About Our Dance Studio

Owner + Artistic Director

Jacqueline Cook-Barber

Full member certification – Canadian Dance Teachers Association

As a Certified Full Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, graduate from the Dance Program at York University, and as the Artistic Director and Owner of JCB Danceworks in Richmond Hill, Jacqueline Cook-Barber is passionate about dance.

Jacqueline began her dance training at the age of 4 in all disciplines, including jazz, tap and ballet. As her skills developed, she joined the studio’s competitive company and she participated in competitions throughout Ontario as both a group dancer and soloist. After graduation, Jacqueline studied ballet and modern dance at York University. She later joined a United Nations sponsored dance company and performed for the Canadian Armed Forces. She traveled to Europe and the Middle East in a Variety Show as both a dancer and internationally renowned choreographer. She also has experience in International Fashion,Trade and Cabaret Shows, Exhibitions and Corporate Events.

Jacqueline’s true passion has always been to teach. Her first opportunity to build her own studio began when she opened JCB Danceworks over 25 years ago in Richmond Hill. She began with only a handful of students, but with her climbing success, great reputation and unique choreography style, the studio has grown to over 600 students. Jacqueline is well known in the dance community for her progressive and innovative style of choreography with exceptional skills in ballet, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, modern, tap and musical theatre. Jacqueline has received numerous awards for her choreography and she is one of the most sought after dance teachers/choreographers in Ontario. JCB Danceworks has earned the reputation of being one of the top studios in York Region and Southern Ontario.

Jacqueline is currently in high demand as an adjudicator and teacher all across Canada. She is very busy choreographing and teaching at her studio, where she continues to provide children with a safe, supportive and creative environment in which to help them learn to find the dancer within.

Owner/ Artistic Director/ Choreographer

Nicole Barber-Lofto

BAFA degree, CDTA

Nicole Barber began her dance training at the studio at the age of 3, studying ballet and jazz. As her skills developed, Nicole joined the Competition Company at JCB Danceworks where she performed and studied all dance disciplines including jazz, lyrical, tap, acro, musical theater, ballet and pointe. Throughout her high school years, Nicole participated in competitions as both a group dancer and soloist. Her competitive dance career allowed her to travel across North America winning numerous awards as a soloist. She graduated from Unionville High Schools Arts York Dance Program where she studied and developed a passion for both modern and ballet. Nicole is also a proud member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association and has been teaching students ranging from age 3 to 18 since 2001. In 2005 she began choreographing competitive dance routines, and has won numerous Choreography, High Score and Innovation in Dance awards. Nicole graduated from Ryerson University’s Performance Dance Program in 2009, receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Ryerson’s program allowed her to study under and perform works by many renowned choreographers including Nadia Potts, Karen Duplisea, Christopher House, Robert Glumbek, Darryl Tracey, Allen Kaeja, Vicki St. Denys and Louis Leberge Cote. Nicole has been dancing professionally in and around Toronto and has been part of several industrial and TV shows, including music videos and MTV. Nicole was thrilled to perform as a modern dancer in the renowned David Earles remount of “Sacre Conversazione” in July 2009. Nicole was also a part of the CanAsian Film Festival where she worked with several incredible film makers, including David Hinton. Nicole is excited to keep sharing her passion for dance with her students, as well as expand her creativity and depth as a professional dancer.

Administrative Manager & Teacher

Karly Soares

BAFA in Dance honours, AA Certification

Karly began dancing at JCB Danceworks when she was 5 years old. She quickly fell in love with dance and joined the competitive team a year later in 2005. She performed as part of the JCB Competitive Company, competing in all disciplines including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical and acrobatics. She performed as a group member and as part of several solos, duets and trios for 12 years. Along with managing her technique and competitive classes, she also began teaching at JCB as an assistant teacher in 2009. Karly graduated from St. Elizabeth Catholic High School’s Regional Arts Program (Dance) in 2013 and went on to attend York University in the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance graduating with Honours in 2017. Karly is honoured to be a part of the JCB staff and is excited to see what the new season will bring!

Administrator

Sari Wolfe

Sari has been with the JCB family since its inception in 1984. It is her exceptional organization and hospitality that keeps the studio ticking. She is always available to both students and parents manning the front desk where she’s available for any questions that may come up. Her supervision of the students while they are taking classes makes JCB a safe and friendly environment.

