WELCOME TO BALLETOMANE

The aim of BALLETOMANE is to offer excellence in dance education by providing a learning environment that extends beyond our local community. Our fully accredited Artistic Faculty ensures that each student is offered the highest level of instruction whether it is to foster their appreciation for dance or to facilitate their pursuit of a professional career in the performing arts. As such, our dancers will develop a sense of self-discipline, focus, and a strong work ethic.

BALLETOMANE offers the Children’s Syllabus of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in the disciplines of Classical Ballet, Modern Theatre Dance, and Tap. These programs are based on the ISTD set syllabus to ensure that a high standard of instruction is consistently maintained. We also follow the Professional Syllabus in Classical Ballet of both the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. In addition, classes are offered in Jazz, Lyrical Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre & Stage, and Acting.

ARTISTIC FACULTY

Elizabeth Ferenc – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of BALLETOMANE

MA, BA(Hons), LRAD, ARAD

Elizabeth began her career in dance at the Alberta Ballet School. In September of 2001, Elizabeth moved to London, England, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with Distinction in the Art of Teaching Ballet in the Faculty of Education, holding the highest academic standing in her class at the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), University of Durham. During her tenure at the RAD, Elizabeth also received her Associate Status (ARAD) with Distinction, as well as the Licentiate Award (LRAD), which only a few selected individuals in the world have received. In 2005, Elizabeth graduated from the University of Roehampton, London, England, with a Masters of Arts in Ballet Studies with Distinction, again with the highest academic average in her class.

For three seasons, Elizabeth was ‘Head of Ballet Department’ at the Alberta Ballet School / Dance Alberta. Prior to this role, Elizabeth held teaching positions at The Central School of Ballet (London, England) and The Royal Academy of Dance Headquarters (London, England).

Among many professional highlights, Elizabeth has entered successful candidates for the prestigious Phyllis Bedells Bursary in London, England. In 2008, she taught and rehearsed the Johann Strauss debutants in Austrian Folklore Dance for their Annual Ball and is currently studying to be a mentor and tutor for distance learning teachers of the Royal Academy of Dance. Additionally, Elizabeth has adjudicated in many dance festivals and competitions.

Elizabeth is a staunch upholder of the highest standards of dance education and training. She has deep knowledge and extensive experience across a wide range of dance styles and reflects this in her teaching. Elizabeth is known for her artistic integrity, enthusiasm and professionalism and is very eager and keen to be the new Artistic Director of Balletomane Inc.

Debra Arlette

B.Comm (Hons), AISTD Diploma

Debra is a graduate of Queen’s University, where she obtained a degree in Commerce. After a brief career as a banker, she returned to dance and taught in Alberta, Ontario and London, England, before finally settling in Oakville. She has trained in Tap, Ballet, Modern Theatre and Jazz, and has some experience in both Irish and Highland Dance. She holds the Associate Diploma teaching designation in Tap as well as the Associate designation in Modern Theatre, both through the ISTD. While teaching in England, Debra completed the ISTD’s new Foundation in Dance Instruction Program and is currently completing the new Certificate of Dance Education Program.

Laetitia Clément

Laetitia graduated with Honors from l'Ecole Supérieur du Québec where she studied under the guidance of Mr. Daniel Seillier (Paris Opera). She then joined Les Grands Ballets as an apprentice and worked as a guest with the National Ballet of Maryland. Soon thereafter, Laetitia was offered a company position with the Alberta Ballet, first under the artistic direction of Mikko Nissinen, and subsequently under the artistic direction of Jean Grand Maître. Laetitia became a principal dancer in 2001 and has spent the past 10 years working with choreographers including; Christopher Wheldon, Kirk Peterson, Wen Wei, and Margie Gillis. Laetitia has performed on many occasions in France, China, Japan, USA and Canada.

Laetitia recently retired from the stage to raise her family while teaching in the Professional Division of the School of Alberta Ballet, under the artistic direction of Mr. and Mrs. Kilgour, senior pedagogues from the Royal Ballet and National Ballet of Canada. Additionally, Laetitia is a certified yoga instructor, an American Ballet Theatre Certified Teacher (Levels 1 to 8), and holds her Intermediate and Advanced cecchetti diplomas (with Honors).

