the dance academy team
PASSION. CREATIVITY. COMMUNITY
Representing a variety of dance backgrounds, The Dance Academy faculty provide high-quality and supportive dance education in several disciplines to help students reach their full potential.

Ashley carew
Ashley, an ISTD and Alixa Flexibilty certified dance educator and is the co-owner and Artistic Director of The Dance Academy. Over the last 13 years, she has worked hard to create an environment where positive learning and growth is the focus with goal of instilling a love of dance.
Ashley graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Education (Primary/ Elemtary). She then went on to achieve her Associate from the International Society of Teachers of Dancing in Modern Theatre. She continues to train to learn new skills and techniques to enhance dancer training.
Credits and Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Education (Primary/ Elementary Education)
- I.S.T.D. Associate Modern Dance
- Successfully completed examinations in: Ballet, Ballroom, Jazz and Modern
- Royal Winnipeg Ballet: The Art of Teaching
- Dance the Magic – Florida
- Nuvo Competition and Convention – Toronto, New Brunswick and Los Angeles
- New York Teacher Summit – New York City 2019
- Alixa Flexibity- Summer 2021
Ashley loves learning and continues to study and grow as a choreographer and dance community member. Ashley is part of the executive of the Dance Teachers Association of Newfoundland and Labrador where she connects with other studio owners from around the province through meetings, discussions and community events.
When Ashley is not in the studio she can be found spending quality time with her family- Trevor, Lincoln and Mason, and her puppy Buster.
Ashley is excited to help the TDA students continue to grow and develop their artistry and is looking forward to the year ahead!
Lisa MacDonald
Lisa has over thirty years of dance instruction experience with a range of styles including Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern Theatre, Latin, Pilates, Canadian Step Dance, and Social Dance.
Lisa holds teaching diplomas with The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in Cecchetti Ballet (Associate Diploma), Modern Theatre, and also holds an Intermediate Tap Certificate. Lisa continues to diversify her training by travelling to various workshops and courses throughout North America.
As co-director of The Dance Academy Inc., Lisa continues to strengthen the solid reputation she has built among parents and students while sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with her students. Her multi-faceted background provides a strong base for quality instruction in a secure, continually expanding and creative environment.


Sabina Budd
Dance Educator
Miss Sabina’s dance career began in Newmarket, Ontario at the age of six. Miss Sabina completed many exams and competitions with Peter Stanton School of Dance and A2Y Dance Inc. In 2009 she also began a pre-professional ballet program at The Academy of Ballet and Jazz, performing with principal dancers of the Stars of the 21st Century productions and annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Winter Garden Theater in Toronto. Sabina has trained in R.A.D and Vaganova ballet, jazz, hip-hop, heels, modern, lyrical, with other opportunities in Afro-Brazilian, dubstep, Bollywood, and theater. However, ballet has always been Miss Sabina’s passion.
Miss Sabina’s teaching career began early 2011 when she began her high school major in Dance and Performance at Huron Heights Secondary School. She was also a prominent assistant and coach with other students throughout her training. Having choregraphed for several productions upon graduation, she received an honors in Dance and awarded THE BLANK AWARD in 2013. Miss Sabina moved to Newfoundland in 2013 to attend Memorial University of Newfoundland. In her spare time Miss Sabina enjoys Autumn hikes, trying new food and restaurants and spending lots of time with her dog and cat, Georgia and Phoebe.
When she’s not at TDA, Sabina can be found teaching heels classes, coaching in other communities, guest teaching across Canada on zoom, dancing and choregraphing with local Drag superstars and learning from the vibrant community of studios in Newfoundland. Miss Sabina has had a wonderful dance journey in Newfoundland. Miss Sabina is new to The Dance Academy team, but she is super excited to get to know the wonderful dance families at TDA!

Camryn Collett
Dance Educator
Camryn began dancing at the age of 3, and knew right away that she loved to dance! She has completed all of her ISTD Tap Examinations as well as her Grade 5 Ceccetti Ballet and is currently working towards getting her Associate Certification in Tap as well as her Intermediate Modern Examination and Bronze Jazz Award.
Camryn has trained in a variety of dance styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Latin and Pointe. She is also a member of the Senior Competition Team and the Senior Performing group at The Dance Academy. Outside the studio, Camryn is a Grade 12 French Immersion student at Gonzaga High School who is involved with the Student Council and the Mental Health Coalition.
Camryn has always had a passion for dance and takes any opportunity to share it with others! She has attended The School of Alberta Ballet (2017) as well as many conventions including Raw Motion Dance Halifax (2015), Disney Performing Arts Program (2016), IDance Conventions (2016 and 2017), Choreography Collaboration (2019), and ISTD Tap Examination Teaching Courses (2020). She has also had the chance to perform in Disney Springs, The Magic Kingdom Parade, and the Epcot Stage. Camryn has received various awards including those in Student Choreography (2019) and an invite to The Dance World Cup with her Student Choreography (2018).
This year, Camryn is so excited to share her love of dance with all of her students and is so grateful to be able to teach all the new and returning students here at The Dance Academy!