ADMIN STAFF & FRONT DESK SUPPORT

Jennifer Ransom

ECE Diploma, BCD, BE

Jennifer (Jen) Ransom began dancing at the age of 4 at JCB Danceworks. This was where Jen’s passion and love for dance began. A few years later she joined the JCB Danceworks competitive company, competing in jazz, ballet, tap and musical theatre. It was during her time as a student and assistant teacher that Jen found her passion for teaching. 

After graduating high school, Jen would pursue her teaching career by getting her Early Childhood Education diploma, Bachelor of Child Development and Bachelor of Education. Jen is now a teacher with the YRDSB. 

Jen has continued her passion and love for dance and teaching by teaching in the recreational program at JCB Danceworks. 

Teacher

Juliana Kelly

Beginning her training age of three, Juliana has studied multiple genres of dance before shifting exclusively to tap dance. In 2004, Juliana joined Downbeats Tap Company (Cathy Duncan) where she performed in the East Coast Tap Conference, Taking the Rhythm Train, Embrace the Rhythm, Toronto’s Live in Culture Campaign, and many other shows across Ontario. Currently Juliana works as a contributing artist with the Toronto Rhythm Initiative (TRI), a collective of tap dancers committed to voicing the artistry of Toronto’s professional tap dance community. With TRI she has performed in sixteen TRI shows to date, has sat on the faculty for TRI’s Youth Ensemble for many years, and in 2016 joined on as co-producer of the TRI Summer Youth Intensive. Juliana spent time studying abroad with Heather Cornell and performed in Walk To The Beat (New York), Rhythm Lives! (Montreal Tap Festival) alongside living legend Arthur Duncan and members of Tapestry Dance Company, as well as performing in the Inaugural Toronto Body Percussion Festival (Allison Toffan), Ron Davis’ Symphronica, and The Toronto International Tap Festival (both choreographed by Dianne Montgomery) and Rhythm and Sound’s Illumination (Cori Giannotta and Johnathan Morin). She performed and choreographed for Fall for Dance North’s Perspective In Rhythm (curated by Allison Toffan and Michael Caldwell). Most recently, Juliana co-produced The Artist Symposium featuring Dianne Walker, Intersection 2021, and the 2022 Toronto International Tap Dance Festivalalongside Allison Toffan. Juliana is also the founder and director The Rhythm Ensemble, a pre-professional tap dance company dedicated to providing unique training and performance opportunities to serious tap dancers, now in their seventh season. Her passion for education has also led her to many opportunities as an educator including guest choreography and classes, summer intensives, workshops, conventions, seminars, and adjudication. She strives to spread the love, and respect of tap dance and its community to all her dancers.

Teacher

Kelly Findlay

BA in dance, BE

Kelly Findlay began her dance training at the age of 5 at JCB Danceworks. The following year she joined JCB Danceworks competitive company, competing in a variety of styles including jazz, tap, ballet, acrobatics, lyrical and contemporary. Throughout her years of competing, Kellyparticipated in many competitions across Ontario winning numerous awards for both group and solo routines with the JCB Danceworks competitive company. Alongside her competitive career, Kelly also had a passion for ballet where she completed many of her RAD exams with distinction. Once graduating high school, Kelly decided to fulfill her passion for dance and teaching by completing her Bachelor of Arts Specialized in Dance at York University, alongside her Bachelor of Education with a teachable in dance. At York University, Kelly had extensive training in both ballet and modern, and finished her degree with a specialization in Dance Education where she studied the pedagogy behind dance training. Kelly has a passion for teaching children and is excited to continue sharing her knowledge and skills in dance education with all her students.

Teacher

Danielle Venditello

Joanne Chapmen’s School of Dance, Mayfield Secondary School for the Arts

Danielle’s training style embraces her abundance of passion and unending love for the art of dance. She has created a teaching style all of her own and believes in delivering a quality and well rounded dance education.

Her dance journey began at the tender age of three and quickly progressed into the competitive dance

