HOLLY HUGHES
DANCE ACADEMY
Our Staff
Back Row (from left to right): Natalie Schuster, Marissa Whiteman, Holly Hughes, Victoria Hughes-Visentin, Sophie Fanjoy
Middle Row (from left to right): Haley Jennings, Eden Toscan, Corinne Moffat, Reese Patterson
Front Row (from left to right): Shirley Liu, Emersyn Lambert, Sophie Turcotte, Riley Brown
Not pictured: Robyn O'Drowsky, Taylor Ferigo, Grace Manzon
Teaching Staff
Owner and Director
Holly Hughes
Miss Holly is the heart and soul of the Holly Hughes Dance Academy. She founded her studio in 1983 and has been having fun teaching ever since. Miss Holly brings her passion for dance to each class and pushes her students to always be the best versions of themselves.
Miss Holly began dancing as a young girl and her training and passion for dance eventually led her to New York City where she studied with several reputable schools such as Alvin Ailey, Steps, The American Ballet School, Broadway Dance, and Juliard.
Miss Holly's favourite style of dance that she loves to perform is tap. She loves teaching all styles of dance and has a hard time picking just one. Miss Holly teaches both the recreational and competitive program. The styles of dance that she teaches are ballet, jazz, musical theatre, tap, lyrical, and preschool.
If you ask Miss Holly what she loves most about dance, she will tell you its the ability to make the world disappear and make things better. There have been times when she has walked into the studio with a rough day and working with her students and dancing helps to ease all of those emotions to ones of joy.
Miss Holly loves that her studio is known for its sense of family. The friendships that form with the students and even the parents. She is always thankful for the never-ending support from her dance families! There isn't a dancer at HHDA who doesn't love Miss Holly!
Competitive, Recreational, and Acrobatic Arts Instructor
Victoria Hughes-Visentin
This cherished "second home" of Miss Victoria has been a constant companion throughout her life journey. From the tender age of 2, she embarked on her dance voyage within these studio walls. Her dedication and passion for dance led her to the competitive arena where she joined the inaugural Comp A team back in 2016. For a remarkable span of 6 years, she poured her heart into the comp team, an experience that culminated in an unforgettable journey to Spain as part of our 2nd Destination Travels tour. While her competitive dance chapter concluded, it gave way to an exciting new phase as a dance educator. Her teaching odyssey commenced at the age of 13, focusing on nurturing the potential of recreational dancers. Now, as she steps into her second year as a competitive dance coach, she's elated to embrace the role of the head conditioning teacher, shaping the physical prowess of our talented dancers. Moreover, she's thrilled to share that she has taken on the mantle of our studio's acrobatic instructor. A significant point of pride is her certification from Acrobatic Arts, a testament to her commitment to excellence in instruction. This achievement has bestowed the esteemed title of an Acro Certified Studio upon HHDA, marking a significant milestone in our studio's journey. Reflecting on this trajectory, she is humbled by the depth of experience she has amassed and the privilege of contributing to the growth and legacy of our dance community.
When asked what her favourite routine that she has performed at the HHDA, she had a hard time choosing. They all had a special meaning to her but there were two that stood out to her. The first was the lyrical routine "Run For Life" which she performed with her sister Alexzandra. Her favourite HHDA routine that she loved watching and that always sticks out in her mind is the tap routine "Proud Mary".
For Miss Victoria, the sense of camaraderie we've nurtured among teachers, students, and parents has truly blossomed into a beacon of positivity that fills her with immense pride. Our mutual care and support have woven a familial bond that's become our hallmark. What's equally heartwarming is witnessing the studio's legacy spanning across generations of dancers. It's a remarkable journey to find myself now guiding the children of those very dancers I once admired as a young student. This beautiful cycle of connection and growth is a testament to the lasting impact of our shared passion for dance.
It's truly remarkable how dance has the power to unite individuals and provide them with an escape from life's challenges, stressors, and worries. When you engage in dance, you're able to set aside any lingering issues and fully immerse yourself in the joy of movement. It's a medium that enables you to concentrate solely on the art of dance itself and to be surrounded by like-minded individuals whose company you cherish
Recreational and Adult Class Instructor
Taylor Ferigo
Miss Taylor is the adult program and recreational program instructor. Miss Taylor has the opportunity to work with our younger dancers this year by teaching beginner jazz, tap, ane hip hop. She is also working with the senior dancers in hip hop again this year. She is also the instructor of our highly popular Adult Tap class. This class continues to run every year with the fun tutelage of Miss Taylor! Taylor's favourite style to dance is jazz and her favourite style to teach is hip hop of course!
