FOUNDER

Gilly Chaplin

Gilly Chaplin was born in San Francisco and received her early training at The Royal Academy of Dance in London, England. In 1976, she received a full scholarship to study at the renowned National Academy of Dance in Illinois. By 1980, she moved to New York to continue her professional dance training at American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem. She later returned to Illinois to dance with The National Ballet of Illinois. She has also performed with The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Pennsylvania Ballet Company.

Her energy, enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit lead to the founding of The Woodbridge School of Dance (WSD) (formerly The Ballet School of Woodbridge) in 1983. The school, now in its 4th decade, is known within the dance and business community for its high standard of excellence in the teaching and training of young people in an array of dance forms. She holds her advanced teacher certificate with the Society of Russian Ballet and is a member of its national executive committee. Ms. Chaplin also serves on the Program Advisory Committee of George Brown Dance and the partnership between George Brown College and Canada’s Ballet Jörgen.

Previously, The Woodbridge School of Dance received the Vaughan Business Achievement Award for Product Quality and Quality of Service. As a thriving innovative and core cultural centre in Vaughan, WSD is widely regarded for its commitment and dedication to its students, parents and the art of dance. WSD also takes great pride in its professional and courteous customer services while maintaining a warm and nurturing work environment. The school continues to live up to its promise of excellence in the field of dance training and dance program creation.

OWNER / DIRECTOR

Deandra Filippo

Deandra Filippo is an Ontario Kinesiologist, CSEP- Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist and a Yoga and Pilates instructor. She began her early dance training in 1995 with The Woodbridge School of Dance (formerly The Ballet School of Woodbridge) studying in various disciplines of dance including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop in the Intensive and Pre-Professional training programs. After graduating Deandra stayed close to the school continuing on as a rehearsal assistant, supply teacher and director of sets and props. Being involved in dance and sport at a young age she quickly developed a passion and curiosity for movement, naturally leading her to pursue an education in the study of human movement.

During her post secondary education at York University in Kinesiology and Health Sciences, some of her course studies included dance Kinesiology, Ballet, and the prevention and care of dance injuries. In addition to her undergraduate studies Deandra was involved with the York University competitive dance team as a dancer and choreographer, performing Contemporary, Jazz and Hip Hop styles. As a result of her personal experience and education Deandra values the importance of building healthy habits at a young age and encourages youth in adopting healthy, active lifestyles. This further led her to pursue a Certification in Fitness Assessment and Exercise Counselling, and a Masters of Science Degree where she worked with young athletes with Type 1 Diabetes. Along with her being dedicated and immersed in her education, Deandra continued to dance recreationally as well as professionally alongside her sister, Olivia, with TDC Entertainment.

Deandra is an experienced fitness professional having had the opportunity of working with a diverse population. Her professional experience includes working at The Hospital for Sick Children in their Physiological Research Unit, running an exercise rehabilitation program for the North York Family Health Team, as well as working with NHL Professional and Entry Draft Combine athletes, and Ontario First Responders.

Deandra is committed to life-long learning, actively continues to be a student of movement, and recognizes the importance of high quality recreational programs for youth.

OWNER / DIRECTOR

Olivia Filippo-Paternoster

Olivia began her dance career at the young age of four with the Woodbridge School of Dance (formerly The Ballet School of Woodbridge) where she studied Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre in their Intensive and Pre-Professional training programs. While attending the school she was a Teaching Assistant and also completed her Junior Teacher Certification with The Society of Russian Ballet. After graduating from WSD Olivia continued her passion for dance studying at Concordia University in Montreal and graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance.

Throughout her post secondary degree Olivia was involved in a variety of dance creations, workshops, and festivals in the city including Bouge d’ici and Studio 7. The Concordia dance program was heavily focused on choreography and the creative process providing Olivia the opportunity to choreograph and perform in many pieces for the program. While in Montreal she also studied with Ballet Divertimento and École de danse contemporaine de Montréal. To compliment her dance studies Olivia began her personal journey in health and wellness and started studying disciplines in yoga and pilates.

