Mike Donovan is an actor, writer and educator from Buffalo, NY. He holds a degree in Theatre from the University at Buffalo and a Master’s in Acting from Rutgers University. He began teaching acting at the latter.
Over the years, he has found success working in television, film and theater while residing in NYC. As an educator, he enjoys passing on what he has learned over the years just as much as what his students teach him.
Judi Jaekel is originally from Michigan, where she graduated from Grand Valley State University with a B.A. in dance and broadcasting. Shortly after graduation, she returned to her alma mater as an adjunct faculty member, teaching modern, improvisation and choreography.
In 2015, she moved to New York City to further her dance career. Since then she has performed with modern dance companies such as Shawnbibledanceco and Bomdiggs. Currently, Judi teaches dance around the city at various K-12 schools and in the fall she will be an adjunct professor at Manhattanville College teaching contemporary dance.
Grace is pursuing her BA at the University of Toronto and competes with the Varsity Dance Team, began her dance training at the age of 2 and has been dancing for 19 years! She has trained in Jazz, Ballet, Lyrical, Modern, Acro, Contemporary and Tap, and has represented Canada with the Canadian National Tap Team in 2017 and with World Performers Canada at the Dance World Cup in 2022.
Grace has successfully completed examinations with CDTA and R.A.D in ballet, tap, jazz and acro, as well as associate tap teacher training with the British Academy of Teachers of Dance. As a teacher, Grace emphasizes that athleticism and artistry are synonymous, and values how important it is for her students to feel confident, motivated and excited to be in class, while always having fun!
Julia holds a BA degree in Sociology from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Graduate Certificate in Mediation from Durham College, and is currently completing her MA degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University.
Julia was a competitive dancer for over 10 years and has worked with children, teens, and adults from all walks of life. She is an enthusiastic dance teacher and encourages each one of her students to live their lives to the fullest. Julia is passionate about mental health and the connection between the minds and bodies of her students. She believes that movement is a powerful tool and enjoys watching her students grow and express themselves through dance.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Shenel is a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Growing up she self-trained in Hip-Hop, Ballroom, African/Afro, Dancehall, and various other styles. She was the captain of the Downsview Dance Company in her senior years, where she performed at various events such as tdsbCREATES and collaborations with JustBGraphic. Through JustBGraphic, Shenel was featured in the Unplugged festival: Middle School Tour in 2015 with artists such as Mike Black and Danny Fernandes.
Shenel graduated from York University’s Dance Program in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honors. She is currently an active choreographer and performer in the Toronto dance scene. Some of the recent or ongoing projects include: choreographing a set for “ArtstartTO,” performing at Jean Augustine’s Black History Month Celebration, and training with York University’s Hip Hop dance team called “Integrated Entity.”
Aside from training, Shenel is teaching with a couple of dance studios in the GTA, and facilitating lots of exciting programs here at Playocity. In her free time, Shenel continues to use her voice to initiate change in the dance community and beyond.
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