Taylor started dancing at at the age of 3 because her mom is a former HHDA dancer and enrolled her daughter at her home studio. Taylor joined the competitive program when she was 13 where she performed several group routines that won judge awards and overall awards! Taylor was a member of the HHDA's very first competitive team, Comp A. Taylor has trained in every dance style that HHDA offers and has also taken classes at the University of Guelph and Saultos.
Taylor loves being able to express herself through dance! Taylor's favourite routine that she has performed at the HHDA was the musical theatre routine "Show Me How You Burlesque" which she also performed with her competitive team. Her favourite routine that she has seen at HHDA is the senior lyrical routine "Run for Life" which she also performed in as well. The one thing that Taylor loves the most about the HHDA is the family!
Recreational Instructor
Eden Toscan
Miss Eden teaches the beginner level classes at HHDA. The younger dancers enjoy learning from Miss Eden and they always have fun in her classes. Eden is engaging with her students and a great role model for the younger generation. Miss Eden teaches our Parent and Tot class and quite enjoys introducing dance to the young generation. Miss Eden is also teaching ballet, hip hop, and tap this year.
Eden started dancing at the age of 3 at the HHDA and joined the HHDA Competitive Program when she was 9. Eden has trained in all dance styles at the HHDA. Eden is a recipient of a Bob Bannister Scholarship for her dance growth in 2019. She has also won several group awards and a 3rd place overall for her lyrical solo in 2022.
Eden loves being able to express their emotion through dance. Their favourite style to dance is lyrical and their favourite style to teach is ballet. Her favourite routine that she has performed is the competitive lyrical routine "Voice of Good" with her fellow Comp C teammates. The routine that is her favourite that she has seen at HHDA is the musical theatre duo "No Reason".
Eden absolutely loves the amazing people that are a part of the HHDA.
Assistant Teaching Staff
Reese Patterson
Miss Reese has been dancing since the tender age of 5 and has been a member of the HHDA Competitive Program since the age of 9. They are also the captain of the Comp D team! Reese has won several awards with their competitive team and was recognized with a Judge award for their solo last season!
Reese is an assistant teacher for the weekday preschool class! Reese loves working with the younger dancers and seeing their joy and love for life and dance! Reese's favourite style of dance is musical theatre! They're favourite style to teach is jazz. Reese's favourite routine that they have performed is the jazz routine "Thunder". Their favourite HHDA routine is the Comp B routine "Believer".
Reese loves the people at the people at HHDA and the positive environment. They love dance because it is so much fun and provides the ability to make amazing friends along the way!
Haley Jennings
Miss Haley has been dancing since the age of 4 when they were a wee lion in Miss Holly's pre-school class. At the age of 9, Haley joined the HHDA Competitive Program and is a member of the Comp D team. Haley has won several group awards with their competitive team and last year placed in the overall awards with their tap duet!
Haley is an assistant teacher in tap! Miss Haley is known for their lightning fast tap feet and enjoys assisting the younger generation in their favourite style of dance! Haley has been enjoying mentoring the next generation of dancers!
Haley's favourite routine that they have performed at the HHDA is their tap duet "Me and My Shadow" with fellow assistant teacher and teammate Sophie Fanjoy. Their favourite HHDA routines would be the Comp A Jazz routine "Show Me How You Burlesque" and the Comp B jazz routine "Believer".
Haley loves the sense of family at the HHDA. Their very best friends are their dance friends! They also enjoy the teaching staff at HHDA as the teachers have helped mentor and shape Haley into the dancer that they are today. They love dance because it allows for self expression and it's super fun!
Shirley Liu
Miss Shirley always has a beautiful smile on her face! She has been dancing since she was 4 and she's been a member of the Competitive Dance Program since she was 8! She is a valued member of the Comp D team! In 2018, Shirley received the "Most Potential Award".
