About Us
Dance Vision has been inspiring
young dancers since 1999 when it first opened its doors in
the south end of Barrie. Offering
classes in PreDance, KinderDance, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical
Theatre, Hip Hop and Lyrical, Dance Vision is sure to have
a class that is perfect for every dancer!
For the last seven years, Dance
Vision has been voted "Barrie's
Favourite Dance Studio" in the Readers' Choice Awards
at The Barrie Advance. We pride ourselves on providing
a high standard of dance education in a friendly and encouraging
family environment that will foster a passion for the performing
arts for all ages, in both the recreational and competitive
levels.
Our ultimate goal is to help each and every
student reach their maximum potential and to enjoy themselves
in the process. We
encourage fun, fitness and friendships.
All of our dedicated staff create a friendly environment for
every student and family to make your dance experience memorable.
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Our Faculty |
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Kareen Kotwa-Senechal (Director)
Kareen brings enthusiasm and dedication to her studio that is
reflected in the quality of her dance instructors, programs and
facility. She is skilled in many forms of dance including Ballet,
Pointe, Jazz, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Tap. Due to family
relocations, she was privileged to receive her training at many
distinguished studios throughout Ontario.
Kareen has been teaching for over 12 years and
is a graduate of Dance Masters of America, Teacher's Training
School in Buffalo and the Dance Arts Program at Cambrian College
in Sudbury. She is a certified member of Canadian Dance Masters
of America (Chapter#38), Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators
of America. Kareen
continues to attend the annual DMA, teacher's training program
as a post-graduate. She also frequents workshops throughout
Canada and the U.S. to learn from famous instructors and choreographers
including Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, Frank Hatchett, Dee Caspry
and many more. She is a certified Examiner, regionally
and nationally, for the Canadian Dance Masters of America. Kareen
has also studied under Irene Dowd, the renowned neuro-muscular
specialist for Canada's National Ballet School & The Julliard
School, to learn Irene's unique approach to injury prevention
for dancers.
Kareen has the ability to bring out the best
in her dancers and encourages them to reach their fullest potential.
She is committed to creating a strong dance education for her
students. Her
notable choreography and excellent technical training of her
students has been recognized and rewarded by numerous prestigious
awards. Kareen is delighted to share her life-long passion
with the next generation of dancers and teachers at Dance Vision.
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Kelly Smith (Teacher)
Kelly began her dance training in her hometown
of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She has been dancing for 22
years and her performance credits include: Cinderella, Barnum, The
Pied Piper and Suite Sarah. Kelly has studied
under many well known dance professionals such as, Barbara Piotrowski,
Ron Tassone, Nicolas Petro, Jermaine Brown, Frank Hatchett and
Joe Lanteri….just to name a few. She has trained
in the disciplines of Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary, Modern
and Tap.
Kelly's education includes a B.F.A. in dance
from Point Park College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well
as, a graduate of The Dance Master's of America Teacher's Training School In Buffalo. Her education throughout the years has made her grow
into the teacher she is today. She has been teaching dance for
10 years and continues to further her knowledge, education, and
growth while attending Dance Master of America, Teacher Training
School every summer. Kelly has won numerous choreography
and over-all competitive awards for solo and competitive dance
teams. As a dedicated teacher, she can always be found
encouraging her students not only in dance but in life lessons,
as well.
Kelly is currently living in Toronto with her
husband, son and daughter. She is honoured and proud to be part of
the Dance Vision faculty and happy to share her love of dance
with others.
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Samantha Ippolito (Teacher)
Samantha Ippolito began dancing at the age of three, and quickly knew that teaching dance was her passion. Following many years as an award-winning competitive dancer, Samantha was accepted into the OIP Dance Company in Toronto, Ontario.
She has worked with renowned choreographers including Danny Davalos, Heather Leslie, Luther Brown, and Faye Rauw, among others. Samantha was also a part of the Canadian National Tap Team that represented Canada at the World Dance Championships in Reisa, Germany; the team brought home the Gold and Championship title.
As a certified teacher with the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD), Samantha has been teaching for more than five years at high profile studios throughout York Region. Most recently, Samantha completed and achieved her honours Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Dance from York University, and became a proud member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Samantha is excited to become a part of the Dance Vision team, and promises to bring her creativity and enthusiasm each and every week.
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Beth Rose (Teacher)
Beth began her dance training at the age of 9 at DanceWorks in Elliot Lake, Ontario. She was a teacher assistant for 2 years and began teaching her own classes at the age of 15. She competed in tap, jazz, ballet, and lyrical throughout Ontario and into the United States.
Beth obtained her Associate Membership into the Canadian Dance Teachers Association in the disicipline of jazz before heading off to The University of Western Ontario where she obtained her Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences, as well as her Teaching Degree at Althouse College.
During this time, she taught jazz, tap, ballet, pointe, hip hop, and musical theatre in Strathroy, Ontario. Since then, she has choreographed for various studios, as well as taught dance workshops to elementary school teachers and students throughout Simcoe County. She is very excited to share her skill and love of dance with everyone this year. |
Our Facility |
Dance Vision is a 6000 sq. ft.
custom designed facility, located in a well-lit area with free
ample parking and situated on a bus route. Within our air-conditioned facility, the
3 custom studios have been designed with injury preventive "sprung" floors,
viewing windows for weekly parent observation and top quality
stereo equipment to enhance studio performance. Our
large studios allow us to offer a wide choice of class days
and times to accommodate families' busy schedules. The
facility also has spacious change rooms for the dancers. For
parents and siblings, we provide three comfortable waiting
areas, with the addition of a play area supplied with children's
books and toys. The studio has a main office which is staffed
on a full time basis to assist with parents questions and
concerns during the dance year.
Hover on the photos below
to enlarge.
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