The Heart and Soul of OAD.

  • KIM O'NEILL

    STUDIO DIRECTOR

  • NICHOLAS TULL

    FACULTY

  • SHAUNTELL SCHWARTZ

    FACULTY

  • RILEY WALKER

    FACULTY

  • SYDNEE BADEEN

    FACULTY

  • BROOKE GILMOUR

    FACULTY

  • BREANNA WILLIS

    FACULTY

  • KRISTOPHER GRZELLA

    FACULTY

 

Studio Director

Kim O’Neill

Kim O'Neill is an established dancer, teacher, choreographer, and Graduate from the University of Western Ontario. She is trained extensively in all dance disciplines, having been trained under the direction of Matthew Clark.  She is the proud owner of the O’Neill Academy of Dance, in her home town of London, Ontario. Kim continues to peruse her dance career, represented by Da Costa Talent Agency in Toronto.  With over 20 years of professional work under her belt, Kim has become a well- established dancer and performer. 

Kim has had the honour of assisting many re-known choreographers including Matthew Clark, Gino Berti, Jeff Dimitriou, Trudy Moffatt, and Sean Cheeseman. Kim is currently a faculty member at Metro Movement Dance Studio in Toronto (open professional studio), where she teaches classes in Jazz, Jazz Tech, and Theatre Jazz.  Kim also had the pleasure of assisting Jeff Dimitriou with the off- ice training and choreography for Canadian Ice Dance Champions, Paul Poirier and Piper Giles.  

Kim has 20 years of adjudication experience across Canada and the United States.   She continues to teach master classes at various conventions across Canada (both student & teacher’s conventions), having more than 15 years of convention teaching experience under her belt.  She continues to teach and assist many professional auditions within the dance industry, as well as, be on various casting panels.  Kim is currently a faculty member of the St Clair College Musical Theatre Program, teaching Jazz Technique to the 2nd and 3rd year students.

  • Kim completed a series of appearances on CBC's "Over the Rainbow (Sean Cheeseman),” “Warehouse 13’s” finale episode of “42nd Street,” The Strain, Beauty and The Beast, Bomb Girls (CTV), and “Canada’s Smartest Person.” Kim can be seen in the motion pictures "Save the Last Dance 2: Steppin Up,” and "Camp Rock.” She also had the pleasure of working on the hit TV series "Schitt's Creek" as a skeleton crew dancer, and Assistant to the choreographer (Jeff Dimitriou), for 2 featured dance scenes for season 5 of the t.v series. Kim was also a top 100 finalist for the Canadian Premiere of So You Think You Can Dance, Canada, in the show’s first season.

    Kim has performed at numerous corporate industrial shows including the Bell Celebrity Gala, Crystal Ball Charity Event, C.I.M Awards, Contessa Awards, Steve Nash Charity Event, World Pride, Hold Em’ for Life Gala, Gilda Awards (dancing alongside Eric McCormack), Mary Kay Event Gala (2016/ 2018), Chandelier Ball” (Elgin Theatre’s 100th anniversary spectacular ), and the 2018 Goldwell Fashion show, under the direction of re-known choreographer Kevan Allen, to name a few.

  • Helix Dance Project (Linda Garneau), Andrew Lloyd Weber's "Song and Dance", Drayton Entertainment's, Aladdin, Cinderella (DC), Robin Hood (DC), Peter Pan (DC), Dance Legends 2010 / 2011 (DC), Big Band Legends (DC), Rock n’ Roll Legends (DC), Dance Legends at The Grand Theatre in London, Ontario (Assistant Choreographer / DC), Return to Grace (RGA Productions) at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in 2014 / 2017, the Princess of Wales theatre in 2019, and at the Fallsview Casino (2015, 2017, and 2019). Kim was also thrilled to join the Canadian National Tour of Return to Grace in 2015 / 2016, as well as, continue the tour in Bangkok, Thailand (2015). A highlight for Kim was dancing as a soloist for Canadian Country Music Star / Singer, Chad Brownlee, at the 2016 Canadian Country Music Awards (Choreographer / Soloist dancer).