world. Danielle received her dance education at the renowned Joanne Chapman’s School of Dance and attended Mayfield Secondary School for the Arts, graduating with her arts letter. While a dancer, Danielle received numerous dance awards and recognitions. Some of her dance achievements are being a co-teacher with Jordan ‘JMAN” – Lead of Disney’s ‘Camp Rock’ and “Camp Rock- Final Jam” for multiple workshops in NYC, LA & Canada, Back up dancer- Double platinum recording artist MIKA- (Warner Records), Featured Go-Go Dancer-Motion picture ‘Repo! The Genetic Opera- Lionsgate Productions & Twisted Pictures, Back up dancer- recording artist Mic Boogie, and Lead Dancer on an episode of “Party Mamas” (Slice Network). Danielle knew upon graduating her dance career was just beginning. She moved on to teach for many respected studios in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. She returned as a guest teacher at Mayfield Secondary School for the Arts and Cawthra Secondary School of the Arts. Danielle has been beyond blessed to have been provided with the choreographic experiences ranging from choreographing the Jennifer Lopez North American Perfume Launch- Glow Perfume, Triple Threat T.V Show performances (Much Music), Tropicana Juice Promotional Events, working with the Modern and Jazz groups and soloists for Team Canada, and choreographer and creative director for Demi Lovato “Stone Cold” concept video. One of her favourite recognitions in her 15 years as a dance educator, was being awarded with the Teacher of the Year award from Be Dance Competition.

Danielle has been a part of the JCB family for sometime and her ultimate goal is to mentor every dancer to reach beyond their highest potential and instill a love for dance that will last a lifetime.

Teacher

Adele Minor

BATD, ECE certification

Adele began her dance career in the UK at the age of 12. Dance became her passion. Due to her dedication and hard work, she competed at a high level winning many awards in all dance disciplines. As she continued dancing into her early adult years, it became clear that she had an aptitude for working with young dancers.

Moving to Canada she continued to teach and gained her Associate and Membership Qualifications with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing as well as her Early Childhood Education Certification. Adele works for YRDSB as a Kindergarten Educator.

Over the years Adele has implemented dance programs for both the private and public school boards and has taught both recreational and competitive students from 3 years to adult in private studios in and around the GTA. Adele’s innovative choreography has won many awards at competitions both in Canada and the U.K. Some of her students under her training have successful careers in the dance world and many have gone on to pursue dance in University as well as becoming studio owners. Adele’s hope is that every student that takes her classes leaves with a smile, confidence and a passion for dance.  JCB Danceworks has been Adele’s 2nd home for the past 4 years and she couldn’t be happier to be joining them for this upcoming dance season. 

Teacher

Eden Bleiwas

Eden found her home at JCB in 2012 and joined the part-time competitive program before transitioning to the full-time program. She graduated from JCB in 2017 and is currently pursuing a degree in psychology at Ryerson University, with the hopes of finding a future in education. She has taught both recreational dancers and at the JCB Summer Arts Camp. You can also find her at our front desk as a part of our administrative team.

Teacher/ Costume Manager

Victoria Zaya

Victoria is born and raised in Toronto and has been dancing since the age of 6. She trained and competed in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acro, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Modern, and Contemporary. She has also completed many dance exams such as A.D.A.P.T. syllabus and R.A.D exams. She has been teaching and choreographing dancers as young as the age of 3 and as old as teenagers for over 15 years. She continues to further her training as an established Dance Instructor/ Choreographer. After studying dance at York University, she furthered her education by graduating college in Fashion Arts. 

Given her Fashion background, Victoria has been working as a Costume Manager for JCB Danceworks alongside multiple seamstresses. She works closely with thousands of costumes at a time, ensuring the right fabrics are chosen to fit the dancer perfectly as well as the teacher’s vision to compliment the choreography.

She enjoys working with and teaching dancers to pursue their passion and continues to grow within the Dance industry with every opportunity she is given.

Teacher

Debbie Rosenberg

Debbie comes from Johannesburg, South Africa. She started dancing at the tender age of 4 and subsequently owned and operated a very successful and prestigious studio for many years, before coming to Canada.

Debbie owned Dance Sensation Inc, an extremely strong competitive studio in Richmond Hill, Ontario for 32 years. 

Debbie attended the World Jazz Congresses held in the US for many years and spent much time studying different techniques and styles with various Dance Masters in the United States.

Debbie is now an integral member of the JCB faculty.

Teacher

Jonah Hamilton

Jonah’s roots in dance go back 16 years to a studio called Dance Sensation, where from the age of 6, he trained extensively in tap dance, jazz, ballet, acrobatics, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary. Given his first chance to teach at 12 years old, the dance studio was where Jonah discovered his passion for teaching as well as health and fitness.

