LEARN FROM THE BEST
MEET OUR ALL-STAR FACULTY
Photo Credit: Tim Leyes
VICTORIA BALDESARRA
Victoria is best known for her role as Michelle in Family's series The Next Step.
She's been crazy about dancing since she was only 3 years old, and started doing dance competitions when she was only 6! Victoria was a member of Team Canada's dance team and in 2010 they won a bronze medal in Germany.
Victoria is currently attending high school, dancing competitively, and is working and pursuing a professional career in acting and dancing.
RODRIGO BASURTO
Born and raised in Guadalajara Mexico, Rodrigo started dancing at the age of 4. In 1996, Rodrigo studied at the Opus Art and Talent Dance School for two years where he exceeded in many dance styles including breakdancing. In 1999, he joined the popular breakdancing crew called “Family B‐boys”, the reigning international champions for three consecutive years while competing internationally against the best in the world. During this time, Rodrigo gained experienced dancing with very talented artists and decided to further pursue his dancing career in Toronto, Canada.
Rodrigo specializes in Hip Hop and choreography, but also has many years of experience in contemporary hip‐hop, breakdancing, salsa, acro, poppin, locking, and capoeira (brazilian martial arts).
Over the years, Rodrigo has had the opportunity to work and train with some of the industry’s most sought after choreographers including Luther Brown, Laurie Ann Gibson, Leon Blackwood, Marty Kudelka, Nick Bass, Misha Gabriel, and Patrick Chang. Rodrigo Accomplished a major milestone in 2011 proving that hard work and dedication pay Rodrigo made the cast of the hit TV show So You Think You Can Dance Canada season 4. Rodrigo has been teaching around the world since 2004 and recently created a Dance program geared towards young males called lil BBoys. Through this program he is able to contribute is experience and training by teaching aspiring young hip hop and breakdancers
ALEXANDRA BEATON
Alexandra is a classic triple threat.
Alex has sung and danced her way across the stage as Baby June in Gypsy for the revered Shaw Festival in Niagara on the Lake. She has died in the arms of King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) in the blockbuster Warner Bros. movie “300” . Now Alexandra is showcasing her dance and acting skills as co-star Emily in “The Next Step”.
Along the way Alexandra has starred in countless commercials, and is known for issuing the eye-roll every parent “recognizes and despises” for Rogers cell phones.
Alex starred as Oona in the pilot for “Oona Explains It All For You”. She played Karen in the short film “Four Sisters”, is in a much recognized Shoppers Drug Mart print campaign and is seen on the big screen in a theatre advertising campaign for Health Canada.
As an award winning competitive dancer Alex, with her strength in lyrical and jazz, is enjoying putting her dance skills to the test in TNS, and the discipline of the set is good practice as she heads off to University this fall as an Ontario Scholar.
Alexandra loves to dance and stay fit through a variety of sports, she has a passion for reading, music and people , especially her younger sister Sophie.
JORDAN CLARK
Winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada (Season 4), Jordan Clark is the proverbial small town girl with big city dreams. Originally from Tottenham, Ontario, Jordan knew she wanted to become a professional dancer when she was eight years old. She started training at the age of five in Tap, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz and Acro and was teaching by the age of 12.
Shortly after winning the title of “Canada’s Favourite Dancer”, Jordan immersed herself in film and television classes. Committing to this new discipline with her dancer work ethic, it quickly paid off when she landed one of the starring roles, Giselle, in the new Family Channel series The Next Step launching March 2013.
Other credits include Over the Rainbow, Hellcats, Frenemies, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, Harriet the Spy, Camp Rock 2 and Cobu 3D and a campaign for Dove Canada. She has danced alongside Blake McGrath as well as with recording artists Nelly Furtado, Shawn Desman, Anjulie, Basshunter and Aleesia.
Dedicated to inspiring youth in the field of dance, she has donated her time and talent to organizations such as Youth Code, Bayview Foundation, and Ignite Change Dance Camps.
Currently Jordan is living the dream in sunny Florida while shooting the lead role of Shotsy in the feature film East Side Story, written and directed by David Winters.
BRENNAN CLOST
Brennan Clost has been training for 10 years in diverse styles of dance including jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, contemporary, and acro. He has trained at various dance studios across Southern Ontario, as well as at the National Ballet School of Canada.
Brennan was Mr. Onstage New York in 2006, Mr. Showbiz in 2008, and a Silver Medalist at the World Showdance Championships in Riesa, Germany in 2008. He has performed in the Toronto Children’s Festival, YTV’s film King of the Camp, at the Annual Mary Kay Cosmetics Gala, TSN Sports Celebrity Gala, on Canada’s got Talent, and on Degrassi: The Next Generation. Brennan has recently joined the FRESH Dance Intensive faculty as a teacher and choreographer.
