The Art of Dance Instructors

Sherri Urkow, L.I.S.T.D., A.I.S.T.D., R.A.D
Director & Owner

Celebrating 34 years of teaching in St. Albert, Sherri brings a wealth of experience to the studio. St. Albert's most established teacher trained in London, UK., and holds her Licentiate as well as other accreditations in the ISTD, and RAD in various dance and drama disciplines. She has worked professionally in movies, TV, theatre and cabaret. Sherri gives workshops and adjudicates throughout Canada and the US. Sherri has students who have gone on to illustrious careers in dance. She is past president of ADEA. and has sat on the executive Board of Directors for the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce and is a member of Rotary. Sherri is founder and director of the Stardust Dance Company which has gained international recognition. She is dedicated to producing well-trained young dancers in a caring environment, and looks forward to working with you and your child this season.

Tracy Whyte Sestito, R.A.D. & Al Gilbert trained

A superlative and dynamic teacher, Tracy has trained in jazz, tap and ballet for over twenty years. She has performed in the US, Australia and the Middle East, where she entertained UN troops. She has trained in Canada and the US with top dance masters, and her knowledge and superb dance style make her a leader in dance education. Tracy is Co-Director of the Stardust Dance Company, and performs with Free Fall Dance. Tracy looks forward to working with your child, and has been with the studio for 15 years.

Scotia Wolf, L.I.S.T.D & Highland

This is Scotia's 15th year with The Art of Dance and she is a great asset to the teaching staff. Scotia holds her Licentiate as well as her RAD majors. She has also studied the Vaganova methods. In addition, Scotia holds her Theatre Arts Diploma and Competitive Highland Dancing. Scotia is a dedicated and caring teacher and will bring out the best in your child.

Gail Ledger

Bio to come

Shauna Weaver

Miss Shauna has returned to Edmonton after residing in Ontario for the past 8 years. She has studied Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre extensively since the age of four. Since that time, she has taken part in various competitions and performances around the world as well as achieving highest grades in major exams such as R.A.D (Intermediate), Al Gilbert Tap and Jazz, Highland Dancing. She has had the opportunity to dance in various places such Spain, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Myrtle Beach and most recently New York. Previously, she was co-owner, coordinator and performer for Hyperflex Productions in Edmonton, whose performances include the opening and closing of Miss Hawaiian Tropic, the Grey Cup 1999-2006, the Calgary Stampede 2001 and many more. After training in Los Angeles for a short period of time, she decided to continue her love of teaching. She has now been teaching for over 18 years and throughout that time, has won various awards for her choreography. Miss Shauna continues to strive to pursue excellence in the art of dance both for herself, and her students. She will be teaching Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Lyrical at The Art of Dance.

Danica Smith

Danica Smith is entering her 21st year of dancing and her 9th year of teaching. She completed her Advanced II Cecchetti Examination in 2004, received her Associate Teaching Certificate in 2003, and obtained her Associate Diploma Teaching Certificate in June 2006. As well as teaching both syllabus and non-syllabus ballet classes, Danica can be seen performing with Edmonton's own Citie Ballet,. Danica's commitment to her students is evident in their progress.

MyVahna Ishaq

The is MyVahna's eighth year on staff. She has been dancing since she was three and holds her major diplomas in ISTD and RAD She has performed locally in Alberta Ballet's "Nutcracker", "The Tin Soldier", and "Bridal Fantasy". She is a former member of the Stardust Dance Company and has performed extensively including in Disneyland, Carnival Cruise ship, and has taken classes at The Edge in Los Angeles. She is currently enrolled at the University of Alberta in the Faculty of Secondary Education and will receive her Bachelor degree  in December, 2007. She has performed at the University with the Orchesis Dance Group. Canadian artist, Tanya Wood, selected her to perform in a presentation of her artistic work—The Dysfunctional Clothing Collection at the 2005 "night of Artists Gala" at the Ramada Inn. MyVahna's caring personality makes her a perfect teacher for young students.

Rachel Weir

Rachel has danced for 15 years, classically trained in tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, ballet, Pointe, musical theatre and hip hop. Formerly training at Shelly's Dance Company, her dancing has allowed her to dance throughout Alberta, BC and as far away as New York. Having won many dance awards and scholarships, her love for Hip Hop has led to a spot with the professional dance crew, Toxic Elegance. With this dance crew, she has participated in numerous openings for a variety of musical artists. She has been teaching for the part 3 years at various studios.

Mariko Collins, R.A.D. & Al Gilbert trained

A native of St. Albert, Mariko has been dancing since the age of three. She has extensive training in tap (completed Al Gilbert syllabus certification), ballet (RAD & Vaganova), jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, musical theatre, as well as hip hop. Mariko was a member of the "Rhythym Kids" performing group for many years. She has also been invited to perform annually at Klondike Days/Capital Ex Junior and Youth Talent Quests over the past 10 years. Mariko competed at the 2004 International Dance Championships in Germany as a soloist and member of Team Canada's Showdance and Tap teams. As the recipient of numerous dance scholarships, Mariko has been able to further her dance training with renowned teachers/choreographers and studios including "The Edge" in Los Angeles and "The Broadway Dance Center" in New York City. Mariko is excited to be part of The Art of Dance staff and to share her love of dance with her students.

