Ellen has been training and performing since she was very young on countless theatre, television, radio and film projects. She has trained all over the world and her skills have allowed her to teach on two continents. As a member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD), she has her fellowship in ballet and stage, and her full member certification in highland dance and Scottish national. She also belongs to the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA), Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA), Alliance of Canadian Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM). She trained at York University and Ryerson University dance program, and is a graduate of the Ryerson Theatre Program.

Some choreography highlights include: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Memories of the Rat Pack, Much Ado about Nothing, A Christmas Carol, Ontario Renaissance Faire, Great Lakes Medieval Faire, Hello Dolly, Motown Review and most recently the Canadian Premier of Norm Foster's play: Sitting Pretty.

Ellen's performance credits include: Stratford Festival, Tim Allen's The Santa Clause, Anne of Green Gables II, Road to A vonlea, Sky dome Opening Ceremonies, Ontario Renaissance Festival, Hamilton Theatre Inc., Drury Lane Theatre, Shakespeare by The Bay, Canada Performances for on Parliament Hill for Queen Elizabeth II and PM Brian Mulroney, opening for Celine Dion, plus numerous television commercials.

Next to running AFPA, her greatest pride is running the Tartan Terrors with her brother Ian. The Tartan Terrors are "North America's Premier Celtic Comedy Event", a Scottish comedy-music-dance troupe. For ten years, they have toured extensively throughout Canada and the US and have produced 4 CDs and 2 DVDs. The troupe is also known for producing interactive theatre events such as murder mysteries and historically based, theme shows.

Following in the footsteps of her mother Sue Irmisch-Brown, Ellen believes that students need a place to study the performing arts in a positive, professional and family environment. She is proud to lead the faculty of AFPA, who have made the facility number one in Burlington!

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Caroline is a Full Member of both the Scottish Dance Teachers' Alliance and the Canadian Dance Teachers Association. She also certified in First Aid/CPR with St. John Ambulance. Caroline began Highland Dancing at an early age under the instruction of Carol Anne Bell in Kingston, Ontario. During her time in Kingston, Caroline received additional instruction from Ann Milne, Sheila Milne, Sandra Bald Jones, Terri Kimber, Wenda Crawford and Sheena MacDonald. Caroline quickly became a key performer with the Rob Roy Pipe Band and Highland Dancers. As a part of this team, Caroline was privileged to perform throughout Canada, the United States and Great Britain.

Caroline is also an accomplished competitor. Caroline has won numerous awards and trophies throughout her competitive career, competing throughout Ontario, the United States and Great Britain including the Canadian Championships in London, Ontario in 1995. While at Sundance, Caroline has had the opportunity to perform at numerous special events including Murder Mysteries and made her Film debut in "The Recruit". At AFPA, Caroline's first love is teaching dance but she currently is the Office Administrator, utilizing her Sports Administration Diploma from Durham College. Outside of the studio, she is currently working towards receiving her certification as a Childbirth Assistant and is busy raising her beautiful daughter, Bryanna. Caroline hopes that Highland Dancing will continue to flourish in her family through her daughter! She is thrilled to once again be working with the wonderful faculty and students at AFPA!

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The Academy has been a major part of Jennifer’s life since the age of three. She is an Associate member of the BATD in Ballet and Modern Dance and Drama and has Membership standing in the Stage and Freestyle divisions. She has won numerous awards and has performed internationally. Some of her performances include “First Night” at the Skydome, The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, The Ontario Renaissance Faire, CBC Television, numerous Canada Day performances and has appeared in Murder Mysteries and special events at the Scottish Rite in Hamilton and the RBG. Jen really enjoys working with young kids and teaching the recreational dancers. Jennifer is a graduate of Sheridan College from the Business Administration – Marketing program and is currently pursuing a career in event planning.

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Linda is a full member of both the Canadian Dance Teacher's Association and the British Association of Dance as well as, a graduate of the University of Toronto's (OISE) Bachelor of Education Program (B.A./B.Ed.) She recently completed her Fellowship Examination in Jazz & Tap with the British Association of Dance and has adjudicated competitions such as the Canada's Wonderland Dance Fest. Linda has performed in numerous musicals such as JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, CABARET, 42nd STREET, HELLO DOLLY, ANNIE and THE WIZ. Her stage experience has provided her with the opportunities to train under many great producers such as David Dayler, Pat Dawson, Chris McHarge, as well as David Booth and Kathleen Gallagher. Her film credits include "HOW TO DEAL", with Mandy Moore, "COAST TO COAST" with Richard Dryfuss and "DEATH TO SMOOCHIE" with Robin Williams, Edward Norton, and Danny Devito. Linda is always thrilled to be a featured performer with the TARTAN TERRORS in their annual Celidh and she continues to work as a choreographer in southern Ontario. Linda's dedication to Arts Education transcends into her everyday classroom as a high school teacher in the Halton region in drama and social sciences. In addition to all of this, Linda is also certified as a fitness instructor with Les Mill International and has taught BodyFlow at GoodLife gyms for several years. She looks forward to another great year of dancing with the wonderful team at AFPA!