  • Kim was the choreographer of the Gold Medal winning, Canadian National Jazz and Modern Team in 2010 / 2011 alongside Jacques Monfiston. Kim is currently a choreographer for World Performer's Canada Dance Team, receiving Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal standings, as well as, receiving the award for "Most Outstanding Group in both Junior and Senior Divisions, in all dance disciplines" for her Senior Tap Large Formation in 2018. She is also a choreographer / co-director of the Five Star Dance Company for their various shows in Mexico. She is also a sought- out competitive choreographer, having more than 20 years of experience choreographing award winning competitive routines in various dance disciplines. Kim teaches regularly at Metro Movement Dance Studio in Toronto (a professional open studio), teaching Jazz Tech and Theatre Jazz Classes. When Kim is not teaching or choreographing herself, you will often see her in class, as she continues to train regularly.

 

Faculty

EMILY ROCHA

Emily began her dance training at 7 years old with the O’Neill Academy of Dance, in London Ontario under the direction of Kim O’Neill.  As part of the competitive team, Emily has trained and competed in many different genres, including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and hip hop.  At 14 years old, she began her journey as an assistant teacher, assisting in the previous mentioned styles as well as tap and acro.  

She has taken many workshops in different cities and has been able to train and learn from so many inspiring professionals. 

In 2021, Emily entered and won the first Breaking Boundaries Movement choreography competition for her age division, as well as the winner of the first improv competition. She has also won many different scholarships and awards during her competitive journey.

Emily has been choreographing for competitive teams since 2022.  Her pieces have won multiple overalls, special awards and choreography awards.

Emily is looking forward to being back home at OAD in a teaching role and sharing her love and passion for dance!

  • As an actor, Nick has been featured on CBC’s original Shitts Creek, and FX’s hit series What we do in the shadows. He has had the pleaser of working for productions by

    Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon Germany, Universal Studios, Paramount Canada's Wonderland, and YTV.

  • He has danced for various recording artists such as -Janet Jackson, Kylie Minogue, Aleesia, Shawn Desman, Lloyd Banks, T-Pain, Fabulous, and Busta Rhymes.

 

Faculty

Shauntell Schwartz

Shauntell Schwartz has been dancing for over 20 years, and has been teaching for over 15 years. She is the ownder / director of Zero Gravity Dance in Goderich Ontario. She has taught both recreational and competitive dance to all ages, taking pride in her unique choreography and strong attention to details. Shauntell is known for her extensive acro training and her unique ability to choreograph acrobatic routines that display concept, difficulty, and intensity. She is an extremely sought after acro teacher & Choreographer, receiving countless awards and recognition for her choreography at various dance competitions in North America. Her reputation as an instructor / choreographer is also recognized amongst many, as she is in high demand for numerous studio workshops and outside choreography. Shauntell takes great pride in safe acro training, and is very excited to continue to bring her creative acro approach to OAD.

  • Shauntell is a licensed teacher in Acro and Stage with the British Association Teachers of Dance. She has completed her membership certification in Acro. Shauntell received her acro training from known acrobatic instructor, Andrea Wegg, and also has received training in contortion by Cirque Du Soleil performers.

 

Faculty

Riley Walker

Riley Walker is a familiar face at the studio, an aspiring dancer, gymnast and choreographer. Beginning at a very young age he had a love for movement; starting in gymnastics at 6 before enrolling at a dance studio soon after. Focusing in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Ballet with several years of BATD training; he has experience in Partnering, Spotting, and Improvisation - also specializing in Acrobatics and Tumbling which he has been working on with fellow faculty member Shauntell Schwartz since 2007!

In his teen years he continued studying his passion by participating in conventions, workshops and master classes spanning North America, picking up inspiration from influences including Mia Michaels, Blake McGrath, and Brian Friedman. While traveling and competing he was awarded scholarships to several of these events: Coastal Dance Rage, Jump, Fresh Dance Convention, Be Discovered NYC, among others. Before joining the senior company at OAD he was able to be a part of multiple school musicals, dance shows, talent competitions and charity gala performances. He notes his highlight as being a cast member of Footloose at the Grand Theatre in 2011.

