• About SDA

    Founded in 1993, by Denise Somerville Quinn (Hon. B.A. Dance) Somerville Dance Academy provides professionally trained dance faculty whose goal is to develop an appreciation and love of dance. Located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, SDA offers technique-based classes in several disciplines with a particular emphasis on Classical Ballet. Students are prepared for examinations as well as performances, and further dance experience is encouraged through extra-curricular attendance at workshops outside the Studio.

    Why Dance?

    Even if a child does not intend to become a professional dancer, there are benefits from enrolling in dance classes. Dance improves posture, develops coordination and is a healthy physical activity. Students also develop discipline in class and self-confidence from performing on stage during our annual recital.

    Classes are offered for age 3 and up and are conducted by qualified teaching staff.

    Somerville Dance Academy offers a competitive program for more serious dance students. Our competitive dancers have received many awards, including numerous trophies and scholarships for their strong performances at dance festivals throughout Ontario.

  • Teachers

    Somerville Dance Academy is proud of its long-serving, loyal and dedicated faculty.

    <b>DENISE SOMERVILLE QUINN</b><br/><br/>After graduating from the University of Waterloo in 1993 (Hon. B.A. Dance), Denise became the Director of Somerville Dance Academy. Her goal is to provide caring, professional dance education. She is a founding member and examiner with Performing Arts Educators of Canada. She also adjudicates at dance competitions throughout Ontario. <br/><br/>Denise enjoys creating choreography for musical theatre. Some favourite productions include Jesus Christ Superstar, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Life Goes On: A Beatles Journey. Former students have furthered their dance education at university and gone on to teach, while others have performed professionally around the world.<b>MICHELLE MARSHALL</b><br/><br/>Michelle graduated from the University of Waterloo (Hon. B.A. Dance) and has been teaching dance for 20 years, instructing at SDA for the past fourteen, where her focus is on Ballet and Acrobatics. Michelle has also trained in Modern, Jazz and Tap. She continues her commitment to dance beyond the studio as a volunteer with professional dance associations. <br/><br/>Michelle is an active Full Member of Performing Arts Educators of Canada.<b>THERESA DOMINGUES</b><br/><br/>Theresa began her lifelong passion for dance when she was four, studying Tap, Jazz, Ballet and Acrobatics for well over a decade. She has been instructing in dance classrooms for 19 years and is currently teaching Tap and Jazz. Some of her students have successfully auditioned for and performed with the Canadian National Tap Team in competitions in Europe. <br/><br/>Theresa helped develop the Tap Syllabus for PAEC and is currently an active member of its Tap Committee and Executive Board. Her commitment to dance instruction is enhanced by attending workshops in diverse disciplines.<b>AMANDA LYTLE</b><br/><br/>A recent graduate from the joint dance program offered by York University and the National Ballet School of Canada (Hon. B. F. A. and N.B.S. Diploma with distinction) Amanda previously trained at SDA in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Acro and Lyrical.<br/><br/>Amanda is an Associate Teacher through Performing Arts Educators of Canada (PAEC) and is certified to enter dancers in exams with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD). <b>CARLY CARRIGAN</b><br/><br/>A graduate of SDA, Carly is currently enrolled in the Chilrdren's Studies Program and the Concurrent Education Program at York University. Carly is an Associate Member of PAEC.<br/><br/>She loves choreographing for the competitive team and working with students of all ages. Currently she is working with Pre-Dance and Beginner Levels of Jazz, Ballet, and Tap, as well as Hip Hop.<b>CHRISSY STUCKEY</b><br/><br/>Chrissy graduated from York University’s Faculty of Dance (Hon. B.A.) and previously trained at SDA in Ballet, Modern, and Hip Hop. She loves to teach all of SDA’s Pre-Dance and Beginner Level classes and enjoys choreographing Modern and Ballet pieces for our competitive program. She is also a full member of PAEC.<b>CALLI BARNEA</b><br/><br/>Calli graduated from York University with an Honours BFA in Dance. She has been teaching at SDA since 2005 and is an Associate Member in Ballet and Modern with PAEC. She is also a certified teacher in Level 1 of CI-training.<br/><br/> Calli's previous training includes Ballet, Jazz, Acrobatics, Modern and Lyrical. She has choreographed several pieces for SDA's competitive program and enjoys sharing her passion for dance with her students.<b>DANIELLE DIGIACOMI</b><br/><br/>Danielle trained at SDA in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Musical Theatre and Hip Hop. She is currently studying Kinesiology at York University. She is an Associate Member in Tap with Performing Arts Educators of Canada and an enthusiastic contributor to the PAEC Tap Committee.

  • Facilities

    • 3 bright, spacious, air conditioned studios
    • Sprung hardwood floors in all studios for less stress on dancers’ joints
    • Friendly office staff to answer any questions and available to assist with dancers’ needs
    • Waiting room area
    • Friendly family atmosphere
    • Punctual class times
    • Professional faculty

  • Recital

    Each year our annual recital is held at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. The proceeds are donated to SickKids Foundation.

    The 2012 recital is scheduled for May 26th and 27th at the Richmond Hill Centre.