Alison Epstein

M.Dip. LCDD, LISTD, MRAD

From the age of four, Alison trained in England with Elizabeth Harrison (Fellow and Examiner of the ISTD) at the Star School of Dancing. She is a graduate of The London College of Dance and Drama in England, where she studied Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, and Tap techniques, Composition, Dance History, Philosophy, Labanotation, and Principles in Teaching. Alison won prizes in performance and choreography and obtained a diploma in dance education and dance teacher qualifications in Ballet, Modern and Folk Dance (AISTD).

After college Alison took a teaching post in Israel, continuing to dance and choreograph. She was assistant choreographer for children’s television and stage productions. On returning to England, Alison passed the Licentiate Examination of the ISTD modern branch and ran her own school in London, England, successfully entering children for the examinations of the ISTD. During this period, she also taught for RAD examiner, Brenda Key, and Margaret Howard (FISTD).

Alison came to live in Canada with her family in 2004, and immediately started teaching at Balletomane in Oakville (formerly known as the Fleming School of Dance).

Kate Kernaghan

AISTD, TTP – Dip. (NBS)

Kate commenced her training at The Fleming School of Dance and is a graduate of the National Ballet of Canada’s Teacher Training Program.  During her studies at NBS, Kate had the opportunity to train extensively in Ballet, Modern and National Dance under direction from Canada’s top teachers including Anuschka Roes, Mavis Staines and Glenn Gilmour. Kate obtained her Registered Teaching Status with the Royal Academy of Dance as well as her Cecchetti Intermediate and Advanced One exams and National Intermediate and Advanced One exams.

Upon completing her studies with NBS, Kate became an Associate Member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. This past year, Kate was sought out by the National Ballet of Canada’s YOU Dance Program to become an Artist Educator.  Kate toured to Sudbury and Parry Sound, leading groups of 50 + students in grades four, five and six, through movement workshops and hosting educational performances. 

Kate is a licensed Fletcher Pilates Provider. She is licensed in Mat work, Towel work, and Barre work.

Marnie Kersten

BMUS, Dip., RMT, NATS

A multi‐instrumentalist as well a musical theatre performer, Marnie holds both a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Queen’s University and a Triple‐Threat Diploma from the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts. A sought‐after instructor, accompanist, adjudicator and clinician, Marnie runs a thriving private voice studio, and serves on faculty at Stage It Performing Arts, Balletomane and the Sheridan College Prep Program. She has also taught at the Randolph Academy College Program, Ovation Performing Arts, the Oakville Academy for the Arts, the Stirling Festival Theatre, and Appleby College. Marnie performs professionally in musical theatre across Canada. Select credits include keyboards/vocals in Jersey Boys (Toronto) and Hairspray (Port Hope), Mary Lou Sokoloff in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Charlottetown, Calgary & Port Hope), and Annie Edson Taylor in the Canadian musical Queen of the Mist (Ontario/Quebec Tour).

MUSIC FACULTY

Dominic Dilorenzo

Dominic developed his classical piano skills at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Toronto and jazz skills at York University. He taught young artists and entered them into RCM examinations. Dominic accompanied vocal contestants at Kiwanis Music Festivals, toured with bands in Ontario, Quebec, and the North Eastern USA, and was Musical Director for Toronto's Second City Touring Company before moving to Oakville in 1996. Dominic has been playing for Ballet and Tap classes and examinations for the past 15 years.

Anna Betka

Biography is in process of being updated

Balletomane Office Hours

Tuesdays: 4PM to 6:30PM

Thursdays: 4PM to 6:30PM

Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 11:30AM

Oakville Centre for the Perfmorming Arts - Tickets can be purchased at the Oakville Centre Website or at the Oakville Centre Box Office 905.815.2021 from May 7, 2012

Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 7:30PM

Friday, June 8, 2012 at 7:30PM

Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 7:30PM

Oakville Centre for the Perfmorming Arts - Tickets can be purchased at the Oakville Centre Website or at the Oakville Centre Box Office 905.815.2021 from May 7, 2012

379 Davis Road, Oakville, Ontario, L6J 2X2 - 905.844.9555 - info@balletomane.ca - 2012 Balletomane Inc. All Rights Reserved. Website Design: Acecomp Plus. - Photographs: Brigitte Elise Photography