Chelsea Wainwright
Founder / Director: Niagara Ballet Company & Niagara Ballet School
Professional Ballet, Pointe, Private Lessons & Choreography & Performance Rehearsals
Certified Ballet Instructor - BBA Vaganova Elementary & Intermediate Levels
Certified Pilates Instructor - LindaFit Pilates NYC
Mrs. Chelsea Wainwright is certified by Bolshoi Ballet Academy Vaganova Method Elementary & Intermediate Levels under the direction of Vera Kulikova Head of Classical Ballet at Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Bolshoi Ballet Academy teacher Yevgenia Kazeeva. Bolshoi Ballet Academy is one of the worlds most esteemed Ballet Companies. Chelsea is a certified pilates instructor under LindaFit Pilates NYC. Chelsea also attended The School of Holistic Nutrition in Toronto Canada, she brings her knowledge of nutrition to her students.
Director and Choreographer of Niagara’s own "The Nutcracker" & “Cinderella” Chelsea thrives on bringing the Ballet Dancers of Niagara the best in training and performance opportunities.
Mrs. Wainwrights students have received numerous awards & scholarships at prestigious competitions including Youth America Grand Prix, World Ballet Art Competition & more. Students under the direction of Mrs. Wainwright have received acceptances & scholarships to some of the worlds most esteemed Ballet Schools, including; The Vaganova Ballet Academy in St. Petersburg Russia, Paris Opera Ballet, Canada's National Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Royal Danish Ballet School, Bolshoi Ballet Academy of Moscow, Tivoli Ballet School, Ellison Ballet NYC, Ballet West, Boston Ballet School, Hamburg Ballet, Houston Ballet School, Joffrey Ballet School, Cary Ballet Conservatory, School of Alberta Ballet, Quinte Ballet School, Ballet Jorgen, Martha Graham Contemporary School NYC and The Juilliard School.
Chelsea studied as a full time student at Canada's National Ballet School as a young dancer. Chelsea has danced alongside some of the worlds most esteemed Ballet Companies including The Kiev Ballet, The National Ballet de Cuba under the direction of Alicia Alonso, as well as Ballet Ouest of Montreal and Neglia Ballet Artists. Chelsea is trained in RAD Ballet (Royal Academy of Dancing) holding her Intermediate Certificate, she is also trained in Cecchetti and Russian Vaganova Ballet methods. Chelsea spent three years performing as a Dancer/Illusionist Assistant in the show "Imagine" and "Beyond Belief" at the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls and Television appearances in New York City. Chelsea has trained with and been the protege of Stelio Calagias former owner of Metro Movement in Toronto, Ont. working intensely under his wing.
Mrs. Chelsea Wainwright is known for her in depth outlook on the technical elements when training young dancers and prides herself on allowing her students to reach their fullest and greatest potential.
Tanya Cronin
Professional Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Conditioning, Modern, Acro, Competitive Team Choreography
Teaching Certifications: Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), ADAPT, Kaeja Elevations
Tanya discovered her love of dance at age 7 and was determined to pursue her passion for it. She attended Intensives in Canada and the United States, and in her youth she toured as a soloist with Buffalo City Ballet. She obtained her Intermediate Certificate in both Cecchetti, and R.A.D. ballet before expanding her passion for dance into other genres. She had the opportunity to perform with the Danny Grossman Dance Company for two seasons in the Niagara Residency Program. She then continued her studies at Ryerson University graduating with Honours from the Theatre Dance Program. After graduation, Tanya joined Jean Ann Ryan Productions, where she was Dance Captain aboard several cruise ships for Norwegian, and Regal Cruise Lines. While aboard Tanya choreographed a new show for the cruise ships fall foliage tour through the Maritimes & St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada. She has also presented her own work at festivals in Toronto, choreographed for theatre companies, as well as worked on television.
She decided to take a break from traveling and try her hand at teaching. She obtained a position at the Medicine Hat College Conservatory of Music and Dance where she discovered her love of sharing her passion for dance with future generations of dancers. Tanya became the director of the dance program shortly after arriving and built a strong pre professional, competitive and recreational program within the conservatory. She is a strong believer in giving back, and while at the conservatory was able to raise over $20,000 for charities through dance. Students of hers have been accepted into professional programs such as Ryerson University, York University, UNLV, AMDA, George Brown, University of Calgary, National Ballet School, School of American Ballet, Quinte Ballet School, and are dancing throughout North America and beyond.
Tanya has worked and trained with choreographers and Dance Masters including, Nadia Potts, Jean-Aimee LaLonde, Vicki St.Denys, Stelio Calagias, Karen Duplisea, Audrey Looker, Randy Glynn, Brian and David Scott., Paul Vasterling, Janek Schergen, as well as many others.
