Profile Category: Guest Instructor

After attending Ottawa University and taking a long break from dance of over 10 years, Jacques decided to train again at the age of 25 at Greta Leeming Studio of Dance. One of his many highlights has been to represent Canada at the World Dance Championships. As a member of the Canadian National Tap Team, he had the honour of being awarded the gold medal for Canada. He danced to a wonderful routine called “5 ">Guys Names Moe” choreographed by renowned choreographer Matthew Clark. Jacques’ professional work includes travelling the world as an entertainer with Norwegian Cruise Lines and Costa Crociere Inc. He adjudicated regional competitions for the Canadian National Dance Championships and was the first Canadian judge at the 2001 World Jazz Dance Competition and also adjudicated the 2002 World Tap Dance and Show Dance Championships in Germany. Jacques was also the tap adjudicator at the Manitoba Dance Festival in 2008. Jacques continues to improve his talent by being on a scholarship to two leading Performing Arts Training Centres. He has taken numerous dance classes at Edge Performing Arts Centre, Broadway Dance Centre, Steps and also has worked with some of L.A. and New York City’s top choreographers. Jacques was also part of the inaugural dance company Helix Dance Project in Toronto under the direction of Linda Garneau. Jacques has spent time in South Africa where he conducted workshops and choreographed numerous dance routines. Jacques made Tokyo his home for over two years working for Walt Disney at the Broadway Music Theatre. He was also in musicals/plays such as “My Fair Lady”, “Cats”, “Cyrano De Bergerac”, including the smash hit “West Side Story” at the Stratford Festival Theatre. Jacques was recently in Germany, Poland, China and Japan again where he was the 2009 Canadian Judge at the World Tap, Modern and Jazz Dance Championships. He is the choreographer for the 2010-2011 Canadian National Jazz Team this year representing Canada at the World Dance Championships in Poland. Jacques is the proud owner of Five Star Dance Company where he provides performance opportunities to dancers and cultural experiences abroad. He is also the co-founder and Director of World Performers Canada (WPC) a national dance team that competes at the Dance World Cup (Europe).

Jen Carter began dancing at the age of 10 in Peterborough, Ontario. She trained competitively with Premiere Studio of Dance until the age of 19, where she trained in many dance styles. It wasn't until age 13 that Jen recognized her great passion for urban dance, and decided she wanted to further a career in the dance industry. She then went on to participate in the Integrated Arts Dance Program at Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School, where she found her love of teaching and choreographing. Throughout her high school journey, she was presented with many opportunities including competing in Hurley Walk the Walk in California, dancing on the Rick Mercer Report, 2 trips to New York City to train at Broadway Dance Centre and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, 6 different high school competitions (where she was awarded 2 scholarships and remembered for her many performances as well as pieces she choreographed), and multiple shows each year. She is now a member of the Toronto Dance Community after moving in September 2015. Fall of 2012 is when Jen’s teaching journey began. Her first opportunity was given to her at her home studio, where she began teaching ballet, jazz and tap to kids ages 3-5. Over the years her love for urban dance took the lead and she was hired to choreograph at several studios. Jen now teaches workshops for high school students, private lessons for special needs children, choreography for 3 competitive teams and subbing drop in classes at The Underground Dance Centre. Jen is currently at Centennial College in the Dance Performance Program, assisting Leah Totten and teaching at studios while building her name. With previous training in BOSS Dance Company (under the direction of Leah Totten), and Hot In Heels: The Company (under the direction of Angela Mahoney), she is very grateful for all of her opportunities. Jen has found that it is extremely important to take inspiration from everything and everyone around her as her goal has always been to inspire and touch those she comes in contact with. She looks forward to continuing her growth as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and person through her hard work and dedication to her craft.