Mandy Adams, Al Gilbert trained

Bio to come

Josh Capulong, Hip Hop

Josh began his dance career at the age of 16, in Edmonton, Alberta.  Sean Kingston, Fanny Pak and Surpreme Soul are just a few of the Artists in the industry that Josh has opened for while performing with his dance crew Next Gen. Not only has Josh and his crew met many successes in their dance career, such as Artist Emerge Professional Crew Finalists, they have also utilized their skill of dancing to give back to the community in a local level. Next Gen has performed for several benefit concerts such as Little Hearts Big Dreams, Stand Up For Love, Forever Young, A Friend in Need is Japan Indeed, Hip Hop for Hope and many more. He truly realized his passion for dance when he made his trip to LA. There, he trained along side many renowned dancers in which influenced his style of dance greatly, incorporating many aspects of the "L.A Style" into his own. Josh's new age style, emphasizing on intricacy and musicality, gives him a unique touch as a dancer and choreographer.

Anisha Joshi, I.S.T.D. & R.A.D. trained

Anisha was born and raised in St. Albert, and has been dancing since the age of three. Her dance training has taken her to perform in multiple shows over the years, and partake in competitions, winning her numerous awards and scholarships. She has been trained in all disciplines, and is currently training to take her Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate exam, and well as her Grade 8 Al Gilbert tap exam, both in the spring. Anisha has performed with Stardust Dance Company, dancing on Princess Cruise Lines, and most recently, Disney World. She loves to dance, and pass on her passion to younger students to aid them in their future dance endeavors. Anisha is currently still training with the Art of Dance, whom she has trained with for the last three years.

Carly McKay, I.S.T.D. & R.A.D. trained

Carly has been dancing with the Art of Dance since the age of five. She has studied in ballet (R.A.D and I.S.T.D), jazz, tap (I.S.T.D), lyrical, modern, and contemporary with a particular emphasis on ballet. She has successfully completed her Advanced 1 (R.A.D and I.S.T.D) exams and is currently working towards her Advanced 2 exams. She has performed locally with Alberta Ballet's Nutcracker and internationally
with the Art of Dance's Stardust Dance Company. Carly has studied at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Canada's National Ballet School, the Harid Conservatory, and the Juilliard School to further enhance her training. Carly is looking forward to sharing her enthusiasm of dance with her students.

Jordan Wardell, I.S.T.D. trained

This will be Jordan's first year on the Art of Dance staff. She has trained at the studio and under Sherri Urkow for 12 years. Jordan has completed her advanced ballet exam, and has trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, modern, tap, and hip hop. She has been apart of the traveling Stardust dance company for the past two trips, the princess cruise of 2009 and this past summers trip to Disney World. She is very excited to share her love of dance with her students, and is very grateful to be joining the Art of Dance staff.

Amiee Schultz, I.S.T.D. trained

Amiee has been dancing at The Art of Dance since the age of four, training in ballet, tap and jazz. Having attended various conventions such as Rocky Mountain House Dance Project and Grovove Street Productions, she has had the opportunity to work with various choreographers and instructors. Amiee has also competed extensively. This is her second year teaching at the studio, and she has assisted in previous years. Amiee hascompleted The Art of Dance Teacher Training Program, and is very excited to be part of the staff. Welcome back Amiee!

Marcus Donnelly

From Ireland to Luxemburg, Moscow, Paris, New York and LA, Marcus' leading performances with shows such as Ragus, Celtic Legends, Rhythm of the Dance and Celtic Crossroads have created one of the most exhilarating, truly creative Irish dancers performing today. Marcus started dancing at age ten in Galary, Ireland, and went on to compete with distinction in the All-Ireland and World Dance Championships. At age 16, he started dancing professionally and is still leaving his mark on the dance world as a professional dancer and choreographer. When not touring, he works with his own dance company, Furious Feet, in Galway, Ireland. He also holds dance intensives which focus on rhythm technique, choreogrphy and dance improv. Marcus is young, charismatic and passionate about dance and would love to share his talents with you.

Jenna Carr

Jenna Carr is new to the studio this year. She is primarily trained in the ISTD syllabus, in ballet, tap and modern, with some exposure to the vaganova methods of ballet. She has her advanced standings in ballet and tap, and intermediate standing in modern.  She has performed in Russia, and various dance competitions throughout Alberta as a participant, and instructor. Jenna has taught at dance studios throughout Edmonton for the past eight years, all levels of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, and is excited to be part of the Art of Dance Team.