and eventually, she returned to London. Her dance story commenced at the age of 5 within the walls of Dance Extreme, where she continued to flourish until the age of 17. During her final two years there, she became an active member of the dance troupe, adding depth to her artistic experience.
The return to London holds a special place in Kierra’s heart, as the dance studio remained her most cherished sanctuary. Her pursuit of education led her to Fanshawe, where she delved into the realm of business and office administration.
During her downtime, Kierra enjoys activities like hiking, camping, and canoeing, often accompanied by her devoted dog and her boyfriend. Her youthful spirit finds expression in her deep affection for Disney, reflecting her enduring love for all things magical. As an animal lover, Kierra is enthusiastic about sharing, receiving, and exchanging heartwarming animal tales and captivating images.