Currently training at Joanne Chapman’s School of Dance, Brennan will be continuing his dance career at The Juilliard School in New York City this fall. He will spend the summer filming a new television show as a series lead. Brennan is inspired to expand and establish a career that will broaden his talents not only in the dance world but also in acting and singing.
SAMANTHA GRECCHI
Samantha, also known as Stephanie from the hit Family Channel series 'The Next Step' has been a competitive dancer since age 6.
She started her dance career at Performing Dance Arts and later joined Art and Soul Dance Company, both located in Vaughan, Ontario. Samantha has won numerous awards world wide, competed for Team Canada in Germany in 2011 prior to her becoming a Family Channel star. She has worked with many prestigious choreographers and performers and is idolized by kids across Canada.
When Samantha is not dancing she enjoys spending with her younger siblings, shopping and playing with her puppy Benjamin.
LAMAR JOHNSON
Lamar Johnson, born and raised in Toronto Canada is a self taught dancer who is dedicated to building his craft and inspiring others. Growing up in a vast community of dance and arts, he developed the nickname 'Flipz' from his amazing back flips and tumbling abilities in his younger years. But he now just refers to himself as Lamar.
He was casted at the age of nine as 'Little Man' alongside Jessica Alba in the feature film “Honey”. His early accolades as a dancer were appearing on The Maury Show for ‘America’s Most Talented Kid Dancers’, performing at Showtime at the Apollo in New York City, winning BET's 106 & Park’s ‘Wildin’ Out Wednesdays’, the host of Pop It! on TVO Kids, opened for Chris Brown and many other live stage performances.
Along his journey, Lamar found himself connecting to acting where he has been training at the prestigious Dean Armstrong Acting Studios in Toronto. He has since appeared in the television series Covert Affairs, The Firm, Degrassi, Rookie Blue and his most recent credit, Family Channel’s hit TV series “The Next Step”. Feature films Parkdale, Liar, Cuffed and Home Again. Also crediting a few commercials under his belt such as Crush ‘Blast’, Concerned Children's Advertisements and various bumpers on the Family Channel.
Lamar is an honour roll student, who also enjoys playing many sports, singing, producing music and choreographing. He graduated from Wexford Collegiate School for the Performing Arts (Alumni Nina Dobrev & Fefe Dobson) where he has performed the lead roles in many of their dramatic showcases and musicals, including his latest 'Seaweed' in the musical Hairspray. With a strong love for the craft, he plans on pursuing his dreams, all while inspiring others to pursue theirs.
ISAAC LUPIEN
Isaac Lupien is an emerging dancer, actor and choreographer from Oakville, Ontario. He began his dance training at 2 years old at his parents dance studio, Canadian Dance Company. Isaac has been featured on both stage and screen and continues to train and compete on the international circuit. Isaac is currently starring as “Eldon” on Family Channel’s new hit dance series, The Next Step.
As a competitive dancer, Isaac has been honored with numerous awards and titles at some of the world’s biggest competitions. He was the Bronze medalist at the 2008 IDO World Championships in Riesa, Germany, Runner-Up Teen Male Best Dancer at The 2011 Dance Awards in New York City and was the 2012 Senior VIP Winner at the Jump Dance Convention. Most recently, he was the 2013 1st Overall Senior Soloist at Showstopper American Dance Championships in Myrtle Beach.
In addition to his vigorous training as a dancer, Isaac has been always been passionate about pursuing his career as a professional actor. He has appeared in various commercials for television and on the hit television series The Rick Mercer Report and Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye. Additionally, Isaac had the privilege of appearing alongside Greg Kinnear in the Universal Studio’s Film Flash of Genius.
Isaac comes from a family of performing artists and continues to train and perform as a dancer and actor. He recently graduate high school and enjoys spending time with family and friends, choreography, video editing and an array of extra-curricular activities.
Isaac is thrilled to currently be filming upcoming seasons of “The Next Step” in Toronto, Canada.
JENNIE PAPPAS
Jennie is absolutely thrilled to be playing the role of “Chloe” in the new Family Channel TV series about young dancers called “The Next Step”. The Next Step premiered March 2013 to rave reviews and returns to your TV screen this Fall with all new episodes of exciting dance drama.
