FACULTY EXPERTISE
DancEast’s senior faculty is composed entirely of established dance professionals whose backgrounds combine not only performance, choreographic, and teaching experience, but also advanced training in: movement therapy, music, health sciences, education, psychology and early childhood development.
And fun fact … ALL are graduates and alumni of the DancEast Pre-Professional Program!
SENIOR STAFF
SHELLEY CHIASSON-COLLINS
Artistic Director & Owner
A graduate of DancEast’s Pre-Professional Program and the DancEast Young Company, Shelley has trained under and performed with, a virtual who’s-who of Canadian dance notables. Her career has allowed her to perform, on stages around the world, including; Abano Italy, Sorrento Italy, Paris France and Toronto Canada. She has attended both, York University and Mount Allison University, to further her training in Dance and Education in Child Psychology. Shelley assumed her role as Artistic Director and Owner in 2003.
DENISE BELZILE
Ballet Mistress, Pre-Professional Training Program (PV and Company levels) & Recreational Program
A graduate of DancEast’s Pre-Professional Program and the DancEast Young Company, Denise furthered her training, by completing the Teacher Training Program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, graduating with special merit in 2013. Denise, also successfully completed her Advanced 2 Cecchetti Ballet Examination and became an Associate with the Cecchetti Society of Canada. She has taught at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, for 5 years in both the Recreational and Professional Divisions, as well as, guest taught in schools in Canada and the United States. She is so excited to be back at her home studio to work with the talented dancers in the Pre-Professional and Recreational programs.
EMILY HEBERT
Instructor, Pre-Professional Training Program (Company levels)
A graduate of DancEast’s Pre-Professional Program and the DancEast Young Company, Emily furthered her training at various dance schools in Montreal. While there, she became a member of both; Innova Danse and Louise Lapierre competitive dance groups, where she has competed in various dance competitions such as: Hit the Floor, Bravissimo and 5678 Showtime! Under her contract with Tripoli Talent Agency, she has performed in music videos and multiple events around Montreal. Emily was also a member of the Femme Fatale Jazz & Cabaret performance group. Emily’s specialty styles include: Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz and Cabaret. She is passionate about dance and is thrilled to be home and working with the talented students of DancEast by sharing her knowledge and guiding them to their full potential through movement.
MELISSA LEBLANC
Instructor, Pre-Professional Training Program (PV and Company levels) & Recreational Program
A graduate of DancEast’s Pre-Professional Program (PV Level), Melissa studied classical and jazz music from a young age. She brings her musical background to her studio classes through, rhythmic dance and tap improvisation. She has performed tap with renowned musicians, including pianist Roger Lord and in cabaret-styled shows. She has also led workshops in tap for school theatre groups. Having made a career of her passion for teaching, she is a Senior Learning Advisor for the Government of Canada, specializing in adult learning and leadership training. She holds a Master of Arts, Eng. from Western University.
MARY-ANNE B. LECLERC
Ballet Mistress, Pre-Professional Training Program (PV and Company levels) & Recreational Program
A graduate of DancEast’s Pre-Professional program and a former member of the Atlantic Dance Theatre (a precursor to the DancEast Young Company), Mary Anne has been a pivotal component of our teaching staff since 1982. She developed DancEast’s Demonstrator Training Program – a mentorship program for young up-and-coming dancers; as well as, Perfect Fit – a fitness program for women that embodies both the emotional and physical components, of overall health. Mary-Anne, has taught dance in public schools and has been a movement coach for both figure skaters and synchronized swimmers. In 2003 she was the recipient of the New Brunswick Award of Merit (Cultural Category). In addition to her many dance accolades, Mary-Anne also holds a Bachelor Degree in Nursing from the Université de Moncton.
FACULTY – 2022/2023 SEASON
TEACHING FACULTY:
SAYDEE CHAMBERLAIN
MARISSA COLPITTS
TAYLOR FURY
LEXI MACMILLAN
ELLA MCKINLEY
EMMA McSHEFFERY
ADMINISTRATIVE FACULTY:
EMILY HEBERT – Registrar & Office Administrator
GUEST FACULTY
DancEast’s Guest Faculty, are ALL alumni of the Pre-Professional Training Program and the DancEast Young Company. All are actively involved in the Dance Community as professional dancers and movement educators. Their dedication to the program is immeasurable for our dancers, as a resource, as a mentor and above all, as an inspiration.
FRANÇOIS RICHARD
ANDREW HARTLEY
ANDREA BAYNE
BRIGHTON COLLINS
EMMA COLLINS
GRACE COLLINS
ALYSIS NAVATO DAVIS
KATHERINE TOOGOOD
DANIEKA LECLERC
EMMA LLEWELLYN
ERIN ATKINSON
ROBYN ESSON