Upon returning to Toronto Olivia continued her dance studies with the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. She interned with Ballet Jorgen at George Brown College and went on to work alongside Artistic Director Deborah Lundmark at the School of Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre as their School Administrator. She also began dancing professionally with TDC Entertainment, formerly The Dance Company, where she has performed, rehearsal directed, and choreographed for numerous shows across Toronto and the GTA. She performed in Illuminite, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Yonge and Dundas Square as well as the 2018 Nu Skin Gala in Niagara Falls. Olivia continues to be a core company dancer with TDC and is also a certified Yoga & Pilates instructor. Her interest in yoga led her to a career at lululemon where she developed into a Key Leader role and had the opportunity to organize multiple community events including Camp Ivivva for young girls.

BALLET & POINTE

Nancy Greyeyes
Department Head

Nancy danced with Feld Ballets/NY, The Cleveland/San Jose Ballet, the Alberta Ballet and the Wilkes-Barre Ballet Theatre and is an award winner at the prestigious New York International Ballet Competition (1987). She has performed principal roles in Eliot Feld’s A Footstep of Air, The Jig Is Up, and Bloom’s Wake, Agnes de Mille’s Rodeo, The Moor’s Pavane by Jose Limón, Roland Petit’s Carmen and Serenade and Donizetti Variations by George Balanchine.

Nancy danced the Sugar Plum Fairy and Maria in The Nutcracker and the title role in Birgit Cullberg’s Miss Julie, among many others. Ms. Greyeyes holds a Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from York University, Society of Russian Ballet Associate Teacher Certification and is the Artistic Associate of Signal Theatre. Ms. Greyeyes has taught children of all ages in both Canada and the United States and is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with her students.

Ballet & Pointe

Sonia Franco de Batres

Sonia Franco de Batres has a great amount of experience teaching, choreographing and directing in diverse learning environments. After being trained at the National School of Dance of El Salvador, she went on to teach ballet at San Francisco Conservatory of Ballet in California. In 1991, she was appointed Artistic Director of the Youth Ballet Company of Saskatchewan where she was dedicated to share and inspire students to discover the art of dance. Through her years as a dance teacher, she taught ballet and creative dance for different levels, including teaching the company dancers at the George Brown campus in 2018.

Sonia is deeply motivated by the belief that everybody can enjoy dance. As a dancer she was nominated as the artistic promise of the year in El Salvador, and was invited to the Choreographer’s workshop at the American Dance Festival. She then was invited as a choreographer for the International Women in Dance Festival in Quito, Ecuador.

Sonia has strong mentoring ability and an appropriate disciplinary measure of being kind and empathetic when educating her students. She prides herself on her creative lesson planning and teaching methods and uses her excellent leadership skills. She is self-motivated and holds a positive relationship and passion for the art of dance.

Ballet & Pointe

Lisa Robinson

Lisa Robinson was born in Mount Gambier, South Australia and studied the Vaganova Method at The Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. In addition, trained in Italy with the late Ballet Master and coach Philip Balmain Beamish.

Ms. Robinson joined The National Ballet of Canada in 1998 and became a Soloist in 2003. Ms. Robinson danced featured roles in The Four Temperaments, the second detail, La Sylphide and The Nutcracker. Her repertoire also includes Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, Serenade and Swan Lake.

After retiring from the stage in 2010, Ms. Robinson continues to work in the Education and Community Engagement Department for The National Ballet of Canada and is the Senior Manager of Education and Community Engagement. Ms. Robinson is now entering her 24th season with the company.

Ms. Robinson regularly teaches classes for many of the company’s education programmes, as well as teaches competitive dance students in Toronto and surrounding areas as well as teaches master classes, summer intensives, judges and coaches students privately.

Ms. Robinson is very excited to share her knowledge, dedication and love of the art form with the students at The Woodbridge School of Dance.

MUSICAL THEATRE & JAZZ

Sharon Lindsay
Department Head

Sharon Lindsay has been teaching and choreographing at The Woodbridge School of Dance since 1999. She received her formal dance training in Toronto, studying Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Acrobatics and Musical Theatre under the direction of Susan Spring, and has successfully completed both R.A.D and B.A.T.D exams.

Sharon has had the opportunity to compete in many local and North American dance competitions as part of an award winning company, and continues to attend workshops and master classes. Ms. Lindsay holds a teaching membership with the British Association of Teachers of Dance, in which she received the highest distinction on her exam.