Tanya believes in life long learning, and continues to further her knowledge of dance, by attending conventions, workshops and seminars as often as possible.
Marisa Sherk
Competitive Team Choreographer
Marisa is a passionate dancer who discovered her love for the performing arts at the age of 3. Since that time, Marisa’s desire to dance has deepened, evolving into the central focus of her life. Marisa has extensive dance training and is an exceptionally versatile dancer excelling in jazz, tap, hip hop, ballet, pointe, lyrical, contemporary, modern, partnering and freestyle.
Throughout her competitive career, Marisa has been consistently recognized for her strong technique and performance quality, receiving a multitude of top awards, scholarships and titles at the regional, national and international levels. One of Marisa’s most prestigious accomplishments was being titled ‘America’s Female Dancer of the Year’ at the American Dance Awards Nationals two years in a row in Boston and Florida (2021 and 2022). Additional significant achievements include Ultimate Challenge Winner four times at the Canadian Dance Awards, being crowned ‘Teen Miss Bedazzled Dance Champion 2018,’ receiving 1st Place Pas De Deux at the ‘Youth America Grand Prix’ (2021) and travelling to Poland with Team Canada Dance and bringing home a Gold and Bronze Medal. Marisa served as an ambassador for the Canadian Dance Awards, assisting at their fall conventions (2021 and 2022)
Beyond her tremendous success in the competition realm, Marisa has also had many performance opportunities both on stage and in front of the camera. She danced lead roles in Niagara Ballet’s productions of ‘The Nutcracker’ including the Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, Lead Flower, Chinese Tea, Arabian Coffee and Rat Queen (2018-2023) and took on the role of the Fairy Godmother in ‘Cinderella’ (2019 and 2023). Other performances include dancing in ‘Canada’s Walk of Fame’ (2023), performing at ‘Toronto Kids Fashion Week’ (2021), dancing and choreographing for ‘Virtual Concert Reality 2’ (VCR 2, 2021) and dancing in music videos for a variety of Toronto-based artists.
In addition to her dance pursuits, Marisa has invested in her interest in acting. She has trained with Armstrong Acting Studios completing the ‘Introduction to On Camera Performance’ course. Marisa has been in commercials for Great Wolf Lodge (2023) as well as Deciem’s ‘The Ordinary’ (2022).
During Marisa’s four years as an honours student at an Arts high school, she directed her attention towards dance and dramatic arts classes, further fueling her passion as an artist and solidifying her dream to pursue a career as a performer. Marisa is currently completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance Dance at Toronto Metropolitan University. Nothing excites her more than being on the stage or in front of the camera and she cannot wait to see what her future holds. Marisa is eager to continue to build upon her past experiences and turn her dreams into a reality.
Ryan Sherk
Competitive Team Choreographer
Ryan is a dancer, teacher, and choreographer from St.Catharines, Ontario with a very strong passion for the Arts.
Ryan is currently a student at The Juilliard School in New York City under the direction of Alicia Graf Mack and Mario Alberto Zambrano as a part of their BFA Dance Program. In his First Year he performed choreographic works by Lauren Lovette, Denys Drozdyuk, and Rennie Harris.
Ryan most recently attended two prestigious summer programs including Orsolina 28’s O28 Summer Intensive in Italy where he studied the repertoire of world renowned choreographers Crystal Pite and Marco Goecke. He also attended Ballet BC’s 44 Summer Intensive in Vancouver, British Columbia under the direction of Medhi Walerski.
He first began dancing in hip hop at the age of 4, and eventually added many more styles to his repertoire. Ryan trained extensively in contemporary, ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, lyrical, and musical theatre throughout his years of competing. He received numerous prestigious scholarships, special awards, top placements and titles. Some top awards include receiving 1st Place Pas De Deux at the Youth America Grand Prix, and being named ‘America’s Teen Dancer of the Year 2021’ and ‘America’s Senior Dancer of the Year 2023’ at the American Dance Awards National Championships in Boston and Rhode Island, making him a two time National Title Winner. He has also been named a NUVO Breakout Artist Winner, Jump VIP Winner, and 24 Seven Non-Stop Dancer Winner.
Ryan has pursued many performance opportunities including Principal Roles in Niagara Ballet’s Productions of The Nutcracker (2018-2023) and Cinderella (2023). Ryan has performed on CHCH’s ‘Tiny Talent Time’, danced for the Toronto Raptors on the ‘Lil Ballas Dance Team’, and was also a Mini Pop Kid where he was featured in the Mini Pop Kids 15 Commercial, several music videos, and performed in 26 live shows on the ‘Make It Pop Tour’ that traveled across Canada. He has also performed at ‘Youth Day Toronto’, ‘Toronto Kids Fashion Week’ and appeared on ‘Breakfast Television’.
