Charmaine Headley
As a dance artist/choreographer and artist educator, teaching, inspiring and learning from the youth have been central within my thirty years in the field. Witnessing the joy and confidence that flows from students/dancers as they connect to their artistry and develop their voice is at the core of my process. I pour my essence into my processes through oral and physical stories, creating space for everyone to discover their wings through the healing elements of dance.
Vanessa Mangar
As a dance artist, educator, and cultural enthusiast, my practice and passion encompass diversity and equity serving the need to create open-minded spaces for my students. I believe that as a teacher, the more knowledgeable and inquisitive one can be about the cultures of the world, the more inclusive our environments can be. I enjoy learning dances from other cultures and the history behind them. My experiences include Indian classical dance styles such as Kathak and Bharatanatyam, Philippine Folk dance, Sub-Saharan West African dance and Caribbean dance styles. Being able to see my students contribute to classes with their own experiences and find value in them, is a joy unlike any other.
Debbie Nicholls-Skerritt (she/her)
I am a Dance Artist who draws from my cultural, social and spiritual experiences as a way of giving permission to others to freely take up their own space. For almost 25 years I have been evolving as a creative and cultivating Movement Medicine as a point of connection with my students, peers and myself. It brings me great joy to witness students of all ages awaken to their creative potential and tap into a deeper sense of self.
Aisha Nicholson (she/her)
I am a Spiritual Being an Artist, Curator, Teacher and Choreographer.
My artistic practice is rooted in Caribbean, West African, Contemporary and Afro-contemporary dance styles. My exploration of music is multilayered, polyrhythmic and rooted in the Black experience. I am excited to share my knowledge, engage, ignite and learn from the youth on this journey.
Meredith Thompson (she/her)
I am a dance artist and arts educator who has long been enjoying the physical expression of movement. I like people and I like art. I love introducing new people to dance and movement, and helping them to connect to the expressive and physical capacities of their bodies. For the last 20 years my love of teaching and connecting with others has enabled me to explore many avenues of dance education – public schools, dance studios, pre-professional dance training, and various other settings in the community. I live and work in Tkaronto with my family of three and enjoy growing green things and eating dark chocolate.