Kari Bodrug (Artistic Director) is a graduate of the York University Dance Program, achieving her Specialized Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts, as well as a certified member of the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association. Kari danced her way through musicals (JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT, SOUTH PACIFIC, BRIGADOON) and feature films (BLUES BROTHERS 2000, SUPERSTAR), before shifting her focus to choreography & teaching.

Alejandra Valiente Sánchez (Ballet Director) is a professional performer, instructor, adjudicator and choreographer with over 35 years experience specializing in Ballet, Floor Barre, and competitive choreography. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at St. Lawrence College in Canada (2007) and Best Choreographer by Dance Studio Tecamachalco in Mexico.

Heather Lewis (Recreational Program Director) has taught classes at the Burlington Dance Company in the areas of tap, jazz, and fitness for over 15 years. She is a full member of the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association (Stage Division). In 1988, she joined the staff of Burlington Student Theatre as their dance choreographer.

Melanie Barreto (Dancin’ Tots) is a member of the Canadian Dance Teachers’ Association and has been a BDC faculty member for over twenty-five years. As a BDC Company dancer, she has enjoyed many competitive and performance experiences and has toured the USA as a Dance Olympus VIP. Melanie has also completed her NCCP Gymnastics Foundations course.

Raffaele Brereton (Hip Hop) is a born Canadian of Trinidadian and Jamaican descent, Raffaele has always been a lover of music and dance. His passion for dance enabled him to learn from and work with some of the leading choreographers in and around the GTA over his time; this in turn allowed him to pursue a career in the arts.

Teagan Drewett (Dancing Tots) joined the BDC family in 2013 and has been an active member of the preschool programming since that time. After assisting for 8 years Teagan transitioned to being a faculty member. Currently, Teagan is attending Brock University in the Concurrent Education program where she will achieve her Bachelors of Science and her Bachelors of Education, hoping to be an elementary school teacher one day.

Haleigh-Rain Eady (Jazz, Modern & Hip Hop) began her dance journey at the age of 6 at Burlington Dance Company. She is an alumni of the competitive program and is thrilled to be returning as a member of the faculty! Pursuing a professional career in dance, Haleigh attended Quinte Ballet School of Canada, and is a graduate of Ballet Jorgen’s Dance Performance Studies Program through George Brown College.

Zoey was able to find her voice and confidence through dance and hopes to help others do the same. She truly feels that every student that walks into her class should feel welcome and appreciated no matter what their ability level. Zoey started dancing at the age of two and trained in ballet, jazz, tap, acro, contemporary and hip-hop both recreationally and competitively over the years. She has been teaching acro, ballet, jazz and contemporary for the past 6 years.

Anton Pasquarella (Ballet) is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School in the Teacher Training Program graduating in 2015. Before commencing the program, Anton performed with several classical and contemporary dance companies, notably Canada’s Ballet Jorgen, OMO Dance Company, Ontario Ballet Theatre (where he also served as a rehearsal director) and the Banff Festival Ballet. Anton is a graduate from Ballet Jorgen’s George Brown Dance Program at George Brown College and has additional training from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School and the Banff Centre for the Arts.

Jenn Prince (Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Office Administration) is a graduate of the Ryerson University Dance Program, holding a B.F.A. degree in Dance and Theatre Performance. While attending Ryerson, she had the opportunity to work with many renowned choreographers such as David Earl, Vicki St. Denys and D.A. Hoskins. Throughout her career, Jenn has had the chance to travel and compete in dance throughout Canada and the Unites States, winning various awards and scholarships.

Talena Schuster (Dancin’ Tots) is very excited for another season as BDC Faculty and a member of the ‘Dancin’ Tots’ team. She has been an active contributor to the preschool programs at BDC for the past 7 years. Talena has been dancing at the studio for 20 years, studying jazz, tap, hip hop & musical theatre. With a degree in Child and Youth Studies, from Brock University, and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s, she brings a heightened understanding of young children and their needs to the Dancin’ Tots program.

Heather Suriano (Dancin’ Tots) became a member of the BDC family at the early age of 5 under the direction of Cheryle Bodrug and is thrilled to be returning for another season as a faculty member! Having been a member of our faculty for over 25 years, she has played a large role in the development and delivery of our programming for our youngest dancers. Heather enjoyed her many years as a Company dancer, training in many disciplines, including tap, jazz and ballet and has completed all levels of the CDTA examinations.

Andrea Estrabillo (Social Media) graduated from BDC’s competitive program in 2017 after 10 years of dancing at BDC. Although graduated, Andrea has continued to return to help the studio with recitals, assist dance classes, participate in alumni events and now manage social media for BDC.

Nicole Fraser ( Administration & Website) began her training here at the Burlington Dance Company under the direction of Cheryle Bodrug. It was here that she competed throughout Ontario and the Northern United States, as well as completing all levels of CDTA Examinations.