Ms. Lindsay is a highly respected choreographer and has prepared such projects as the Canadian production of “Pinkalicious the Musical”, and “Ricky’s Room”, a PBS children’s show. Sharon is the choreographer of the popular “Judy and David Presents” musical productions, which are touring all over Ontario in association with Education Arts Canada. She continues her association with City Youth Players in Vaughan, where she has most notably choreographed “Chicago” and “Into the Woods”. Other favourites have included the smash Broadway hit “A Chorus Line” and “Legally Blonde: The Musical”, which she choreographed with Charactors Theatre Troupe. For WSD, Ms. Lindsay has been responsible for choreographing many well–known and popular stage musicals, among them “Cats”, “Mamma Mia”, “Grease”, “High School Musical” and “Seussical the Musical.”

Sharon continues to strive to share her passion for dance and theatre with each and every one of her students.

ACRO & JAZZ

Taylor Bullock
Acro Department Head

Taylor Bullock is a passionate performer who was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. While in Vancouver she had the opportunity to train in various styles of dance and worked under well-known choreographers such as Rachael Poirier and Liz Tookey to name a couple.

Growing up she competed across Canada and the United States and performed in places such as Las Vegas, San Fransisco, Los Angeles and Portland. Following her time in Vancouver she moved to Toronto, Ontario to further her training with the The Conteur Academy.

While a student of The Conteur Academy, Taylor has had the chance to work with choreographers such as; Eryn Waltman , Dani Matte , Sheona Bell , Julia Cratchley , Ryan Lee , Kelly Shaw , Scott McDonald and Colleen Snell. Her high energy and flexibility have the tendency to grab attention as a performer and she exudes vibrancy. Taylor’s upbeat personality coupled with her honest nature keeps her always focused on details and evolving as a performer and teacher.

Contemporary & Jazz

Raquel Gutierrez
Contemporary Department Head

Raquel is a dedicated educator, choreographer, and creative based in the Greater Toronto Area. Raquel has explored and trained under a variety of disciplines, with a professional focus in contemporary and modern techniques. Raquel has also worked and assisted choreographers from across Canada and the United States, including Andrea and Stephanie Viola, Tiffany McLachlan, Eryn Waltman, Julia Cratchley and Peter Chu of “chuthis. dance company.” With a passion for education, Raquel completed a 2-year contemporary training program at The Conteur Academy in 2014, received an undergraduate degree in Sociology at Ryerson University in 2016, and graduated with a Bachelors of Education in early 2022. As a performer, she took part in Conteur Academy’s inaugural school performances (2013 and 2014), Rapidly Descending at “APAP: Peridance” in New York City (2016) choreographed by Blake Krapels (BalletX), and Transcendance Project’s “eve of St. George” (2015, 2016, 2017). Guided by her core values of inclusivity and integrity, Raquel continues to teach and inspire students within the Toronto dance community.

Ballet

Adriana Cecatini

Adriana Cecatini is an emerging dance artist in Toronto, Ontario. She began dancing at the age of four at The Woodbridge School of Dance and graduated from the Advanced Pre-Professional Program. She has trained in numerous dance disciplines including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Contemporary and Acrobatics. Adriana has studied both the Cecchetti and Vagonova ballet methods, successfully completing Society of Classical Ballet Major Level examinations, and has been a part of WSD’s Teaching Assistant Program. She has been privileged enough to train under renowned dance educators such as Gilly Chaplin, Desirée Champion, Nancy Greyeyes, Sonia Franco de Batres, and Lisa Robinson. Adriana has performed in a number of classical ballet productions including, Études and as a soloist in Les Sylphides and Who Cares. She has choreographed and performed her own work as part of WSD’s Inaugural Choreographic Workshop. Adriana is continuing her professional training in York University’s dance program. She currently teaches young dancers across the GTA and aspires to continue sharing her passion for dance through choreographing, teaching and performing.

