Grand River Academy of Dance has a friendly, professional and dedicated staff whose goal is to inspire young dancers to learn in a safe and clean environment. Once you have met our staff, click here to see photos of our studio and events.
Beth Cornwall has been the proud owner and artistic director of Grand River Academy of Dance for 10 years. She began her dance career locally under Cora Black at Moree School of Dance before going to university to study dance. She attended both the Ryerson and York university dance programs; while teaching at studios in and around Toronto. After university she became a Ballet Mistress and received her Royal Academy of Dance teaching certification. In addition to being a teaching member of the RAD she also is a member of the CDTA and IDTA. "Miss Beth" over the years has enjoyed watching her students grow into confident and dedicated adults who have gone on to have both successful careers in dance and the professional world.
Laura Ramsay began her dance training an early age with Alda Heniss and Heather Taylor studying Ballet, Tap and Jazz. She holds a Bachelor of Education from Brock University and is an Associate member of the Performing Arts Educators of Canada, through which she continues her dance training in all forms of dance. Miss Laura has been a guest teacher at various Secondary Schools in Cambridge teaching Hip Hop for Grade 9 and 10 Phys Ed. Miss Laura has been a proud member of the staff at Grand River Academy of Dance since 2004.
In addition to teaching at GRAD, Miss Laura is the Office Manager and is always pleased to assist parents and students with any questions regarding the studio.
Whitney Reigns was born and raised in Cambridge Ontario. She began dancing at the age of 3 and has been trained in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Tap. She holds her Advanced 1 and Grade 8 RAD ballet as well as Advanced 2 Modern and Gold Jazz Award ISTD. Whitney has performed in many shows locally over the years and began teaching at the age of 16. She graduated from high school with grade 11 and grade 12 dance credits recognized by the Waterloo Region Board of Education for her accomplishments in Dance outside of school. Whitney attended Conestoga College for Business and has continued to choreograph and teach at local studios and High Schools. This is Whitney’s 4th year teaching at Grand River Academy of Dance.
Laura Lockie began dancing at the age of three and started as a student at GRAD 9 years ago, she joined the staff as a teacher in 2004. Laura teaches tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop. Laura continues her dance training attending classes and various workshops throughout Southwestern Ontario.
Laura is a fully qualified Early Childhood Educator and brings her passion for education and teaching to her classroom each and every week. Laura strives to provide a fun and positive atmosphere for her students and enjoys imparting her knowledge and passion for dance.
Micki Caramelli has over 25 years of experience teaching, choreographing, directing and performing. She is certified through Dance Masters of America. She was the scholarship recipient of the Ronnie Demarco Jazz Scholarship to New York City, also the recipient of the full scholarship of the New England Dance and Gymnastics Program in Rhode Island, and the Recipient of the Dance Masters of America Scholarship for achieving 100% on her jazz certification exam. She was the owner of "Micki;s Dance in Brantford for 17 years and the resident guest artist at the Etobicoke School of the Arts . Currently teaching and traveling throughout North America adjudicating dance competitions. Many of MIss Micki's students trained to regional and national levels. Traveling througout Canada and the United States, her students received numerous scholarships, titles and over-all awards. Many students are currently enjoying their dance careers directing their own studios, on cruise lines, commercials and Broadway shows and most recently performing in "Hairspray".
Rachael Ecclestone started dancing at the age of four. She studied at Oklahoma City University where she received a scholarship for their four year dance program. After graduating with a degree in dance performance, she danced for Royal Caribbean Cruiselines and performed as Ariel the Little Mermaid at Tokyo Disney. she has danced for a number of companies, adjudicated competitions, and choreographed for both video and stage. Rachael has been sharing her passion for dance at Grand River Academy of Dance for the past seven years.
Pete Christo has been dancing for over 25 years training in tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, musical theatre and adage. As a competitor he was lucky enough to travel across North America and even represent Canada at the World Tap Championships. His professional career includes many stage shows as well a 6 Year stint (vacation) dancing for Carnival Cruise lines. Now and even before as a teacher he brings his upbeat and sometimes "very" loud Hard Core style to the students. Many of his students have went on to win titles, begin professional careers of there own and like him represent Canada at both the World Tap and World Showdance Championships. He cannot wait to continue this with the GRAD Family.
Carley St.Onge has been dancing since the age of 3 and has been with Grand River Academy of Dance for the past 5 years. Carley has experience in competition as well as performing including High School Musical for Drayton Entertainment. She currently teaches the dance program at Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School as well as choreography for the dance crew. She has trained alongside some of the best in New York City including the New York City Rockettes, the cast of Billy Elliot, and the Alvin Ailey Faculty. Dance is her passion, and there’s nothing she loves more than sharing that with others.
