Kelly studied under the late Madam Chiriaeff who was the artistic director and founder of the Les Grandes Ballet Canadiens in Montreal Quebec. Kelly trained for seven years in the professional program, studied Vaganova and Cecchetti Ballet and performed in several productions with the company. Presently, Kelly is a fully registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance and is accredited with the Association of Dance Arts Professional Teachers (ADAPT). She is an accom-plished choreographer and an adjudicator for the AMAF. Kelly has served as as Vice President, President and as an active board member with Dance Manitoba since her involvement with the organization in 1994. In 1979 Kelly started the Kelly Waterman School of Dance which she operated for the past thirty years. Her students have participated in provincial and national competitions winning dance scholarships as well as gold, platinum and diamond medals. The highlight came during the 2008 Vancouver Dance World Cup when Kelly’s students won the Bronze medal in competition with schools from China, Guam, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Japan and the US. Kelly's students have gone on to study in the professional divisions at Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers, University of Arizona Dance Program and in Europe. Past students have gone on to dance in Disneyworld, Cruise lines with many becoming dance educators and professional dancers. Kelly's students have even been featured in a CBC documentary and have a 100% pass rate while participating in ADAPT and Royal Academy of Dance exams.

Carmelina is a whirlwind of energy enthusiasm and talent who enjoys teaching dance and making it fun, easy and enjoyable.  Her dance career began in Toronto at the age of 17 as a dancer with the Argo Cheerleaders where she trained with Linda Gooch and Len Gibson for five years. Carmelina continues her work with the Argos as a judge. Carmelina trained with both the South American and the Blue Silver CK Dance Studios where she captured many awards and diplomas as a Pro/Amateur in Latin and Ballroom. Carmelina holds the Canadian Dance Teacher Association (CDTA) diploma in Latin and Ballroom and a diploma with the World Salsa Federation in Miami in the Bronze/Silver level. Carmelina’s career takes her to both Dublin and Miami where she teaches and adjudicates for both the Miami Salsa Congress and Irish Salsa Congress.  Carmelina’s screen credits include Cinderella Man with Russell Crowe and Take the Lead with Antonio Banderas and Renee Zellweger.

Courtney, who is well-known to all the families who participated in the recreational programs at the YMCA here in Port Perry over the last several years has been a dancer for over 20 years. A graduate of the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts’ Triple Threat program, Courtney has had the incredible opportunity to perform in many larger-scale productions like Thoroughly Modern Millie: Toronto, ON; Miss Canada Globe Pageant: Toronto, ON; The Heidi Chronicles: Toronto, ON; Grease Ball 50’s Concert: Niagara Falls, ON; Steve Nash Charity Basketball Game: Toronto, ON and many more. Courtney has studied dance under both the R.A.D. and C.D.T.A and will become a certified CDTA Teacher in November of this year.  Courtney is also a member of ADAPT and is eligible to enter candidates at any level of the ADAPT Jazz and Tap examinations. Her extremely successful competitive career culminated in her winning 5,6,7,8 Showtime’s Dancer of the Year title at fifteen years of age! Her dance titles and scholarships have taken her all over Canada and the United States. Courtney is thoroughly enjoying our new facilities and is looking forward to passing along her personal knowledge of, and passion for, the dance world to the students at the Port Perry Dance Academy!

Ian is the Academy's Music Instructor.  Ian has extensive experience as a music teacher and performer in our community.  He is Director of Music at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Uxbridge, is a relief pianist for Pontypool United Church, Bethany United Church, Ballyduff Presbyterian Church, and the Kawartha Park Chapel.  Ian is also an avid violin player who specializes in traditional Irish, Scottish, and Cape Breton fiddle styles.  As a teacher, Ian is renowned for his patience and good humour.  A graduate in Physics from Dalhousie University, Ian is now completing his ARCT (Associate of the Royal Conservatory) certificate in piano pedagogy.  Ian is also a keen Trombone, Baritone Horn and Organ player.

Wendy Holt

Wendy trained at the Royal Ballet School in London, England. She holds the Royal Ballet School Teaching Diploma, Registered Teacher and Associate status of the Royal Academy of Dance and also Advanced 2 Ballet in R.A.D., I.S.T.D. and Cecchetti Syllabi.  In addition she also attained Associates in Cecchetti Ballet and National Dance, Advanced 2   I.S.T.D Modern and National and the Benesh Notation Teaching Diploma. She is the former Artistic Director of the Ontario School of Ballet and currently a Grades Examiner of the Royal Academy of Dance. Former students of Wendy have been accepted to the National Ballet School, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and Quinte Ballet School. She is excited to share her knowledge and passion for ballet at Port Perry Dance Academy.