Who we are

Many of her former students are now working in highly established studios internationally and across Canada, as well as in stage productions, professional touring companies, and on cruise ships. Many are also working as choreographers, something she’s very proud of. She has also been a highly sought-after judge and workshop instructor and has completed exams in ballet, tap and jazz.

Though her years of teaching dance, Lori has become more and more passionate about tap and the challenges it provides her dancers. She’s built a strong tap program at DDP and wants to encourage each student to give tap a try.

Lori is thrilled that she’s able to celebrate 20 years with DDP and is looking forward to many years ahead.

Stacey Schnarr is no stranger to the world of competitive dance. She completed the majority of her dance training at Joanne Chapman School of Dance in Toronto and competed in several dance forms for over 12 years winning numerous overalls, scholarships and titles. Stacey also completed all of her R.A.D Ballet Exams up to the Advanced level, achieving commended, and has earned her teaching certification in both jazz and tap from the B.A.T.D. For the past 22 years, Stacey has been sharing her love of dance with students at studios across Ontario, the last 19 of which have been spent as a competitive instructor here at DDP. Stacey is also a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and is employed as a secondary school business and dance teacher. Stacey loves to judge and has done so for several dance competitions throughout Canada. Stacey is proud to be DDP’s longest-standing employee and enjoys sharing her passion for dance with all the students she teaches on Tuesday and Thursday nights. 

Natalie’s love and passion for dance continue to grow. Being able to share her knowledge with her students, while watching them grow and succeed is extremely rewarding. Natalie has won numerous awards for her choreography at regional and national competitions for both her solo and group work. Striving to provide a strong technical background for her students along with creative choreography, Natalie has her amazing students to thank for her success. Their extremely hard work, dedication and passion for dance continues to be an inspiration year after year. Natalie is extremely proud and privileged to be able to teach the art of dance.

Sheena has been dancing since the age of 7, and trained extensively in all styles of dance. She started training with Miss Sue and Miss Lori at 15, and has been competed all ofer Canada and the United States, including a competition at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Sheena has been teaching at Davenport Dance Project since the very beginning, and she is so thrilled to be a part of the 20th season of DDP. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys watching her 3 daughters dance and preform for Team DDP!

Jaelyn is no stranger to hard work and dedication. She’s been very successful in many styles and levels of competition and has many first-place accolades to her name. She’s danced in a wide range of venues including the opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics, charity functions and a number of music videos. She’s represented Canada in North America and Europe, including a tour of Greece as part of the Canadian Dance Team. Her love for the art is infectious and she spreads that love to all she meets. Jaelyn also holds the title of Miss Ontario for the year 2012\13. During her reign, she travelled the country to attend and speak at events like the CFL Grey Cup, and to lead an anti-bullying campaign. Jaelyn uses the skills and life lessons she’s learned to teach her students how to embrace life and lean into every possible moment. She tries to instil in them that anything is possible if you can imagine and believe.

Jaelyn is very excited to be part of the DDP family and can’t wait to share her love and passion for dance with her aspiring students.

Megan Wilkshire began her love of dance at the age of 3. At the age of 6, Megan joined the competitive dance team at Premiere Dance Inc. and competed for 11 years in various forms of dance. Megan has won various competitions and nationals throughout Canada and United States with her fellow dancers and supportive dance instructors. In her early years of dance, she was on the junior cheer team for the Toronto Argonauts. While Megan had the passion and love for the training and the competition of dance, her dance career was further enhanced with the opportunity to help students in their dance journey. Megan’s favourite memory in dance was the exciting opportunity to assist her studio teachers’ training of the younger generation of dancers. Megan uses her knowledge and experience of dance training to stress the importance of “team effort”, show respect toward others and give confidence in oneself. Megan has the patience needed with younger children to positively instruct our future dancers to the experiences and the joys of dance. She is thrilled to be apart of the Davenport Dance Project family and wants to share her passion and love for dance with her students. Megan teaches Junior recreational Acro, Inter recreational Lyrical, Inter recreational Jazz, and Inter recreational Acro on Thursdays.

Kelsie Schnarr has always loved dance. She grew up taking dance classes throughout her childhood. It wasn’t until Kelsie discovered the world of ballroom dance that she truly fell in love with the art. She has been training and teaching professional dance for the past 8 years. In 2016 Kelsie decided to go back to school for Early Childhood Education and is currently working at a local daycare. She works in the studio office and is ready to help any student or parent with questions or concerns. Kelsie loves being a part of our DDP family!

Rebecca Petrosino began dancing at Davenport Dance Project at the age of three. Since then she has performed in theatre productions such as Annie Jr., Celtics on Broadway, and Booby Trap. She has competed at the IDO Tap Dance Championship in Germany representing Team Canada in 2011 and 2013. Today Rebecca attends University of Waterloo in the Arts and Business Program as a Theatre and Performance Major. She is thrilled to be a part of the DDP family.