Our Team
Meet our lovely A.O.P.A staff!

Ballet - Pointe - Musical Theatre- Adult Ballet Barre - Jazz Fusion
Founder and Co-Artistic Director
Suzy Stiperski
Suzy Stiperski is an enthusiastic performer, choreographer, teacher and director, whose years of experience reflect in her students and studio. Ms. Stiperski began her training at a young age and continued to do so until her graduation from Ryerson Theatre School (now TMU), majoring in theatre dance. Her theatrical credits eventually led to performances in “Top Cops”, “The Soccer Game”, “Kids in the Hall”, and the television miniseries ”The Queen of Mean”, where she also assisted in choreography. Ms. Stiperski also studied with “Second City” and the “Actors Network”. She is a full member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA), and the Performing Arts Educators of Canada (PAEC). She has successfully trained students from primary to advanced levels, as well as, prepared teachers and students for their teaching papers. Ms. Stiperski enjoys adjudicating and sharing her passion and knowledge with the future generation of dancers, teachers, choreographers and performers.

Jazz - Contemporary - Acro - Musical Theatre
Dance Instructor and Co-Artistic Director
Maya Erwin
Maya Erwin is a passionate dance artist and educator with over 15 years of training across a wide range of dance disciplines. Since 2017, she has been dedicated to inspiring and empowering young dancers, helping them grow in both skill and confidence while exploring their unique artistry.
As a choreographer, Maya has created pieces for both recreational and competitive programs, earning multiple standout choreography awards, including Top Choreography for her piece “Sound and Colour” during the 2024/25 season. She has also choreographed and performed in several pre-professional productions, where her creativity and love of storytelling through movement flourished. Maya has also performed at Walt Disney World, dancing in the Disney Parks Christmas Parade and appearing as a featured dancer behind Merida in the Brave Parade.
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A graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography, Maya brings a fresh, modern energy to her teaching and artistic direction. As of September 2025, she is thrilled to step into her new role as Co–Artistic Director of the Academy of Performing Arts, continuing to carry forward the studio’s legacy while bringing her own creative vision to life.
Known for her enthusiasm, creativity, and genuine connection with her students, Maya can’t wait for another exciting year of dancing, creating, and sharing her love of dance with the AOPA community.

Ballet - Pointe - Barre - Lyrical
Dance Instructor
Isabella French
Isabella French was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario and has been dancing since the young age of three in various styles both recreationally and competitively. Isabella is a graduate of Canada’s National Ballet School’s teacher training program and received her BFA degree from York University in Dance Education where she graduated with honors in 2023. Isabella has her Associate status with the Cecchetti Society of Canada and has completed dancing examinations up to the Advanced 1 level in Cecchetti, RAD and National Dance. More recently, Isabella has begun teaching at Canada’s National Ballet School in the adult ballet program.
Isabella previously trained at A2Y Dance Inc. and The Sean Boutilier Academy of Dance. Isabella grew up doing competitive highland dance which initially exposed her to ballet, she competed all over Canada in highland games and in Canadian championships series.
Through Isabella's success with highland dance, she had the privilege to dance on Disney’s television series “The Next Step” back in 2014 and had the opportunity to perform on the Roger Centre stage in the opening and closing ceremonies of the Parapan Am Games in 2015.
Isabella has a growing passion for teaching and choreographing. Isabella’s goal as teacher is to always foster an educational, inclusive, safe and fun environment for all dancers.

Acro - Musical Theatre - Tap
Dance Instructor
Nancy Dinner
Nancy Dinner is a passionate and dedicated dance educator with over 29 years of experience inspiring dancers of all ages. While skilled in teaching many dance disciplines, Nancy is best known for her expertise in acrobatics, where her technical precision and creative choreography truly shine.
Nancy is a full member of Performing Arts Connection & Education (P.A.C.E) and proudly serves as an Acrobatics and Jazz Examiner for the association. Throughout her distinguished career, she has also contributed as both a board member and Chair of the Acrobatics Committee, helping to shape standards in dance education and instruction.
As a performer, Nancy’s career includes numerous industrial shows, television appearances, and video productions, along with a four-year role as a featured dancer in Canada’s Wonderland Dance Troupe. Her passion for mentoring the next generation is evident as many of her students have gone on to pursue professional careers in dance across the country.
Known for her creativity, enthusiasm, and passion for dance, Nancy continues to inspire dancers to reach new heights artistically and technically. She is thrilled to begin another exciting year with the Academy of Performing Arts, sharing her love of dance, creativity, and acrobatic arts with her students.

Office Manager and Body Strengthen Instructor
Office Manager & Fitness Instructor
Danielle Tuohy
Danielle Tuohy is the friendly face you see when walking into our studio. She is not only our office manager, but also teaches our Full Body Strength Class for adults.

Kinder Dance - Tap - Jazz - Ballet - Hip Hop
Student Dance Instructor
Kiera Tuohy
Kiera has been a student at the Academy of Performing Arts since the age of 8. She is committed to her practice of dance and is passionate about teaching young dancers. After competing in many dance competitions across Ontario, Kiera has won many special awards and has placed 1st in her category numerous times. Kiera loves to create connections with her students and share her passion with the younger dancers here at AOPA.

Pilates - Fitness
Pilates Instructor
Megan Fuda
Growing up with a love for health and fitness, Megan has always explored new ways to take care of her mind and body. When looking for new forms of movement she fell in love with Pilates. As a former student of the Academy of Performing Arts, growing up with a love for dance, she found similarities through controlled movements, strength, and alignment. Megan is a certified Body Harmonics instructor and certified Personal Training Specialist. She hopes to instil the same love and passion she has for both Pilates and movement in everyone she teaches.
