Heather Allen
Heather has been sharing her love of dance for over 20 years. She began her competitive journey at the age of 9 with her first troupe, Shoelaces. From Sugarshoes to Dance Spirit, she loved her dance friends and performing on stage. Aside from that, she loved assisting and dreamed of when she would be a teacher like her mother, Anne, founder of Danceability. Now as Owner of Danceability, and being a mother to her own son, Heather takes great pride in the ongoing services that Danceability provides. Heather carries a tremendous passion for the art of dance and is invested in the growth of all her students.
Heather has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet.
Heather has been sharing her love of dance for over 20 years. She began her competitive journey at the age of 9 with her first troupe, Shoelaces. From Sugarshoes to Dance Spirit, she loved her dance friends and performing on stage. Aside from that, she loved assisting and dreamed of when she would be a teacher like her mother, Anne, founder of Danceability. Now as Owner of Danceability, and being a mother to her own son, Heather takes great pride in the ongoing services that Danceability provides. Heather carries a tremendous passion for the art of dance and is invested in the growth of all her students.
Heather has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet.
Jaime Wilson
Jaime has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She began her dancing career at Eileen McGrath's School of Dance, where she had the honour of having Anne Stephen as her first dance teacher. Jaime began competing solos at the age of 8, being one of only a few competitive dancers at the time. She was asked to join the school's first dance troupe shortly after.
Jaime travelled to Montreal to compete a solo when she was 12 years old and came home with 1st place. Throughout the years with her solos, duos and troupe dances, she has won numerous awards in competitions throughout Canada and the United States.
In 1997, she travelled with her dance school to Boston to compete and take part in workshops at Dance Olympus. Jaime also auditioned for the Dance Olympus VIP summer tour. Hundreds auditioned and she made it (one of only 2 Canadians on the tour). She toured around the USA (Orlando, Chicago, Boston, Houston and Las Vegas), danced at all the conventions and was part of the faculty shows, performing as a VIP. She was also an assistant to the choreographers during each convention. It was an opportunity of a lifetime having taken classes from, and assisting such choreographers as Frank Hatchett, Steven Boyd, Debbie Dee, Jo Rowan, and Gregg Russell to name a few.
Jaime went through an extensive "teacher - in-training" program and did many exams with Al Gilbert and BATD. At the age of 16, Jaime was asked to become a dance teacher at Danceability when it opened it's doors for the first time. It was then that her passion for choreographing and teaching became apparent. Her competitive dancers have won many awards in Canada and the USA and Jaime has won numerous awards for her choreography.
This year marks her 27th year of teaching at Danceability. Jaime has also been a Dental Assistant and for the last 20 years, working in oral surgery and general dentistry. When she’s not at dance, she can be found working full time at her dental clinic making people's smiles beautiful and healthy!
Jaime is married to the love of her life, John and couldn’t manage this crazy hectic, life without him and his support. She is also fortunate to share her love of dance with her daughter Emma, who is in one of Danceability's competitive troupes. Between school, dance and acro, Jaime couldn't be a more proud mom!
Throughout the years, Jaime has been very fortunate to do what she loves and to be surrounded by positive, inspiring people. She is so very happy to share her passion with her students and so proud to be part of the Danceability family.
Jaime has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet.
Jaime has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She began her dancing career at Eileen McGrath's School of Dance, where she had the honour of having Anne Stephen as her first dance teacher. Jaime began competing solos at the age of 8, being one of only a few competitive dancers at the time. She was asked to join the school's first dance troupe shortly after.
Jaime travelled to Montreal to compete a solo when she was 12 years old and came home with 1st place. Throughout the years with her solos, duos and troupe dances, she has won numerous awards in competitions throughout Canada and the United States.
In 1997, she travelled with her dance school to Boston to compete and take part in workshops at Dance Olympus. Jaime also auditioned for the Dance Olympus VIP summer tour. Hundreds auditioned and she made it (one of only 2 Canadians on the tour). She toured around the USA (Orlando, Chicago, Boston, Houston and Las Vegas), danced at all the conventions and was part of the faculty shows, performing as a VIP. She was also an assistant to the choreographers during each convention. It was an opportunity of a lifetime having taken classes from, and assisting such choreographers as Frank Hatchett, Steven Boyd, Debbie Dee, Jo Rowan, and Gregg Russell to name a few.
