Faculty

LISA NAVES-ABONYI
Lisa, the owner and director of LNDC, trained at the Dot Blakeley Dance Studio in Simcoe where she danced competitively. She continues her training in Brantford, Buffalo, Toronto, Florida, Las Vegas, and New York City. Lisa is a highly respected instructor, choreographer, and adjudicator with over 27 years dance experience.

She is certified by test to teach and is a full member of Dance Masters of America as well
as being Vice President of Canadian Dance Masters of America.

Lisa has a B.A. from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Science in Education from
Buffalo. She is also a former history teacher at both Assumption College and Holy Trinity
Catholic High Schools.

• Adjudicator at dance competitions across Ontario
• Frequent judge at the Paris Fair Talent Competition and the Norfolk County Fair Cheerleading Competition
• Two-time recipient of the George Lon Memorial Award for Excellence in Choreography (New York City, 2004, Brantford, 2006)
• Teacher of Jr. Mr. Dance of Canada, 2004, Master Dance of Canada, 2006, Master Dance of Canada, 2007, and the current Mr. Dance of Canada, 2008.

TERESA HENRICH
Miss Teresa begins her third year of teaching ballet and exam preparation at the Lisa Naves Dance Company!

Teresa has an ARAD Teaching Diploma and began her dance training with Elizabeth Patterson at the Oakville School of Dancing. She is a graduate of Ryerson Theatrical School, specializing in the teaching of children in dance. Upon graduation, she was the owner of Ballet Etc. Dance School in Mississauga for numerous years. Other studios at which she has instructed include Burford Dancers, Ancaster School of Dance, and The Fleming School of Dance.

Teresa is another “dance mom” as well, with one ballerina training at LNDC. With over twenty years teaching experience, Teresa enjoys training and nurturing young dancers and we are thrilled to have her at LNDC!

JENNIFER SIMPSON (COOK)
Jennifer (RAD Teaching Diploma) began her ballet training in Brantford with Vera Mitchell Burke, then continued in Ancaster with Betty Love. She trained under Elizabeth Paterson at the Oakville School of Dance, where she took her teacher's training course in ballet, modern jazz and national dance.

Jennifer has more than 16 years teaching experience in Brantford, Burford, Ancaster and Simcoe. She is extremely experienced at teaching both ballet technique and RAD exam preparation. She is also a competitive choreographer for the CPC. She brings her love of ballet to every student, emphasizing self-discipline and the beauty of the art.

DIANE KUSKA
Miss Diane, a former competitive student at LNDC, is entering her seventh year of instructing Leaps and Bounds, Jazz, Acrobatics, and Lyrical. She is also a competitive choreographer after competing and training in dance for 18 years.

She has been a strong competitor for two years in the Dance Masters of America, Chapter #38 Miss Dance of Canada Pageant and attended their Teacher Training School in Buffalo in 2006.
Diane graduated with honours in Animal Biology from the University of Guelph last year and is currently working as a veterinary assistant at a local animal hospital.

She has choreographed three musical productions in Simcoe and Port Dover: The Music Man, Not Just Another Variety Show, and Fiddler on the Roof. Diane’s enthusiasm and positive instructional style is loved by all of her students!

JENNIFER WALKER
Miss Jennifer has been teaching tap at LNDC for the past 5 years and is also a competitive choreographer. Her dance history includes five years at the Dot Blakely Dance Studio and seven years training with Kaila Montague which included competitive dance and assisting.

Jennifer has attended physiotherapy school and currently works at the Norfolk General Hospital and owns her own orthotics business. She also plays the dual role of “dance mom” with three daughters on the LNDC Competitive Performance Company!

Jennifer returned to dancing when LNDC opened in 2000, volunteered to assist in 2001, and has never looked back...teaching since then and loving every minute of it!

ALISON WIELER
We welcome Miss Alison back to her fourth year of teaching although she has been part of the Lisa Naves Dance Company as both a “mature” student and assistant since 2003.

She is a certified member of Dance Masters of America, Chapter #38 since 2004 and attended their Teacher Training School in 2006. Alison has a total of 25 years dance training.

She also has her level one gymnastic coaching certificate and was a Canadian champion in synchronized skating. Alison is a certified physiotherapist assistant and is excited to teach Leaps and Bounds, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, and Acrobatics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANDRA CURADO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SARAH JOHNSON

 

 

 

 

 

MELVA BROWN