Musical Theatre & Hip Hop

Elizabeth De Luca

Elizabeth began dancing at the Woodbridge School of Dance at the age of 4 and graduated from both the Advanced Pre-Professional Program and Teaching Assistant Program in 2016. Throughout her dance training, she studied in a variety of dance disciplines including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, and Acro. Her Ballet training included both Cecchetti and Vagonava methods, and she has successfully completed Society of Classical Ballet Major Level examinations. Elizabeth attended Masterclasses throughout her years of training, and was awarded a scholarship at The Pulse Dance Convention in 2012 by Cris Judd. Elizabeth has performed in productions such as Michael Jackson, Cats the Musical and Thumbelina. Elizabeth holds a degree from Ryerson University in Marketing Management. While pursuing her University degree, she continued her dance education and guest taught at a number of dance programs in the GTA. As an assistant choreographer to Gina Kim, she has contributed to WSD productions of Jai Ho and Motown. She has lead rehearsals with Katarina Rajkovic in several Hip Hop and Contemporary productions. She continues her administrative role at WSD while teaching weekly classes. Elizabeth aspires to pursue her passion for business, education and dance through the art of teaching.

Ballet & Jazz

Olivia DiBiase

Olivia DiBiase trained at the Woodbridge School of Dance since the age of four, where she studied a range of dance disciplines. Her dance education included Jazz, Classical Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and Musical Theatre. Olivia is well versed in the Cecchetti and Vagonava ballet methods and has successfully completed Society of Classical Ballet Major Level Examinations. Throughout her time at the Woodbridge School of Dance, Olivia performed leading roles in numerous productions such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Shrek the Musical.

Graduating from the Advanced Pre-Professional Program in 2013, Olivia attended various master classes and dance conventions where she was able to learn from well-known choreographers in a range of styles. Olivia is a graduate student of St. Elizabeth’s Regional Arts program, and holds a degree in Education from York University where she continued to study and take classes in various dance disciplines. Olivia has worked for Arts Express, as an in-school dance teacher to students from kindergarten to grade 8. Olivia hopes to share the love and passion she found dancing at The Woodbridge School of Dance with her students.

Ballet, Jazz, Tap & Contemporary

Colleen Dingeldein

Colleen Dingeldein graduated from York University having earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours, specializing in Choreography and Performance. Prior to her University dance career, Colleen trained in Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip-Hop. She has achieved her R.A.D. Ballet examinations and successfully completed her Royal Academy of Dance Tap and Jazz examinations with honors.

During Colleen’s years at York University she co-founded the York Lions Dance Energy Competitive dance team. In addition to performing and choreographing for the York University Department of Dance, productions Colleen has performed in include the Bazaar Dance Showcase, Ray-Dance Choreographer’s Ball and the Ignition Choreographer’s showcase. In the past year, Colleen has worked closely with Echo Dance Company, an upcoming Urban/Contemporary dance company in Toronto as a performer and assistant stage manager for their productions. In the past, Colleen has participated in various master classes and trained with professional dance artists and choreographers such as Linda Garneau, Greta Hodgkinson, Mia Michaels, Abby Lee Miller, Twitch and Alex Wong.

Colleen continues to learn and grow as a dance artist and choreographer and is excited to share and explore her love and passion for the art of dance with her students.

Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary & Acro

Madeline Feist

Madeline Feist is a dance artist, instructor and choreographer located in Toronto, Ontario. She began her dance training in Leduc, Alberta where she studied ballet, jazz, Irish, contemporary, hip hop, tap and acrobatics. She followed her passion for dance to York University where she holds a BFA in dance and a second degree in kinesiology. Madeline has been fortunate enough to train throughout Alberta, including the Alberta Ballet School’s Summer Intensive, as well as taking classes in New York and Toronto. She has been privileged enough to learn from dance artists such as Tracey Norman, Syreeta Hector, Jennifer Bolt, John Ottmann, Alyssa Martin (Rock Bottom Movement) and Julia Sasso. Her certifications include Acrobatic Arts and FLX Conditioning. She has performed through York University as well as in emerging choreographer Alexis Burling’s 2019 work 2:14 am at the Winchester Street Theatre. Madeline is passionate about integrating her anatomical and biomechanical knowledge into dance instruction and has extensive training in dance-specific conditioning and technical training. She is passionate about sharing her love of dance with all students and helping them reach their full potential.