Jennie began taking dance and figure skating lessons when she was an energetic toddler. After achieving her Gold Level in ice dance and successfully juggling these activities and school, Jennie decided to focus on dance and began training intensively at Elite Danceworx in Markham, Ontario. Her training included Russian Classical ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acro, contemporary, lyrical, modern and partnering. Some of Jennifer’s most memorable awards include Teen Miss Dance of Canada, Top 10 Senior Dancer at The Dance Awards and Face of Fever. She was honoured to have worked behind the scenes at “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” (CTV) assisting Stacey Tookey and Mia Michaels and she appears in Blake McGrath’s music video “Stagefright”. Jennie has danced at the Choreographer’s Ball in Toronto as well as the Capezio A.C.E. Awards in New York City. One of her favourite live performances was dancing on stage at the Sony Centre in the Gala Fundraiser for Gilda’s Club. Currently on staff at Elite Danceworx, Jennie enjoys developing choreography and teaching and continues to dance, train and take acting lessons.
TAMINA POLLACK-PARIS
Tamina Pollack-Paris is a Toronto native whose love of dance began at the age of 2. It was at that time that it was discovered she loved to perform for the camera. By the time she was 8, she had received full scholarships at Toronto’s Interplay School of Dance where she received training in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Irish, Ballet and Modern. After receiving her first professional job with the Toronto Jr. Raptors Dance Pak at the age of 9, she leaped into the professional world of dance and hasn’t looked back since.
Tamina’s career highlights include: Season 1 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, Top 16, TV and movie appearances on American Idol, X-Factor, Glee, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventures starring Ashley Tisdale, Disney’s Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2-the Final Jam starring the Jonas Brothers, Frenemies, Turn the Beat Around, Sorority Wars and Hellcats. She has appeared in commercials for Crystal Light, Rogers, Stride gum, Zantac, Bell Mobility, The Government of Ontario and Tourism, High School Musical 2 and America’s Best Dance Crew 2. Tamina has also worked with artists such as Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Big Sean, Rye Rye, Outasight, Victoria Duffield, Keshia Chante, Aleesia, Danny Fernandes and Anjulie.
Currently, Tamina plays the role of "Tiffany" in the new tween Family Channel drama called “The Next Step”.
BRITTANY RAYMOND
Brittany is a highly responsible and motivated Honour Roll student eager to complete her senior year of high school. She has been a competitive dancer since the age of 6, with RAD Advanced 1 Certification and training in all styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, modern and musical theatre. Currently, she is a member of the Advanced Company Team at Joanne Chapman’s School of Dance and enjoys her co-teaching role at the studio.
Brittany’s love for dance has taken her all across North America to numerous competitions and further nurtures her passion by working with various choreographers, such as Travis Wall, Kenny Wormald, Misha Gabriel, Nick Lazzarini, Nico Archambault, Amy Gardner and Eryn Waltman. A major highlight in her young dance career has been working with Mandy Moore and Stacey Tookey, in both group and solo performances. As well, she has performed in Magic Kingdom at Disney World Florida, and in 2008 was accepted into the Young Apprentice Program at Canadian Children’s Dance Theatre, directed by Deborah Lundmark and Rebecca Mendoza
Brittany is thrilled to be spending her summer playing a lead role in a new television series; The Next Step, and has set her goals of someday becoming an inspiring dancer and actress.
STEPHANIE RUTHERFORD
Stephanie Rutherford currently resides in Toronto, Ontario where she remains as an in-demand choreographer both locally and throughout Western Canada.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she has had extensive training in Contemporary, ballet, improv, jazz, tap and hip hop for over 20 years. Stephanie is known to create an environment for dancers that demands them to be expressively open and artistically pushed.In turn, she has received great recognition in both professional, convention and competitive environments for her thought provoking work.
She is the artistic director and founder of the professional dance company "Rutherford Movement Exchange" as well, the host of the annual elite dance workshop entitled "The Dance Intensive". Stephanie’s choreography has been showcased on MTV Canada , Ascension- The act of rising to a higher level (Rutherford Movement Exchange's contemporary company show), General Motors Corporate event, A guest feature on danceplug.com (Los Angeles), Profiled on The Dish Segment (Los Angeles), Toronto Choreographers Ball (2010, 2011, 2012), Toronto Pride Main Stage, Women In Dance (2010, 2011), Sandbox Magazine (Spring Issue), bringtheBoss.com (wizard week feature) Lynzie Kent's music video "Whoop De Doo", Unrefined Production Show and many other live performances, industrials, flash mobs and company shows. As a performer, Stephanie has had the privilege of working on multiple projects with choreographer Faye Rauw, Virgin Mobile, Buck Productions, Much Music, Slice TV and MTV Canada.
She currently is on faculty downtown Toronto at Metro Movement (Canada's leading school in professional dance) and is a teacher for many conventions and workshops around Canada. She continues to share and explore her passion with dancers and is always looking for inspirational ways to evolve her craft.
