The Dance Pointe Approach
At Dance Pointe Toronto, we offer a family oriented environment with educational and fun-filled classes to all of our students. Dance can play a huge role in the development of your child’s confidence, health and overall happiness. This is why we put our focus on growing happy and healthy dancers!
Machaela Croft
Owner & Co-Artistic DirectorB.F.A Spec. Hons. , S.R.B Assoc. , Alixa Flexibility
Machaela is a Toronto based educator, choreographer and performer. She completed her competitive career of 12 years before continuing her dance education at York University. Machaela graduated in 2014 receiving a BFA Specialized Honours degree in Dance with a concentration on kinesiology, choreography and performance.
Machaela is proud to say she has recently become an Associate Member of the Society of Russian Ballet. She loves to share her passion for technique and artistry through the Vaganova Ballet Syllabus and exam work. She continues to train with the best choreographers in the industry furthering her technique and choreographic style. She believes this has helped her create unique and current competitive choreography for her students.
Alongside her training, Machaela has completed an editorial internship at The Dance Current Magazine here in Toronto. She has had the opportunity to be a part of a unique production in Dawson City, Yukon performing a variety of diverse dance forms including can-can, jazz, tap and ariel work. Machaela continues to perform professionally in Toronto’s dance scene, dancing consistently as a company member in TDC Entertainment. Machaela is beyond thrilled to fulfill her dream of opening her very own studio. She is proud to be able to share her passion of dance with the next generation of dancers.
Miles Gosse
Instructor & Co-Artistic Director
B.F.A Spec. Hons. , B.Ed.
Miles Gosse is a dance artist based in Toronto, Ontario. A diverse performer, choreographer, and educator, Miles began his training at Wexford Collegiate School of the Arts studying in the Musical Theatre training program, later specializing in performance dance and contemporary techniques. He continued his dance training at York University where he graduated from the BFA Specialized Honours Dance program as well as earning his Concurrent BEd.
Professionally, Miles danced in works by Michael Caldwell, Alison Daley, Jesse Dell, Marie Lambin, Tracey Norman and The Garage Dance Collective. Miles has performed in the 60×60 Dance Festival, Nuit Blache (Toronto), Fringe Festivals (Toronto, Montreal, and Hamilton), the New Music Festival through U of T as well as Canadian Music Week. Miles’ choreography has been presented in the Body Break series curated by Brandy Leary (Anandam Dance Theatre), Edge of the Sky Theatre Productions, New Blue Dance Festival, Randolph College for the Performing Arts and for acclaimed Toronto Fringe shows “WILD/WALLED” (2017) and “in threes” (2018). Miles is Co-Artistic Director and founding member of Toronto Dance Collective Half Second Echo. He teaches at Stagecoach Theatre Arts (Toronto East), Dance Pointe Toronto, Seneca College and is a guest artist at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts.
Justine Comfort
Acro Instructor & Choreographer B.F.A Spec. Hons. , B. Sc Hons. Kinesiology & Health Science
Justine Comfort is an independent dance artist based in Toronto. She is a graduate of York University where she completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Specialized Honours in Dance and a Disciplinary Certificate in Dance Science. Upon graduation she received the Dance Scholars Award for her outstanding work in both practical and theoretical dance research. As a student Justine performed in works by artists such as Julia Sasso, Christopher House, Terrill Maguire, Trisha Brown, Carol Anderson, Robert Glumbek and Holly Small. Since graduating Justine has had the privilege of interpreting works by Julia Aplin, Susie Burpee, Jesse Dell, John Ottmann, Hanna Kiel, Forcier Stage Works, Rock Bottom Movement, Alison Daley and Tracey Norman. Justine is one of the founding members and artistic directors of Toronto contemporary dance collective, Half Second Echo.
As a dance educator Justine began teaching Acro at Expressions Dance Company in 2007. Since graduating University Justine has broadened her teaching to include many other styles of dance and conditioning at several dance schools in the GTA. She is certified to teach both Conditioning with Imagery for Dancers and Limón Modern Technique at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. In addition to teaching and performing Justine is currently completing her Bachelor of Science with Specialized Honours in Kinesiology at York University. Justine is so excited to be joining the Dance Pointe team and to share her love and passion for dance with the students at Dance Pointe Toronto!