Jaime went through an extensive "teacher - in-training" program and did many exams with Al Gilbert and BATD. At the age of 16, Jaime was asked to become a dance teacher at Danceability when it opened it's doors for the first time. It was then that her passion for choreographing and teaching became apparent. Her competitive dancers have won many awards in Canada and the USA and Jaime has won numerous awards for her choreography.
This year marks her 27th year of teaching at Danceability. Jaime has also been a Dental Assistant and for the last 20 years, working in oral surgery and general dentistry. When she’s not at dance, she can be found working full time at her dental clinic making people's smiles beautiful and healthy!
Jaime is married to the love of her life, John and couldn’t manage this crazy hectic, life without him and his support. She is also fortunate to share her love of dance with her daughter Emma, who is in one of Danceability's competitive troupes. Between school, dance and acro, Jaime couldn't be a more proud mom!
Throughout the years, Jaime has been very fortunate to do what she loves and to be surrounded by positive, inspiring people. She is so very happy to share her passion with her students and so proud to be part of the Danceability family.
Jaime has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet.
Meet Danceability's team of passionate and creative dance instructors.
Erica Melvin
Darrah Hayman
Darrah Hayman is a passionate and experienced dance instructor with a career spanning over 14 years and counting! Her journey in the world of dance began at an early age, and since then, she’s dedicated her life to the art of movement, expression, and mentoring at Danceability.
Many of her dancers- past and present- refer to her as the Backstage Mom. Darrah competed from the ages of 5-21 extensively throughout the Maritimes and the USA.
Darrah was fortunate to have started teaching dance at the young age of 14. From teaching the tiniest dancers to adults of all ages, she has shared her love for dance with a diverse range of students.
Darrah’s choreography and costume designs have earned recognition with numerous awards over the years. It's a testament to her dedication and creativity. As a dancer and continuously into her teaching career, Darrah has had the privilege of learning from world-renowned choreographers, constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and skillset.
When Darrah isn't dancing, she is making a positive impact as a Behavioral Interventionist.
Her dance journey, two amazing children, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with ASD are the pillars of Darrah's life.
Darrah has trained in: Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap and Modern.
Darrah Hayman is a passionate and experienced dance instructor with a career spanning over 14 years and counting! Her journey in the world of dance began at an early age, and since then, she’s dedicated her life to the art of movement, expression, and mentoring at Danceability.
Many of her dancers- past and present- refer to her as the Backstage Mom. Darrah competed from the ages of 5-21 extensively throughout the Maritimes and the USA.
Darrah was fortunate to have started teaching dance at the young age of 14. From teaching the tiniest dancers to adults of all ages, she has shared her love for dance with a diverse range of students.
Darrah’s choreography and costume designs have earned recognition with numerous awards over the years. It's a testament to her dedication and creativity. As a dancer and continuously into her teaching career, Darrah has had the privilege of learning from world-renowned choreographers, constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and skillset.
When Darrah isn't dancing, she is making a positive impact as a Behavioral Interventionist.
Her dance journey, two amazing children, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with ASD are the pillars of Darrah's life.
Darrah has trained in: Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Ballet, Tap and Modern.
Katia Noiles
Katia has been dancing at Danceability since she was 4 years old and started assisting at the age of 10. She found a profound love for teaching and looked up to all of the people that taught her. She loves working with her students, especially her baby program, and adores being able to share her love of dance with others.
Katia represented Canada’s Dance Team at the World Cup in 2019. She is also currently working to obtain her bachelor's degree in health at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, with goals of becoming a paediatric surgeon. She hopes that she can inspire kids to dance and make a positive impact in their lives just like the teachers at Danceability did for her.
Katia has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet and Musical Theatre.
Katia has been dancing at Danceability since she was 4 years old and started assisting at the age of 10. She found a profound love for teaching and looked up to all of the people that taught her. She loves working with her students, especially her baby program, and adores being able to share her love of dance with others.
Katia represented Canada’s Dance Team at the World Cup in 2019. She is also currently working to obtain her bachelor's degree in health at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, with goals of becoming a paediatric surgeon. She hopes that she can inspire kids to dance and make a positive impact in their lives just like the teachers at Danceability did for her.
