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Dance Pointe Toronto

Our Instructors

Empowering the next generation of dancers

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!

Our Instructors

Meet our team

OF PROFESSIONAL DANCE INSTRUCTORS

Machaela Croft

Owner & Co-Artistic Director

B.F.A Spec. Hons. , S.R.B Assoc. , Alixa Flexibility

Machaela, a Toronto-based educator, choreographer, and performer with a BFA Specialized Honours degree in Dance from York University, is renowned for her 12-year competitive career and a focus on kinesiology, choreography, and performance. Recently, she became an Associate Member of the Society of Russian Ballet, embracing the Vaganova Ballet Syllabus for both technique and artistry. Continuously advancing her skills with top choreographers, Machaela excels in creating innovative competitive choreography. Her diverse experiences include an editorial internship at The Dance Current Magazine in Toronto, performing in Dawson City, Yukon in dance forms like can-can, jazz, tap, and ariel work, and consistently performing as a company member in TDC Entertainment. Fulfilling her dream, Machaela is excited to open her own studio, sharing her dance passion with the next generation.

Miles Gosse

Co-Artistic Director & Instructor

B.F.A Spec. Hons. , B.Ed.

Miles is a dance artist based in Toronto. A diverse performer, choreographer, and educator, Miles began his training at Wexford Collegiate School of the Arts studying in Musical Theatre. In 2014 he graduated from York University receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts with Specialized Honours in Dance, as well as a Concurrent Bachelor of Education. As a dancer Miles has performed works by Holly Small, Carol Anderson, Valerie Calam, Jesse Dell, Marie Lambin, Alison Daley and Tracey Norman. Professionally he has performed in Dance Ontario Weekend, the 60x60 Festival, New Blue Dance, Nuit Blanche and both Toronto and Hamilton Fringe Festivals. His choreography has been seen in New Blue Dance, the New Music Festival (UofT), Toronto Fringe, and many times for the Body Brake series, curated by Brandy Leary/Anandam Dancetheatre and Theatre Passé Muraille. Miles is Co-Artistic Director of Half Second Echo and a member of Edge of the Sky Theatre.

Justine Comfort

Acro Instructor & Choreographer

B.F.A Spec. Hons. , B. Sc Hons. Kinesiology & Health Science

Justine Comfort, a Toronto-based independent dance artist, graduated from York University with a BFA in Dance and a certificate in Dance Science, earning the Dance Scholars Award. She has performed in works by renowned artists and interpreted pieces by Julia Aplin, Susie Burpee, and others. A founding member of Half Second Echo, Justine began her teaching career in Acro at Expressions Dance Company in 2007 and now teaches various dance styles and conditioning across the GTA. Certified in Conditioning with Imagery for Dancers and Limón Modern Technique, she's completing a BSc in Kinesiology at York University. Justine is enthusiastic and eager to share her passion for dance with students.

Melissa Truman

Ballet Instructor & Choreographer

B.F.A Hons. , S.R.B Assoc, Acrobatic Arts

Melissa Truman, a Southern Ontario-based dancer, educator, and choreographer, boasts a distinguished 10-year competitive career, including World Championship titles and multiple awards. A York University alumna, she graduated Cum Laude in 2014 with a BFA in Dance, focusing on dance pedagogy and somatic practices. Her passion for dance education led her to become an Associate with the Society of Russian Ballet and a certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor. Melissa is also venturing into dance therapy, collaborating on a course for kids. She has performed professionally, including for Cirque du Soleil's Debra Brown. Co-founder of Forma Contemporary Dance and a new dance adjudicator, Melissa loves being part of the Dance Pointe Team, eager to inspire and guide young dancers.

Serena Henriquez

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Serena Henriquez's dance journey began at age 2 with “pre-dance” at Toronto Dance Industry, evolving through 15 years of competitive dance. By 12, she was an assistant teacher, continually expanding her dance repertoire through conventions and competitions. In 2018, Serena joined the Canadian National Tap Team, winning two medals at the IDO World Tap Championships. Although trained in various styles, her love for tap emerged at 11, leading her to train under renowned Canadian tap artists. She recently completed the Tap Dance Centre's syllabus by Kim Chalovich to stay updated in tap. Serena's classes promise fun, energy, and foundational dance techniques. Excited to join Dance Pointe, she looks forward to an inspiring year ahead.

Jean Balallo

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Jean, who started dancing at age 3, excelled in Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and other styles, competing and assisting at her studio. Post-high school, she joined a professional dance company and trained in Los Angeles with top choreographers. Currently studying Kinesiology at York University, Jean aims to specialize in physical therapy for dancers. She's thrilled to join Dance Pointe Faculty, eager to inspire young dancers in a positive, fun environment.

Chris Gallina

Hip Hop Instructor & Choreographer

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Mr. Chris is a seasoned dance teacher and choreographer with over 10 years of experience, passionately sharing his love for dance with students of all ages. His career has taken him across the globe, with performances in Canada, the USA, Singapore, the UAE, and China. Chris has showcased his talents at renowned events such as World of Dance, The Choreographers Ball, Bazaar, and Raise The Bar, and has opened for artists like Massari and Mia Martina. A standout moment in his career was performing in a live production of The Jungle Book, which was staged in multiple countries. Chris has also collaborated with major brands such as WestJet, Scotiabank, Walmart, Hugo Boss, and The Crystal Ball Foundation. His on-screen work includes appearances in music videos for Brett Kissel and Megan Patrick, as well as a featured role in the Chapman's Ice Cream Sundae commercial. In the studio, Chris is committed to helping each student reach their full potential. He focuses on developing technique, expanding dance knowledge, and inspiring a lifelong love of dance. His classes are filled with positivity and creativity, creating a supportive atmosphere where every dancer can thrive.

Marisa Rubiales Yepes

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Marisa began dancing at four and trained in ballet at Dancercise, Brampton, excelling in Royal Academy of Dance exams. At 10, she discovered her passion for the stage, enjoying various dance styles. She further honed her skills in the Regional Art Program at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, also studying musical theatre and vocal training. Marisa assisted in Ballet and Jazz classes and choreographed for her high school. Holding a Bachelor's in Media Studies and Communications from Western University, she now balances roles as a hair and makeup artist in the Toronto Film Industry and as a dance instructor and choreographer.

Gina Medina

Ballet Instructor & Choreographer

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

As a graduate of the Teacher Training Program at Canada's National Ballet School, Miss Gina has had the privilege of training and working with some of the world's leading professionals in dance. Greater accomplished credentials include a teaching Diploma and certificate from Canada's National Ballet School, Associates in The Cecchetti Society of Canada, Royal Academy of Dance, Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, Associated Dance Arts for Professional Teachers, and Canadian Dance Teachers Association.  Miss Gina is extremely excited to work with the staff and students at Dance Pointe and share her passion with the next generation of artists.

Jane Ongaro

Dance Instructor & Choreographer

Acrobatique Acro Dance Instructor

Jane Ongaro began dancing at the age of 3. She continued to train into highschool, training in all styles of dance with a focus on acro. Jane also trained in R.A.D ballet and completed many examinations into the advanced levels. Jane began teaching in 2010 in both recreational and competitive programs to students aged 3 to adult. Her competitive routines achieved many overall awards as well as choreography recognition for many dances over the years. In addition to teaching she also worked with TDC Entertainment in Toronto performing in many shows around the GTA, some of those shows include performing at the opening ceremony of the 2016 inactus World Cup, Toronto illuminite, the grand opening of terminal 3 at Pearson international airport and many more. Her love and passion for the art of dance is equal to the love she has for her students. She is beyond excited to be a part of the Dance Pointe Faculty.