Lilly began dance at ADA Dance Co. in Orangeville when she was 4. She began dancing competitively when she was 9, starting with tap, then jazz, ballet, lyrical, and hiphop. In university she danced and choreographed with Only Human Dance Collective, where she was able to expand into contemporary. After a break from dance, she […]
Mikaela Lewis
Mikaela has been passionate about art and music since childhood, and briefly dabbled in ballet, jazz, and flamenco dancing as a child. She discovered ballroom and latin partner dancing in 2009 at the University of Alberta, and quickly rose through the ranks to teaching assistant and competitor. She moved to New Zealand in 2012 and […]
Miguel Brillant
Miguel is a multi-dance professional who is francophone, originally from Quebec. Miguel began dancing in 2005 in Quebec City, starting with Latin dances. He completed an American Ballroom teachers’ program and taught at Arthur Murray in Ottawa in 2011. He added Brazilian Zouk, Urban Kiz and Bachata Sensual to his repertoire as these dances emerged […]
Haron Yusuf
My name is Haron and my journey into the world of Latin dance began one summer day in uptown Waterloo. Watching people move to the captivating beats of Latin music at an Underdog event, I decided to join a free lesson—and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve poured countless hours into perfecting my skills, dedicating […]
Natalie Caseros
Natalie is a salsa and bachata instructor at the Underdog Dance Corp. She is passionate about growing the Waterloo region dance community, as teaching Latin dance to beginners is one of her many dance joys. With a background in Kinesiology and Physical Education, she is pleased to provide physical activity through dance. You will find her connecting […]
Emily Peat
Emily is the studio owner. She started dancing at 25 years of age with the University of Waterloo Mambo Club. She instantly fell in love with salsa and bachata, and took one to two community classes every night of the week. Less than two years later, she left a promising engineering career to pursue her […]
Jesse Valvasori
Jesse Valvasori is a lifelong Hamilton resident, and full time competitor and dance instructor. Starting dancing when he was just 12 years old, Jesse competed professionally for many years, winning countless titles including the national Canadian Latin Champion. Jesse now owns The Ballroom Hamilton in Westdale, Hamilton where he offers individual & group lessons and […]
Nikita Korsakov
Nikita’s introduction to ballroom dancing came at the tender age of six. He began competing shortly after and continued to do so throughout his teen years, with much success, including a second place medal at the Can-Am Dancesport Championships. Now competing in the professional ranks, Nikita is known amongst his students as an encouraging and […]
Anna Opszanski
As the Managing Director of Fred Astaire Hamilton, Anna’s philosophy of dance expands beyond technique alone, but rather encourages an environment amongst both staff and students that provides an experience of fun, and camaraderie, culminating in a feeling of joy and self-expression for every individual. Her discipline working towards these values has resulted in her […]
Joe Dukes
For over 20 years Joe has shared his passion for dance through teaching, performing, and competing. Today he is both the Owner and Dance Director of Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Oakville. On the competitive dance floor Joe has achieved the distinction of three times Undefeated Professional Rhythm Champion in both the Closed and Open divisions […]