For the last five years Jonah has pursued every opportunity to expand his knowledge and experience in dance and health science. He has choreographed and taught for multiple studios across the GTA. His recent dance training includes Juliana Kelly’s Rhythm Ensemble, Jonathan Morrin’s “Jazz improvisation”,and Max Pollak’s “The sessions” training program. In the summer of 2022 Jonah had the honour of being 1 of 15 Canadian tap dancers chosen for the Dianne Walker Residency program hosted by Toffan Rhythm Projects where he had the opportunity to learn from the Legendary Dianne Walker and perform the works of Leon Collins at the 2022 Toronto International Tap Dance Festival. Most recently, you may have seen him performing on stage with the Toronto Rhythm Initiative, The Rhythm ensemble, and collaborating with a new community outreach program “Ripple Effect” in development with Toffan Rhythm projects that will launch this year!

Notable performances include: Choreo Ball (2018), Be Kind Rewind at the Randolph Theatre (Fringe-Fest 2019), Stupid For You (Film, 2021), Toronto International Tap Dance Festival presents: Dianne Walker (2022), and The Rhythm Ensemble Presents: Explorations in Sound (choreographer and dancer, 2023).

Currently working as a Certified Personal Trainer in Toronto and completing his BSc in Kinesiology and Health sciences and a Certificate of Athletic Therapy at York university, Jonah will graduate as a Certified Athletic Therapist and Registered Kinesiologist by spring 2025. With a specialty in rehabilitative and functional exercise, Jonah’s mission is to bring better knowledge of injury prevention, injury management, and proper strength and conditioning to dance studios across Canada.

Teacher

Lauren Dalla Rosa

Lauren Dalla Rosa began her dance training at the age of eight. In her initial years, she danced recreationally at a local studio. Although after getting a small taste for movement,
Lauren became captivated by its challenges and went on to spent the following eight years competing in a elite full-time dance program. During this time, she gained experience training in a multitude of genres primarily including ballet, jazz, lyrical, acro, contemporary, tap and hip-hop. Lauren has always had a particular passion for ballet and thus has also completed many of her RAD exams.

Throughout these years, Lauren partook in conventions facilitated by Nuvo and The Pulse where she was recognized for her leadership skills, outstanding performance in ballet and exceptional performance quality. Additionally, Lauren was elected to be a team captain for the 2017 Junior Team Canada group and was awarded a high school summer conservatory scholarship with AMDA at the 2018 Starpower National Competition in Las Vegas.

Lauren is a graduate of the Regional Arts Program for dance at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School. She is currently in the process of completing her fourth year at York University as a concurrent education student working towards an undergraduate degree in dance. As she progresses with her specialized studies in dance education, she will continue to receive extensive training in ballet and modern dance styles.

Lauren remains motivated be her ultimate goal of creating a safe and supportive learning environment for dancers. She hopes to continue to grow and share her passion for dance with each of her students as she embarks on her teaching journey here at JCB.

FITNESS PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER

Alyssa Vecchio

BSc., CEP, CPT

Alyssa is a dedicated fitness professional and dance instructor, passionate about helping young dancers excel both physical and artistically. Her dance journey began at JCB Danceworks, which led to pre-professional dance experience with Opus Dance Form, and eventually co-captaining the York University Dance Team. Alyssa holds a degree in Kinesiology and Health Science, along with certifications as a Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through the Health and Fitness Federation of Canada. She integrates her knowledge of Kinesiology and dance to design structured classes focused on building muscular strength, endurance, and stability, ensuring dancers are well-prepared for an injury-free season. Alyssa also advocates for mental resilience and personal growth, encouraging her students to develop holistically.

BALLET TEACHER & CHOREOGRAPHER

Katrina Dumo

NBS-TTP (Dip)
R.A.D.-R.T.S

Katrina is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program where she
graduated with Distinction.
While at the school, she taught for the Associate Program and the Adult Program and assisted
in the Professional Ballet Program. Upon graduation, she received her Registered Teacher
Status with the Royal Academy of Dance (R.A.D.-R.T.S) and was also awarded with Distinction
her Associate for Cecchetti as well as for National Dance, both from the Imperial Society of
Teachers of Dancing (I.S.T.D). During all that time in the school, she has gained valuable
experience and knowledge that equips her to competently teach and share her love for ballet.
Throughout her years of teaching, Katrina has not only trained students of all ages for their
ballet exams but has also helped students get accepted to professional ballet schools at Alberta
Ballet School, Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington, and Canada’s National Ballet School to
name a few.
So as to provide the best ballet training that she could give to her students, Katrina is fully
committed to constantly developing her profession and dance education through attending
workshops and conventions, such as the RAD En Avant Dance Teacher Conference, the RAD’s
launch course for their “Discovering Repertoire” program as well as receiving certification in
Marie Walton-Mahon’s Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT).
She hopes to develop young aspiring dancers into passionate artists with strong technique,
grace, power, eloquence, discipline and an undying commitment to their craft.

