Faculty
Each faculty member of the National Dance School of Canada has been selected based on their experience in the field and their career, whether in the studio, on stage or behind the scenes. As they are still active in the industry, they are in the best position to convey their professional perspectives on the dance industry and will provide expert guidance to the artists of tomorrow.
PRINCIPAL & ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Sonia Clarke
Producer, choreographer, dancer and teacher, Sonia has been working in the show business sector for over 25 years. With a background in classical ballet, jazz, modern, Afro-Caribbean and street dance, her career has given her the opportunity to work for dance companies in Quebec and Europe, as well as in the commercial sector such as television and corporate events. Working backstage as a stage manager, both locally and on tour, she quickly developed her management skills. As a choreographer, Sonia has created for dance companies in Europe, commercial events, films and festivals, as well as for Cirque du Soleil. In 2021, she completed a Master's degree in Arts and Cultural Management, which she immediately put to use in the development of the National Dance School of Canada project.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: TECHNICAL DANCES & THEATER DIVISIONS
Hélène Lemay
Hélène learned classical and then contemporary dance with the most important troupes in Quebec. A grant from the Canada Council for the Arts allows her to do workshops in New-York (Lar Lubovitch and Mel Wong). She danced with several renowned choreographers in Montreal and became interested in Argentinean rhythmic dances (boleadoras and bombos) and body percussion. In 1992, she joined Cirque du Soleil first as an artist, then as a choreographer and artistic advisor before taking charge of the Artists' Training. At the same time, she trained the students of the National Circus School of Montreal.
PROGRAM DIRECTOR : STREET DANCE DIVISION
Nedge Blak Kat Valmé
Nedge's love affair with dance in general started with music: it was the hip hop sound that initiated her first contact with street dance. With over 25 years of experience teaching hip hop, Nedge then specialized in house dance and acquired over 16 years of experience teaching house dance style. In 2004, she met one of the original Soul Train dancers and waacking pioneer, Tyrone Proctor, who immediately included her in an exclusive group that he mentored. In 2006, Nedge became the first waacking teacher in Quebec and Canada. In 2009, she was named director of the renowned Canadian chapter of the International House of Waacking (IHOW). Due to her dedication and involvement in the Montreal urban dance scene, she has been recognized as a highly respected instructor.
PROGRAM CO-DIRECTOR : COMMERCIAL DANCE DIVISION
Julie Dombrowski
Julie Dombrowski is a dancer, choreographer and teacher who specializes in hip hop and commercial dance. Her training has primarily taken place between Montreal and Los Angeles for many years, which has led her to travel the world. She has accumulated some of the most in-demand contracts in the industry, such as: the European Tour with Véronic Dicaire, the movie Step Up: All In, Cirque du Soleil, America's Best Dance Crew 7 and more. Her choreographic achievements can be seen on the following shows: La Grande Récré (Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie), Les Dieux de la Danse, En Direct de l'Univers, Danser Pour Gagner, Infoman, Les Grands Feux Loto-Québec.
PROGRAM CO-DIRECTOR : COMMERCIAL DANCE DIVISION
François Pruneau
François is an internationally renowned dancer, choreographer and instructor. He has participated in many competitions, worked on numerous television shows and worked with many celebrities in the artistic community throughout Quebec and the world. His versatility has led him to the Top 10 of "So You Think You Can Dance Canada". His numerous titles and trainings in ballroom, hip hop and commercial dance have given him an excellent reputation in the industry. Over the years, his expertise has led him to travel and work in different cities around the world, from Montreal to Miami and Los Angeles. He is always on the lookout for new trends. This is what drives him to excel!
PROGRAM DIRECTOR: MUSIC & RHYTHM DIVISION
Sandy Silva
Sandy is an award-winning performer, choreographer, composer, producer, teacher, and internationally acclaimed pioneer of percussive dance. She draws from global percussive practices infusing themes with movement, vocal integration, theater, and impeccable musicality. The result is a unique and powerful form of performance storytelling. After 35 years of performing and teaching around the world, Sandy shares her passion and expertise igniting artists and communities with a deep sense of purpose, connection and meaning in their creative process resulting in the Migration Dance Film Project.
Guest Teachers & Choreographers
and Alexandra "Spicey" Landé, Eric J. Miles, François Pruneau, François Thibault, Hélène Lemay, Jayme Rae Dailey, Julie Dombrowski, Kim Gingras, Luca "Lazylegz" Patuelli, Michoue Sylvain, Nedge "Blak Kat" Valme, Sandy Silva, Sonia Clarke, Valérie "Taminator" Chartier and even more…