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 comes to us with 17+ years of dance experience in various styles such as Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Pointe and Hip Hop. She brings to us her love of dance and her devotion to teaching students the technical & artistic aspects of dance. Danielle currently practices as a Speech-Language Pathologist and continues to make dance an important part of her life..

At a young age Zac was able to complete his Cecchetti Ballet exams, and attend Canada’s National Ballet School. Zac was also thrilled to be accepted into the prestigious post-secondary training program Conteur Dance Academy. After graduating, Zac moved back to Northern Ontario to pursue teaching full time, free-lance choreographing, and adjudicating for many competitions across Canada. Most recently, Zac co-directed as well as taught the Ballet portion of an Australian based convention/competition, in which he was able to connect and work with dancers across the globe. We welcome Zac to the MKDA team!

Melanie Carter holds her Level 3 Gymnastics Theory & Technical / Certified judge.  Melanie is our Acrobatics Assistant Teacher and is responsible for demonstrating and spotting the more advanced skills.

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!

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.

I have been dancing since the age of nine. With dance, I’ve created unbreakable bonds with friends for life. I’ve had the opportunity to dance on the MKDA competitive dance team for 4 years now. Throughout the years in the studio, I had the chance to experience different genres of dance such as hip hop contemporary, and musical theatre. I love to share this passion of mine with others, so they can also find joy in the things they love.

Stephanie is our Accounts Manager, and she is responsible for all invoices, receipts, and managing all recreational and competitive accounts.  Stephanie can be reached by email at: stephanie@jemsmanagement.com.