Strictly Dance Staff
Julia Mounsteven
Artistic Director
CDTA, CLM
Julia Mounsteven began her dance studies at a young age at the School of Classical Ballet. She has also studied at the Toronto Summer School of Dance, The Banff School of Fine Arts and Les Ballet Jazz.
Over the years, Mrs. Mounsteven has studied with such well know teachers as Lorna Geddes, Fernand Nault, Lora Alonso, Juan Antonio and many others. Mrs. Mounsteven is a full member of The Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA), and Certified Lebed Method (CLM) as well as the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. She participates in various ballet and modern workshops throughout the year and enjoys going to various competitive venues adjudicating.
Mrs. Mounsteven enters students yearly in Ballet Examinations. She has also won several awards for choreography in Ballet and Modern. Many students she has taught have received scholarships in both ballet and modern for competitive performances. Many of her students have entered into a professional careers in dance both in Canada and abroad.
Mrs. Mounsteven having developed many students' passion for dance have continued their dance training in professional venues such as colleges, universities, the National Ballet School and The Quinte Ballet School.
As a mother of three children herself she brings to her instruction not only professional integrity but her nurturing qualities as well.
Michelle Ricchezza
Co-Director
Since the age of three and a half, when she began her dance training, Michelle Ricchezza has had a passion for dancing. Michelle trained extensively in ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theater, as well as acrobatics and tap. In her dancing career, Michelle has competed in all styles of dance winning numerous overall awards and scholarships. Michelle also competed with the Canadian National Jazz Team in 2001 in Germany for the world showdance championships. In addition to her dance training, Michelle obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Psychology in 2006 as a graduate from York University. Since completing her degree, Michelle has chosen to pursue her passion for dance by means of teaching the art to her many students.
Michelle began her teaching career first as an assistant, then quickly progressing to a full-time teacher. Throughout her career, Michelle has had the opportunity to teach students of ages two and half through adult. During Michelle’s years of teaching, she has choreographed many numbers for recreational and competitive level classes as well as choreographing for Community Theater musicals. Michelle has been a certified member of Dance Masters of America 2001 and continues taking various classes and workshops to further her training.
Michelle is a gifted teacher who possesses both the technical background and natural leadership skills necessary to motivate her students. Michelle’s teaching ability is demonstrated by her students’ constant progression and in addition, the respect and admiration she receives from her students. Michelle joined the Strictly Dance teaching staff in 2006 and has since developed a strong bond with the students, staff and parents of the Strictly Dance team. Michelle looks forward to another great season and to pass on her passion for dance.
Holly Mounsteven
Dance Teacher
Ms. Mounsteven began dance at the age of four. Her studies included ballet, jazz, tap, modern. She has completed all CDTA ballet examinations with Honours, and will be entering into her Associate Membership examination with CDTA this November. She is working towards her certification with ADAPT. Her passion being Tap, she has studied with such well known teachers as Everett Smith, Jacques Monfiston, David Cox, Mathew Clarke, Kim Chalovich, Lane Alexander, Shawn Byfield. She continues her studies with Everett Smith as a part of his senior performing company in Mississauga. And last year, represented Canada in the National Tap Team in Germany. Her bubbly personality makes her very popular with her students as she shares her love of dance with them.
Karla Mounsteven
Studio Manager and Dance Teacher
Karla began her dance training at a young age entering dance examinations, recitals and competitions. Her enthusiastic teaching style is truly contagious to all the young dancers who take class with her.
Karla is a graduate of Humber College earning her Advanced Diploma in Social Service Work. As well a graduate of Wilfred Laurier University earning her Degree in Children’s Education and Development. This January, she will be attending college to further pursue her studies in the Social Work field. She will also be working towards her membership with the Canadian Dance Teachers Association.
Karla's teaching career began by assisting dance classes at her studio and recreation facilities, after years of studying under teachers she looked up to, she then progressed to a dance teacher. Today she teaches the primary and junior students: Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre and Kinderdance, and shares her love of dance with each one of them.
You will also see Karla's friendly face all over the studio, in the office where she is there to help all the students and parents of Strictly Dance, at competitions applying make-up, warming up students, and keeping everyone calm, and any where else she may be needed at the studio.
Karla looks forward to another exciting year, dancing with all the students and Strictly Dance!
Cindle Bowen
Dance Teacher
Cindle Bowen’s dance career began at the Cabaret School of Dancing in Ottawa, Ontario, when she was just 5 years old. Here she studied both Jazz and Ballet and her passion for dancing was fostered. After moving to the GTA Cindle continued her dance career in Mississauga at The Dance PAC when she received extensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre. Cindle’s dancing ability allowed her to be an active participant in the Dance PAC’s Full Time Competitive Program where she performed and was awarded for her solos, trios and groups. Not only did Cindle’s own dance career advance at the Dance PAC, Cindle helped to foster the dance careers of other students in her position as an Office Manager, Assistant, and Teacher.
Cindle joined Strictly Dance as an Assistant and Part Time teacher in September of 2006, advancing to a Full-Time teacher in September of 2007. In her time at Strictly Dance, Cindle has had the opportunity to teach students of all ages in both the recreational and competitive programs. Additionally, Cindle’s routines have received numerous overall placements and scholarships. In a very short period, Strictly Dance has become home for Cindle.
Cindle’s determination, enthusiasm, and dedication make her an asset to any teaching staff. Cindle’s balance of technical dance background and natural ability with children make her a great teacher and allow her to develop a rapport with her students. Through teaching Cindle has the opportunity to instill her love of dance within her students.
Nicole Marsh
Dance Teacher
Nicole Marsh began her career as a dancer at an early age of three. With over 11 years experience as a competitive dancer at The Dance PAC in Mississauga, Nicole was a recipient of numerous scholarships and awards as a soloist including Overall High Score Jazz, Senior Overall Soloist and a finalist in the CNE’s Rising Star Contest. Nicole was also a professional dancer for Canada’s Wonderland Nickelodeon Parade.
Furthering her study of dance, Nicole attended Cawthra Park Secondary School majoring in dance studies. As a member of Cawthra’s Repertoire Ensemble, Nicole was given the opportunity to travel and perform in New York City including the famous Alvin Ailey Centre for Performing Arts. Nicole was a recipient of numerous awards while attending Cawthra Park, including Overall Senior Dance Achievement. While attending McMaster University, majoring in Political Science and Communications studies, Nicole was a member of McMaster’s Dance Company and McMaster Verve Dance Team competing in numerous university dance competitions.
As a dance teacher and choreographer Nicole enjoys working with both competitive and recreational students. Her love for dance and creative choreography has awarded her routines numerous overalls and scholarships. With extensive training in contemporary dance as well as jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap and acrobatics, her diversity in dance styles provides her students the opportunity to study all genres of dance.
Nicole is looking forward to her first year as member of the Strictly Dance Family.
Shannon Kelly
Supplemental Faculty
Shannon earned her BA at The University of Western Ontario. While in London, Shannon shared her passion for dance, teaching at the University campus Recreation, and serving as choreographer/performer for the UWO Dance Company. She was also a choreographer and performer for Infusion fashion show and CAISA fashion show, and for the CSO culture show. Shannon most recently completed workshops and hip hop training at The Broadway Dance Centre in New York City, working with top choreographers in the field. Shannon is currently on the hip hop performing team in Toronto, “Thrive! Entertainment”, and training with Toronto's own top tap dance team, "Funk Factory", where she is working with some of the best choreographers and most celebrated performers in the city.
Shannon is currently working on completion of her Canadian Dance Teacher's ssociation (CDTA) membership to become a fully qualified dance teacher within the tap and jazz syllabus.