SARA EARLES
Dance Educator & comPETITION TEAM LEAD
Sara began dancing at the young age of two and is excited to embark on her twenty fourth year of dancing! She is also thrilled to be teaching for her tenth season at TDA!
Sara is trained in many styles of dance including ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, jazz funk, tap, hip hop, and acro. She teaches all of these styles as well as a TDA’s competitive team!
Sara has spent a lot of her dance career furthering her technique and knowledge through dance exams with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance and enjoys sharing this technique with her students. She continues to further her education every chance she has.
Sara is an Associate member with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (Modern Theatre). Sara has also completed her jazz awards (ISTD). Sara is also a certified Acrobatic Arts teacher. She completed the program in the summer of 2019 (Module One).
In the summer of 2019 Sara travelled to New York City to attend the Dance Teachers Summit. A full weekend of learning many styles and techniques from world renowned choreographers! Sara has also attended many Nuvo conventions in Canada to progress her knowledge in all styles of dance from world renowned choreographers.
Sara became a Registered Massage Therapist in November of 2015. She is currently working at Premier Athletic Therapy and Sports Medicine.
Sara aims for all of her students, no matter age or dance level, to love dance as much as she does. Sara shares her love of dance through fun and interactive classes! Sara is looking forward to this year at TDA. She can’t wait to dance with her students, new and returning, and to have the best year yet!
EMILY MARTIN
Dance Educator & comPETITION TEAM LEAD
Emily began dancing at the age of two, and is entering her sixteenth dance season this year!
She has completed her Jazz Awards, and is also a certified Acro dance teacher with the Acrobatic Arts program (Module One). Emily is currently working towards her Advanced One modern examination with ISTD.
Emily has trained in a variety of different styles including Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern theatre, Lyrical, Contemporary, Street Jazz, And pointe, and is a member of the Senior Performing Group and Senior Competition Team at The Dance Academy. Outside of the studio, Emily is a student at Memorial University and is working towards a Bachelor of Nursing.
Emily became an assistant teacher 9 years ago, and is beginning her fourth year as a dance instructor. She teaches a variety of styles, as well as the Mini and Junior Competitive teams at The Dance Academy. Emily has travelled and attended numerous conventions and competitions, and has been invited to attend a week long dance intensive in Greece, in July of 2022 with View Dance Challenge.
Emily is passionate about sharing her love of dance, and is eager to share her joy and dedication with new and returning students this dance season!


ABBY O’BRIEN
Dance Educator
Abby began dancing at the age of two and is now beginning her 16th year of dancing! She has completed her Jazz Awards and has completed her immediate examination with ISTD.
Abby has trained in many different styles so dance including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Modern, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Latin, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Irish’s Step, and is a member of Senior performing group. When not at the studio, Abby attends Gonzaga High School and is currently completing the 12th grade.
Abby has been an assistant teacher for the past seven years and is beginning her first year as a dance instructor! She teaches Jazz. Abby has travelled to many places in Canada and the US to attend conventions.
Abby is beyond excited to be working with the wonderful staff at TDA this year and can’t wait to dance with her students and see what this year will bring!
CHLOE O’KEEFE
Dance Educator


Lauryn Collett
Dance Educator

Emma O’Brien
Dance Educator
Emma has trained in many different styles including Jazz, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, Latin, Broadway Jazz, Lyrical, Acro, Contemporary, and Irish step. She is also a member of the Senior Performing Group and the Senior Competition Team. When not at the studio, Emma is a student at Gonzaga High School where she is currently completing the 11th grade.
Emma has been an assistant teacher at The Dance Academy for the past five years and is now beginning her first year as a dance instructor, teaching Hip Hop! She has always loved to dance and has traveled to many places throughout Canada to attend conventions.
Emma cannot wait to be working with the amazing staff at The Dance Academy and is so excited to dance with her wonderful students this dance season!

Bridget Letto
Dance Educator
Bridget is a retired competitive gymnast who has successfully completed her level 1 gymnastics coaching certification and she is currently coaching recreational gymnastics. Bridget has also completed the Preschool Acrobatic Arts certification course. Bridget is excited to be a part of The Dance Academy’s instructor team where she can share her knowledge and love of the acrobatic arts.
Bridget looks forward to sharing a wonderful year of dance with all of her students here at The Dance Academy.
Mia Power
Dance Educator
Mia has trained in many different styles of dance including Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Modern, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, Latin, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Irish’s Step, is a member of senior performing group, senior competition team, and has completed her jazz awards. Outside the studio, Mia is a second level student at Gonzaga High School.
Mia has been an assistant teacher for the past five years and is extremely excited to be begin her first year as a dance instructor teaching tap! Mia has attended numerous conventions and competitions across Canada.
Mia is overjoyed to be working with the incredible staff at TDA this year and cannot wait to share her passion of dance with her students!