Jazz & Tap

Vanessa Lisi

Vanessa Lisi began dancing at the age of three years old, studying many disciplines including tap, jazz, musical theatre, ballet, contemporary, acro and more. Vanessa began her career as a competitive dancer training with numerous dance companies in York Region. She attended St. Elizabeth High School where she graduated as part of the Regional Arts Dance Program. Upon graduating, Vanessa began dancing professionally with Toronto’s leading dance company, TDC Entertainment. With a desire to teach, she went on to receive, with honours, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies as well as a Bachelor of Education. She is an Ontario College Certified Teacher currently working with the York Region District School Board teaching Dance and Physical Education.

BALLET

Simona Todaro

Simona Todaro is an emerging dance artist in Toronto, Ontario. She began her early dance training at the age of two with The Woodbridge School of Dance, where she studied multiple disciplines including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Hip Hop. During her time at the school, Simona was a dedicated Teaching Assistant, joining the program in 2014. She graduated from the Advanced Pre-Professional Program, studying both the Cechetti and Vagonova ballet methods, and successfully completed Society of Classical Ballet Major Level examinations. She has been privileged enough to learn from educators such as Gilly Chaplin, Desirée Champion, Nancy Greyeyes, Sonia Franco de Batres, Lisa Robinson, and Chan Hon Goh. Simona has performed in a number of classical ballet productions including Études, and as a soloist in Les Sylphides and Who Cares. She has also had the unique opportunity of performing in the productions of Red’s in the Hood & Beanstalk with Education Arts Canada for young audiences across the country. She has choreographed and performed her own work as part of WSD’s Inaugural Choreographic Workshop. Simona is continuing her professional training in York University’s dance program. She is passionate about expressing herself through the art of dance and strives to share that passion with her students.

Ballet & Jazz

Sierra Vallescura

Sierra Vallescura received her dance training at the Woodbridge School of Dance, beginning at the age of four and graduating from the Advanced Pre-Professional Program in 2017. She studied many different disciplines including Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. During her time at WSD, she performed in productions such as Cats the Musical and Newsies. Sierra is a graduate student of St. Elizabeth’s Regional Arts Program, and since then has received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University. She is currently studying Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy at Humber College. Sierra has been teaching and choreographing for five years with experience teaching students pre- kindergarten to adults. Sierra could not be more excited to join the team of wonderful teachers at WSD and share her love for dance with her students.

BALLET

Portia Wade

​Portia Wade graduated from the Etobicoke School of the Arts (1990) and is an alumna of Canada’s National Ballet School teacher training program (1990-93). Ms. Wade has taught RAD ballet classes at many schools in Toronto including Randolph Academy, Interplay Ballet, TDSB, Havergal College, BSS, Branksome Hall and Bialik Hebrew School.

Ms. Wade is a certified ABT™ teacher who has successfully completed the ABT™ Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through level 5 of the National Training Curriculum.

Currently teaching at the Woodbridge School of Dance, Ms. Wade has both guest taught and substituted at NBOC In Studio and Sean Boutillier School of Ballet.

Portia has taught/toured in Nairobi, Malaga and Shenzhen. She attends ABT workshops annually in New York to further her professional development and expertise.

Hip Hop

Shenel Williams

Shenel Williams began exploring dance at the age of six in numerous styles including Hip-Hop, Ballroom, African/Afro, Dancehall, Ballet and more. Growing up she was an active member of Downsview Secondary School’s Arts Advantage Program in dance, music, and drama where she took on choreographic and leadership roles. As co-captain of the Downsview Dance Company in her senior years, she performed at various events including tdsbCREATES and was involved in collaborations with JustBGraphic. Through JustBGraphic, Shenel was featured in the Unplugged festival: Middle School Tour in 2015 with artists such as Mike Black and Danny Fernandes.

Shenel earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance at York University. She is an active choreographer and performer in the Toronto dance community. Shenel recently choreographed for “ArtstartTO,” which debuted at Scarborough Civic Centre. She was recently invited to perform at Jean Augustine’s Black History Month Celebration at the Assembly Hall. Shenel continues to inspire others with her movement and passion for dance.

Administrative Faculty

Elizabeth De Luca
Administrative Associate

Louise Filippo
Administrative Associate

Alessia L’Europa
Administrative Associate

Rosa Mandatori
Administrative Associate

Adriana Cecatini
Administrative Assistant

Simona Todaro
Administrative Assistant