Training at O'Neill Academy of Dance under the direction of Kim O'Neill he was provided with countless opportunities to grow as an artist, learning from industry names such as Gino Berti, Cora Kozaris, Jesse Weafer and Kristin Dobby. Assistant/Substitute teaching since his first year, the 2019/2020 season marks his 9th as part of the OAD family. As a company dancer he earned numerous awards, some of which are: 5-Time Overall Senior Soloist, Move Dance & Fever Dance Off Finalist, Hall of Fame National All Star VIP Dancer, Mr. Dance Canada Finalist, and recognized many times as Judge's Choice for special awards not limited to 'Smooth Style', 'Beautiful Connection', 'Honest Story' and 'Picture Perfect'. Contributing to his individual success was a unit of talented dancers and faculty which propelled the team to become Highest Scoring Studio winners and Senior Regional Group Champions of Hall of Fame Dance in Detroit, Michigan in his final competitive year.

  • Relocating to Toronto for school at George Brown College as a Dance Performance student, he was part of a joint program, which included full-time training at Ballet Jörgen Canada.

  • Expanding his dance education, he also trained at Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, OIP, Metro Movement and Underground Dance Centre. As a growing artist Riley consistently challenges himself in many aspects, continuing to train and improve in many styles of dance; including tap which has brought him new experiences on stage thanks to faculty member Sydnee Badeen (London Tap Collective)

    He also has a huge love for athletics, devoting time to work with organizations like Gymnastics Canada for events including the 2017 World Gymnastics Championships in Montreal and the 2018 Canadian Gymnastics Nationals here in Ontario. Working as a media liaison he has had the chance to interact with international athletes, news & media personnel, elite coaches & trainers and be a part of growing the sport of gymnastics in Canada! Riley has also enjoyed choreographing floor routines for local gyms competed at the provincial level.

 

Faculty

Sydnee Badeen

Sydnee Badeen is teacher and choreographer who has been dancing for over 20 years.  She is also a graduate from Western University.  Sydnee has been teaching students of all ages for 10 years in various styles of dance, and at both the recreational and competitive level. She was an elite competitive company student at the O'Neill Academy of Dance, where she excelled in all areas of dance. Sydnee has been trained extensively in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop and pointe. Sydnee has been trained under the instruction of Kim O'Neill.

Although Sydnee has a passion for all dance disciplines, tap is definitely something she has been recognized for. Throughout her competitive dance career, she has won numerous overall awards, special awards, scholarships and recognition from different judges. She has been recognized for her "expressive quality" and her "fantastic feet" by numerous judges across Canada. Sydnee was a member of the 2010 Canadian National Tap Team that represented Canada at the World Tap Championships in Riesa, Germany. Sydnee won the Bronze medal for the large formation, the silver medal for the small group, and 5th place for her tap duet. In Ballet Sydnee has been trained in the forms of B.A.T.D, R.A.D. and Ceccetti and has received a strong technical background. She also was given the honour of choreographing dance routines for Starmites Back to the 80s and 13.

Sydnee is highly trained in all styles of dance, and keeps up her training by attending various classes and workshops. Sydnee is also a tap demonstrator for Kim O'Neill at various studio workshops. She is thrilled to be a part of an amazing team and is looking forward in bringing her training and extra positivity to OAD.

  • Sydnee was a member of the tap performing group “Beyond Steps”, in connection with The Toronto Rhythm Initiative. She is currently involved in creating, choreographing and performing shows for London’s Tap Collective. She is a prominent member of this organization

  • Sydnee has performed roles as well was named dance captain in four high school theater productions, Grease, Starmites, Back to the 80s and 13 The Musical. Sydnee has also had the honour of dancing at the Detroit Piston's Game for the half-time show. She has worked in commercials as well has promotional videos.

 

Competitive Choreographer

Kristopher Grzella

Kristopher Grzella currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. Kristopher has extensive training in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary and hip-hop. Kristopher has been fortunate to train with noted choreographers throughout Canada and the United States via stage, television, and film. Kristopher has worked with Cora Kozaris, Tatiana Parker, Addy Chan, Jeff Dimitriou, Luther Brown, Desmond Richardson, Tessandra Chavez, Gil Duldulao, Cris Judd, Brian Friedman, Will Lofits, Mia Michaels, Paul Becker and Christopher Scott.

Kristopher is an artist at heart whose passion for movement cycles him back to his roots. Kristopher can be seen both taking dance class and teaching class to fulfill his hunger to learn and share. Kristopher creates choreography and shares his movement style through his involvement with various dance studios and dance conventions as a faculty member. Kris is excited to share his multi faceted knowledge and his special brand of enthusiasm with all of you at OAD.