Katia has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet and Musical Theatre.
Kayla Basque
Bio coming soon!
Bio coming soon!
Karla Renouf
Karla started dancing at the age of 3 at Eileen McGrath’s school of dance. She continued to dance there until the age of 10 when she joined Danceability. Karla then went on to audition to be a part of one of Danceability ‘s competitive troupes where she was then accepted into Expressions Dance Troupe. After that, dance quickly took over her life in the best way. If there was an opportunity to dance, Karla took it, later becoming a teacher's assistant!
From the age of 12, Karla assisted several dance classes, learning as much as she could from all the great instructors at Danceability. Karla continued assisting classes until she was 18 when she then became a teacher herself. Karla now teaches many classes from toddlers to competitive and loves every minute of it.
Throughout Karla’s 13 years in Expressions Dance Troupe she had the opportunity to compete in competitions throughout the Maritimes and the USA, winning numerous awards and taking as many workshops and classes as she could along the way. Karla has a huge passion for tap and she has successfully completed all her BATD exams in tap in high standing. Karla loves teaching and sharing her love of dance with her students. She only hopes that she can pass on her love for dance to her students as her teachers did for her.
Karla has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet and Portuguese Folklore.
Karla started dancing at the age of 3 at Eileen McGrath’s school of dance. She continued to dance there until the age of 10 when she joined Danceability. Karla then went on to audition to be a part of one of Danceability ‘s competitive troupes where she was then accepted into Expressions Dance Troupe. After that, dance quickly took over her life in the best way. If there was an opportunity to dance, Karla took it, later becoming a teacher's assistant!
From the age of 12, Karla assisted several dance classes, learning as much as she could from all the great instructors at Danceability. Karla continued assisting classes until she was 18 when she then became a teacher herself. Karla now teaches many classes from toddlers to competitive and loves every minute of it.
Throughout Karla’s 13 years in Expressions Dance Troupe she had the opportunity to compete in competitions throughout the Maritimes and the USA, winning numerous awards and taking as many workshops and classes as she could along the way. Karla has a huge passion for tap and she has successfully completed all her BATD exams in tap in high standing. Karla loves teaching and sharing her love of dance with her students. She only hopes that she can pass on her love for dance to her students as her teachers did for her.
Karla has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet and Portuguese Folklore.
Vanessa Keating
Vanessa has been with Danceability since its inception, in the roles of Dancer, Teacher’s Assistant to Instructor. She has been dancing for over 25 years in multiple genres and has danced competitively throughout the Maritimes, Quebec, New York and Maine.
She has shared her love of dance with students from Danceability, Dance Fredericton, and UNB Dance.
Vanessa has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet.
Vanessa has been with Danceability since its inception, in the roles of Dancer, Teacher’s Assistant to Instructor. She has been dancing for over 25 years in multiple genres and has danced competitively throughout the Maritimes, Quebec, New York and Maine.
She has shared her love of dance with students from Danceability, Dance Fredericton, and UNB Dance.
Vanessa has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet.
Brittany Lawrence
Brittany started dancing at the age of 3 at Eileen McGrath’s school of dance. She continued to dance there until the age of 10 when she joined Danceability. At 11, she auditioned for Expressions Dance Troupe, competing all over the Maritimes, New Hampshire and New York. This enabled her to take workshops with some of the industry's leading choreographers and won many awards with her team. She also successfully completed her BATD exams.
Brittany assisted with classes as a teenager which started her passion for teaching kids and sharing her love of dance. At 18, she had the opportunity to become a competitive choreographer in Hampton which led into her owning and being the creative director at Dance Factor.
After running Dance Factor in Hampton for 8 years, she decided to come back home to Danceability to continue teaching the next generation of dancers. Brittany now choreographs for Danceability’s competitive dancers and is a dance mom to 3 beautiful children. She also works as an X-ray Technologist in the Cardiac Cath Lab when she isn’t dancing.
Brittany has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip hop and Ballet
Brittany started dancing at the age of 3 at Eileen McGrath’s school of dance. She continued to dance there until the age of 10 when she joined Danceability. At 11, she auditioned for Expressions Dance Troupe, competing all over the Maritimes, New Hampshire and New York. This enabled her to take workshops with some of the industry's leading choreographers and won many awards with her team. She also successfully completed her BATD exams.