Shirley loves to dance musical theatre and jazz and to teach jazz. Shirley is a talented dancer with remarkable technique. She enjoys helping the younger generation to develop their skills. Her favourite routine that she has performed at the HHDA is the jazz duo "Hot Stuff" with teammate and fellow teacher Riley Brown. Her favourite routines that she has seen at the HHDA are the Comp B routine "Believer" and the Comp D duo "No Reason"
Miss Shirley loves the amazing community at the HHDA. Miss Shirley said that everyone is so kind and welcoming and it’s amazing how much cheering you hear both on and off stage. Everyone is always around to help each other and I have made so many friends because of dance. She loves dance because she can express not only herself but also the personality of the character she is portraying. Dance is just so much fun and I'm constantly learning new things.
Riley Brown
Miss Riley is our youngest assistant at the HHDA! She has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has been a member of the HHDA Competitive Program since the age of 6! Riley is the youngest dancer on the Comp D team! In 2022, Riley received the "Outstanding Commitment" scholarship!
Riley loves to dance acro and enjoys teaching musical theatre! Riley is very expressive on stage and enjoys helping the younger dancers with their musicality! Riley's favourite routine that she has performed is the musical theatre routine "Material Girl". Her favourite HHDA routine is the Comp B musical theatre routine "Camp Grenada".
Miss Riley truly loves being part of a team and it is her favourite about the HHDA. Dancing is so important to Riley because it allows her to express how she's feeling.
Corinne Moffat
Miss Corinne is in her first year as an assistant teacher. She has been dancing since she was 4 and she's been a member of the Competitive Dance Program since she was 10! She is a valued member of the Comp D team! In 2019, Corinne received the "Most Potential Award".
Corinne loves to dance ballet/pointe and to teach modern/lyrical. Corinne is a talented dancer with beautiful ballet lines. She enjoys helping the younger generation to develop their skills. Her favourite routine that she has performed at the HHDA is her musical theatre duo "No Reason" with fellow HHDA teacher Miss Reese. Her favourite routine that she has seen at the HHDA is the Comp B routine "Seven Nation Army".
Miss Corinne loves being able to dance with her friends at the studio. She thinks of the studio as her second home where her teammates are like family! She loves dancing for the ability to let go of the stress of daily life and pour her emotions into a creative outlet.
Marissa Whiteman
Miss Marissa is an assistant teacher of hip hop! She has been dancing since she was 3 and she's been a member of the Competitive Dance Program since she was 8! She is a valued member of the Comp C team!
Marissa loves to dance musical theatre and lyrical. Marissa is a talented dancer with amazing performance quality on stage. She enjoys helping the younger generation to develop their skills. Her favourite routine that she has performed at the HHDA is the musical theatre routine "Welcome to Wonderland". Her favourite routine that she has seen at the HHDA is the Comp A hip hop routine "Brother".
Miss Marissa loves being able to dance with her friends at the studio. She enjoys the community that you build at the studio and the life long friendship that develop as a result. Marissa loves sharing the passion for dance with their friends.
Emma Thomson
Miss Emma is an expressive dancer that always lights up the stage! She has been dancing since she was 3 and she's been a member of the Competitive Dance Program since she was 9! She is a valued member of the Comp
C team where she is also the team captain! In 2022, Emma received the "Bob Bannister Leadership Award".
Emma loves to dance musical theatre because it allows her personality to shine. Miss Emma is an assistant with the younger competitive dancers in their conditioning classes. She enjoys helping the younger generation to develop their skills. Her favourite routines that she has performed are the musical theatre duo "Bop to the Top" with Miss Marissa and the hip hop routine "Freakum Dress". Her favourite routine that she has seen at the HHDA is the Comp B routine "Greased Lightning" which featured her older sister.
Miss Emma loves being able to be on stage and performing to her best ability. It allows her the opportunity to take the stage and live in the moment. The applause at the end is the most rewarding feeling. For Emma, the studio definitely reflects a family atmosphere. She feels very welcomed at the studio and loves being connected to so many fellow dancers.
Sophie Fanjoy
Miss Sophie and her bubbly personality are well known at HHDA! Sophie is an assistant teacher and assists the younger competitive teams with their choreography. Miss Sophie has been dancing since she is 5 years old and she has been a member of the competitive team since she was 7 years old! Miss Sophie is a student of all styles of dance at the HHDA and her infectious personality leaves everyone around her feeling welcomed and loved!
Miss Sophie loves to tap and she has beautiful tapping feet! Her favourite style to teach is modern/lyrical. Her favourite routine that she has performed is the tap routine "Burning Love". Her favourite routine at HHDA is the musical theatre competitive trio "Be Italian".