  • Film and television credits include A Night Like This (Shawn Desmond, music video), My Spicy Icy Girl (JusReign X Sprite, music video), Dynamite(Mckenzie Small, music video), Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards and The Next Step TV series. Recently Kris completed filming Seasons 1, 2and 3 of Nickelodeon's musical TV series Make It Pop (Nick Cannon) which is airing globally in New Zealand, Australia, Georgia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Latin America, Ireland, England, France, Russia, USA and Canada. Kristopher has finished working on the first and second Disney Channel Original Movie entitled “Disney’s Zombies”.

  • Stage credits include Canada's National Ballet Nutcracker, Aznavour for the Stratford Festival, Family Channels Big Ticket summer concert, MasterCard International Fashion Week Toronto, Fashion Art Toronto (F.A.T.), YTV Summer Beach Bash with OMI - Cheerleader, Underneath 7Sould Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival and Canada's PamAm Games closing ceremony B5C company.

  • Kris is a sought-after teacher and choreographer within the dance industry. His competitive choreography is recognized across North America, receiving numerous choreography awards & recognition. He is also in high demand as a guest teacher & workshop instructor at various conventions and workshops across Canada.

 

Competitive Choreographer

Brooke Gilmour

Brooke Gilmour began her dancing career at the early age of 3 and has been dedicating much of her time and commitment to the art form ever since. Brooke is trained in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Acro, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre and also has extensive training and exam work in Cecchetti Ballet. Brooke graduated from Emotion Dance Company under the artistic direction of Michelle Nicholson where she trained numerous hours a week with some of the most sought out choreographers in the dance community. 

After graduating high school Brooke attended the Conteur Academy, under artistic direction of Eryn Waltman, where she studied under many professional teachers and choreographers in Toronto and the surrounding area. She then moved to London to attend the University of Western where graduated with an Honours Health Science and a Specialization in Biology Degree. During her time at Western she had many performance & choreographic opportunities. She was a prominent dancer & choreographer of Heat Dance Team where she competed at a varsity level.

Brooke has also become an established award-winning choreographer. She has been recognized for her unique and innovative work. Brooke has been teaching & choreographing for the past 7 years, traveling to studios all over Ontario.  Brooke excels in choreography and spends most of her time freelance teaching & choreographing for dancers all over. Brooke’s passion for dance is evident whether it is teaching or performing herself and she can’t wait to share that passion and inspire the next generation of dancers!

  • During her time in Toronto Brooke was also able to work with artist Craig Cardiff in a music video. Her most recent work includes dancing in the upcoming movie Disney Zombies 2.

  • Brooke was a cast member of Conteur Academy’s few full-length show, “Frames” as well as, Breathe In Movement’s show, “A life Within,” as well as numerous smaller shows within the Toronto area. She has also had the pleasure of choreographing for Caisa Fashion Show, the largest student run fashion show in all of Canada. In 2018, Brooke produced her own full-length contemporary dance production titled “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden”.

 

Competitive Choreographer

Breanna Willis

Breanna Willis is originally from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada with over 20 years of experience as a professional dancer, dance educator, international adjudicator and choreographer. Holding a Bachelor of Physical Education with a major in Dance, from the Universities of Alberta and Otago (New Zealand) Breanna’s passion for dance and travel has led her to perform and choreograph in film, TV, and on stages across Canada and the world.

Her love of teaching and choreography began at a young age and in 1997, she began her teaching career. Over the past 24 years she has honed her skills as a dance educator, working with all ages and skill levels, and is committed to the development and growth of every performer with whom she works. By sharing a broad spectrum of technical knowledge and movement styles, it is her goal to enhance a dancer’s performance, style, and confidence, and to bring out the best in each dancer.

In 2018 she founded the Stratford Dance Collective, a drop in dance and training program for aspiring and professional dancers. In 2003, Breanna began adjudicating dance festivals and competitions across Canada. In 2009 she obtained her judge’s license with the IDO, and currently represents Canada as a judge and choreographer. Her choreography has been recognized and awarded both nationally and internationally. She is the tour director of the Canadian Dance Awards, the sister company of American Dance Awards. She has travelled and danced her way to nearly 60 countries, and Breanna now calls Stratford, Ontario, Canada home. She is the founder of the Stratford Dance Collective.

