About Us

 

Ajax Dance Company prides itself on providing a strong technique in dance while nurturing the artistry and expression of each individual dancer. Our highly qualified staff are dedicated to providing a safe, positive environment by highlighting each dancer's individual strengths and helping our dancers through their weaknesses. We look forward to welcoming you into our dance family!

 

Meet Our Team

 

 

 

 

Jessica Bartlett, Artistic Director, Owner, Instructor

Miss Jessica has been dancing in the Durham Region area since the young age of 3. She has been trained as a competitive dancer in many different styles such as ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acrobatics and tap. As her competitive years came to an end Jessica then decided to continue her education in dance at George Brown College where she graduated from the Dance Performance Preparation Program, as well as the Dance Performance Studies Program. While studying at George Brown, Jessica received more extensive training in ballet, pointe, jazz and modern dance while working with choreographers such as Cynthia Macedo, Jane Wooding, Derek Sangster, Ray Hogg, Meredith Thompson, and Eddie Kastrau. Jessica also had the opportunity to work with the George Brown Dance Ensemble which included repertoire pieces from Ballet Jorgen Canada. As a dancer Jessica also has completed exams in the Canadian Dance Teacher's Association(CDTA) syllabus as well as the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD). She is also a certified teacher of the Associate Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT). Jessica is excited and happy to be starting a new chapter with all of you!

 

 

 

Tahani, Instructor

Working with early-childhood and youth in recreational and competitive dance programs for over 7 years, Miss Tahani has been dancing for over 16 years and continues to foster her passion for dance through teaching. She is certified through The BATD (British Association of Teachers of Dancing) and Acrobatic Arts. She appreciates and respects all genres of dance, but truly enjoys Acro, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Jazz styles. As she continues to educate herself, Miss Tahani hopes to share her love of dance with her students and inspire them to be expressive and disciplined through the arts. She enjoys the creativity and freedoms that dance provides, as well as the physical health benefits. A huge importance is placed on the ideal that “Every kind of body can dance, and it should be accessible and inclusive”. Everyone should experience a liberating satisfaction of joy through movement.

 

 

 

Serena, Instructor

Serena Henriquez is a Toronto based multi-disciplinary dancer, performer, and educator. Beginning her training at a young age, she fell in love with the art of tap dance and continues to perform professionally. Serena has had the opportunity to train under many talented artists based in both Canada and the United States including Allison Toffan, Juliana Kelly, Johnathan Morin, Cori Giannotta, and Matthew Clark to name a few. Performance credits include: Toronto’s Beaches Jazz Festival with latin band Bachata Swing, dancing as an ensemble member for Rhythm & Sound in “Revamped” (2022), and most recently in “In Passing” at the 2023 Toronto Fringe Festival. She is also a company member of The Rhythm Ensemble directed by Juliana Kelly, as well as a contributing artist for Ripple Effect, a new outreach company produced by Toffan Rhythm Projects set to tour community centres and libraries offering free performances and workshops in 2024. Additionally, Serena’s choreographic works have seen a number of regional, national and world stages with many of her students sharing her love for the art form and pursuing international opportunities under her guidance.

 

 

 

Rachel, Ballet Instructor (RAD RTS, B.F.A)

Miss Rachel (RAD RTS, B.F.A) is a dedicated and passionate educator seeking to expand her experience in the dance education field. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Specialized Honours in Dance Education with York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design, as well as a Diploma from Canada's National Ballet School Teacher Training Program (TTP). Rachel has received her RAD Registered Teaching Status and is looking forward to guiding students towards completing their RAD exams successfully. With a profound love of teaching and a natural ability to connect with children and teens, Rachel thrives on collaboration and continuous learning. Committed to creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment, she aim's to inspire and empower students while fostering their creativity and personal growth in-order to aid in the developmental growth of the community at Ajax Dance Company. .

 

 

 

Chantal, Ballet Instructor (ISTD, PAEC)

Chantal Drolet is a graduate of the National Ballet School’s Teacher Training Program and holds Associate levels from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) in the Cecchetti method and in National Dance (Honours) and a Full Membership in Ballet of Performing Arts Educators of Canada (PAEC). Beginning her dance training in Quebec City, her passion for dance took her through successful performances and examinations. Leveraging 30 years of training and experience, an enthusiastic and detailed approach to teaching, she focuses on creating a positive and rewarding learning environment for her students. With her passionate love of dance, she inspires numerous students to continuously grow as dancers. Chantal also believes that dance, as a fitness activity for adults, provides increased health and an ability to cope with the stresses of everyday life. .

 

 

 

Jessica, Instructor

Jessica Gomes is a Toronto based artist who has a passion for performing and teaching. She is a graduate of George Brown’s Dance Performance Studies Program and well-versed in many styles including jazz, jazz funk, ballet (RAD and Russian), pointe, modern, tap, hip-hop, musical theatre, as well as lyrical and contemporary styles. Jessica had the opportunity of performing in Haunted Cinema at Ontario Place, Winter Fest’s production of Tinker’s Toy Factory, touring to Dubai to perform the production of Aladdin, performing in Legends of Horror at Casa Loma, dancing for the Toronto Argonaut’s Cheer Team during their Grey Cup win in Ottawa, was featured in PhoeNX Ensemble’s first official online digital offering: the Legend of Chang’e Immortal Goddess of the Moon and had been featured in the 2016 Argos Cheer calendar shoot in Cancun, Mexico. She recently danced at the Candlelight Concerts in Toronto, Canada Walk of Fame Athlete of the Year Awards and performed with Deborah Cox at the Horacio Alger Charity Event. Jessica also continuously performs in corporate shows across the GTA. Other credits include Hotel Paranormal 2, Bracken Burns, SonReal, One Republic, Alessia Cara, Roll Play Live, Keisha Chante and Patrick Pentland. Aside from performing, Jessica has been teaching dance for 10 years. She has taught all ages in a variety of different styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, improv, stretch and strength, lyrical, acro, musical theatre, tap and hip-hop. Jessica is inspired by the joy on people’s faces.

 

 

 

Megan, Office Administrator

Miss Megan is our office administrator, she is such an important part of our team! Megan is available twice a week in our office for any questions, concerns or comments you may have. She is looking forward to hearing from you.

 

 

 

Sarah, Office Administrator

Miss Sarah is also our office administrator assistant. She will help guide any questions or concerns you may have!

 

See Inside Our Facility

 

Our newly renovated space has all it needs to provide a safe environment for dancers and their families.

- Rosco Sprung Flooring

- Waiting Room

- Viewing Window

- Wifi

- Changerooms

- Two full stocked washrooms

- Ample parking

- Friendly office staff

 

Say Hello!

400 Monarch Ave. Unit 11,
Ajax ON L1S 3W6

(905) 231-1092