Our Team

Born and raised in Timmins, Ontario, Melissa Kelly-Lavoie began dancing at the age of five, and at the end of her training in Timmins, she obtained her teaching certificate with The Society of Russian Ballet.

In 2005, Melissa graduated from the Teacher Training Program at Canada’s National Ballet School, obtaining a mark of Distinction. The intense three year Teacher Training program allowed her to study in direct relation with professional dance artists. Dancers and teachers from all over the world attend this school and it produces only the finest dance educators in North America.  At NBS, she obtained her Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (I.S.T.D) certificate in National Dance and her Associate Diploma certification with Cecchetti Canada.  Melissa also trained with one of Toronto’s finest hip hop and tap artists, Shawn Byfield.

Due to her love of Latin dancing and in order to add diversity and expand her dance repertoire, Melissa trained extensively in Salsa, Merengue & Bachata during her time in Toronto.  Towards the end of her studies in Toronto, she also obtained her Full-Membership certification with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA).

Melissa also holds her full certification with the Acrobatic Arts and received her certificate for Progressive Ballet Technique.  She loves to stay current with the ever evolving dance industry, and has attended the Summer in L.A. program for 2 years hosted by Be Discovered as well as the Broadway Bound Program in New York City.

With over thirty years of dance training, Melissa is the proud owner/operator of the Melissa Kelly Dance Academy in Timmins, ON (established in 2005).  With the ever constant evolution in dance, Melissa and her artistic staff thrive to stay on top of what is new and fresh in the dance industry. She promises the highest quality of dance training to all who love to dance!

Julie Prévost is a member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association, stage division (CDTA) and is a certified Acrobatics Arts teacher.  Julie has been an experienced dance instructor and MKDA family member since the academy’s inaugural year.  Julie has 25+ years of dance experience.

Stephanie comes to us with much expertise in Tap and Jazz. She has successfully completed her dance exams with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA) and we welcome her 15+ years of dance experience. Stephanie is also a graduate of the Ontario College of Teachers.

Danielle has been training in various dance styles since the age of four and has over 20 years of dance education. She is a registered Speech-Language Pathologist and a loving mother of two little ones. Despite her busy schedule, dance remains an essential part of her life. Danielle has been a member of the MKDA faculty since 2019 and feels fortunate to be part of such an amazing team. She is excited to share her love of dance with the MKDA dancers and looks forward to another exciting year.

Cortny is a graduate of George Brown College –  Commercial Dance Program.  She holds her Level 2 Gymnastics/Competition Coaches Certificate. She also recently obtained her Acrobatics Arts certification.  We welcome Cortny to the MKDA team!

Emma comes to us with 15+ years of competitive dance training in ballet, jazz, contemporary and musical theatre. Emma has won many awards at MKDA’s year-end banquet throughout the years for her excellence in dance such as: “Perseverance Award”, “Divas of Jazz Award”, “Live, Love & Dance Award”, “Contemporary Connection Award” and she was a Scholarship Nominee in 2016. She is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to the aspiring dancers of MKDA! Emma is a proud 2020 graduate of the Melissa Kelly Dance Academy.

Brianna has been a student at the Melissa Kelly Dance Academy for 13 years and has been a competitive dancer for 7 years.  She has been teaching dance at Dansons La Ronde for the past two years and has enjoyed teaching dance in French.  Brianna is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and energetic dancer and teacher, and has been recognized for these qualities throughout her time at MKDA.   Some of her many accomplishments include:  Being selected by the panel of professional judges to perform solos and duets for dance competitions, she has received numerous awards at MKDA’s year-end banquet for her outstanding leadership skills, spirit and talent, she has had the privilege of working with some of the industry’s top professionals at the Canadian Dance Expo in Toronto, and has recently been invited to attend the Be Discovered ”Disney World Dance Intensive”.  Brianna is eager to share her passion of dance to all her students.

Carter Chalmers is an elite, advanced level dancer on our competitive team. Carter is a trained and skilled dancer in Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Ballet. He is an accomplished dancer receiving many awards at dance competitions and at the MKDA year-end banquet. Carter was the recipient of MKDA’s 2023 Scholarship for his outstanding demonstration of leadership, enthusiasm, discipline and passion for dance. He has experience working as a teacher’s assistant and has found a passion for training and teaching aspiring dancers. We welcome Carter to the teaching staff this year!