Brittany assisted with classes as a teenager which started her passion for teaching kids and sharing her love of dance. At 18, she had the opportunity to become a competitive choreographer in Hampton which led into her owning and being the creative director at Dance Factor.
After running Dance Factor in Hampton for 8 years, she decided to come back home to Danceability to continue teaching the next generation of dancers. Brittany now choreographs for Danceability’s competitive dancers and is a dance mom to 3 beautiful children. She also works as an X-ray Technologist in the Cardiac Cath Lab when she isn’t dancing.
Brittany has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip hop and Ballet
Darien Edison
Darien Edison started dancing at the age of 7, performing freestyle dances in school and local talent shows, copying moves from hip hop dance videos and his favourite dancer, Michael Jackson. At the age of 8, he joined Danceability in the boys’ recreational class, dancing in the styles of hip hop and tap for 3 years.
In 2009, he joined the studio’s first ever all boys troupe, SubZero, in its inaugural year. With SubZero, he danced competitively for 5 years in hip hop, tap, jazz, and lyrical, traveling to Halifax, Cape Breton, and New York for dance competitions and workshops. He also competed in own choreography, donning the sequence glove one year to perform a tribute to MJ.
Darien has danced and acted in theatre productions with Saint John High School, KV Players and the Saint John Theatre Company. In 2021, he returned to Danceability as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Boys class and began teaching the class himself in 2022.
Darien’s passion has always been hip hop and he is looking forward to another season with Danceability.
Darien has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Theatre.
Darien Edison started dancing at the age of 7, performing freestyle dances in school and local talent shows, copying moves from hip hop dance videos and his favourite dancer, Michael Jackson. At the age of 8, he joined Danceability in the boys’ recreational class, dancing in the styles of hip hop and tap for 3 years.
In 2009, he joined the studio’s first ever all boys troupe, SubZero, in its inaugural year. With SubZero, he danced competitively for 5 years in hip hop, tap, jazz, and lyrical, traveling to Halifax, Cape Breton, and New York for dance competitions and workshops. He also competed in own choreography, donning the sequence glove one year to perform a tribute to MJ.
Darien has danced and acted in theatre productions with Saint John High School, KV Players and the Saint John Theatre Company. In 2021, he returned to Danceability as a Teacher’s Assistant for the Boys class and began teaching the class himself in 2022.
Darien’s passion has always been hip hop and he is looking forward to another season with Danceability.
Darien has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Theatre.
Caroline Stephen
Caroline has been dancing since the young age of 2. She danced competitively with Danceability for 12 years in the troupe “Evolution” and later in “Senior Company”, training in tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, lyrical and contemporary. She has always had a passion for tap and enjoyed competing in the “Own Choreography” category later in her competitive dance career.
Caroline taught competitive tap technique and choreography at dance studios in Fredericton for the 4 years while completing her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at the University of New Brunswick. After graduating from UNB in 2023, Caroline moved back home to Saint John and is thrilled to be back at her home studio as an instructor! When she isn't dancing, Caroline works in Talent at Irving Oil.
Caroline has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet and Theatre.
Caroline has been dancing since the young age of 2. She danced competitively with Danceability for 12 years in the troupe “Evolution” and later in “Senior Company”, training in tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballet, lyrical and contemporary. She has always had a passion for tap and enjoyed competing in the “Own Choreography” category later in her competitive dance career.
Caroline taught competitive tap technique and choreography at dance studios in Fredericton for the 4 years while completing her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at the University of New Brunswick. After graduating from UNB in 2023, Caroline moved back home to Saint John and is thrilled to be back at her home studio as an instructor! When she isn't dancing, Caroline works in Talent at Irving Oil.
Caroline has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet and Theatre.
Kieran Fitzpatrick
Emma Stephen
Emma has been dancing since the age of 3 and has trained in a variety of styles at Danceability, Port City Dance Academy and Bonnie Kilburn's Dance Centre. She danced competitively with Danceability for 8 years before moving to Fredericton for university. While in school she continued teaching and taking classes.
When she’s not at the studio, you can find her working in CCU at the Saint John Regional as a registered nurse.