TREVOR TORDJMAN
As of the age of four Trevor Tordjman began to dance at his mother’s dance studio, ConfiDance. Having been exposed to, and trained in all forms of dance, he quickly developed a passion for Hip Hop and Break dancing and devoted much of his free time to develop his own unique style and hone his craft. During his pre-teen years, Trevor added drumming and rapping to his repertoire of talents.
His work in music videos includes appearances with Victoria Duffield and Shawn Desman. He has also danced in a host of local performances such as Foot Loose and in Joseph for KWMP. Trevor has also appeared in commercials sponsored by Family Channel. His latest and most accomplished gig involves a main role as ‘James’ in the scripted reality show, The Next Step. Trevor awaits his next challenge to take the world by storm
CAROLINE TORTI
Passion and perseverance have always been at the heart of every step Caroline has taken in her professional dance career. She has performed on stages worldwide and sought out as a choreographer by some of the most prestigious dance organizations in North America.
Caroline was featured as a dancer and played the role of “Teena” on the CW’s show “Hellcats” starring Ashley Tisdale. Her credits include Top 14 finalist for the premiere season of the hit TV show “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”, a member of the innovative and highly renowned dance companies Helix Dance Project, under the artistic direction of Linda Garneau, as well as Conteur Dance Company created by Eryn Waltman, and has worked with acclaimed choreographer Mandy Moore for her piece in “Hysterica” based out of Los Angeles, California.
Caroline has also appeared as a dancer in the television series’ “The Lost Girl”, “The Listener”, “L.A. Complex” and “Canada’s Got Talent”. She has appeared in films such as "Sucker Punch, Turn The Beat Around, and "Mirror Mirror" starring Julia Roberts.
She has also had the opportunity to dance in music videos and live performances for artists such as Flo-Rida, Tyler Medeiros, DRU, Danny Fernandes, Kreesha Turner, George, Shawn Desman, and Jully Black.
Caroline has been recognized for her work as a choreographer at regional and national competitions receiving several choreography scholarships. She is the co-owner of the entertainment company Collective Elite Entertainment, and recently was the assistant choreographer on YTV’s “The Next Star” and the choreographer for Canadian recording artist Suzie McNeil.
She teaches for various studios around the Greater Toronto Area and master classes at Toronto’s professional studios as well as choreographing for large scale corporate events such as The Delicious Food Show and the Interior Design Show in Toronto.
BREE WASYLENKO
Already a successful dancer, Bree immersed herself in acting classes to round out her skills as a performer. Merging the two disciplines, Bree landed the lead role in the Family Channel show “The Next Step”, in which she plays “Kate”. From there she has gone on to play a supporting role, “Roxy” in MuchMusic’s film “Alive”, as well as “Frankie” in the short film “56 Pink Flamingos”.
After many years of professional dance training, her career took off after she made the Top 20 of Season 3 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada. Bree grew immensely as a dancer and performer, and immediately fell in love with the camera. From there, she went on to perform in hit television shows such as “Nikita”, “Bomb Girls”, “Baxter”, “Over The Rainbow”, “Canada’s Got Talent”, and as Ashley Tisdale’s body double in “Hellcats”. Her feature film performances include “Cobu 3D”, ABC’s “Desperately Seeking Santa”, and CTV’s “Turn The Beat Around”.
Not long after SYTYCDC, Bree started exploring other facets of the industry. She became very interested in the behind the scenes world of choreography. She has been blessed to have had the chance to work with some of the industry’s top players, including being the assistant choreographer for Nappytabs on “Cobu 3D”, and Danny Teeson on Disney’s “Frenemies”. She was also the assistant choreographer for the Staples “Back To School” commercial that featured Glee’s Heather Morris. Using the skills she learned from these mentors, Bree went on to choreograph for a CTV pilot entitled “Stay With Me”, as well as a promo for the upcoming Grace Kelly biopic “American Royalty”. Her most exciting project as a choreographer was for Carly Rae Jepsen’s performance of “Call Me Maybe” for the 2012 MMVA’s.
Bree’s stage credits include numerous industrials for companies such as RBC, Shoppers Drug Mart, LG, Bell Mobility, MAC Cosmetics, Sears and many more. She has performed with a host of major Canadian pop stars, including Carly Rae Jepsen, Shawn Desman, Blake McGrath, Danny Fernandes, Massari and many more. Bree has also been involved in company work, dancing in Linda Garneau’s Helix Dance Project in both the ’08 and ’09 seasons, as well as with the Canadian Opera Company in their Dora Award winning production of “Iphigenie en Tauride”.