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Colleen has been teaching in the Burlington/Hamilton area for over 14 years. A graduate of Sheridan College's prestigious Musical Theatre Performance program, Colleen has also studied with the Royal Conservatory of Music and is trained in the Bel Canto Vocal Technique. She has performed internationally in Television, Film, Stage, Voice Overs, Print and Music Festivals - including the World Renown Charlottetown Festival and Burlington's own Sound of Music Festival. Colleen has cut two original CD's and her songs have been used in Canadian film and theatre projects. One of Colleen's songs was also chosen as the Graduation Song for Sheridan College in 1999. Currently you'll find her on billboards across the USA inviting you to stay at the Hampton Inn.

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Jaclyn has been a student at The Academy for 14 year. Specializing in tap and jazz, she has performed at the Ontatio Renaissance Faire, Pennsylvania Renaissance faire, Canada Day at Spencer Smith Park, and many other shows. She has also won several awards at various competitions throughout Ontario. Jaclyn was very active in theatre and dance at her high school, performing in 42nd Street, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Original Child Bomb, and The Wizard of Oz. She is also interested in art and has painted a mural in the studio. Jaclyn enjoys Scouting, which she actively participates in, and camps all over the province. She is currently in her second year of university at McMaster where she is working towards a degree in materials engineering and a minor in theatre and film studies. Though busy with school, Jaclyn comes in and lends a hand whenever she can, and she cant wait for this exciting year!

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Amanda has always been a creative, and artistic individual. She has had to sacrifice many things to stay on track in the pursuit of her first love... PERFORMING. However, there is more to her than her stage credits....

Her formal training in dance began at the age of 3, singing at age 12, and acting at age 14. She has trained “all over” - from the very recreational dance studios, and private music schools, to the “entry by audition - only” schools such as The Alvin Ailey School (New York), and prestigious Royal Conservatory of Muisc (Toronto).

Immediately after graduation from the Etobicoke School of the Arts, Amanda landed her very first professional theatre job at the prestigious Stratford Festival. There, Amanda performed in West Side Story, and the Tempest. Following that, she began a 4 year long career in the Toronto cast of Disney’s The Lion King. It was during this time that she gained her fashion design education at the International Academy of Design (completing 2 years of the highly competitive fashion design program). Her next big break came in the form of a beauty product : HAIRSPRAY the musical! She was a member of all three versions of the musical, in Toronto, New York, and on the U.S. First National Tour. Before and during her run with Hairspray, she was trained in aerial circus arts for over 2 years at The Toronto School of Circus Arts.

Amanda De Freitas recently completed her 1st year at Canada’s National Ballet School’s 3 year - Teacher Training Program. “I have learned so much along the way. Using my gifts, to give back to the community, and share that knowledge feels right.”

She is quickly gaining positive recognition in the dance teaching and choreographic arenas also! She has enjoyed recent entrepreneurial success with the launch and completion of the first of her many new Broadway Performing Arts Camps.

Amanda has conducted highly anticipated musical theatre master classes all over the US, and Canada for such prestigious organizations as The Randolph School of the Arts , the Public Academy of Performing Arts in New Mexico, Florida Community College, Tennessee Performing Arts Centre, and Playhouse Square Center in Cleveland, Ohio, just to name a few.

After enjoying a successful 9 year career in musical theatre Amanda is striving for continual growth as an artist, teacher, student, and performer. She believes passionately in dreaming BIG, and living even BIGGER! The sky is the limit!

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Beth Pardy received her early dance and musical theatre training in her native province of Newfoundland. Upon graduation from high school she entered the Teacher Training Program at The School of Dance in St. John’s, achieving her Associate teaching qualifications in Tap and Modern Theatre from the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). During this time she also attained her Advanced 2 dance exams in both genres.

Beth is currently in her final year of the Teacher Training Program at the National Ballet School of Canada, where she also teaches in the Associate Program. While at NBS she achieved her Associate teaching qualification in National Character Dance from the ISTD, and will be pursuing Registered Teachers Status with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) this year. She also attained her Associate in the Stage Division of the BATD under the tutelage of Linda Ryan in May 2007. Beth is excited to return for her second year of teaching at AFPA and is looking forward to sharing her passion of dance with returning and new students.

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Chrissy has been with the Academy of Film & Performing Arts for the past 12 years. She is a Full Member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association and the British Association of Teachers of Dancing. She specializes in teaching jazz to students of all ages. Chrissy has performed in various competitions and shows, winning countless awards, certificates and overall trophies. She has also performed throughout Canada and the United States with Canada's premier Celtic/comedy troupe, The Tartan Terrors. Her dance abilities have been featured in numerous television shows and Hollywood movies, including The Relic Hunter, CH Morning Live, CH News at Noon, Breakfast Television, Canada AM, Possessed and The Recruit. Chrissy has completed an Honours Degree in Sociology from McMaster University, a Bachelor of Education from Brock University and is in the process of completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with McMaster University. She has also received her full certification in First Aid/CPR with St. John Ambulance. Chrissy is very excited to continue her career as a school teacher this year at St. Bernadette School in addition to continuing her dance career with the highly talented staff and students at AFPA.

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Greg studied Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College and the University of Windsor. His desire as a teacher is to challenge and stretch his students creativity and talents. It is Greg's belief that there is no other avenue that teaches well roundedness and confidence better than the arts. Through hard work and dicipline, all things are possible.

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