Emma has been dancing since the age of 3 and has trained in a variety of styles at Danceability, Port City Dance Academy and Bonnie Kilburn's Dance Centre. She danced competitively with Danceability for 8 years before moving to Fredericton for university. While in school she continued teaching and taking classes.
When she’s not at the studio, you can find her working in CCU at the Saint John Regional as a registered nurse.
Jeana Moore
Jeana has been dancing with Danceability for 15 years, competitively for 9 years. She has previously taught the annual Disney Camps and is very excited to be a member of the Danceability staff this year, teaching a variety of classes.
When Jeana is not dancing, she is studying to complete her bachelor's degree in environmental engineering at UNB Saint John.
Jeana has been dancing with Danceability for 15 years, competitively for 9 years. She has previously taught the annual Disney Camps and is very excited to be a member of the Danceability staff this year, teaching a variety of classes.
When Jeana is not dancing, she is studying to complete her bachelor's degree in environmental engineering at UNB Saint John.
Tori George
Tori George began dancing at Theresa Giddings School of Dance at the age of 4. She moved over to Danceability under the direction of Anne Stephen when it opened in Saint John in 1998 and joined the competitive program in 2000. In the same year, she began ballet training at Port City Dance Academy with Andrea Scott. She has also performed in musicals at Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School under the direction of Carl Killen.
Tori began instructing regularly in 2013 after finishing her B.Sc. at the University of Ottawa. She has taught Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre across all age ranges and levels. She began to specialize in live theatre choreography in 2014 when she was hired as the choreographer for the Harbourview High School annual musicals. Since then, she has worked on projects with local theatre groups, concerts, and music videos.
Tori is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique Junior, Senior, and Advanced Programs levels I, II, and III, and the Sugarfoot Teacher Training Program.
Apart from dance, Tori works in the investment industry, is a Licensed Makeup Artist and spends her free time with her husband and Bernese Mountain dog.
Tori has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, Theatre and Musical Theatre.
Tori George began dancing at Theresa Giddings School of Dance at the age of 4. She moved over to Danceability under the direction of Anne Stephen when it opened in Saint John in 1998 and joined the competitive program in 2000. In the same year, she began ballet training at Port City Dance Academy with Andrea Scott. She has also performed in musicals at Saint Malachy’s Memorial High School under the direction of Carl Killen.
Tori began instructing regularly in 2013 after finishing her B.Sc. at the University of Ottawa. She has taught Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre across all age ranges and levels. She began to specialize in live theatre choreography in 2014 when she was hired as the choreographer for the Harbourview High School annual musicals. Since then, she has worked on projects with local theatre groups, concerts, and music videos.
Tori is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique Junior, Senior, and Advanced Programs levels I, II, and III, and the Sugarfoot Teacher Training Program.
Apart from dance, Tori works in the investment industry, is a Licensed Makeup Artist and spends her free time with her husband and Bernese Mountain dog.
Tori has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballet, Theatre and Musical Theatre.
Kathleen McLeod
Kathleen discovered her love of dance at the age of 6 at Eileen McGrath’s School of Dance, and it immediately took over her life. With the opening of Danceability in the late 90's, Kathleen joined the Assistant and Competitive programs, dancing with her fellow “power players” in the Expressions Troupe for 15 years.
Proud to be a Danceability Dancer, Alumnus, and Teacher for the last 15 years, Kathleen hopes to ignite the love of dance in the next generation of Danceability dancers!
Kathleen earned her BBA at the University of New Brunswick and now works full-time at Imperial Theatre as Marketing Manager, feeding her passion for dance and the arts.
Kathleen has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Theatre and Musical Theatre
Exams: BATD and Al Gilbert
Kathleen discovered her love of dance at the age of 6 at Eileen McGrath’s School of Dance, and it immediately took over her life. With the opening of Danceability in the late 90's, Kathleen joined the Assistant and Competitive programs, dancing with her fellow “power players” in the Expressions Troupe for 15 years.
Proud to be a Danceability Dancer, Alumnus, and Teacher for the last 15 years, Kathleen hopes to ignite the love of dance in the next generation of Danceability dancers!
Kathleen earned her BBA at the University of New Brunswick and now works full-time at Imperial Theatre as Marketing Manager, feeding her passion for dance and the arts.
Kathleen has been trained in: Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Theatre and Musical Theatre
Exams: BATD and Al Gilbert