Emma Barker
Primary Ballet & Tap, Parent & Me Classes, Recreational Ballet, Professional Prep Ballet, Jazz, Character & Stretch Classes.
Born in the UK Emma’s love of dance started at the young age of 3 and from then on she never stopped! Her training began at private dance schools studying disciplines which followed curriculums set by, ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) and IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association) to advanced levels. She graduated from the prestigious school Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. While studying there she had many opportunities including working with Darren Suarez at The Liverpool Style Awards, joining a popular English band on tour as a back in dancer, partaking in flash mobs, being involved with choreography, narrative and production. Emma furthered her training at Phil Winstons Theatre College obtaining a distinction in IDTA modern.
Throughout her career Emma has danced on the West End, worked professionally in Greece performing 6 nights a week, as well as performing to over 20,000 people at stadiums across the UK as part of the Leeds Rhinos Dance Team and within a dance troupe performing numerous styles such as Bollywood, at many social events. Emma’s true passion lies within teaching she teaches, ballet, pointe, tap, modern, jazz, contemporary, acrobatic arts, commercial, baby ballet, adult classes, street dance, musical theatre, show class and pre school classes. Within Emmas 15 years of teaching experience she has choreographed for many dance school productions, designed and instructed workshops, created 1st place competition performances and assisted 40 children performing at Disney Land Paris. Emma created a successful company in the UK providing music and movement classes to pre schoolers at private groups, nurseries and schools. Additionally within the company Emma designed popular adult dance fitness classes providing a fun and new way to keep fit. Within her classes she has an ability to create an atmosphere in which both dancers and non-dancers can achieve, enjoy and reach their own highest potential.
Teaching is her passion and she endeavours to nurture and develop each child and adults love for dance within every class she teaches.
Mandy Wyrcimaga
Primary Ballet & Baby Ballet, Prep & Elementary Tap Classes
Teaching Certification: Dance Educators of America
Mandy was introduced to the wide and amazing world of dance at the young age of three and has been active in the industry in one way or another ever since. She recently sold the dance studio she founded and successfully operated in the Niagara Region for Twenty One Years but continues to study and learn (as well as) teach the art of dance. Over the past twenty five years, Mandy has attended many classes, workshops, certification courses and training programs - studying, dancing and training with many of the best dance educators and programs in the industry - including (but not limited to) Dance Educator’s of America, Leap ‘N Learn, Charles Kelley, Al Gilbert and Rhee Gold making her a well rounded and sought after dance instructor and educator. Mandy brings with her many years of professionally directing and teaching her students from the young age of two all the way up through the adult years. She teaches many styles of dance to a wide variety of levels and abilities (beginner through advanced) including, Pre-School, Tap, Jazz, Musical Theatre and Ballet. Mandy also brings her enthusiasm and energy to young students in a school setting as she proudly teaches her dance curriculum in a Private Montessori School. She also has her Vulnerable Police Sector Check. Mandy is very much looking forward to bringing her love and fun spirit to the Niagara Ballet classroom and is so proud to be joining the amazing NB Faculty!
“Dance happy, shine bright and be YOU!”
Celeste Brillon
Prep Ballet, Jazz, Recreational Ballet, Acro, Hiphop & Adult Ballet
Teaching Certification: Certified Barre Fitness Instructor - BarreWorks
Celeste graduated from Sheridan College with an Honours Bachelor of Music Theatre degree where she had the pleasure of dancing the ‘pas de deux’ in Sheridan’s production of ‘On The Town,’ and was the dance captain for ‘Nine’. At the age of two and half, she began ballet at a summer camp and loved it, and continued until accomplishing her Advance One Cecchetti level in ballet. Celeste performed the role of ‘Klara’ in The Nutcracker with Ballet Jorgen for three years touring across Ontario. Tap, jazz, highland dance, lyrical, modern, and acro lessons ensued over the years and she has received awards and scholarships in all these styles of dance in various dance competitions. Celeste performed for Disney Cruise Lines as a featured dancer in the musicals onstage, as well played the face characters of Cinderella and Elsa. She performed in a brand new Canadian Musical called ‘Let’s Dance’ where she performed at the Winter Garden in Toronto, as well as toured to St. Johns Newfoundland and Halifax.
Celeste is passionate about fitness and is a Certified Barre Fitness Instructor. She has choreographed musicals for Bravo Academy, Yellow Door Theatre Project and is the Artistic Director of the Niagara Star Singers. She also has danced in various commercials on TV as well as TV episodes.
She has worked with The Shaw Festival for three seasons in ‘Sunday in the Park with George’, ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘The Women’.
Celeste has been teaching dance for the past 10 years and continues to be passionate about sharing her knowledge, learning from her students and sharing her joy of dance with whomever she is teaching. She continues to take dance classes to grow as a dancer and have more knowledge to share with her students.