our teachers
Alyona
Alyona is Artistic Director and owner of Alyona Dance Studio. She is a graduate of The Dance Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia where she received a thorough education in many dance forms and graduated with high distinction. Because of her versatility, Alyona has successfully performed as a lead dancer around the world. After moving to Toronto, she created her studio in 1996 to share her passion, knowledge and experience.
For over 15 years, Alyona has successfully provided exceptional dance training for recreational and competitive students. Due to the popularity of her programs, she has expanded her studio by moving to a new facility in the heart of the Beaches community. Alyona specializes in ballet (Vaganova Method), jazz, lyrical, contemporary modern and folk dance forms. Her outstanding choreography and exceptional teaching skills have won her students, and herself, countless awards at Dance Competitions in Canada.
Alyona’s unique style, innovative ideas, attention to detail and caring nature have inspired ALL of her students to be all they can be. Many of her students have won dance scholarships or have gone on to pursue careers in the performing arts. Alyona is very proud to be able to share her love of dance with ALL generations of dancers!
Jennifer Robichaud
Holding an Honours BFA from York University, Jennifer has had extensive dance training in many disciplines, specializing in jazz and contemporary forms. She co-founded Larchaud Dance Project in 2004 and currently holds the position as Artistic Director. She also works with Anandam Dance Theatre and AKA Dance. She was a featured choreographer on the Gemini nominated documentary series Freedom.
Presently, Jennifer teaches at Alyona Dance Studio, UforChange, IHAD, Gotta Dance and resides as the guest adjudicator on the entrance jury to St. Elizabeth Secondary School’s Regional Arts Program. She leads countless workshops in the city as part of Larchaud Dance Project, and is involved with youth programming and initiatives. Jennifer’s creative explorations, high energy and her fascination with children, help to create fun and exciting programs.
Cozmic
A founding member of Intrikit Break Dance Crew, Cozmic began what would become one of the country’s premier dance crews and travel across the world putting Canada’s dance scene on the map. He is currently a performer, choreographer, and instructor with Larchaud Dance Project, a company that has become a pioneer in Larchaud Technique – breakdance/contemporary partnering.
His unique talents complete the choreographic duo known for bringing the stage to the street, and the street to the stage. Before becoming co-choreographer of Larchaud, Cozmic apprenticed with COBA in 2003/04, and toured the USA as a competitor of international break dance battles. Cozmic instructs at many Toronto studios, including Alyona Dance Studio and also deejays/hosts G5 Canadian Urban, a hip hop radio show on indielove.ca.
Sibylle Walters
Sibylle is a former German National Gymnastics Champion and Assistant Junior National Coach. After immigrating to Florida she operated a very successful program from recreational gymnastics to team gymnastics including many students on the national and international level. She was also a national Gymnastics coach for the USA and is a meet director and skill evaluator. Sybille’s tumbling and gymnastics programs are a wonderful compliment to Alyona Dance Studio.
Megan Nadain
A native of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Megan began her dance training at The Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts and is a graduate of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Since graduating, she has worked with Event Horizon Dance, Tino Sehgal, in his exhibit at the Art Gallery of Ontario, and she has danced in several projects with David Earle. Megan has also been a part of projects with Godot Art Productions, Nicole Barber, Courtnae Bowman, Missy Morris (Typecast) and Little Fingers Music.
She has received additional training at The Banff Centre, Quinte Ballet School, The Kirov (Washington), Anna Wyman School of Dance Arts and Main Dance. Megan has worked as a teacher, assistant and rehearsal director at several schools in Toronto and Vancouver and is very happy to be part of the Alyona Dance Studio teaching team.
Tetiana Iaremchuk
Tanya started her training in Ballroom and Latin dance in the Ukraine at the age of six. She quickly became one of the top-rated dancers in Europe winning many ballroom competitions in Bulgaria, Serbia and the Ukraine. Recently, Tanya was a finalist on “So You Think You Can Dance Canada” 2011. Tanya is also accomplished in the art of Belly Dance and has competed at many national events.
She teaches at many Toronto dance studios and schools, and recently joined the Alyona Dance Studio teaching team. Her teaching methods use a creative approach and up to date technique. Tanya has a passion for dance and feels privileged to share her experience and knowledge with students of all ages.
Tasha Troughton
Tasha is an award winning senior competitive student of Alyona’s and is happy to be part of the studio’s dynamic teaching team. Her outstanding stage presence, technical precision and theatrical nature are an asset to the studio’s faculty. With Tasha’s creative flare and strong leadership qualities, students greatly benefit from her teaching methods in the best traditions of the studio.
Shahi Cuffy
Born ready for the big stage, the performing arts have always come naturally to Shahi. As an accomplished dancer and performer, she has trained under one of Toronto’s most acclaimed dancers, Sani-Abu at the ijo Vudu African Dance Company. Shahi has also traveled to West Africa to study various traditional dances and is very proud to have worked extensively alongside world famous artists such as, M’Bemba Bangoura, Mohamed Diaby, Youssouf Koumbassa and Sekou Sano, the director of Les Merveilles. Shahi’s goal is to share her knowledge, talent and passion for African Dance to students of all ages.
Cheryl Longley
Cheryl is addicted to Zumba! She has over 20 years dance and performance experience ranging from Latin dancing, Jazz, Tap, Belly Dancing, Hip Hop and Professional Cheerleading. The first time Cheryl tried a Zumba class she was hooked. It is the workout she had always dreamed of: fun, challenging, and rewarding. She became a certified Zumba instructor shortly after that first class and keeps her training up to date.
Cheryl’s Zumba classes are an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance-fitness PARTY! She is very grateful to be able to teach and share Zumba with everyone and thrives on entertaining and inspiring her students.