Melissa Truman
Ballet Instructor & Choreographer
B.F.A Hons. , S.R.B Assoc, Acrobatic Arts
Melissa Truman is a dancer, educator, and choreographer based in Southern Ontario. Following a 10 year long competitive career where Melissa twice won World Championship titles, as well as multiple scholarship and overall awards, she attended York University to study dance. Melissa graduated Cum Laude in 2014, earning a BFA with Honours in Dance, focusing on dance pedagogy and somatic practices. It was at York that Melissa developed her passion for dance education, leading her to become an Associate with the Society of Russian Ballet and a certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor. Melissa has recently expanded into dance therapy, and is working with a therapist to develop a course for kids. In addition to teaching, Melissa has performed professionally, most notably working with Cirque du Soleil choreographer Debra Brown for Panamania in 2015. Melissa is the co-founder of Forma Contemporary Dance with her sister Stephanie, and is taking on a new role as a dance adjudicator, which she loves because it allows her to connect with students and be a positive voice in the dance industry. Melissa is so excited to be joining the Dance Pointe Team!
Serena Henriquez
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Serena Henriquez has been dancing since the age of 2. She began her dance journey in “pre-dance” at Toronto Dance Industry and continued to study more styles as she progressed through the next 15 years of her competitive dance career. At the age of 12, Serena became an assistant teacher and continued to do so until the age of 17. To expand her knowledge in dance she attended multiple conventions and competitions every year to experience new styles and challenge herself. In 2018 Serena was accepted onto the Canadian National Tap Team, and competed at the International Dance Organization’s (IDO) World Tap Championships, bringing home two medals for Canada. She is trained extensively in all styles of dance but developed a love for tap at the age of 11 and quickly changed her main focus of study. As Serena moves onto to her post secondary education she continues to train extensively under some of Canada’s highest recognized tap dancers and choreographers. Serena recently completed the Tap Dance Centres syllabus by Kim Chalovich, a new syllabus to keep her knowledge in tap current and will be returning to the Canadian National Tap Team this year.
In her classes, students can expect a fun energetic class that creates the building blocks for strong dance technique and a passion to continue exploring new styles! Serena is very excited to be joining the Dance Pointe team and is looking forward to seeing what the year will bring!
Jean Balallo
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Jean is a dancer and performer who started at the age of 3. She trained under numerous teachers in a variety of disciplines, specializing in Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary. She is also proficient in Tap, Ballet, Acrobatics, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre. Growing up she competed in several competitions, but her commitment to dance is also embraced by attending dance conventions and further becoming an assistant at her studio. After graduating from high school, her commitment to establishing herself as a performer grew greatly as she joined a professional dance company that specializes in Heels, Hip Hop and Jazz funk. She further travelled to Los Angeles to take her passion to new heights and broaden her knowledge. In this development, Jean has trained with many famous choreographers such as Dexter Carr, Hamilton Evans, Michal Hendzel and more.
Outside of dance, Jean is entering her 4th year of Kinesiology at York University with hopes of becoming a physical therapist that specializes in working with dancers.
As one of the newest editions to the Dance Pointe Faculty, Jean is very excited to share her passion for dance with others. She hopes to inspire the young dancers and create a positive and fun environment that each of her students can look forward to every week!
Kylie Thompson
Hip Hop Instructor & Choreographer
Kylie Thompson (she/her) is a multi-disciplinary performer, creator and educator residing in Toronto, Ontario, her credits including the Barenaked Ladies, the Garage, Gadfly Dance Company, TIFF, Hit and Run Productions, Dance: Made in Canada Festival, Toronto Fringe and more. She considers herself an ally to the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities and is committed to ongoing education, conversation and action towards equality and de-colonization of Western Dance practices.