CHOREOGRAPHER

Brendan DeSantis

Brendan De Santis, is an accomplished dancer and award-winning choreographer originally hailing from London, Ontario. Brendan was also the Artistic Director at Jazz be Nimble as well as the Competitive Director and principle faculty member of O’Neil Academy of Dance. Brendan has graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Education and is an Ontario Certified teacher. Currently, Brendan continues teaching the performing arts at the York Region District School Board.  Most recently, Brendan has danced for Recording Artist Teria Morado, Little Pear Garden, Redken’s Annual Gala and other commercial projects. In 2022, Brendan performed in a full-length contemporary show with Newton Moraes Dance Theatre at the Fleck Theatre. Brendan is also a principle convention teacher with TNT Dance Contention and Canadian Dance Finals. As a choreographer, Brendan has won many overalls/special awards and has been recognized for his creative, authentic and passionate movement quality. Brendan choreographed the musical A Christmas Carol at Lester B. Pearson School for the Arts as well as the Hudson’s Bay Annual Gala event and One Run Cancer Benefit. He also continues to work at various educational environments such as Thames Valley District School Board, London District Catholic School Board and Mentor College. Brendan continues to teach dance and choreograph in schools, studios and conventions throughout Ontario to teach people how to move and explore their bodies. “Movement is medicine for the soul. Allow yourself to breathe through your movement and truly feel that therapy that movement provides. Embrace it. Revel in it. Own it… Never stop moving”

CHOREOGRAPHER

Patricia Lunardo

Patricia, born in Toronto, Ontario and started her dance training at the young age of two years old. She very quickly discovered a love for dance and continued her competitive training throughout her life. During her training, she practiced various dance styles such as Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Hip hop, Acrobatics, Contemporary, Modern and Lyrical. She graduated from her competitive training and has continued to dance professionally to the present day. Patricia developed more of her dance training in high school as she went to St. Elizabeth Catholic High School in the Regional Arts Program for Dance. Moreover, she extended her education in dance as she graduated from York University with an Honors, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. She was also involved in the competitive dance team at York University.

Patricia has trained and collaborated with many well-known choreographers throughout the dance community as well as performed in shows in Canada and the United States. From 2014-present she trains, teaches workshops and performs professionally in commercial dance, primarily in her heels. She has taught competitive dance to all ages and is extremely enthusiastic to be joining JCB Danceworks this upcoming season and joining this beautiful dance family!

CHOREOGRAPHER

Taylor Collis

Taylor Collis (she/her) is a dance artist and choreographer graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with distinction in Performance Dance in 2022. Since a young age, Taylor has defined herself as a passionate and versatile performer, with a love for being onstage. Taylor has had the privilege of working professionally as a dancer in “A Frame Through Bodies Move” (2022) choreographed by Angela Blumberg, Come on, Dreamer (2022) directed by Brooke Gilmour, “The Line” choreographed by Rumi Jeraj as a part of ABD’s DACO (2022), OpenSpace (2023) and The Hamilton Fringe Festival (2023), WHOLE NEW WORLD (2023) directed by Tyler Hutchings, Fever After Dark (2023/2024), Unite Dance Showcase (2023) and The Great Dream (2024) directed by Angela Blumberg for the Canadian Opera Company performance series and later at the Pia Bouman School in Toronto. Most recently, Taylor worked with Michael Prince in Rise & Fall (2024) a full length contemporary show performed in Toronto and Ottawa. Alongside Taylors’ performance career, she choreographs her own work, as well as regularly teaches at studios around the GTA and drop-ins at Studio North Toronto. She has had the pleasure of choreographing multiple pieces in Fever After Darks: Summer Madness, X and Decade shows, as well as for the “Slow” music video by Steph La Rochelle. Taylor’s creative practice has inspired work on film such as “Baby Steps” (2023), “Hatch” (2021), “The Mirror” (2021), and “Metanoia” (2020). Taylor is the co-producer alongside Tyler Hutchings, of SOLAR FUSION, a choreographic dance showcase that began this past summer. SOLAR FUSION features new works created by some of Toronto’s prominent emerging choreographers. To be able to pursue what she is most passionate about brings Taylor an immense amount of gratitude. She looks forward to furthering her career as a performer, and collaborator while continuing to develop her voice as a choreographer and educator.