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.

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

Kylee Surtel

BAFA in Dance Honours

Kylee is a versatile dancer, choreographer, educator, and certified personal trainer based out of the GTA. Born and raised in Niagara, Ontario, she has acquired over 20+ years of training in various dance styles such as jazz, tap, ballet, modern, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop. She has completed all levels in the Jazz and Tap PAEC syllabus and was technically trained and examined in Cecchetti ballet. Kylee graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a disciplinary certificate in Dance Science. During her University studies she was heavily involved as a dancer, choreographer and captain for the competitive team York Lions Dance Energy and choreographed for several York University events.

Kylee’s professional credits include OMI, Karl Wolf, One Republic, Dean Brody, Tim Hicks, and Mickey Singh to name a few. Her credits in film and television include MMVA’s, TSN, Coors Light and Breakfast Television. She has also been seen performing live across Canada as a CFL Toronto Argonauts Dancer, NLL Toronto Rock Lacrosse Dancer as well as in several Toronto shows such as Fever After Dark and Toronto’s Choreographers Ball.

Currently, Kylee works as the Director of Operations for one of the leading drop-in dance studios in Canada, The Underground Dance Centre.  She is currently a faculty member at JCB Danceworks can occasionally be seen teaching adult drop-in classes at The Underground Dance Centre (current) and O.I.P (past). She is now a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and cannot wait to further her career while inspiring dancers through her teaching and adjudicating. Kylee is thrilled to be back working with the JCB family!

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

Shawna Mucher

BA Kinesiology, BE

Shawna is a strong and versatile dancer, teacher and choreographer based out of Toronto, Ontario. She has been passionate about dancing from a young age, and has trained extensively in jazz, acro, contemporary, tap, lyrical, ballet, and modern. Shawna graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Kinesiology, and a Bachelor of Education. She then decided to further her dance career and trained professionally at the Conteur Academy. She trained under the direction of Eryn Waltman, as well as many industry professionals including Ryan Lee, Kelly Shaw, and Julia Cratchley. Shawna was showcased in The Conteur Academy’s presentation of Frames, as well as Fill In The Blanks where she was selected and featured as a choreographer. Her other recent credits include Christina Digiussepe’s House of Heartbreak, and Brooke Gilmour’s I Never Promised You A Rose Garden. She has also performed at The Capezio ACE Awards, Fever After Dark, and Toronto Choreographers Ball. She has spent her summers travelling to train with world-renowned contemporary companies. These include Complexions Contemporary Ballet co-founded by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, as well as Peter Chu’s Chuthis.

Shawna has been teaching and choreographing for almost a decade and has had the opportunity to instruct at multiple studios and intensives, as well as adjudicate at competitions. Her award- winning choreography has been recognized and showcased, and her passion continues to inspire her students to be their best. She is honoured to be a part of the JCB family, and is excited to impart her knowledge and love of dance to all of her students.

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

Holly Eskins

Holly Eskins is a highly experienced and versatile dance instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience in various styles, including jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop and musical theatre. Her passion for dance, coupled with her commitment to ongoing education, has strengthened her reputation as a notable teacher in the industry. Holly’s expertise lies in her specialization; Hip Hop, which she approaches with creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the genre and its history. Working in the Yukon for a year (2021) exposed Holly to a large and notable breakdance community. 

Holly began to dance at the tender age of 3 when she took her first class. At the age of 6, Holly embarked on her competitive dance journey, immersing herself in various styles and honing her skills as a performer.

Embracing her natural talent and leadership abilities, Holly founded and choreographed for the Pickering High School Dance Crew at the young age of 16. This experience allowed her to develop her choreographic skills, nurture teamwork, and mentor fellow dancers. As she grew, Holly’s passion for dance intensified, leading her to pursue formal training to expand her knowledge and technical abilities.

Holly graduated from the Centennial College Dance Performance Program, where she received a comprehensive dance education. She refined her technique, explored new dance styles, and expanded her artistic expression, setting the stage for her successful career as a dance educator. 

Throughout her career, Holly has continuously sought opportunities to enhance her teaching skills and stay abreast of the latest trends and theories in dance education. She actively participates in workshops including; Road to BuildaBeast, BuildaBeast (L.A.) and the Toronto Dance Teacher Expo, immersing herself in the knowledge and experiences shared by industry professionals. Holly has taken every opportunity to work with the best mentors in the industry. She has worked with well-known choreographers such as Mark Samuels, Kojo “Tuch” Mayne and Amanda-May Wilson. 

Holly’s dedication to excellence is exemplified by her completion of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance certification under the esteemed guidance of Robert Jensen and Scott Kufske. This certification further solidifies her expertise and qualifies her to provide constructive feedback and evaluation to her students. By staying connected to the dance community and engaging in ongoing education, Holly ensures her choreography remains fresh, relevant, and inspiring.

Holly remains committed to her role as a dance educator and embraces the idea that teachers should continue to be lifelong learners. She eagerly anticipates many more years of experience, growth, and learning, as she believes that staying connected to the ever-evolving world of dance is essential to inspiring the next generation of dancers.

Teacher

Jen Carter

Jen graduated from Centennial College’s Dance Performance Program in 2017, where she was offered a job teaching immediately after completion of the program. Jen was a member of Millennium Dance Complex Toronto’s incredible faculty in the short time it was open, and works closely with many studios in the GTA. Currently, Jen is working with World Performers Canada and Five Star Dance Company on pieces of choreography to be performed in both Portugal and Mexico while teaching and choreographing across Canada. In addition to her teaching and choreographing, Jen has recently become an adjudicator across Canada. Working with competitions in both Ontario and British Columbia. Jen is extremely grateful to work alongside such inspiring educators and to continue sharing her love for dance.

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.