TEACHERS

Suzy Stiperski cdta, paec

Founder/Director

Suzy Stiperski is an enthusiastic Director,Teacher,performer, choreographer and adjudicator , whose years of experience reflect in her students and studio. She is the founder and director of The Academy of Performing Arts in Orangeville, celebrating ts 31st year of inspiring dancers.

Ms.Stiperski began her training at a young age and continued to do so until her graduation of the Ryerson Theatre School Performance Program, majoring in dance. Her theatrical credits eventually led to performances in "Top Cops", "The Soccer Game", "Kids in the Hall", and the television mini-series "The Queen of Mean", where she also assisted in the choreography. Ms.Stiperski also studied with "Second city" and "Actors Network". She is a full member of the Canadian Dance Teachers Association (CDTA), where she has played an active role on the Ballet committee. She has successfully trained students from primary to advanced levels, as well as, prepared teachers and students for their CDTA teaching papers. Ms.Stiperski is excited to be directing the Academy for it's 31st year.

Nancy Dinner

Nancy Dinner was the owner/operator of Jaymor School of Dancing in Aurora, Ontario for over 30 years. Mrs. Dinner is a full member of P.A.E.C. as well as an acrobatic and jazz examiner. Nancy performed with Canada's Wonderland, Toronto, for four years as well as performing in various industrial shows, television and video. She has taught dancers who consequently performed in Mexico - in Manzanillo, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and on cruise ships around the world. Nancy has also taken dance troupes to perform at Costa Del Sol, Spain and the Maritimes, Eastern Canada, as well as, more recently, on three Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. Nancy has choreographed pageants, fashion shows, as well as productions of "Finian's Rainbow", "Grease", "Anything Goes", "CATS", "Big", "Hair Spray", "Aladdin", "The Sound of Music", "Oliver", "Footloose" and "Joseph" and more. She continues to choreograph and adjudicate for other members of the dance profession and is well-known for her extensive acrobatic background and contortionist work. Many of her dancers continue to perform, teach, choreograph and study the many facets of dance due to her leadership and passion. We are excited and to have Ms Dinner back again this year!

Maya Erwin

Mayas love for the arts has lead her to a 4th year York University student working towards her bachelor of fine arts in Dance

Maya is excited to share her knowledge and passion of dance with the Academy. The Academy is excited to have Maya as a choreographer and Teacher We are excited to have her apart of our team.

Brittany Walbourne

Brittany is thrilled to return to the Academy of Performing Arts to share her love for the arts. Brittany grew up dancing in Orangeville, and has competed in various competitions across North America. Along with performing and choreographing across the GTA, she has also had the privilege of training in New York City. She has studied under both the CDTA and RAD syllabus up until the advanced level. Brittany has trained in jazz, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theatre, and played a lead role in Brampton Music Theatre's production of Peter Pan. Brittany is excited to be back part time with the AOPA family this year!

Raeburn Ferguson

Raeburn began her skills at the Academy of Performing Arts at the age of four and went on to teaching and dancing on the AOPA competitive team later in her teen years. Raeburn is a graduate from York University where she studied Theatre and specialized in Directing. Since graduating she has worked steadily in community and professional theatres around Ontario, strengthening her passion for creation and theatre education. Raeburn is a huge advocate for theatre and arts education and was the Director of the P.L.A.Y project, a youth theatre program at the Living Arts Centre . She has completed the Theatre Ontario Adjudication Course and became a board member of Theatre Ontario. The Academy is thrilled to have Ms Raeburn back with the Academy family and we look forward to a fun filled year!