  • Television: “Warehouse 13”, “Bomb Girls”, “The LA Complex”, “MMVA’s” (Psy)

  • “Crazy For You”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Stratford Festival), “West Side Story” (Vancouver Opera), Maometto II (Canadian Opera Company), “Return to Grace” (Fallsview Casino), “9-5”, “Sister Act”, “Dance Legends”, “Canadian Legends”, “Legends of Rock & Roll” (Drayton Entertainment), “The Super Groovy 70’s part 1 & 2”, “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” “Chicago”, (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), “Chicago” (Palace Theatre New Hampshire), “42nd St” (Troika Asia Tour), Princess Cruise Line.

  • Choreography credits include: 9-5, The Musical (Mayfield Dinner Theatre), It’s Always Something (Sony Centre), “Strictly Dancing” (Australian Broadcasting Co), Divas of Broadway (St. Lawrence College), “Mass Exodus” (Ryerson University), “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (assistant choreographer), “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (Drayton Entertainment/assistant choreographer), Canadian National Dance Team (Jazz/Modern/Tap).

 

Faculty

Maddie Clark

Maddie Clark discovered her passion for dance at the age of 10, and hasn’t  stopped dancing since. She has trained at O’Neill Academy of  in jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, ballet, hip hop, and acro, under the direction of Kim O’Neill. Maddie attends the University Of Western Ontario, and will further her studies in English. Maddie has assisted past and present OAD choreographers, Sydnee Badeen, Riley Walker, Shauntell Schwartz, and Brendan De Santis. She has also assisted Kim O’Neill at OAD and Metro Movement.  

Maddie has been a competitive dancer with O’Neill Academy of Dance since 2015. During that time, she has received many overall, and special awards, along with dance scholarships. Maddie also has had the opportunity to perform in shows presented by O’Neill Academy Of Dance, including “Fosse”, “ The Tony’s”, and “The Concert”.

In 2018, Maddie had the privilege to represent Canada by being a team member of World Performers Canada Inc. at Dance World Cup in Sitges, Spain. The highlight of the competition was meeting extremely talented dancers from all over the world, and also taking home two silver medals in her contemporary and acro groups. A true highlight was receiving a gold medal for her large contemporary group. Maddie had also performed with Five Star Dance Company in 2022.  She enjoyed the experience of travelling to Mexico and performing at the Barcelo resort. 

Maddie competed with her talented dance friends at the CNE Rising Stars competition in 2019. Out of hundreds of entries, her group advanced to the finals, and placed 6th. Maddie has performed with Saidat’s Dance Crew for many years and London’s Got Talent in 2019.  She has also performed with the Mini Pop Kids Tour, Global Zoom (Goldwell), and Heart Global Arts. 

Maddies first love is dancing, but she is also passionate about horses, and horseback riding. Her love of animals, and love of anything on or near the water makes her the happiest. 

 

Faculty

Monika Plauszta

Monika started training at a very young age in Kitchener, ON and later on furthered her dance training in London, Ontario at the O’Neill Academy of Dance under the direction of Kim O’Neill. 

She has trained and competed in jazz, tap, acro, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, contemporary, breakdancing, dancehall, and soca and continues to train and grow via online classes, workshops/conventions, studio drop ins, etc. Monika has won many awards for herself and her choreography and scholarships for dance conventions and workshops throughout her time competing. She was always eager to share her passion with students and became an assistant at a young age. She became a teacher and choreographer at age 15 and has been a part of the dance community since.

Monika is an Eastwood Collegiate graduate where she specialized in the arts program for dance, acting, and singing. Taking part in many extra curriculars as well as co-leading an extracurricular dance group “Jazz CO” in grade 12, Monika has been returning to Eastwood since graduating in 2017 as a guest choreographer for classes.

Monika has shared her passion for dance outside of studio space as well. She has trained with Airtight Entertainment, performed in Mexico with Five Star Dance Company (2015, 2016), performed in Toronto’s Choreographer ball as well as compete in Toronto’s Beatdown competition and has also done

some theatre shows. Starting in 2014, she was a part of ensemble in Drayton Entertainments Footloose and in the following year was a part of KWMP’S Bye Bye Birdie. Along with her live performances, she has also done some TV work. She had the opportunity to do some background work on “The Next Step”Season 1, 2, and 3, as well as “The Next Star”.

Monika continues to grow as a dancer, choreographer and teacher and is excited to share her passions for dance with the eager dancers at OAD!