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!
Jessica Bartlett, Artistic Director, Owner, Instructor
Miss Jessica has been dancing in the Durham Region area since the age of 3. She trained as a competitive dancer in a variety of styles, including ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acrobatics, and tap. After her competitive years, Jessica chose to further her dance education at George Brown College, where she graduated from the Dance Performance Preparation Program and the Dance Performance Studies Program. During her time at George Brown, she received advanced training in ballet, pointe, jazz, and modern dance while working with renowned choreographers such as Cynthia Macedo, Jane Wooding, Derek Sangster, Ray Hogg, Meredith Thompson, and Eddie Kastrau. She also performed with the George Brown Dance Ensemble, featuring repertoire from Ballet Jorgen Canada. Jessica has completed exams through the Canadian Dance Teacher's Association (CDTA) and the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD). She is also a certified teacher with the Associate Dance Arts for Professional Teachers (ADAPT) and Acrobatic Arts, qualified to teach all levels. As the studio owner, Miss Jessica is dedicated to creating a positive and family-friendly environment for dancers of all levels and ages. She is passionate about sharing her love for dance with her students and strives to foster a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Jessica is excited to welcome families into her dance family and looks forward to building lasting connections through the joy of dance.
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.
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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.
Natalie, Instructor
Miss Natalie is a Toronto-based dance instructor and choreographer with over 15 years of training in various styles, including ballet, tap, contemporary, modern, lyrical, and jazz. She completed RAD ballet and ISTD modern exams up to and including Advanced 1 and has trained under notable teachers and choreographers, such as Linda Garneau, Brian and Faye Foley, Josh Assor, Ryan Foley, and more. Miss Natalie holds a bachelor's degree from McGill University and is an ADAPT-certified jazz and tap teacher. Alongside teaching dance, she has nearly 10 years of experience in education and is passionate about cultivating enriching learning plans and environments. Her choreography has been competed and celebrated across North America, winning overall titles and top awards. Miss Natalie is excited to be a part of Ajax Dance Company's team!
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!
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
400 Monarch Ave. Unit 11,
Ajax ON L1S 3W6
(905) 231-1092