She loves the HHDA and the friendships that she has made at the studio! She loves teh encouragement and support that she receives from her friends and teammates. Sophie loves dancing and loves the way it makes her feel happy and free! She loves the ability to be able to express emotions through movement rather than words!
Sophie Turcotte
Miss Sophie is one of our new assistant teachers at the HHDA! She has been dancing since she was 5 years old and has been a member of the HHDA Competitive Program since the age of 7! Sophie is a proud member of our Comp D team. Miss Sophie has also been a local participant in the Ballet Jorgen Nutcracker performance at the River Run Centre.
Sophie loves to dance tap, jazz and hip hop! She had a hard time just choosing one!! She enjoys teaching hip hop! Sophie is very expressive on stage and enjoys helping the younger dancers! Sophie's favourite routine that she has performed is the hip hop routine "Freakum Dress". Her favourite HHDA routine is the senior jazz routine "Click, Clack".
Miss Sophie truly loves being part of a team and the HHDA family. She loves all of the friends that she has made through dance. She enjoys that everyone is always there to support one another in and out of the dance studio. Dance is important to Sophie because it allows her to herself with no fear of judgement.
Emersyn Lambert
Miss Emersyn is one of our new assistant teachers at the HHDA! She has been dancing since she was 3 years old and has been a member of the HHDA Competitive Program since the age of 7! Emersyn is a proud member of our Comp D team.
Emersyn loves to dance jazz and hip hop! She enjoys teaching tap! Emersyn is very flexible on stage and enjoys helping the younger dancers! Emersyn's favourite routine that she has performed is the hip hop routine "Freakum Dress". Her favourite HHDA routine is the competitive team extended group tap routine "Studio 54".
Miss Emersyn truly loves being part of a team and the HHDA family. She loves all of the friends that she has made through dance. She loves the choreography and having fun in the dance studio. She loves being able to relieve the stress of the day by dancing with her friends.
Admin Staff
Robyn O'Drowsky
Robyn has been a staple at the HHDA for nearly 30 years! Students will joke with Robyn that she has been here forever. Robyn has been a vital office administrator for the studio for nearly 21 years! You can thank Robyn for processing all of your payments through JackRabbit this year! Robyn lead the charge with the JackRabbit roll out this year and has been a major support in helping to make this transition run smoothly!
Robyn has a witty personality that shines through on the stage. She has been dancing with HHDA for 28 years! She is a student of all styles of dance but for this year she decided to stick with musical theatre, modern, and tap.
Robyn always lights up the stage when she performs but she is especially phenomenal as a performer in musical theatre! Musical theatre is her favourite style to dance and her favourite to teach is modern. Robyn had a hard time picking just one routine since she has been in so many memorable performances. She was able to narrow it down to three and they are: the father/daughter dance "Time of My Life", the tap routine "Just Tapping", and the musical theatre routine "You Can't Stop the Beat". Her all time favourite routine at HHDA is the Thriller routine from circa early 1990s.
Robyn loves the family that she has built through the years at the HHDA. To Robyn, dance is the ability to leave all of your stress at the door and forget about the world outside of the studio!
Grace Manzon
Miss Grace is our senior office staff at the HHDA. She assists in recital preparation to ensure that the show can run smoothly without any issues!
Grace began dancing at the young age of 5 and has been a student of the HHDA since the age of 12. Grace is currently enrolled in nursing school but that doesn't stop her from attending our Senior Advanced class every week! Grace's favourite style of dance to perform is modern/lyrical. Of the many routines that Grace has performed, her favourite routine would be the senior lyrical "She Used to Be Mine". Grace has a hard time choosing her favourite HHDA routine because there are so many and they are all so good! However, she was able to narrow it down to the Comp B jazz routine "Seven Nation Army" and the Comp B lyrical routine "Lost Without You".
Grace loves to dance because it's a fun way to keep her body moving! She loves the HHDA because of the people!
Natalie Schuster
Miss Natalie can be found in the HHDA studio! She is always making sure the studio is tidy and she will dazzle you with a fun tale or two!
Natalie is also a dancer at the HHDA. She is a student of ballet, musical theatre, jazz, lyrical, and hip hop. Her favourite style to dance is musical theatre and lyrical! Her favourite routine that she has performed is the musical theatre routine "Starships". Her favourite HHDA routine is the father-daughter dance "Time of My Life".
Natalie loves how caring everyone is at the studio. She loves making new friends and challenging herself through dance.