Find her on Instagram: @kyliethompsoncreative
Marisa Rubiales Yepes
Dance Instructor & Choreographer
Marisa started dancing at the age of four with her community dance program. She then moved to a dance studio in Brampton – Dancercise – where she continued her training at a higher level. Mainly focusing on ballet, Marisa trained in the Royal Academy of Dance methods with her studio where she completed exams up until the Intermediate level. Starting competitive dance with Dancercise at the age of 10, Marisa soon discovered her love for being on stage and her immense enjoyment of all styles. She continued dancing competitively throughout her teenage years by enrolling in the Regional Art Program for Dance at her high school, St. Thomas Aquinas in Brampton. There, she broadened her dance education by studying musical theatre and vocal training as well. As a young dancer, Marisa began assisting in Ballet and Jazz classes at her studio, as well as choreographing pieces for her high school.
Marisa has a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and Communications from Western University and continues to work within the arts and advertising world. She is a hair and makeup artist for commercials within the Toronto Film Industry as well as a dance instructor and choreographer.
Gerard McIsaac
Ballet Master & Choreographer
A double alumnus of the Canada’s National Ballet School (Professional Ballet
Program/Teachers Training Program for Former Pro’s – TTPPD, Dip with Distinction), Mr.
McIsaac is a highly regarded/accredited Professional Dance Educator/Master Class Facilitator
and one of North Americas’ leaders within dance community at large. His vast experience as a
Professional Dance Adjudicator (over 25 years, at both Regional and National levels) and his
unique ability to inspire dancers to achieve their highest technical and performance potential are
well respected, and eagerly sought after.
Mr. McIsaac is the Resident Classical/Contemporary Ballet Master for numerous
competitive dance studios within the Greater Toronto area, instructing students from ages 6-19.
He also mentors YOUTH AMERICAL GRAND PRIX and RAD SOLO SEAL participants and
boasts an impressive roster of private clientele under his company – DANCE DIRECTION. Mr.
McIsaac also facilitates a variety of Teacher-Training seminars and has developed his own IN-
HOUSE BALLET/DANCE EVALUATION examination program – implemented by many Dance
Institutions at this time (please contact coordinate below for inquiries)!
Mr. McIsaac is also in high demand as an Intensive/Convention facilitator and is the
“Ballet Guru” for established events such as VIEW DANCE CHALLENGE CONVENTION,
ALLEGRO BALLET FESTIVAL, CAMBODIA DANCE CHALLENGE, CANADIAN DANCE EXPO
(Teachers/Students Experience), RAD WORLD CONVENTION “EN AVANTE”, RAD USA
DANCE CHALLENGE, DANCE MASTERS OF AMERICA, WORLD PERFORMERS CANADA,
ON THE FLOOR, ROCK THE RHYTHM, DANCE QUEST CANADA, and more.
Certifications include Diploma with Distinction from the NBS Teachers Training Program
for Former Professionals (TTPPD, Dip), Mutually Recognized Teacher with the Royal Academy of
Dance (RAD, MRT), ballet faculty member with Dance Masters of Canada (DMC) and
International Dance Teachers Association of Great Britain (IDTA), and The Society of Classical
Ballet Vaganova Method (SOCBVM). He was also the recipient of the 2013 CAROLE
CHADWICK AWARD and 2014 SYLVIE M. MCPHEE Awards, presented by NBS ballet faculty for
Outstanding Teacher Recognition.
Mr. McIsaac also boasts an Extensive Professional Performance career, including
Broadway Musicals such as: CATS, Mr. Mistoffelees (Original Can. Cast/Nat. Tour); MISS
SAIGON, Dragon Acrobat & Ensemble (London, Eng. – West End); HOME AND AWAY THE
MUSICAL, UK Tour; JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Napthali
(London, Eng. – West End); SHOWBOAT, Assistant Dance Captain/Ensemble (Toronto/US Nat.
Tour/London, Eng. – West End); BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, LeFou (US Nat. Tour); THE
HANDMAID’S TALE and DEATH IN VENICE, Dance Ensemble (Canadian Opera Company);
HAIRSPRAY THE MOVIE!, Dance Ensemble; CANADIAN IDOL SEASON 3, Ensemble;
SYNCHRONICITY, with Jennifer Lopez, Dance Ensemble (Japan Tour).
Mr. McIsaac’s, or balletgman (his industry nickname) BOUNDLESS Enthusiasm and
Dedication to the dance community has been noted and applauded from the highest level of
dance educators, worldwide.
Hurry, Classes are Limited!
With small class sizes, they tend to fill up fast. You can register online to reserve your spot right away!