Teachers
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Christine Eagle : Co-Director Christine began her dance training at age 3 eventually studying all forms of dance including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Modern, Demi-Character and Baton. As a competitive soloist and group member, Christine won numerous trophies and scholarships. She has attended many competitions and conventions in Canada and the United States and performed at various places including the CNE. Christine did her training under the C.D.T.A (Canadian Dance Teachers Association) syllabus and in 2000 she completed her Associate Membership Examination. In 1998 she began teaching dance to children of all ages. She assisted and taught competitive and recreational programs in all disciplines at a well established dance studio. In 2001 along with her sister Shirley, she established Northern Lights Dance Studio. Since then she has trained many award winning dancers. With 24 years of combined dance experience, Christine is pleased to share her knowledge and love for dance with her students. |
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Shirley Firman : Co-Director Shirley began dancing at age three and has been trained in all areas of dance; including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Acrobatics, Modern, Lyrical, Musical Theatre, Pointe, Hip Hop, Demi-Character and Baton. Shirley has had the opportunity to work and study with several renowned teachers and choreographers including Celia Franca, Veronica Tennant, Holly Small, Daniel Lewis, Donna Krasnow and Jean-Louis Morin. Shirley studied dance performance, choreography and teaching at York University. Shirley was an original member of the York Dance Ensemble and performed throughout Canada including the Calgary Winter Olympics and the Anglican Sesquicentennial at Skydome. As co-director of the studio, Shirley is pleased to be able to pass on her wealth of experience to her students at Northern Lights. |
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Angela Montanini : Instructor Angela began her dance training at the age of 3. She is extensively trained in baton, jazz, tap and acrobatics. After many years of competitive dance both as a soloist and group member, in 1987 Angela began her teaching career and completed her training under the C.D.T.A and C.B.T.A. Along with her teaching experience, Angela brings 5 years of adjudicating dance and baton competitions at a national level. As well as performing and competing at a national level, Angela was a Saskatchewan Roughrider cheerleader; in 1987 to 1989 she choreographed all dance routines for the Saskatchewan Roughrider Molson Golden Girls. Angela is pleased to be a part of Northern Lights Dance Studio and hopes to inspire all her students with the love of dance. |
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Tara Schaffner : Instructor Tara began dancing at the age of seven and studied the disciplines of Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Modern and Tap. At the age of twelve she began to compete in numerous competitions throughout the GTA, York and Peel regions. Tara attended the specialized school for the Arts at Unionville High School where she was awarded best dancer. During her tenure there she performed in many shows performing at such events as the Markham fair, the CNE, as well as performing on City TV's fashion show. With her outgoing personality and love for the art of dance, she is very excited to be given this opportunity to share her passion with future dancing stars. |
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Natasha Burrow : Instructor Natasha began dancing at the age of five and has been trained in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theatre, pointe, and acrobatics. She began competing in at the age of nine throughout the GTA, Toronto, and York Regions as a soloist and group member and has taught classes at the studio as well as at her high school. Natasha has won awards including Best Novice Solo and Adjuticator's Choice (Solo's age 13 and up) among other special awards. She is a current undergraduate student at York University and is excited to share her love for dance with other dancers. |
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Heather Eugene : Guest Teacher Heather Eugene began dancing as a child with Frances Fera (currently of Young Dancers of Canada) who owned and operated a dance studio in North York, Ontario. Always having the love of dance in her heart, continued her lessons in her adult years with George Randolph and various other teachers at workshops and conventions. Over the past few years, Heather has had the opportunity to further her tap dancing with Henry LeTang, the famed Tony award winning coreographer in Las Vegas. She was also privileged to have taken a master class from the late great Gregory Hines. Heather enjoyed taking her dance training to the stage and performed in local shows around Toronto, specifically Berlin Nightclub in 1987/88 as well as in Acapulco, Mexico. Heather began teaching dance in 1990 at various locations in Toronto, focusing on Heather's Hoofer's, teaching adults tap dancing for fun and exercise. Many of her students appeared on Breakfast Television, at old aged homes, the CNE and at Nathan Philips Square. Many of her former students remain good friends today. |